High Intensity Training is a type of physical activity that consists of alternated periods of high and low intensity exercise. It’s based upon the idea that your body will eventually start to get used to cardio exercise if it’s always done at the same speed. In order to get a more effective workout, you must up your intensity and really push yourself. One of the most appealing aspects of interval training is that because each workout session is performed at a much higher intensity, you’ll need to workout for a shorter period of time. Instead of spending an hour performing cardio, you will only need to spend 20-30 minutes (excluding the warm up and cool down).

Due to the intense nature of high intensity training it should only be performed 2-3 times per week. In addition, training sessions need to be spaced out more evenly. For example, perform high intensity interval training on Monday and Thursday or Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. These would be good choices because these schedules give your body an even amount of rest between workouts. It’s also extremely important for beginners to consult with their primary care practitioners and verify that they are in good enough shape to be able to handle workouts of an increased intensity. The take home message is that high intensity interval training will allow you to workout smarter, not longer.