What is Interval Training?

Getting Started with Interval Training

So, you want to try interval training. We’ve got everything you need to know to get yourself set up for success!

Before you start your workout planning, you must commit to the style. Like any workout, you aren’t going to see results after day one, so it is important to stick with it and give your body time to adjust to the new training style.

Set a SMART goal to work toward. Realistic goals are important for measuring success and maintaining motivation. Goals can be anything from setting new PRs to how your body feels every day.

Part of your goal setting should include your motivation—your “Why?” Is your reason for living a healthy lifestyle simply to feel good in your body? Or increasing muscle mass or endurance? Finding your reason for living healthily, whether it’s one that’s listed or something more personal, it’s important to identify that reason so you can stick to your routine!

Finally, before you get planning, make sure you have fun! Enjoying movement is important for creating that routine and habit of health, and if you enjoy that time you are less likely to cancel that appointment with yourself. So go on! Have fun!

Understanding Interval Training

Interval training is a type of exercise that involves alternating between periods of high-intensity effort and periods of lower-intensity recovery or rest. The basic idea is to push yourself hard during the high-intensity intervals, followed by a brief recovery period, and then repeat this cycle multiple times during a single session.

Interval training helps to improve cardiovascular fitness, increase calorie burn, save you time, and keeps your workouts varied and interesting. All these things add up to adaptability—this workout style can fit anyone’s lifestyle, because it can be modified to fit your fitness level and goals.

One increasingly popular type of interval workout is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). This type of workout is great for those who are pressed for time, since this fits a high intensity workout in a short amount of time.

Other types of interval workouts are pyramid intervals, interval circuits, and aerobic or anaerobic interval training.