is interval training a must?

[kariev]

do you have to do interval training? i like steady state much better and was wondering if this is a must in cardio training if you just want to maintain? i was just thinking of doing 30 min of cardio 5 times a week after my weight training. my cardio is intense enough and frankly i hate the feeling of pushing so hard during sprints that i want to puke.

 

[crazystepr]

In my opinion, the best workout is the one YOU'LL DO! If you don't want to do interval training, don't. Of course, not all interval training has to be puke-status. You can just vary your heart rate so that it's gets a little higher than steady state for a minute, and then bring it back down.

I, personally, love interval training, but it's not for everyone. See if you can get in one session of it a week--but again, it doesn't need to be a puke-worthy workout. Just varying your heart rate so it goes above steady state, and then back qualifies as interval training. Good luck! I'm sure others will have other (and probably better!) advice!

Allison

http://www.picturetrail.com/allisonj90

 

[Jess_jugs]

You don't have to do interval training, but here's a good article I was just reading from Sparkpeople about it. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/Fitness_articles.asp?id=621

And I agree, do the workouts that work for you. I love HIIT and would do it every day if I could!

 

[crazystepr]

Wow, Jess--that's a great article! Thanks!!!

Allison

http://www.picturetrail.com/allisonj90

 

[SRP]

And keep in mind that there's a difference between interval training and high intensity interval training (HIIT). Cathe does interval training with her Imaxes, and Cardio Coach, for example, uses interval training in his workouts. These are longer workouts, up to an hour. HIIT calls for much more effort (maybe what's called "puke level" here ), but uses shorter workout times.

 

[crazystepr]

I know the Imaxes aren't HIIT, but I've come pretty darn close to puking during some of those!!!

Allison

http://www.picturetrail.com/allisonj90

 

[Beavs]

Coach Sean gets me to puke efficiently! :7

 

[My2girls]

Thanks for the link Jess. I have been trying to do at least 2 HIIT workouts a week and love them! We'll see if I see good results.

Mary

 

[Jess_jugs]

I was *just* reading it last night and thought it was appropriate! I do my HIIT on the treadmill, it's much easier than trying to run outdoors. Sparkpeople has some good articles!