Burn More Calories in Less Time

Interval training is an effective way to burn more calories in the less time, boost your athletic performance and add variety to your workout.  You can accomplish this outdoors or in the gym...

Background: The 1st form of interval training called "Fartlek" (and no, my 3 year old did not make that name up!?) consisted of short burst of intensive exercise contrasted with slow, easy duration.   It was a simple way of working out in an unstructured manner.

In today's fitness world, interval training is sophisticated and customized for specific sports.  It is used by both novice trainers and elite athletes alike.  According to the American College of Sports Medicine, "more calories are burned in short, high intensity exercise."

It makes sense, think about it.  High intensity training is more challenging and harder to do, therefore you are exerting yourself and thus burning more calories. If you exercise in an easy, slow, comfortable manner, you won't be challenging your body or burning as many calories.

How to do it:
Access your goals and your ability.  Start of easy and work you way up. Depending on your fitness level and current physical activity; start off with slow walking for 2 minutes with brisk walking for 2 minutes.  Move up to brisk walking for 2 minutes and jogging for 2 minutes.  Then slowly jogging for 2 minutes to fast running for 2 minutes.  Bring your heart rate down to 100 bpm during the rest interval.

How to improve your performance:
Improve your performance by increasing either the intensity (i.e., running speed) or duration (length of time) but not both at the same time.  Longer durations work best.  Increase the number of durations as you improve.

Consult a physician before starting this or any exercise program.