Interval training has long been used by professional and competitive athletes as a way to improve their speed and endurance. It’s been said that interval training is one of the surest ways to get the most results for your effort. Here’s a look at what interval training is and why interval training will help you get that perfect beach body.
What Is Interval Training?
An interval is essentially a space of time. Sit on the couch, stand up, and sit back down. The time you took to stand up could be considered an interval. It’s a space of time between sitting on the couch.
When it comes to running, an interval is a space of time where you change your effort level. For example, if you’re jogging at a ten minute mile pace, then an interval might be to run at an 8 minute mile pace for two minutes. Then you return to your ten minute mile pace.
And interval training isn’t specific to running. Cyclists use it. You can also use it when strength training by increasing your weight for a few repetitions.
What are the Benefits of Interval Training?
The biggest benefit, and the one that will help you get that beach perfect body, is that interval training seems to burn more fat. That means for the same 30 minute workout, if you use interval training, you’ll see more results.
And the really wonderful thing about interval training is that in studies, the fat burning continues throughout your day. All day long, you’ll burn more fat.
How to Get Started Interval Training
Interval training can be applied regardless of your current fitness level. For example, if you’re new to cycling and want to get a beach perfect body then you might jump on your bike for a thirty minute ride. You’ll warm up for the first ten minutes. Once your legs are warm you’ll pedal at a moderate intensity for five minutes and then pedal at a very high intensity for one or two minutes. The way to determine your intensity is to use a 1-10 scale. 1 is the lowest intensity – like sitting on the couch. 10 is extreme discomfort. Therefore moderate intensity might be a 5 and your interval would be at a 7 or maybe an 8. You can also use miles per hour to help determine your intensity.
Proceed with caution
While interval training is a great way to get the fat burning, perfect beach body, results you want. If you have heart troubles it is strongly recommended that you speak with your doctor first. Pushing your heart rate to its capacity even for a short period of time may put too much stress on your heart.
Experts also recommend skipping days between interval training sessions for all athletes and those who want a great beach body.
We all like to get more for our money and efforts. Interval training is a proven way to accomplish it and achieve your beach body goals sooner.