What Is Interval Training?Interval training: maybe you've heard of it, maybe you haven't. But what is it exactly? This method involves short bursts of high or maximum intensity work alternating with periods of lower activity, active rest, or passive rest before another burst of high or maximum activity, which creates a cycle called 'intervals'. An example of would be sprinting for 20 seconds and jogging or walking for 10. Many coaches at both professional and amateur levels use this kind of training because of its ability to target specific areas. Whether it be speed, endurance, or anaerobic or aerobic conditioning. "To get the most out of interval training you really have to push yourself, to 'Grunt It Out' " Don't be fooled into thinking that this kind of training is for athletes only; yes, it's true that athletes do use this method but it's also great for the non-athletic, stumbling around man or women. This short, high intensity exercising is great for losing weight. You can exercise for 15-20 minutes using this method and your body will still be burning fat for a couple hours after your session. To really get the most out of interval training you really have to push yourself, 'to Grunt It Out', because the high intensity exercises should be done with or near maximum intensity! This is not, and I repeat, this is not for beginners. You should really have a good base in terms of physical fitness and cardiovascular fitness . If you're into this kind of training the HITT (High Intensity Interval Training) is a great formula to try. Basically it starts with a proper warm up, and if you skip this part you deserve what you get, followed by 6 to 10 repetitions of a high intensity exercises. For example: jump squats or jump push ups, whatever you choose it has to be a tough exercise followed by something less intense (recovery), about 50% less.The number of repetitions and length of each level of intensity depends on the exercise. The goal is to do at least six cycles, and to have the entire HIIT session last at least fifteen minutes and not more than twenty. Instead of counting repetitions you can time your sessions. The high intensity interval could last 20 seconds and the recovery could last 10 seconds. That's the standard ratio that I use, 2:1. Now for those of you who don't quit have the stomach for the high intensity stuff just yet, this one's for you. You could use a slow jog for your high intensity exercise and walk for your recovery using the 2:1 ratio, the point is just changing up the the kind of exercises and the intensity that you do and you to can use this method as well. Interval training is not the only kind of training that I do, it's just a piece of the whole puzzle, 'man cannot survive on bread alone', so keep your training alive and active, experiment, keep your body guessing and most of all have fun. Try it out today.
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