Exercise improves quality of life in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). However, some people may not benefit because do not to meet the recommended amounts of exercise. The most argued reasons for that are lack of time and poor enjoyment. PURPOSE: to evaluate the efficacy of high-intensity interval training low-volume (HIIT-low volume) compared to moderate intensity continuous aerobic training (MICAT) on exercise enjoyment and quality of life in adults with MS. METHODS: a controlled, randomized, clinical trial using the minimization method, with two parallel groups for the purpose of showing superiority. Sixty patients with MS, of both genders, 40-60 years old, were included. A clinical evaluation, biochemical tests, Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale test for enjoyment (PACES), and Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire Short Form 36 Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2) test for quality of life were carried out, before and after a treadmill exercise program of 12 weeks, 3 sessions/week. Participants assigned to the intervention (n=29) received HIIT-low volume in 22 min sessions that included six intervals at a load of 90% of maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) for 1 min followed by 2 min at 50% of VO2max. The control group (n=31) received MICAT at an intensity of 60% of VO2max for 36 min. RESULTS: patients had a mean age of 50.8±6.0 years, body mass index of 30.6±4.0 kg.m-2, body fat percentage of 38.7±7.0% and VO2max of 29.0±6.3 mL O2.kg-1.min-1; 70% were women. Compared to MICAT, HIIT-low volume was not superior in increasing Ln of PACES test score (marginal mean difference: 0.041 [95% CI -0.015―0.098]; Cohen's d: 0.380; p value=0.153) and physical (-0.043 [-0.095―0.008]; Cohen's d: -0.438; p=0.101) and mental components (0.043 [-0.027―0.115]; Cohen's d: 0.325; p=0.220) of SF-36v2. When comparing before and after the intervention, both training groups increased physical component of SF-36v2 (Glass' Δ: 0.41 to 0.43) but only HIIT-low volume increased PACES test score (Glass' Δ: 0.30) and mental component of SF-36v2 (Glass' Δ: 0.64). CONCLUSION: HIIT-low volume, compared to MICAT, is not superior in increasing exercise enjoyment and quality of life in adults with MS. Supported by Colciencias 111562638757. Interinstitucional 2016-13041. Colciencias Doctoral scholarships 727-2015.