Blog

If you want to burn those stubborn calories and get fit quick then interval training with a treadmill could be the answer. It involves alternating between high-intensity training and low-intensity training. This article explains some benefits of interval training, why it works, and how to do it.

Benefits of interval training:

Interval training is generally defined as alternating between 85% and 70% of your target heart rate. You might have different requirements. In general, though, the benefits of interval training include obvious and not-so-obvious perks. Here are five.

Faster metabolism

Interval training can make your body a better fuel burner even when you are not exercising. Another benefit is the production of catecholamine, which helps metabolize fat. When you work out at a high intensity, your catecholamine level can be boosted for the next two days. During interval training your body will rapidly burn up the body’s natural storage of glycogen and will therefore then start to burn into your fat stores.

Intense Fat burn

Using interval training is the best way to burn calories on a treadmill. By increasing the speed and more importantly the slope you can burn up to 5 x more calories than just running on a flat surface at a moderate speed. Ramping up the slope can be difficult at first so try shorter intervals to build up endurance.

Endurance

Compared with exercising at a constant pace, training with alternating speeds is a more effective way to develop endurance. Your aerobic capacity will expand, letting you exercise for a longer time period and with more intensity. Life will be easier overall, whether you’re running to catch a flight or just keeping up with your kids.
Why does this work? One reason is that interval training improves your lactate threshold. It’s natural for your body to produce more lactate during high-intensity workouts, and you feel it when your muscles burn. Interval training helps you more efficiently get rid of that lactate build-up. This brings us to our next benefit of interval training: avoiding sore muscles.

No more sore muscles, or less anyway

Intense exercise often brings muscle soreness, but interval training helps you avoid the ache. That’s because it provides recovery periods during your workout. When you slow down after a high-intensity interval, your body works on eliminating waste products from your muscles which will help avoid build up.

Staying motivated

Interval training automatically brings variety to your workout routine. Your workout will be different each week to match your progress.
If you choose an interactive treadmill, things will really get interesting, using the iFit and other accessories to track your progress as well as using the virtual apps to plan and enjoy your workout.

Important note: Interval training isn’t for every day. It could be most effective when you allow at least two days in between workouts. Give your muscles time to heal and grow. Remember to seek advice from your GP before starting any new fitness or health regime.

Resources