Why Does Interval Training Burn More Fat?

If you are looking for a natural metabolism booster, nothing compares to interval training, especially if it is done first thing in the morning.

What is Interval Training?

With interval training, you mix short periods of intense exercise with longer periods of exercise at a more moderate pace. For example, let’s say that you are at the gym on the elliptical machine. You will start off by working for one minute at a moderate pace, and then will out all out for the next 30 – 60 seconds. Then you will repeat the process for the duration of your workout.

Does Interval Training Burn More Calories?

Yes. Interval training burns more calories than steady-state aerobics because of those short, more intense periods of work. And interval training can be done with any type of activity, such as:

Running – mix in periods of short sprints during longer runs.

Walking – you can mix in either inclines if you are on a treadmill, increase your speed or add a jog to your power walk.

Biking – whether you are on a bike or spinning class, you can vary the intensity of the workout by the speed you are moving as well as the inclines or hills you are tackling.

Step aerobics – I do this on the stairs to my basement. I will go all out for one minute, up and down the bottom step, and then recover for one minute and do it again.

Should You Do Intervals Daily?

I don’t believe so, especially if you are just starting out in a fitness routine. What you want to do is build your endurance, not strain yourself.

As with all exercises, start out slow and gradually increase the length and intensity of interval training. But the more intervals you do, the quicker the fat is going to come off your body.