What is Interval Training?

Simply put, interval training is mixing hard work with easier work during a single workout. This allows you to keep moving without overly fatiguing any single muscle group. It is closely related to circuit training. There are several benefits of interval training, including increased fat loss, lean muscle gains, better workout efficiency, and decreased boredom.

For example, you might do some hard lower body work followed by some easier upper body work, with little rest between. This lets you rest one part of your body while another is working, maximizing the overall effectiveness of the workout. In other words, you rest without really resting, which keeps your heart rate going.

Another example is varying the intensity within a single exercise. Say you're on the treadmill. You could jog for one minute, then sprint for 30 seconds, immediately slowing back down to a jog for one minute, then back to a sprint for 30 seconds. Repeat this for the necessary number of sets.

Another one of the benefits of interval training is flexibility, which helps avoid boredom with your routine. However, not all exercises lend themselves to an easy interval training routine. Craig Ballantyne has put a lot of thought and planning into his ebook, Turbulence Training which deals specifically with this. It's a great interval training and high intensity interval training handbook.

Whether you are considering interval training for lean muscle gains or for fat loss, I encourage you to get a copy of Turbulence Training - and all of the bonuses that come with it.