Interval training for weight loss

kelrcasey

I have always heard that using intervals when running is better for shedding fat than running for long periods of time...here is a good article to explain it.

Burn More Calories in Less Time

The way to shape up fast is no secret. Weight training will sculpt and build lean muscle, which (unlike fat) burns calories on its own; cardio (brisk walking, biking, jogging, etc.) will shed the fat hiding those defined muscles. I'm a cardio fan from way back (I love how it feels to get my heart rate up), but who wants to slog away on a treadmill in a dull gym, going nowhere fast (or slow, as the case may be)? Not me! Especially when you can spend less time and get better results.

The secret is intervals. Study subjects who spent just 20 minutes mixing sprints with jogging lost three times the fat off their legs and butt in 15 weeks, compared to those who jogged steadily for 40 minutes, research from the University of New South Wales in Sydney finds. Intervals may spark fat-mobilizing hormones, and they amp your cardio capacity so your future runs will actually feel easier.

I like relaxing runs, but if you do the same slog every day, you can suffer from what's sometimes called "postman's syndrome"—named for those who do the same walk every day and yet their bodies never change. Your muscles become so efficient at a movement over time that if you do it day after day and eat the same way, you never overtax your system and burn more calories to lose weight.

The answer is to mix up your cardio either by changing your workout around or adding speedy bursts—meaning intervals. Intervals can be fun if you approach them right. Each one represents a mini goal—finish the 1-minute sprint, complete the 2-minute cooldown, and so on. I feel more pumped up doing this and never get bored. Check out Self.com's workout archives for tons of cool cardio plans.

Came from http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthieryou/3295/burn-more-calories-in-less-time/

kelrcasey

I have always heard that using intervals when running is better for shedding fat than running for long periods of time...here is a good article to explain it.

Burn More Calories in Less Time

The way to shape up fast is no secret. Weight training will sculpt and build lean muscle, which (unlike fat) burns calories on its own; cardio (brisk walking, biking, jogging, etc.) will shed the fat hiding those defined muscles. I'm a cardio fan from way back (I love how it feels to get my heart rate up), but who wants to slog away on a treadmill in a dull gym, going nowhere fast (or slow, as the case may be)? Not me! Especially when you can spend less time and get better results.

The secret is intervals. Study subjects who spent just 20 minutes mixing sprints with jogging lost three times the fat off their legs and butt in 15 weeks, compared to those who jogged steadily for 40 minutes, research from the University of New South Wales in Sydney finds. Intervals may spark fat-mobilizing hormones, and they amp your cardio capacity so your future runs will actually feel easier.

I like relaxing runs, but if you do the same slog every day, you can suffer from what's sometimes called "postman's syndrome"—named for those who do the same walk every day and yet their bodies never change. Your muscles become so efficient at a movement over time that if you do it day after day and eat the same way, you never overtax your system and burn more calories to lose weight.

The answer is to mix up your cardio either by changing your workout around or adding speedy bursts—meaning intervals. Intervals can be fun if you approach them right. Each one represents a mini goal—finish the 1-minute sprint, complete the 2-minute cooldown, and so on. I feel more pumped up doing this and never get bored. Check out Self.com's workout archives for tons of cool cardio plans.

Came from http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthieryou/3295/burn-more-calories-in-less-time/

iluvsparkles

great article! I just recently started actually 'enjoying' my cardio workout, and am now researching more about how to get the best outta my workout!

how many hours of cardio do you all do? i wonder if im getting enough.

TNTPete

I love intervals for the treadmill... if I don't I would go stir crazy so.. it's a good thing.

I like to do 2 min of steady pace 5.9 -6.2 then 2 min of a bump 6.1-6.3 then 1 minute of another bump 6.3-6.5 then back down for four interval sessions. Three min warm up, three min cool down. That works at getting the HR up and all. And you can always challenge the last one with a really big bump or take it down if it's not that kinda day. i got this from my PT trainer so... credit to her. I used to hate it but now I enjoy it (and I do step down for a few seconds if I am unable but keep plugging at it.

After that I do my cardio strength training.

I know you didn't ask me but I do around 4-6hrs of cardio a week.