Interval training burns fat and improves fitness more quickly than constant but moderately intensive physical activity, according to research by a University of Guelph researcher.
The study included moderately fit women in their 20’s and borderline sedentary subjects. Subjects trained every other day for 2 weeks alternating between 4 minute work periods and 2 minute rest periods for a total of 10 sets. They trained at 90% intensity.
So what were the results?
- Increase in fat usage.
- Increase in aerobic capacity. This means that a person is better able to sustain prolonged activity.
- Increase in muscle enzyme activity. These are the chemicals in the body that help make reactions happen faster. This may help to make the body more efficient at producing energy in the muscles.
The bottom line is that the interval training study demonstrated that this interval training program elicits faster and improved fat burning potential and greater overall fitness. Talanian concludes that the introduction of an interval training program into your exercise routine once or twice a week can be beneficial.
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This study can be found at:
University Of Guelph (2007, June 29). Interval Training Burns More Fat, Increases Fitness, Study Finds. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 12, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2007/06/070627140103.htm