By: Joann Bally CSCS
I have recommended interval training, and continue to do so. Yet, I have some questions about it. One reason it is popular is
that if an hour in the gym 2 or 3 days a week is all the exercise you do, interval training lets you do your cardio training
in a condensed time period and still get in your resistance training and some work on flexibility. Should this really be the
extent of your exercise?
Interval training (short, intense bursts of exercise, followed by equal or longer recovery periods) has been shown in some
studies to be as good or better than traditional 20-30 minutes or more of cardio exercise for improving aerobic capacity and
calorie burning. It’s also good for training you to move quickly when you need to, and enhances recovery from exertion.
I haven’t seen anything regarding intervals improving blood pressure regulation, helping to prevent diabetes, or any of the
other long-term health benefits seen with regular cardio/aerobic exercise, and I don’t think we can just assume that
intervals would do that too.
Also, we don’t know if intervals can replace conventional aerobic training for its benefits on the mind and emotions. Aerobic
exercise has been shown to relieve depression and elevate mood. Does interval training do this? It doesn’t seem to last long
enough to release endorphins. A lot of us feel good after doing intervals, but that may be a result of increased oxygenation,
or maybe just satisfaction with having done something that is hard to do.
Many of us feel we do our best thinking during a long walk, run, or bike ride. Intervals won’t replace that. And it doesn’t
help the environment like going to work or to the store on foot. So even if you do interval training, get out now and then
and go hiking, running, or riding (or skating or skiing). It will clear your mind, improve your mood, and prove that exercise
doesn’t have to be a chore.
Read
Interval Training Part 1
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