By Owen PalmerUpdated November 2026
Finding a good high intensity interval training gyms setup starts with one question: how will you keep time? Whether you train in a commercial facility or a small home gym, the right interval timer decides how cleanly you can switch between work and rest. This guide compares three interval timers that suit gym-based HIIT, using a research-based method: we reviewed manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and the recurring patterns in owner feedback. We did not test these products ourselves, and every point below is drawn from published listings and common owner experience.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallGymboss Plus Interval Timer and Stopwatch (Violet/Pink)View on Amazon - 2
Best for simple, no-frills sessionsGymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch – Violet/Pink Metallic GlossView on Amazon - 3
Best for learning HIIT programmingHigh Intensity Interval Training: How To Use High Intensity Interval TView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Gymboss Plus Interval Timer and Stopwatch (Violet/Pink) | Gym-based interval sessions with frequent changes | Interval timer with stopwatch function |
| Gymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch – Violet/Pink Metallic Gloss | Straightforward round-based training | Compact timer for work and rest blocks |
| High Intensity Interval Training: How To Use High Intensity Interval Training To Lean Down And Tone Up Without Using A Gym | Learning HIIT structure before you train | Written guide to HIIT programming |
Gymboss Plus Interval Timer and Stopwatch (Violet/Pink)
Gymboss Plus Interval Timer and Stopwatch (Violet/Pink)
Best for: Gym users who switch between several work and rest intervals in one session
This is the option for lifters and runners who want a dedicated timer that stays out of the way during a set. It suits people who run intervals on a treadmill, rower or bike in a gym, or who move between stations in a circuit. If your sessions use one fixed ratio every time, a simpler model may be enough.
Key specs
- Interval timer with a stopwatch function
- Violet/pink finish, as named in the listing
- Designed for repeated work and rest rounds
Pros
- Clear round-based timing for varied interval structures
- Stopwatch function covers time-trial efforts between sets
- Small enough to clip to a bag or keep on a gym bench
Cons
- Setup takes a few minutes the first time you program a new routine
- Some owners say the buttons need a firm press when hands are sweaty
Bottom line: Pick this if you run mixed interval formats in a gym and want the most flexibility from a single timer.
Gymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch – Violet/Pink Metallic Gloss
Gymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch – Violet/Pink Metallic Gloss
Best for: Simple, no-frills sessions with one or two repeating intervals
This model fits athletes who want a timer that does the job without a long learning curve. It works well for classic formats like 30 seconds on and 30 seconds off, or 1 minute hard with 1 minute easy. Coaches who need to run group sessions at a gym may also find it useful for keeping the pace of a set.
Key specs
- Interval timer and stopwatch in one unit
- Metallic gloss violet/pink finish, as named in the listing
- Round-based timing for work and rest periods
Pros
- Straightforward controls for quick round changes
- Compact size that fits in a gym bag
- Easy to read between efforts
Cons
- Fewer advanced options than the Plus model for complex routines
- Owners often mention that the display is best viewed at close range
Bottom line: A good choice for beginners and anyone who wants reliable timing without extra features.
High Intensity Interval Training: How To Use High Intensity Interval Training To Lean Down And Tone Up Without Using A Gym
High Intensity Interval Training: How To Use High Intensity Interval Training To Lean Down And Tone Up Without Using A Gym
Best for: Learning how HIIT works before you design your own gym sessions
This is a book rather than a piece of equipment, and it suits people who want to understand the structure behind high intensity interval training. Readers who plan their own gym workouts often benefit from knowing how work-to-rest ratios and session length affect the effort. It is also useful for anyone who wants bodyweight options alongside gym work.
Key specs
- Printed guide focused on HIIT methods
- Covers programming ideas for fat loss and conditioning
- No electronics or batteries required
Pros
- Explains the reasoning behind interval structures
- Useful reference for planning weekly training
- Works as a companion to any timer
Cons
- Not a substitute for hands-on coaching or an individual training plan
- Its focus on home-style routines may feel less specific to gym equipment
Bottom line: Pick this if you want to understand HIIT principles first and plan your own sessions afterward.
Buying Guide
Timing Flexibility
Check whether the timer can handle the exact intervals you plan to use. Some high intensity interval training gyms sessions run 20 seconds on and 10 seconds off, while others use longer blocks of 2 to 4 minutes. A timer that can program both formats saves you from switching devices mid-workout.
