Want to rev up your workouts?

If you want to make the most of your workouts and your time is limited, then you might try interval training. Interval training is simply alternating bursts of higher intensity work with lower intensity work.   If you are out for a run you might sprint from one utility pole to the next, and then slow it down to a brisk walk for the next interval. Alternating from lower to higher intensity bouts can help you to burn more calories even if you are just increasing the intensity for only a few minutes at a time.

 Interval training will improve your cardiovascular fitness and over time you will be able to exercise longer at higher intensities. It will help to keep your workouts varied and fight boredom. It also requires no equipment but if you own a sports watch you can time your intervals. For instance, run or walk for 30 seconds at high intensity, then rest for 20 to 30 seconds, and repeat the sequence.

If you wondering how you know you are at higher or lower intensity, use the talk test. When you are in the resting phase your heart rate should come down enough so that you can talk. When you are in the all out part of the workout you should only be able to say a few words before you need to take a breath.

Interval training is no longer only the domain of athlete athletes, anyone can use this technique to increase their cardiovascular fitness.