Interval Training For Weight Loss

A great way to improve your fitness, and help you lose weight is to do some interval training, but no more than 3 times per week, as interval training places a lot of stress on your central nervous system. You can do interval training on any exercise equipment, including treadmill, exercise bike, rowing machine. You can also add interval training to your running routine. Before I train you using the interval training method, I will make sure that you are able to participate in such an intense form of exercise. It is important to make sure that you are fit enough to train at this level.

What Is Interval Training?

Basically, interval training is alternating between a slow pace and a much faster pace, several repeats within a given time period, after having warmed up thoroughly. For example, if you were running, then after jogging for 5 minutes at a moderate pace for your warm-up, you would then run as fast as possible for 10 to 15 seconds, then slow down to an easy jog for at least 60 seconds, then repeat 5 times. Interval training is perhaps the most effective way that you can train your body to burn calories in a much more efficient way than you would using traditional training methods.

Interval Training Guidelines

As your fitness improves, you can alter the times for fast running and slow running. A beginner routine would look something like this:

5 to 10 minute warm-up. 15 seconds of fast running. 60 seconds of slow jogging. Repeated 5 times. 5 to 10 minutes slow jogging to cool down. Once your fitness improves, you can then move up to a more vigorous workout, training at a higher intensity.

5 to 10 minute warm-up (it is important to make sure you warm up properly). 20 seconds of fast running. 40 seconds of slow jogging. Repeat up to 10 times. 5 minutes slow jogging to cool down.

Interval Training For Beginners

It is important to make sure that you are reasonably fit before you begin your interval training routine. Interval training places a greater strain upon your body, and it will take longer to recover from, so don't use interval training to replace your existing fitness routine. Interval training should be done no more than 3 times per week if you are just starting out, as it takes longer to recover from.

Advanced Interval Training

For those that already have a good level of fitness, you can work at a higher intensity, and this is when you really see the benefits of interval training. Training at the higher level of intensity forces your body to work harder, recover more quickly, and helps to use fat as an energy source. If you are struggling to lose the last few pounds, then interval training is a great way to increase your calorie burn, and burn extra fat from your body.

Interval Training Workouts

You can do a variety of different interval training workouts using a range of home fitness equipment, including a treadmill, cycling machine or rowing machine. You can follow a similar training routine on any fitness equipment, or when you are running or cycling outside. The key to interval training is making sure that you are putting as much effort into your workout as you can, both physically and mentally.

Advantages Of Interval Training

The main reason why interval training is so good for improving your fitness is due to the level of intensity that you are working at while training. Each time you do an interval training workout, you are forcing your body to repair and recover, but at a stronger level.

Interval Training Dangers

As you progress, you become stronger, fitter and better able to cope with the mental aspect of interval training. The potential for severe injury is enhanced when certain individuals participate in interval training. It is vital that you make sure that you are able to work at a the higher intensity.

If you have never exercised before, or if it is many years since you exercised, then interval training is not for you.If you are significantly overweight, a male over 45, or female over 55, then check with your doctor before you undertake an intensive exercise routine such as interval training.