Fitness Interval Training for Beginners and Elite Athletes

Fitness interval training, if you aren't currently using it, could be the very thing to boost your exercise motivation as well as your fat-burning capacity. This is a method of training that combines different levels of exercise intensity during the same exercise session.

Training in this fashion creates an increased tolerance to lactic acid buildup. The will substantially increase both your aerobic and anaerobic capacities to exercise. In other words, you will be able to exercise longer and see more improvements without all of the soreness typically seen in less conditioned individuals.

Elite competitive athletes have long used interval training to maximize their performance potential. These athletes typically exercise at extremes that would not be recommended for the general population. However, anyone can benefit from moderate intensity intervals. Obviously, you should consult with your physician prior to implementing any exercise program. Additionally, you may want to work with a certified personal trainer on how to best use a fitness interval training program for maximum benefits.

Interval training involves the gradual increasing of exercise intensity until the anaerobic threshold is being approached. This will be perceived as your maximal effort. After exercising at this intensity for a specified period of time the intensity is then decreased. This interval continues for a period and is followed by another interval of increased intensity.

Fitness interval training can be used as a part of both your aerobic and strength training workouts. Here are some advantages you will discover in both forms of these essential exercise programs:

Aerobic Workout:

Improved cardiac endurance

Improved ability for prolonged slow cardio workouts

Enhanced muscle-building capacity

Prevention of boredom

Higher number of calories burned

Strength training workout:

More calories burned

More muscle groups worked in less time

Faster strength gains

Faster toning and shaping of muscles

Prevention of boredom

How would a beginning exerciser incorporate fitness interval training into their exercise routine?

This is a good question because this type of training is great for beginners. Beginners will notice much quicker results using interval training. Here's how you might begin.

For your aerobic program you might start with 20 minute exercise sessions. You decide that walking will be the form of exercise you use. You might walk at what you consider a good pace for you for 5 minutes. You then walk more briskly for one minute. You then alternate these two speeds until you complete your exercise session. Each week you might change the intensity or time of your more intense interval. Eventually you may even work in some 30 second jogging intervals.

Remember to always warm up and cool down. Incorporating these more intense intervals will bring you much quicker results in your conditioning and appearance.

I hope you are now motivated to give fitness interval training a try. You will not be disappointed in your results.

Dr. Steve Tuggle is a practicing dentist, certified personal trainer (ACE, ACSM), certified wellness coach, life coach, ordained minister, and internet entrepreneur. You can learn more about how to improve your health and wellness at http://www.elite-wellness-coaching.com

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