What type of exercise utilizes short bursts of intense activity followed by rest?

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is defined by its structure of incorporating short, intense bursts of activity followed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. This method capitalizes on the body's ability to push itself to the limit during the high-intensity intervals, which can improve cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and metabolic function. The alternating periods allow for recovery, enabling participants to maintain higher performance levels during each intense segment.

In contrast, powerlifting focuses on maximal strength across three specific lifts without the interval aspect present in HIIT. Circuit training involves a series of exercises performed one after the other with minimal rest, but it does not emphasize the high-intensity bursts followed by rest. Plyometrics involve explosive movements to improve power and speed but do not typically follow the structured interval format associated with HIIT. Overall, HIIT is the distinctive exercise type characterized by its high-intensity bursts coupled with recovery, setting it apart from the other options listed.