If you're looking for a workout that'll leave you feeling strong, empowered, and ready to take on the world, Amanda Butler's HIIT session presented by Athleta is exactly what you need. This isn't just about burning calories—it's about building mental toughness and walking away with a serious confidence boost. Amanda, a celebrity trainer who knows how to push you just the right amount, leads you through two intense but totally doable circuits designed to fire up every muscle in your body. And trust us, by the end, you'll be dripping in sweat but grinning from ear to ear.
Warm-Up: Prep Your Body for the Burn
Before diving into the high-intensity madness, Amanda eases you in with a solid warm-up that gets your blood flowing and muscles prepped. You’ll start on the ground, twisting through the spine to loosen up the upper body, then move into plank holds to wake up that core. From there, it’s all about building heat—reverse lunges get the legs firing, while arm circles and pulses open up the shoulders and chest. And because no warm-up is complete without a little cardio, jumping jacks kick your heart rate up just enough to signal: "Okay, things are about to get real."
Circuit One: Jump, Plank, and Power Through
The first round of exercises is where the real challenge begins. Amanda structures this circuit with four killer moves—jump squats, mountain climbers, plank jacks, and press jacks—each performed in descending intervals (60 seconds, 30 seconds, then 15 seconds). The minimal rest between sets means your muscles stay engaged, and that burn? Yeah, you’ll feel it. But here’s the thing: Amanda doesn’t just want you to survive this; she wants you to embrace the struggle. "We’re putting ourselves through this intentionally," she says, reminding you that pushing through physical discomfort trains your mind to handle life’s curveballs with the same grit.
Circuit Two: Duck Walks, Planks, and Burpees (Oh My!)
Just when you think you’ve conquered the toughest part, round two hits—and it’s a whole new beast. Duck walks (yes, you’ll feel this in your quads) kick things off, followed by shoulder-tapping planks to test your stability. Then come ab twists for that core burn, and finally, slow burpees to really seal the deal. The pacing here is just as relentless as the first circuit, but Amanda’s energy keeps you going. She knows you’re capable of more than you think, and by the end, you’ll believe it too.
Cool Down: You’ve Earned This
As you ease into the cooldown, Amanda’s words hit home: "You’ve earned this." And she’s right. That post-workout high isn’t just from endorphins—it’s from proving to yourself that you can push past discomfort and come out stronger. Whether you’re new to HIIT or a seasoned pro, this workout delivers on its promise: a full-body challenge that leaves you feeling unstoppable. And the best part? You can catch new episodes like this every week on the POPSUGAR Fitness YouTube channel. So grab your Athleta gear, press play, and get ready to transform not just your body, but your mindset too.
All featured talent is wearing Athleta—because when you’re working this hard, you deserve gear that moves with you, not against you.
