Interval training involves varying the intensity of your exercise between high and low in order to burn the most calories.
You spend 30-60 seconds exercising at a high intensity level, and then a further 30-60 seconds exercising at a low intensity level.
This is repeated for a period of around 20-30 minutes, thus completing one session of interval training. However, one of the questions that people wonder is ‘How hard should I push myself during an interval training session?’
How Much Is Too Much?
It’s important to push yourself and work at a high intensity when necessary – and this is a key part of interval training. But you shouldn’t push yourself so hard that you end up doing yourself an injury or feeling like you’re going to pass out as a result of such intense levels of exercise.
Free Report: 6 of the Best Exercises for Fat LossWarming Up
The first thing you should do before starting any exercise session is to warm up. If you start your interval training without warming up beforehand, you will find that not only it is very difficult to do, but you’ll struggle to reach your full potential.
Small Steps
You shouldn’t start interval training thinking that you have to exercise like crazy for a full minute and reach levels which are way outside of your comfort zone. You should try to exercise at a level so that you feel like you really need to stop after the period of time has ended.
For example, if you’re going to exercise at a high intensity for 30 seconds, you should feel like you need to stop when you get to 25-28 seconds. If you’re feeling like you could easily keep on going, this is the key that you’re not working hard enough during this period of time.
Increase The Intensity Over Time
If you feel like you’re running out of breath very early on and you can’t even manage the time that you’ve set for yourself, drop the intensity down a level or work out at that intensity but for a shorter space of time. Once you’re more comfortable with this level of exercise, you can then increase the intensity over time.
Cater the Workout to Suit You
You shouldn’t be doing exactly the same workout as your friends if you can’t manage it or you feel like they are holding you back. Each workout should be tailored to you and your individual goals and abilities, and sometimes you might need to vary this from one day to the next. It’s always about you as an individual and what you can handle and achieve.
Free Report: 6 Best Exercises for Interval Training
Interval training is an excellent way to lose fat and start getting fit. At first, your work sets will be shorter and your rest sets will be longer, but that will change as you improve your fitness level. Take your time, explore different exercises, and have fun with your new workout method. To learn more about the best exercises to use for your interval training session, download my free report 6 of The Best Types of Exercise for Interval Training.
