Monday, March 31, 2008

Benefits of Interval Training

Interval training is best described as incorporating higher intensity exercise with lower intensity ones. This method helps stimulate and speed the metabolism. Intervals can be applied to any form of cardiovascular exercise and can be a very effective way to increase sports performance, lose weight faster and make workouts more enjoyable.

Benefits include:

*More calories are burned in a shorter amount of time
*Intervals offer more variety and less boredom
*Improves neuromuscular coordination
*Performing intervals allows for better trained slow and fast-twitch muscles *Increases tolerance for lactic-acid buildup
*Increases aerobic and anaerobic threshold (aerobic capacity)
*Improves the ability for the body to use fat as fuel
Always warm up for 5-10 minutes before starting an interval workout. An example of interval training: Walk at a comfortable pace for 1 minute, then, while maintaining constant speed, increase intensity for 1 minute by adding resistance or speed. Repeat this cycle for 30 minutes. Interval training can be safely performed 2-3 times a week. Allow 1-2 days to recover between interval days.

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