Interval training is a great way to receive maximum cardiovascular benefits for the heart, as well as providing an effective way to improve stamina and muscle mass. There are numerous ways that interval training ups the ante on traditional cardio. It offers additional advantages than simply staying at the same rate throughout a cardiovascular exercise routine. The jump in one’s heart rate, followed by the decrease forces your body to work extra hard to burn fat, but it also allows for sufficient recovery time.
In addition to weight loss, the health of one’s heart will improve. Interval cardiovascular training increases blood flow to the heart. In effect, the heart rate will slow over time, oxygen will be used more efficiently and blood will flow cleaner and faster. Stroke volume (amount of blood pumped per beat, and the more blood that is pumped per beat, the less the heart has to work) increases. The stroke volume of one’s heart is a clear indication of a healthy heart. Interval training is the quickest way to increase stroke volume. It also also helps to keep the heart healthier by decreasing the amount it has to work. Once stroke volume is increased, the heart physically has to beat less and therefore remains healthier. Additional health benefits for the heart include lowered blood pressure and lowered cholesterol levels.
Weight loss is usually the primary reason for cardiovascular exercising. Interval training on different machines is a great way to reach maximum fat burning potential. The elliptical, exercise bike and the rowing machine are all machines that together, make up an efficient interval training circuit.
The elliptical machines (or cross trainers) are designed to replicate the effects of walking and running without excessive pressure on the joints. The great thing about elliptical is the countless different ways they can be used during interval training. Most come programmed with different resistance and speed settings, so one can simulate walking up or down a hill, and cross country. Setting the resistance and speed to change every few minutes will keep your muscles guessing, and it will also increase fat burning.
Exercise and spinning bikes are also a useful way to incorporate interval training into one’s routine. The varying pressure and resistance settings allows for biking on different courses and terrains. Pushing up hill and speeding through planes are great ways to keep muscles constantly working.
Rowing machines provide a great all-over body interval workout. The shoulders and arms are incorporated more than they would be on elliptical and bikes, so it is an effective way to work out the upper body. Spend 15 minutes on each machine to get a great workout. Fitness experts recommend 30-60 minutes of cardiovascular interval training 3-4 times a week for maximum benefits.
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