Interval Training has got to be one of my all-time favorite exercise tactics for fat loss.  That means that it consistently delivers when it comes to optimizing body composition.  If you already have a copy of my interval training guide that comes with my Free Fitness Breakthrough Kit, then you already know what I’m talking about.  If not, read on, then go get it fuhevensakes!

Let me ask you something.

What if you could find cardio exercise that:

1) challenges your cardiovascular fitness (of course!)
2) builds muscle (anabolic activity)
3) invigorates and provides stress reduction at the same time
4) can be finished in 20 minutes 2-3 times per week.

Tada, it exists!  And it’s right here at your fingertips and footprints.  And it’s been here all along, it  just got buried under all the “long, s-l-o-w” cardio information we’ve been presented with for the last few years.

The good news is, you needn’t do long, s-l-o-w to get the best benefits from cardio exercise, quite to the contrary.  If you are willing to put a little more muscle and mind into the equation, you can slice your cardio time by huge chunks and come out ahead as well.

Interested?  Here’s more….

What Exactly IS Interval Training?

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) involves changing speed or resistance – and thus intensity – within the course of a cardiovascular workout.  Thus, instead of a slow, long distance – or long, slow time – within your aerobic intensity aerobic training “zone”, you intersperse short, intense periods into otherwise more moderate minutes.

This approach – intermittent bouts of intensity systematically built in – works more efficiently for fat loss and muscle building than long and slow does.  In other words, you can get the job done in a shorter amount of time.

Bottom line, what I best like about HIIT is that it aligns beautifully with my preference for “short and to the point” fitness.  Bang for your buck is essential with a busy life, and IT fits the bill.

Simply put, the easiest way to do interval training is to start off at a good pace for about 5 minutes. A variety of modalities can be utilized:  stationary bicycle, eliptical trainer, jogging/walking, for example.

Then, you pick up the intensity and go hard and as fast for a minute and then bring it back down for a minute or two – however long it takes for you to recover enough to do it again.  Then you repeat the process for a total of only 15-20 minutes, including warm up and cool down.  It is advisable to start with one interval a session, then progress to two, and so on.

The intervals can feel more intense than you might imagine.  Jack LaLanne refers to it as imagining “you are running for your life” -that’s tough stuff!  And also not for the foolhardy who may have been out of condition for a long time.  Doctor’s clearance is always recommended.  (I always think it’s funny that a doctor’s clearance isn’t required for laying around on the couch for years at a time!   )

Another way to practice interval training is simply to keep changing your speed and intensity level every two minutes or so – go up and down – challenge yourself.

Remember, you can download my FREE Interval Training Guide as part of the Free Fitness Kit that is waiting for you here.

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