Interval Training Efficient and Effective

The usual excuse of “lack of time” for not doing enough exercise is blown away by new research published in The Journal of Physiology.
The study, from scientists at Canada’s McMaster University, adds to the growing evidence for the benefits of short term high-intensity interval training (HIT) as a time-efficient but safe alternative to traditional types of moderate long term exercise. Astonishingly, it is possible to get more by doing less!
“We have shown that interval training does not have to be ‘all out’ in order to be effective,” says Professor Martin Gibala. “Doing 10 one-minute sprints on a standard stationary bike with about one minute of rest in between, three times a week, works as well in improving muscle as many hours of conventional long-term biking less strenuously.”
David says: Research has been out for quite some time now that indicates, depending on effort and intensity of course, we can burn more calories in less time if we engage in high-intensity interval training. 20 minutes of HIIT can burn the same calories as 40 or even 60 minutes of long-slow cardio BUT it does depend on how intense you really go in your sprints during your shorter exercise session.
Most people don’t perform HIIT intensely enough. But I want to caution a newbie to HIIT in that you WILL want to get a proper medical evaluation prior to pushing yourself “all out” to get a good HIIT effect.
The interesting note about the study discussed above is the researchers were able to show positive benefits without the subjects having to go ALL OUT. The sprints would certainly be more intense than standard, long-slow cardio but less than ALL OUT. This could be an easier sell for the non-exercisers of the world to try it or even for the die-hard long-slow cardio kings and queens to give a more intense cardio style a try. If time is a valuable commodity in your world then HIIT is even more important to consider.
You can read the entire article here.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100311123639.htm
In health,
David Greenwalt – Founder
Leanness Lifestyle University