Time is short and you are in a big hurry! You are going to the gym and, wanting a great workout, you just simply don't have sufficient time today to complete your normal routine.
Or...
You have been attacking that corner elliptical machine like the padded dummy you kicked the crap out of at your self-defense class. You go and go and go but just don't see the cardiovascular results you are looking for. You feel toned, but may not particularly look that way when facing a mirror.
Well, great news! Interval training is here and here to stay, as far as I'm concerned. It creates a sense of accountability because you are not just going through the motions. You are getting to the gym, having a killer workout, and leaving without dreading the long and boring cardio bouts you are doing.
Similarly, interval training doesn't allow your body a huge period of rest, so forget about any type of exercise plateau. Where before it might not seem like you are getting and seeing results, you will with this type of exercise.
What does concern me though, is that not many people are aware this kind of training exists, let alone the benefits it provides.
By personally adding interval training regiments into my clientele, I have seen tremendous results in weight reduction via a higher metabolism, and a larger amount of calories burned.
How to perform interval training is actually quite easy. Let's use our elliptical example again.
Instead of going for 45-60 minutes with a controlled, continuous pace, warm up for a few minutes and then sprint for 15 seconds for as humanly fast as you can possibly go. Then, drop back down into your steady-state pace for the other 45 seconds. Repeat.
Continue to do this until you feel you can't go any longer. By challenging yourself to do more each time, your body will continually adapt and changes will occur faster then you thought.
Great blog Troy! Many people would never know of this alternative workout.
Posted by: Paul Landis | January 30, 2007 at 09:36 PM