By definition, cardio interval training is the practice of training the body in alternate intervals of moderate to higher intensity while in an aerobic state. You can do intervals with just about any type of cardio workout. If your cardio workout is walking, pick up the speed and jog for a short time before walking again. If you pedal a stationary bike for exercise, pedal faster for a heart rate increase. Do some faster and stronger moves during your dance workout. Even those who like to use dumb bells or free weights can do cardio interval training simply by using lighter weights and doing faster reps or by increasing the weight and doing reps at your normal speed.
1. Increased fat burning. Training in intervals increases the heart rate for a short period and then forces the body to recover from that short burst. It is in both the increase in heart rate and the recovery that the metabolism speeds up and actual fat is burned faster. When you do cardio interval training for half an hour or more, you will burn more fat than by doing a sustained cardio routine.
2. Interval training builds muscle. Studies have found that the recovery period, or going form high intensity to more moderate exercise, actually causes an increase in muscle mass. When you do these types of workouts on a regular basis, you will experience a gain in muscle. You can experience even more of the muscular benefits of cardio interval training by performing calisthenics or lifting weights in between intense periods of cardio work or you can do intervals while doing calisthenics. Just do several reps at a fast pace and then slow down for a few repetitions. You’ll be amazed at how much work you are really doing.
3. An increase in overall fitness ? It is through interval training that one moves up in fitness. If you are a walker and you want to run a marathon, cardio interval training is the way to get there. It burns fat, builds muscle and helps you fulfill your fitness goals faster than typical aerobic workouts or weight lifting programs alone.
While cardio interval training is a great option for either gender, it is even more highly recommended for women. The female body puts weight on differently due to hormonal and muscular differences. For women, the benefits of cardio interval training include building muscle and gaining a faster metabolism in order to get the weight off and keep it from returning. The more you train in intervals, the longer you will be able to sustain a cardio workout.
Read more of Karla Whitmore’s content on cardio interval training. Visit her hubs on hubpages for this and more information on cardio workouts.
