Interval Training
Plain and Simple, Interval Training is just exercising as hard as you
can for a certain period of time followed by a period of minimal
activity or rest. The
great thing about this type of workout is it not only increases your
overall fitness level but it actually helps your body burn fat more
efficiently during normal exertion and it increases the amount of
calories your body burns after your workout, even during periods of
inactivity. A recent NY Times Article shows some of the results.
I
use interval workout routines at least a couple of times a week and
sometimes more depending on how hard I want to work that day. Some of
my favorite routines are...
1) 100 yard sprint as fast as I can go
and then walk back to the start and repeat for 10-20 sets. (You can
also alternate 100, 200 and 400 yard sprints to further confuse your
muscles)
2) Alternate squat jumps as high as you can and then as
far as you can for 10 repetitions of each exercise and then walk back to
the start and repeat. Repeat for 10-20 sets
3) Perform a light
jog for 10-20 steps followed by a quick, all out sprint for 5-10 steps.
Repeat this exercise for 20 minutes or alternate it with one of the
workout routines above.
Recent studies have showed that it is
possible to burn more fat in 20 minutes of interval exercising than with
45 minutes of traditional cardio workouts. I personally choose to do
both forms of exercise because I think cross training is the number 1
method of becoming the best athlete you can be.
If you want toincrease your fitness level and help your body burn fat more efficiently
then I definitely suggest including Interval Workouts in your exercise
routines.
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