IS INTERVAL TRAINNING A GOOD CHOICE FOR YOUR WORKOUTS?
According to NSCA, National Strength and Conditioning Association, interval training is a technique used specifically by runners but is prominent in training routines for many sports. There are great fitness benefits to interval training and you can also apply it to your gym workouts using almost any cardiovascular equipment such as treadmills, bicycles, ellipticals, stair-masters, etc.
You probably wonder what is interval training? It is a type of physical training that involves a series of high intensity exercise interspersed with rest or relief periods. An example would be a 3-5 minute run followed by a 5 minute walk. Repeating the cycle 3-5 times depending on fitness level.
Manipulating the distance(or duration) of each work period, the intensity, duration and type of rest intervals and the number of repetitions will result in a number of variations for your workout. You will never get bored!
What are the benefits of this technique?
Better level of fitness. Because you are able to perform a greater amount of intense workouts thanks to the interspersed low intensity periods of exercise or rest.
Interval training its a more effective calorie burning workout than continuous workouts ( long duration, low intensity 20-30 minutes workouts.)
More effective than continuous training in stimulating fatty acid oxidation (brake down of fat for energy) in muscle cells.
Improves muscular endurance. Muscles become more resistant to fatigue. You will sustain a given exercise intensity for longer periods of time.
Improves cardiovascular fitness. We all need a healthy heart!
So the answer is Yes. Interval training is ideal for those who want to improve their level of fitness and lower the percentage of their body fat.
