Training Widget

Saturday, January 19, 2008

4-3-2-1 (Interval run)

You've heard it from me before - interval training is one of the best ways to burn fat and lose weight fast. This routine keeps things fun by counting down while progressively getting faster and faster. Begining runners, take it easy and aim for one time through, and when you're ready try for 2 cycles. Get ready to sweat!

Muscles worked: All (Cardio)
Time to complete: 14 (begining), 26 minutes (Intermediate), 38 minutes (Advanced)
You will need: Treadmill
  1. For 2 minutes: Warm up by walking at a moderate pace (3.0-4.0 treadmill speed)
  2. For 4 minutes: Jog at a moderate pace (70% MHR; about 6.0-6.5 on treadmill)
  3. For 3 minutes: Run at a fast pace (80% MHR; about 7.0-7.5 on treadmill)
  4. For 2 minutes: Run faster (85-90% MHR; about 8.0-8.5 on treadmill)
  5. For 1 minute: Run at your fastest pace (90-95%+ MHR; about 9.0-9.5 treadmill)
  6. For 2 minutes: Cool down by walking at a moderate pace (3.0-4.0 treadmill speed)
  7. Intermediate runners: Repeat from step #2 one or two more times, Advanced runners let me see you do it 3 full times.

*MHR = Maximum Heart Rate. See a basic calculation at: http://www.bodyforlife2.com/max_heart_rate.htm

2 comments:

  1. Been a runner for 4 years. Have done lots of interval training. Your suggestion of 8.0 to 9.5 would have me falling off the treadmill. Best if each finds their own pace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha! I was just thinking the same thing. No way I could stay on a treadmill set to 8.0 - 9.5!! The images....

      Delete

Follow my daily workouts on Twitter!

Follow my daily workouts on Twitter!
@thegymcoach