We’ve all heard of HIIT, Tabata training, interval training…… Short bursts of high energy exercises followed by a period of active recovery. Whether you’re a runner, a swimmer, a team player in a team sport, the benefits of interval training can aid performance. Not to mention can help with weight loss, reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of some cancers
One of the biggest attractions to interval training is the time needed (anywhere between 5-20 mins) in order to reap the benefits. For someone who’s short on time spending just 20 minutes in an interval training session can equate to an hours steady exercise. Interval training can be adapted to suit any level of fitness and used to aid fat loss & tone up. During the high-intensity phase, your body mainly burns carbohydrates for energy. But during the recovery, your body mainly burns fat to produce the energy needed to help your body recover from the intense effort. This process can continue for hours after training. This can help you lose weight as long as you’re also eating a healthily balanced diet
Runners often use HIIT as part of a training programme. The key to improving your speed is to run at speeds faster than you would race at. Intense intervals improve your aerobic and anaerobic endurance, increases your VO2 max and improves your running performance. Plus, the training stimulus on the muscles is higher in the case of intense interval runs.
As you find yourself getting fitter you can switch intervals up by adding inclines into your short sprints. A set of steep steps is a great way to challenge the intensity and increase fitness levels & what better way on a sunny crisp day to get out in the fresh air and take in the beauty around you. Whether in a group fitness class or outdoors in your own space, intervals are a great addition to overall fitness & health.
Want to give it a go? Come and join me on one of my HIIT style classes on Monday & Weds evening or Saturday mornings
