What Is Interval Training?

What is interval training and what are the benefits of interval training?

Interval training, also known as high intensity interval training or HIIT, consists of alternating high intensity "work intervals" with low to moderate intensity "recovery intervals."

For example, you sprint 50 yards and then walk 50 yards, and then continue to alternate these work and recovery intervals. Or you pedal at a fast pace on a stationary bike for 30 seconds and then pedal at a slow or moderate pace for 30 seconds, and then continue to alternate these work and recovery intervals.

There are many different approaches to interval training, and each involves factors such as the number of intervals per workout, the level of intensity of the intervals, the length of time of the intervals, and whether the intervals are performed on a specific type of equipment or not.

In general, an interval training workout should last 10 to 20 minutes (not including warm up and cool down) and should be performed two or three times per week.

For many years, it was thought that long, continuous aerobic exercise was the only way to improve cardiovascular fitness and lose weight. This was because early exercise research focused almost exclusively on this form of aerobic exercise.

But several recent studies have shown that interval training is just as effective at improving cardiovascular fitness as traditional aerobic exercise. Some studies have even shown that interval training is more effectve at improving cardiovascular fitness than traditional aerobic exercise.

Interval training is also an effective way to lose weight because it not only burns calories during the workout, it also causes metabolism to be elevated for several hours after the workout is over. An elevated metabolism causes the body to burn more calories to maintain itself. Metabolism stays elevated much longer after an interval training workout than after a traditional aerobic workout.

Another impressive benefit of interval training is that it increases levels of testosterone and human growth hormone, which are hormones that help the body stay fit and healthy.

If you're thinking about trying interval training, just be aware that interval training workouts are not easy. If you've been inactive for a long time, or you're over 40, or you have any existing health conditions (high blood pressure, heart trouble, diabetes etc.), you need to get medical clearance before giving interval training a try.

What is interval training? The bottom line is that interval training is a very effective way to get leaner, fitter and healthier.

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