Y Talk: Interval Training…Don’t Be Scared to Try It! by Jay Cattron

Everyone has heard of it. Everyone has read about it. But how many of you have tried it? Can’t lose that last 10-15 pounds? Hit a plateau? Routine getting boring? The concept that can help everyone who answered yes to any of these questions is INTERVAL TRAINING. Now before you write this concept off as scary or too difficult or say you can’t because you have bad joints, please keep reading. This blog is for you.

I am not talking about the 30-minute kick-your-butt-so-bad-that-will-have-you-dragging-yourself-out-of-the-Y-not-able-to-lift-your-legs-into-the-car workout. Rather I am talking about the interval training that can be adapted to any fitness level. Interval training simply means frequently varying your workout levels. This can be as easy as changing the speed at which you are walking every minute by alternating a quicker pace for a minute followed by a slower pace for a minute. Instead of doing one set on a machine, resting for 30-60 seconds and doing a second set, get off the machine and do 30-60 seconds of core work (planks, crunches etc.) or cardio (jumping jacks, speed skaters etc.) in between sets.

The idea is to workout smarter and more efficiently in the gym, not longer. If you can burn the same amount – or more – calories in 30 minutes of interval training as you do with 1 hour of regular, steady state cardio or weight training with rest in between each set, why would you not try interval training? Interval training is designed to frequently change your heart rate and make your body work differently. By changing up your workout routines (muscle confusion) or changing your heart rate levels, you will better prevent your body from adapting. By preventing your body from adapting, you will not plateau, you will not get bored with your workouts (if you constantly change routines) and it will help you with that hard-to-lose last 10-15 pounds.

I challenge you to get out of your comfort zone and try interval training. It is a tool in your tool belt to help you on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. Contact a trainer today if you have any questions, or to get a personalized program set up for you.

Try it. It works.

-by Jay Cattron, Physical Director

Note: If you have never tried this kind of a workout before, please consult your physician if you have any major medical issues.