benefits of interval training?

[Michele S]

Hi all!

I have never enjoyed doing any of the Interval Max workouts, and have probably done each workout once, but since I recently started running I thought I should attempt these again, at least for some good cross training. So today I attempted IM3 and made it through the fourth interval and stopped. I just cannot get into these workouts!

I'm hoping to hear some "testimonials" of what interval work has done for you to give me some encouragement to keep trying. I know I need to build up some endurance, but how do I do that? Do I just do what I can and keep adding from there? Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Maximus]

I'm not a big fan of it myself. I love the high intensity but I much prefer aerobic workouts to anaerobic. I really feel it's a more efficient way to burn fat. I did MIC this morning all the way through (usually I do either floor or step, not both) & I was sweating buckets. I wish there was an MIC2!

 

[CurlyQ]

Intervals workouts increase your VO2 max (the amt of oxygen that you can take in in a minute) which is great for increasing you cardio (aerobic) capacity, lowering blood pressure, lowering resting heart rate. High impact increases bone density and strengthens type II muscle fibers (those used for quick, sprinting type movements). Over all you want to include interval training to help you in all of your other types of training.

If you like running try incorporating intervals there. Run for 3 minutes, sprint for 1, or, run for 2 mins, sprint for 30 secs, repeat.

 

[ColleenM]

I've done interval training since I've followed BFL. It has really helped my endurance and my body has made some amazing changes. Now interval training wasn't the only thign I changed so I can't claim it is responsible for all the changes. I do know that now I only have to do 20-30 minutes of cardio vs. 60-90 for the same benefits.

Colleen

 

[elaineyue]

I've read that high intensity interval training (or HIIT) will create a larger calorie afterburn than moderate intensity steady state aerobics. HIIT is generally short and super intense. You will probably burn fewer calories DURING the actual workout than a longer, steady state aerobic workout, but you will increase your metabolism for a long time afterward. Even intense weight training will have this effect. According to the Abs Diet book (written by the editor of Men's Health magazine), the increased metabolic effect of aerobics will last up to an hour afterwards. But the effect of intense weight training can last up to 2 days afterward.

Check out this website that explains it better than I can:

http://www.musclemedia.com/training/hiit.asp

Hope this helps,
Elaine

 

[runninggal]

Michele, as a longtime runner myself, I would suggest you get your interval work by running intervals. I found the IMAX's extremely stressful on my joints, especially my knees. I love to run way too much to jeopardize it by doing IMAX's. For me, even running hill repeats doesn't pound my knees the way IMAX2 does. Heck girl, if you don't enjoy doing the IMAX's, don't do them. Your workout is supposed to be a pleasurable experience ;-)

 

[Michele S]

Hey runninggal!

> Heck girl, if you don't enjoy doing the IMAX's, don't
>do them. Your workout is supposed to be a pleasurable
>experience ;-)

LOL!!! My husband tells me this everytime I look at the covers!

My goal is to resemble "something looking" like Cathe by this time next year and if doing IMAX's is part of the equation, I don't want to miss out.

I will try doing the intervals running, though. I'm a new runner but am always amazed at how much I have grown to love and rely on it! It has helped me as much mentally as it has physically.