When you think about aerobic exercise, two main types come to mind: interval training and continuous training. Each has its own benefits and can help you get fit in different ways. At Nitro Gym in DSO & Al Barsha, knowing the advantages of each can help you decide which one is best for you. Knowing the advantages of each can help you decide which one is best for you.
What is Interval Training?
Interval training involves switching between periods of hard exercise and easier exercise or rest. For example, you might sprint for a minute, then walk for a minute, and repeat this cycle.
Benefits of Interval Training
- Time-Saving: Interval training is great if you’re short on time. Because the exercise is intense, you can get a good workout in a shorter amount of time.
- Burns More Calories: You burn a lot of calories not just during the workout but even after it’s over. Your body keeps burning calories as it recovers from the intense exercise.
- Increase Heart Health: Your heart and lungs get stronger because they work hard during the intense periods. This improves your overall cardiovascular fitness.
- Increases Metabolism: Intense exercise increases your metabolism. This helps with weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Keeps Things Interesting: The constant change between high and low intensity keeps workouts fun and engaging. So you’re less likely to get bored.
What is Continuous Training?
Continuous training, or steady-state cardio, means exercising at a steady, moderate pace for a longer period. Activities like jogging, cycling, or swimming at a consistent speed fall into this category.
Benefits of Continuous Training
- Builds Endurance: This type of training helps you build stamina, so you can keep going for longer without getting tired.
- Lower Risk of Injury: Since you’re exercising at a moderate pace, there’s less risk of getting hurt compared to high-intensity workouts. This makes it a safer choice for beginners or those with certain health issues.
- Reduces Stress: Continuous, rhythmic exercise can be very relaxing and help reduce stress. It’s often used as a way to clear the mind and relieve tension.
- Easy to Start: It’s easier to begin with continuous training, especially if you’re new to exercising or getting back into it after a break.
- Consistency: If you like routine, continuous training provides a consistent and predictable workout, which can be easier to stick with.
Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice between interval and continuous training depends on your fitness goals, preferences, and current fitness level.
- For Quick Workouts and Weight Loss: If you want to lose weight and don’t have much time, interval training is a good choice because it burns more calories quickly.
- For Building Endurance and Low-Impact Exercise: If you want to build endurance or prefer less intense workouts, continuous training is better.
- For Variety and Motivation: If you get bored easily, interval training’s variety can keep you motivated.
Using Both for the Best Results
Many experts suggest doing both types of training to get the most benefits. Mixing them up can help you improve your fitness, lose weight, and build endurance.
Sample Workout Plan
- Monday: 20 minutes of interval training (e.g., sprinting and walking)
- Wednesday: 30 minutes of continuous training (e.g., jogging at a steady pace)
- Friday: 20 minutes of interval training
- Sunday: 40 minutes of continuous training (e.g., cycling)
Conclusion
Interval training and continuous training each offer unique benefits for your health and fitness. By understanding these benefits and including both types of training in your routine, you can enjoy a balanced and effective workout plan.
Whether you want to burn calories fast, build endurance, or keep your workouts interesting, there’s a place for both interval and continuous training in your exercise routine. For a more detailed workout plan and diet routine, you can get in touch with the personal trainers at Nitro Gym in Al Barsha or DSO.