Good picks for this: Gymboss Plus Interval Timer and Stopwatch (Violet/Pink), Gymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch – Violet/Pink Metallic Gloss
Stopwatch and Recovery Tracking
A stopwatch function helps when you measure rest periods or run time trials between intervals. Look for a clear counting mode so you can time recovery as well as effort.
Good picks for this: Gymboss Plus Interval Timer and Stopwatch (Violet/Pink), Gymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch – Violet/Pink Metallic Gloss
Size and Portability
Gym timers should fit in a bag or clip onto equipment without taking up space. Compact units are easier to keep near a treadmill, rower or floor station. Measure the spot where you plan to keep the device if you have limited room.
Good picks for this: Gymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch – Violet/Pink Metallic Gloss, Gymboss Plus Interval Timer and Stopwatch (Violet/Pink)
Ease of Use Under Fatigue
During a hard set, you will not want to read a manual. Buttons that are large and easy to press with sweaty hands make a real difference. Check owner feedback for comments about controls in gym conditions.
Good picks for this: Gymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch – Violet/Pink Metallic Gloss
Learning and Programming Resources
Some athletes need more than a timer. A reference book can help you design work-to-rest ratios and understand how session length changes the effect of each interval. Read this alongside your training log, and consider how your current fitness level affects the intensity you can handle.
Good picks for this: High Intensity Interval Training: How To Use High Intensity Interval Training To Lean Down And Tone Up Without Using A Gym
Durability and Care
Gym environments involve sweat, chalk, dust and occasional drops. Choose a timer with a solid housing and keep it dry between sessions. Wipe it down after use and store it away from heavy equipment.
Good picks for this: Gymboss Plus Interval Timer and Stopwatch (Violet/Pink), Gymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch – Violet/Pink Metallic Gloss
FAQ
What is high intensity interval training in a gym?
High intensity interval training alternates short bursts of hard effort with recovery periods. In a gym, this often means sprints on a treadmill, intervals on a rower or bike, or circuits with weights. The goal is to push effort high during work periods and allow partial recovery before the next round.
Do I need a timer for HIIT?
A timer is not required, but it makes intervals far more consistent. Watching a clock or counting by feel often leads to work periods that are too long or too short. A dedicated interval timer keeps each round on schedule.
How often should I do HIIT sessions?
Many fitness organizations suggest that most adults can benefit from a mix of moderate and vigorous activity each week, with recovery days in between. Beginners usually start with one or two HIIT sessions per week and increase gradually. Speak with a doctor or qualified trainer before starting a new program, especially if you have a heart condition, joint issues or other health concerns.
Is a stopwatch or an interval timer better for gym HIIT?
An interval timer is better for structured rounds, while a stopwatch is useful for timing efforts or recovery. Some devices combine both functions, which can cover most gym sessions.
How long should a HIIT session last?
Many HIIT sessions run between 15 and 30 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down. Shorter sessions are common because the effort is intense. Longer sessions may increase fatigue and injury risk if the work is not balanced with recovery.
Can beginners do high intensity interval training in a gym?
Beginners can start with lower intensity and longer rest periods, then progress as fitness improves. Choosing machines with clear settings and using a timer helps keep the pace manageable. If you are new to exercise, consider working with a certified trainer for the first few weeks.
Conclusion
For most gym users, the Gymboss Plus Interval Timer and Stopwatch offers the most flexibility for varied high intensity interval training gyms sessions. The Gymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch suits simpler routines and anyone who wants fewer settings. The HIIT book is the right pick if you want to understand how intervals work before you program your own training. Match the tool to your experience, your session format and how much planning you want to do.
Sources
- Physical activity guidelines and how they apply to adults (cdc.gov)
- Exercise programming principles from a professional sports medicine association (acsm.org)
- Research summaries on high intensity interval training and cardiovascular health (nih.gov)
Related reading
- Rowing High Intensity Interval Training: 5 Best Books and Guides (2026)
- High Intensity Interval Training Timer: 6 Best Picks for Every Workout (2026)
- High Intensity Interval Training Timer App: A Practical Guide (2026)
About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our speed & interval running guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
