Benefits of interval training with a work out

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results.” This phrase tends to come to mind when I see people doing the same thing day after day.

woman doing lunges outdoors

For me, I work out to become faster and stronger. I know many women at the gym who want to lose weight, to tone up or to have six-pack abs. Ultimately, we want to work out to be a better version of ourselves.

So, it puzzles me why people continue to lift the same weight or spend the same amount of time on the treadmill, when not seeing the results we want.

Especially if we aren’t having fun. I’m a firm believer that workouts should be enjoyable.

Why not switch things up? 

Why interval training?

One reason I love interval workouts is that I am constantly challenging my body. Squat jumps for 45 seconds, rest 30 seconds, then back at it with push ups for 45 seconds.

When I’m short on time, interval workouts are my go-to. If I am pushing my body at 75-85% of my max at each interval, I’m still getting in a solid workout in 20 minutes, instead of spending 45 minutes on the treadmill.

The benefits of interval training

There are many benefits to interval training. Here are a few:

  • Boosts metabolism produces a greater decrease in weight loss in BMI, and waist circumference
  • Builds lean muscle tissue quicker than steady-state
  • Provides numerous cardiovascular, metabolic and skeletal-muscle benefits

Incorporate interval training into your workouts

There are a couple of different ways you can start incorporating interval training into your workouts.

If you are loyal to the treadmill or elliptical you don’t have to break up. Instead of doing steady-state cardio, you can mix it up with intervals.

You can start with doing a 1 to 1 work to rest ratio to get comfortable. Then you can work on decreasing rest and increasing work OR increasing rest if you are pushing it with your work interval.  

5 minute interval workout

You also can mix it up with a jump rope interval workout. Or you can try adding an incline to the treadmill workout. This treadmill incline glute workout is one option.

Interval training does not have to be boring or dreadful. It can be fun especially when you mix it up.

Do you add intervals to your workouts?

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