Beat Cardio Boredom: Mix It Up!

Before you get excited that all you have to do is 30-minute interval cardio training to get maximum results to reach your fitness goal, remember cardio is only a part of the whole picture. Interval cardio training is just a part of what I found helpful for myself and my clients looking for maximum results in minimal time, along with resistance training. Whether you’re just getting started on a workout program or a seasoned exerciser, one thing that you should consider paying attention to is the benefits of interval cardio training.

Many people start out with cardio training when getting into fitness since it is a relatively simple and basic exercise. You pick your cardio machine of choice and have at it – the treadmill being the most popular.

As time passes, you may find that these workout sessions aren’t quite bringing you the results you hoped for. Or you may be finding that you’re growing increasingly bored with the same old routine over and over again. At one time or another, we can relate to the moment of simply going on “auto-pilot” or “cruise control” when using a cardio machine. There is no challenge to the body, mind, and spirit, so you begin to lose interest. When that happens, it’s time to shake things up and introduce cardio interval training into your approach.

Interval training, where you alternate between alternating bursts of intense activity with intervals of lighter activity, offers numerous benefits you should be aware of. Here’s a quick run-down so you can see for yourself all this has to offer.

Boost To The Metabolic Rate

The very first reason, and likely the one most people will be interested in, is that interval training will substantially boost the metabolism. Since you’re forcing the body to work at such a high-intensity level, after you finish this workout your body is going to keep burning calories off at an elevated pace for hours to come. Since fat loss comes down to total calories burned over the course of the day versus total calories consumed, this is going to push your progress along.

Increased Fitness Level

Second, the next big benefit interval workouts offer is that they will do a much better job at taking your fitness level up a notch. When you work at such high-intensity levels with interval training, you’re going to see dramatic improvements in your body’s ability to utilize oxygen throughout the exercise and won’t be so quick to fatigue, either. Given enough time with consistent interval training, you’ll find you’re not nearly as fatigued as you go about other daily activities. Plus, if you participate in any sports, it will also help transfer over and elevate your performance there.

Higher Calorie Burn During The Session

The next big benefit that interval training has to offer over straight, moderate-paced cardio, such as 30 minutes of walking, is that it will provide you with a much higher overall calorie burn. The higher the intensity that you exercise, the more calories your body is going to expend completing the activity, therefore, the greater your total daily calorie deficit. If weight loss is a goal, this type of anaerobic routine can help prevent hitting a plateau while supported by a well-balanced nutrient-dense diet.

Different types of interval cardio training programs can work with various fitness levels. For example, high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is an enhanced form of interval training with alternating periods of short, intense anaerobic exercise with less intense recovery periods. HIIT programs can be adjusted for a beginner up to an advanced fitness level.

So now, not only will you burn more after completing interval training in the following hours, but you’re also burning more calories while doing the workout session.

Low Levels Of Boredom

Last but not least, interval training is a great boredom-killer. Since you’re constantly adjusting speeds, working so hard, and then relaxing, the sessions will pass by without you even realizing it. For example, cycling, jump rope, kettlebells, TRX, and sprint exercises can be turned into a great routine. The goal is that any exercise that utilizes the largest muscle groups in the body can provide beneficial effects, such as burning more calories and improving aerobic and anaerobic fitness.

Overall, you’ll be in and out of the gym in no time, plus you will find that you stick to your interval cardio workouts because they are more challenging and interesting. Since adherence is vital to the overall success of achieving a fitness goal, this is one thing that you don’t want to overlook.

Final Thoughts

So now you know everything you need to know about the benefits of interval cardio training. If you’re tired of not seeing the results from being on “cruise control” with your cardio program, consider taking the intensity up a notch and adding some intervals to the mix. You will not regret it!