Across from Naples’ High Point Country Club, House of HIIT’s (HOH) neon-lit sign and blacked-out walls make for a clubby atmosphere. An invigorating, citrusy scent diffuses throughout the room, and upbeat Latin tunes inject gym-goers with infectious energy. Chummy regulars welcome newcomers over by the protein shake- and energy drink-stocked mini fridge, readying themselves for their near-daily, one-hour session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT)—a Cleveland Clinic-backed workout alternating short bursts of intense exercise with periods of lower-intensity recovery or rest.
Co-owners Daniel and Cynthia Rodriguez take a refined and adapted approach to the muscle- and joint health-focused practice. The gym’s name, House of HIIT, may take after the popular interval-training style, but the husband-wife duo interprets the acronym differently. “I call it more, ‘Highly innovative interval training,’” Daniel says.
The Rodriguezes launched HOH in late 2023, when the owners of their long-time gym, the cult-favorite Six4Three Hiit Room, retired. Over five months—and with the help of Six4Three’s loyal clientele—the fitness-minded couple reinvented the gym’s concept with a new name and location and a modified take on HIIT. Their version combines Cynthia’s expertise in curriculum design with former footballer Daniel’s focus on powerlifting techniques, low-impact movements, and incorporating plenty of rest and recovery to optimize strength-building.
Photography by Jenn Goodell
Photography by Jenn Goodell
Photography by Jenn Goodell
Photography by Jenn Goodell
Photography by Jenn Goodell
Photography by Jenn Goodell
Photography by Jenn Goodell
Photography by Jenn Goodell
While many HIIT programs focus primarily on the anaerobic workout’s fat-burning benefits, HOH supplements the heart-pumping effects with muscular training using heavier free weights (up to 90 pounds), along with time under tension (TUT) exercises (slowing down movements to increase the time a muscle is activated). Classes build on each other, so clients grow stronger over time while improving cardiac health.
HOH trainers rigorously track clients’ progress to craft group workouts (limited to about 18 people) with the individual in mind—whether they be 65 with a double-knee replacement or 11 attending classes with their parents. “I want to grow old with my clients. I want to feel good, look good, and feel like things are working how they’re supposed to be, not like I’m beating myself up,” says Cynthia, who attributes her 40-pound postpartum weight loss to HIIT.
HOH—which also employs Daniel’s younger brother, David, a former soccer goalie, and ultramarathoner Jamie DePaola as trainers—centers around group classes designed for daily workouts, with muscle and cardio emphases varying daily to avoid burnout. The trainers also offer private sessions for those looking to supplement group workouts, learn proper form and build on the basics to prevent injury. Rounding out HOH’s 360-degree approach to fitness, Daniel and Cynthia, both certified nutritionists and nutritional coaches, offer guidance on fueling the body.
The Rodriguezes admit their classes are tough—designed to find, explore and safely expand your physical limits. But, members remain motivated to push past the challenges thanks to the gym’s culture of camaraderie and celebration, with community-building initiatives, like social media shout-outs and group outings to spots like Celebration Park Naples. “[You] know the people around you will hold you up,” Cynthia says. “They will hype you up, and you’ll get better at whatever you do.”
1 of 2
Photography by Jenn Goodell
HOH hitt cynthia
Cynthia’s advanced degree in curriculum development and experience in education guides the gym’s programming.
2 of 2
Photography by Jenn Goodell
HOH hitt daniel
Daniel, a former footballer, incorporates lessons from his athletic training into House of HIIT sessions.