Question

Briefly explain interval training.

Explain briefly what is meant by interval training.

Answer 1

A form of exercise known as interval training alternates sets of intense exercises with rest or recuperation intervals. To achieve the intended training responses, interval training programmes adjust the length of the rest periods as well as the intensity and duration of the work intervals. A thorough interval training programme typically consists of multiple brief, back-and-forth sessions of exercises at varying intensities. Building endurance is a benefit of this training. There are intervals of time between sessions of comparatively intense exercise. There is a period of incomplete recovery after each interval.

Answer 2

Interval training is a method used to develop both endurance and speed by varying intensity and workout volume. It was introduced by Woldemar Gerschler and Dr. Hans Reindell. The technique gets its name from the “interval,” or the resting period between intense exercise segments.

Gerschler and Reindell emphasised the importance of rest between high-effort repetitions. They believed the heart became stronger during these intervals. To protect the heart, they made sure that athletes only started the next round once their heart rate dropped back to 120 beats per minute. If the heart rate didn’t normalize within 90 seconds, the training session was considered too intense and needed to be adjusted to avoid exhaustion.

This training includes short bursts of high-intensity effort, followed by brief rest. There are different types of intervals depending on how long the exercise lasts:

• Short intervals: 45 to 60 seconds
• Medium intervals: 1 to 3 minutes
• Long intervals: 3 to 5 minutes

Resting periods are short. For short and medium intervals, the rest is around 60 to 90 seconds. For longer intervals, rest is about half the exercise time or until the heart rate returns to 120–130 bpm. Active rest, such as walking or light jogging, is recommended to help clear lactic acid from the muscles.