interval training

INCORPORATE INTERVAL TRAINING

This should be fun! This week's skill is all about adding interval training which is a type of exercise that involves a series of low to high intensity exercise interspersed with rest or relief periods. The high intensity periods are typically challenging, while the recovery periods may involve either activities of low intensity or complete rest. In other words, interval training can be described as short periods of exercise followed by periods of rest, that are repeated multiple times. By doing intervals, you will increase the overall amount of calories burned compared to steady state exercise, both during the workout and post exercise (EPOC) So how do you get started with practicing this skill? To start, exercise you already do, can be done as intervals. If you like to run, cycle, dance, walk, hike, or weight train, you can do any of those activities using intervals rather than doing them at a steady state, where your effort is the same throughout the workout. Strive to get your heart rate into the orange zone during the work part of your interval, and allow your heart rate to come down to the blue or grey zone during the rest portion of your interval. Include an interval workout 1-2 times per week. This will be a valuable skill to practice to move you toward your weight loss goals.

Want more info about intervals with some training ideas? Download the 5 page interval resource to the left.