Interval
Training Weight LossInterval
Training Weight Loss Tips |
If
you’ve ever dreaded the thought of going in for another hour on
the treadmill, you will want to learn the time-saving cardio weight
loss technique athletes have used for years: Interval Training.
Studies
show cardio intervals actually causes more fat loss and increases
cardio fitness overall in less time. The benefits of interval training
also carry over into other activities. That’s right: interval training
helps your body burn more fat even during other low-intensity or
moderate workouts throughout the week!
What is
interval training?
Short bursts of intensive effort mixed with longer, more moderate
stretches. These can be done on an elliptical, treadmill or exercise
bicycle. For example, you could alternate 2-minutes of faster bursts
with 3-minutes of a more moderate speed. The key is to allow yourself
to rest during the less intense periods, because you need to keep the
intense periods pretty vigorous!
Cardio Intervals are
great for
weight loss because they actually increase the body’s ability to use
stored fatty acids. It does this in a way that a constant aerobic pace
does not. One study from the University of Guelph shows that after only
a few weeks of including interval training – their subject’s continuous
cardio workouts increased fat loss by 36 per cent as well! That means
that including interval training actually increases your weight loss
during other activities.
One real key to weight loss
is a faster
metabolism
, and since interval training increases your cardio capacity, it also
speeds up your metabolism. That’s because a high aerobic capacity is
associated with an increase in total calories burned daily, even at
rest. And that's
the real solution to
belly fat loss!
Guidelines and
Tips:
Interval
Training Weight Loss
Naturally
you don’t have to spend quite as much time working out during cardio
intervals as compared to a more moderate, steady workout. For example,
if you are used to 45-miutes on the elliptical or treadmill, aim for a
30-minute interval workout. It might look like this:
5-minute
warm up 4x (2-minute intense, 3-miute moderate) 5-minute
cool down
Be
sure to start at your own pace! If you don’t already know it, it may be
helpful to find your target heart rate as a general guide to knowing
the proper intensity. As a starting point, figure you maximum heart
rate (220 – your age). Then figure the following: |
80%
x MHR= High-Intensity Interval
60% x MHR= Moderate Interval
Your
heart rate should be near these numbers at the END of each interval, as
it takes a few minutes for your heart rate to react to the change in
intensity.
Mix
interval training into your workout routine once or twice per week.To
keep getting weight loss results, don’t forget to increase at least one
variable in your workout. This could be:- Faster
speed during the intense period and/or the rest period.
- If you use an elliptical or a treadmill,
increase the incline during the work interval.
- Shorten the moderate periods and/or lengthen
the intense periods.
Mix
it up. Experiment with the length of the intervals and/or rest periods.
This keeps your body “guessing”, helping to avoid workout plateaus. The
variety also tends to make the workouts go by faster!Don’t
forget to incorporate endurance cardio training and strength training
strength training
. They all have important, unique benefits.
Return from Interval
Training Weight Loss to Scottsdale Fitness Training
Cutomized Interval
Training Weight Loss Programs...
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