Interval Training

This is a very time efficient way to workout, which eliminates the "I don't have enough time" excuse.

Interval training is basically exercise which consists of activity at high intensity for a period of time, followed by low intensity exercise for a period of time. These 'sets' are repeated. Experts have mostly tested people running or biking, but other sports like rowing or swimming should also work.

Start off with shorter intervals, with a gradual increase in intensity until your body gets used to it. Keeping in mind Sprint Time, Rest Time and Intensity this is how it works. Workouts can last from a 15 second burst to a 15 minute sprint depending on your fitness level, the exercise, or what you are training for. Say for example you regularly run on the treadmill for 30 minutes at a moderate pace. Try this, after a proper warm up, 10 minutes increase the intensity for 1 minute of high intensity and then back to moderate pace for a minute. Repeat this 5 times. End the session with a 10 minute cool down at moderate pace.

The sprint portion can be anywhere from a 15 second running sprint to a 15 minute hill climb on a bike.

Some experts say intense exercise sessions could help people squeeze an entire week's workout into less than an hour. That may be a bit extreme but while I was Ironman training with very little time to train, this technique helped me use my time as efficiently as possible.

Originally developed for Olympic athletes and thought to be too strenuous for normal people interval training has become increasingly popular. Its a great way to increase athletic performance and also supercharge calorie and fat burn.

When compared to people on a normal exercise routine, like jogging, research has shown those doing this type of training can double their endurance, improve their oxygen use and strength by more than 10 percent and their speed by at least 5 percent. Even studies in the elderly and in heart patients found they had better oxygen use and fitness after doing "IT".

Please a consult with your doctor before starting this or any new fitness program.

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