What Exactly Is Interval Training?
Interval training is best described as a workout using a combination of cardio and weights.
Moving from exercise to exercise means that you will be doing some form of exercise throughout the entire training session – as such your cardio training will be the “rest” period from the weights and the weights are the “rest” period from the cardio!
Planning.
Planning for an interval training session is paramount. This ensures you cover both the cardiovascular activities and also balance the resistance – or strength training across the major muscle groups. I.e. going from upper body to lower body and of course core muscles.
Allow the same time you would for a normal workout, but KEEP MOVING between exercises.
For the purpose of this article, (and since the weather is warming up!), we will perform these activities in the local park – therefore a cost free activity!
Mark out your “cardio” area – this could include skipping, jogging, shuttle runs, step ups, or running the stairs or hill close by.
The strength work will include squats, lunges, push ups, tricep dips, and crunches. A towel or yoga mat is handy to have close by and other than a water bottle – this is all you will require!
Get MOVING!
Start by warming up the body – using your cardio selection. Then move to squats – followed by cardio, then pushups, cardio, then lunges, cardio, then tricep dips then cardio, then crunches and core stability exercises and then finish with a slower cardio set to warm down, followed by stretching!
But why???
- Interval training will force your body to burn calories continuously during the workout.
- Increase your metabolism which in turn will increase fat burning well after your workout has finished!
- Save time – and get the benefits of cardio and strength training in the one session!