Interval Training

Interval training is not a new concept, though it has become a much better understood one these days. In its most rudimentary form interval training was referred to as "fartlek," meaning “speed play.” Slow and easy exercise was alternated with short and fast bursts of intensive exercise. Fartlek was an unstructured form of training, but today’s interval training is very specific and highly sophisticated. In fact, it is possible to create special interval to suit the specific requirements of individual athletes.

Benefits of Interval Training

Interval training works on both the aerobic as well as the anaerobic system, and has distinct benefits. They are listed below:

1.     Interval training helps burn more calories

2.     Muscles become more tolerant to lactate build-up

3.     Functioning of the cardio-vascular system improves

4.     More calories are burned when you do high intensity work out for a short period of time

5.     You are able to increase your training intensity without having to over-train or burn out

6.     Makes your regular workout routine more exciting and invigorating

7.     Interval training can be done without any kind of fancy equipment

8.     You build lean muscle mass, which in turn increases your metabolism

Safety Tips for Interval Training

As it is with everything, there are safety precautions you need to take before doing interval training.

1.     Don’t forget to warm up before starting to avoid muscle pulls and strains

2.     Do not have ambitious targets. Start slowly and build up from there

3.     Keep your pace steady throughout the course of interval training

4.     Increase the number of reps gradually

5.     Do not try to improve both duration and intensity of the training at the same time. Take it one step at a time