Interval Training - A Quicker Way To Get In Shape

What is interval training? Here is everything you need to know about this incredible style of exercise. (Image via unsplash/Scott Webb)
What is interval training? Here is everything you need to know about this incredible style of exercise (Image via unsplash/Scott Webb)

Interval training, also known as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), is a type of exercise that alternates periods of intense activity with periods of rest or low-intensity activity. The goal of HIIT is to push the body to its limits during intense periods, resulting in a quicker way to get in shape than traditional steady-state cardio.


What is Interval Training?

Interval training is a form of cardiovascular exercise that alternates between high-intensity and low-intensity or rest periods. This training improves cardiovascular fitness and endurance, increases muscle mass, and promotes weight loss.

The high-intensity periods of HIIT are typically done at 80-90% of an individual's maximum heart rate, while the low-intensity or rest periods are done at 40-50% of their maximum heart rate.

HIIT is a form of cardiovascular exercise where you work in short, explosive bursts (Image via unsplash/Gabin Vallet)
HIIT is a form of cardiovascular exercise where you work in short, explosive bursts (Image via unsplash/Gabin Vallet)

Features of Interval Training

Interval workouts are characterized by high-intensity periods, typically at 80-90% of an individual's maximum heart rate. These periods of intense activity are typically followed by rest or low-intensity activity, which are done at 40-50% of an individual's maximum heart rate.

The duration of each interval can vary, but they typically last between 30 seconds and two minutes. The number of intervals and the length of the rest period between intervals can also vary depending on the individual's fitness level and goals.

Interval exercise raises your heart rate immensely, which can help you burn more calories (Image via unsplash/Gabin Vallet)
Interval exercise raises your heart rate immensely, which can help you burn more calories (Image via unsplash/Gabin Vallet)

Examples of Interval Training: Try These High-Intensity Workouts

Interval exercise can be done using a variety of activities, including running, cycling, swimming, and using cardio machines like the treadmill, stationary bike, and elliptical. Some popular examples of interval training include:

1) Running sprints

This involves running at maximum effort for 30 seconds, followed by a 30-second rest period.

2) Tabata

This exercise involves 20 seconds of maximum effort, followed by 10 seconds of rest. This cycle is repeated for four minutes.

3) Fartlek training

This exercise involves alternating periods of running at a moderate pace with periods of running at a faster pace.

HIIT comes in different forms. Your goal should be to find what works best for you (Image via unsplash/Gabin Vallet)
HIIT comes in different forms. Your goal should be to find what works best for you (Image via unsplash/Gabin Vallet)

Advantages of HIIT

Interval workouts have several advantages, including:

1) Increased cardiovascular fitness

HIIT is an effective way to improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

2) Increased muscle mass

HIIT has been shown to increase muscle mass, which can help boost metabolism and burn more calories at rest.

3) Increased weight loss

Interval training can burn a significant number of calories, which can help promote weight loss.

4) Short-duration workout

HIIT is a time-efficient workout that can be done in as little as 20 minutes.

HIIT is a great activity to do in a group setting, as it'll allow you to test your physical limits (Image via unsplash/Bruce Mars)
HIIT is a great activity to do in a group setting, as it'll allow you to test your physical limits (Image via unsplash/Bruce Mars)

Drawbacks of HIIT

While high-intensity training has many benefits, it can also have some drawbacks, including. Some of them include:

1) Risk of injury

Interval workouts are high-intensity exercises that can put a lot of stress on the body. This can increase the risk of injury, mainly if proper form and technique are not used.

2) Intensity

Interval workouts are high-intensity exercises that can be challenging for some people. This can make it difficult for some individuals to stick to an interval training routine.

3) Requires proper form

Interval workouts require proper form and technique to be done safely and effectively.


In conclusion, HIIT is a type of exercise that alternates periods of intense activity with periods of rest or low-intensity activity. It is designed to improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance, increase muscle mass, and promote weight loss. It is a time-efficient workout that can be done in as little as 20 minutes.

However, it is essential to note that interval workouts are high-intensity exercises that can increase the risk of injury if proper form and technique are not used. It may also be challenging for some individuals to stick to an interval training routine due to its intensity.

Overall, HIIT is a quick and efficient way to get in shape, but it should be done with caution and under the guidance of a qualified trainer or fitness professional.

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