Exercise & Fitness
Interval Training: The Best Way to Work Smarter – Not Longer Staying physically active is a vital part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But are some exercise options better than others? You might want to consider interval training – especially if your current routine is feeling stale or doesn’t seem to be helping much. In a nutshell, interval training means alternating short bursts (about 30 seconds) of intense activity with longer intervals (about 1 to 2 minutes) of less intense activity. For example, you might combine leisurely walking with periods of faster walking. If you're walking outdoors, you could walk faster between certain mailboxes, trees or other landmarks. By changing the intensity of effort, you can get maximum cardiovascular benefits – including decreasing your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Here’s How Interval Training Can Help: 3 Burn more calories. The harder you exercise, the more calories you burn — even if you increase intensity for just a few minutes at a time. 3 Make better use of your time. An interval training workout takes less time than a standard cardiovascular workout – without sacrificing results. 3 Improve your aerobic capacity. As your cardiovascular fitness improves, you'll be able to exercise longer or with more intensity. Imagine finishing your 60-minute walk in 45 minutes! 3 No need for special equipment. You can perform intervals walking, running, biking or swimming. Or you can work out on an elliptical trainer, treadmill or exercise bike. 3 Beat workout boredom. Turning up your intensity in short intervals can really spice up your exercise routine. Before starting a new fitness regimen, be sure and talk with your primary care physician. To find the right primary care physician for you, visit MyHealthKC.com.
SUMMER 2021 | MyHealthKC.com | 3