Do I NEED interval training?

[bearcatfan]

Today was my IMAX morning and I have to ask: Is there a good reason to do interval training? I understand the reasons behind cardio and weights, but I wonder how interval training fits in for the average person (not a competitive athlete) who wants to look like Cathe .

I love/hate IMAX, and can get through much of it by modifying the intervals slightly. But in the middle of it today I was wondering what the heck I was doing killing myself at 4:30 a.m. I was cussing out Cathe and the girls even more than I do during Leaner Legs!

Thanks,

Rose

 

[Aquajock]

I'm sure you won't keel over and expire if you DON'T do interval training, so in that sense you don't NEED it. However, interval training (a la Interval Max or other means like jog-sprint sessions) has been extensively documented by clinical exercise researchers as one of the best methods to develop superior cardiovascular conditioning.

I do I-Max at least once a week, and incorporate jump intervals into my aqua classes also at least once a week, and a recent resting heart rate check for me revealed I'm at 49 beats per minute. I sincerely attribute that thuddingly healthy resting heart rate at least in part to the conditioning I've achieved through interval training.

JMHO -

Annette

 

[bearcatfan]

Thanks, Annette. In case you couldn't tell, I was looking for a justification to skip IMAX ;-). I only do it once a week, too, so I guess it's not too much to ask of myself. Besides, I don't feel so bad when I see Hope doing a modification (my new hero!).

Rose

 

[mogambo]

It makes a great substitute for me in the summer for the 5 mile hill-infested running I do in cool weather.

But Aquajock, as usual, has the best reason. Interval training is a more efficient way to build cardiovascular fitness than doing an equivalent amount of non-interval cardio.

It actually allows you to work out less, by using your time to best advantage. IntervalMax is not that bad! It's your friend.

 

[getnfit@38]

And besides the improvement you'll see and feel during other cardio activities, thanks to interval training, I've noticed an improved overall endurance which helps me in every day life, and I know it's because of interval training as the improvements grew weekly after I started incorporating 2 interval workouts/week into my schedule. I now function wondefully on 6-7 hours sleep, I never seem to tire during workouts or with daily life activities anymore. And the improvements in energy and stamina continue to increase.
And it doesn't get any better with Imax. Before I pop it in I'm looking for ANY excuse not to do it, but by the time I'm on my 2nd or 3rd "rhythmic L" I'm okay and glad I'm doing it!
Donna

 

[naughtoj]

I LOVE IMAX now!!! I think it is becoming my favorite!! I do still have to modify, but the music is just so cool. And I love clappin' along with all the gals doin' the Rythmic L's. For some reason, it just seems more "uppidy" than any of my other Cathe cardios. And all the breaks seem to make it go faster. I love CK, but it does drag on some days. Those drills feel more like 60 min rather than 20!!!! And the out-of-breath part of IMAX really doesn't bother me too much. Its that darn leg burn!!! Last week I did IMAX, CM, and MIC and had shin splints all week so I think I need new shoes. Had my Ryka Stylus' for almost a year now, so I guess it is time. Wow, I will feel like I am floatin' on air!!!