Interval Training

Happy after an interval training run - makes me feel so good

Intervall Training – HIIT*

Even if you are just walking – use this kind of training for best results

I was invited to a “HIIT” workout last week at “Heart54”, a fancy gym in the middle of Stockholm. It was the first time I did a real high pulse intensive interval workout (for 1 hour!) and I thought I was going to die. Luckily our trainer stayed positive even if I had to slow down once in a while, thank You for that Helena!

We got to wear heart rate bands to monitor and gather data from our performance. It was interesting to see how high my pulse went up and down during the intervals. Important to know; The faster your pulse slows down to normal after a rush, the healthier you are and only training can improve this ability.

HIIT is a training technique where you give ALL you have through quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short recovery periods.

My daily kind of interval training is slow jogging with dog- and picture-taking-stops. I guess that’s far from doing a “HIIT”, but it is still training and it keeps me fit and more important it’s a start….

After doing this workout with Helena and seeing how far I was from using my maximum pulse** I have decided to try and run faster for short periods during my jogs and also wear a heart rate band to follow up in the future.

WHY INTERVAL TRAINING?

This training burns 3 times more fat and time commitment is reduced

Improves fitness and longevity for just about everyone

Studies at the Mayo Clinic showed that even people over 65 reversed their muscle mass

This kind of training seems to even change a cell DNA in a positive way

HOW TO START?

Walk very fast for 3 minutes and slow for 5 – repeat for at least 30 minutes

Run fast for 2 minutes and jog slow the next 5 minutes – repeat for at least 30 minutes

When you get going use steep hills and speed up and go for longer time

It is never too late to start and see big gains!

*HIIT = High Intensity Interval Training

** Maximum pulse is hard to measure but you may use this calculation; 220 minus your age