Question about interval training

[SLL]

Hi Cathe,
What are the benefits of interval training? I'm really clueless. If you could be specific that would be great.

Also, I tried doing your Imax 2 outside on the grass. I turned up the volume on the tv and I could practically do it without looking at the tv your cueing is so great! I was really surprised at how high my heartrate was during the intervals. Much higher than it is when I do Imax 2 inside. It was early in the morning and sort of raining. On Interval 5, I was able to keep up but I did have to yell to get through it(I wonder what my neighbors were thinking..lol). I got so winded that it was hard to take a breath. Is that bad? Does the temperature outside make the heart work harder? As you see, I'm kind of clueless on interval training. Thanks for any info!

SLL

 

[Aquajock]

Hi, SLL! I'm not Cathe, but I think I can answer your question about interval training:

Interval training is a great method for premium improvements to your cardiovascular conditioning, because it alternates bouts of mid-range cardio work with shorter ultra-high intensity "blasts" designed to push your heart rate and exertion level to near-anaerobic thresholds. Such as I-Max 1 and I-Max 2, where you have about a minute of mid-range step, a minute (or more!) of an "intensity blast", and then a minute or so of recovery before you go onto the next mid-range cycle. Or, think of a walk-jog-sprint session. Your cardiovascular system continues to work at ever higher levels, thereby improving its overall function (including steady-state endurance work). Interval training is an extremely efficient way of maximizing your workout time because of its limited and sustainable high-end intensity segments.

Re performing a step routine outdoors on the grass, it could be that because a grassy step surface is less stable and more impact-absorbent than a standard wooden floor or a carpet-over-cement floor, your legs and feet have to work harder to achieve the proper propulsion. I'd suggest being careful about stepping on a grass surface, especially with lateral moves and making sure your step is absolutely secure.

Just a few thoughts - hope these help!

A-jock