2 Interval Workouts/Week?

[deegentile73]

Hi Cathe,

First, I would like to start off by saying that I am SO glad to hear you are feeling better. Being a HUGE fan of yours, I was deeply saddened to hear of when you were injured. You are truly an inspiration and I want to wish you a speedy recovery.

I know this period must be extremely difficult for you on many different levels, but for the simple fact that it has disabled you from doing what you love to do! That's quite frustrating and depressing, I am sure. But, as per your update, it seems as though you are on your way to making that speedy recovery and getting back to your passion. And, I must say, that we, too, are anxious for you to get back! You are our leader, (and a tough cookie, I must say) ;-) We are all thinking about you and cheering for that day when you return! Be well!

Now, having said all of that, let me get to my question at hand. I have incorporated Interval Max, & Imax 2 into my weekly workouts. I have been doing this for at least the past 3 months now with excellent results. My question is, should I not be doing 2 interval workouts in 1 week? And, why or why not? Or, is it okay to do the 2 of them, but just change it up after say 4-6 weeks by only doing 1 interval workout/week for a while? This is the 1st week that I only did 1 and I feel guilty not having done the second (being that I've had such great results doing both). I guess I'm afraid of losing all that I've acheived doing the 2 together in 1 week (both cardiovascularly & physically). What do you suggest?

Thanks for you response in advance!

-Deirdre-

 

[Aquajock]

Dierdre, I'm not Cathe, but I thought I'd weigh in and state my opinion that there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing two interval workouts in one week. If you're reaping benefits from that schedule, and you're not overstressing any joints or anything, I say do what works for you.

I would suggest, however, that also within your weekly schedule you have at least one cardio workout that is upper-margin intensity AND steady-state. I found with interval workouts that, as I got more fit in the cardiovascular department AND the leg power department, I was getting a tad too comfortable with the recovery segments and losing the keenest edge of the benefit. Making sure steady-state cardio was a regular part of my weekly plan kept my honest about cardiovascular challenge.

Also, the conventional wisdom is that you allow 2-3 days between interval workouts (same as with heavy weightlifting) and I think that wisdom is sound.

JMHO -

A-Jock