Interval Training
1/31/2008
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If you're anything like me, you probably hate cardio training. Unfortunately, it's a necessary evil if you are planning on overall fitness and health improvements. A nice training routine I've found that works very well and isn't as boring as running for miles and miles is Interval Training.
Interval Training first made it's appearance with the "Fartlek" method. "Fartlek" involved alternating short, fast bursts of speed with long slow, easy "recoveries." By now Interval Training has turned into a highly advanced form of exercise used by elite athletes. Trainers and coaches have developed highly sophisticated programs for their athletes based on specific physiological statistics.
Scientifically, interval training works both your aerobic (with oxygen) and anaerobic (without oxygen) energy systems. During the high speed anaerobic training period, your body taps into the stored energy (glycogen) in the muscles which produces lactic acid as well as the associ... read more
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interval training
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Circuit Training
1/21/2008
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As promised, I'm continuing my exploration of workout techniques. Some of these techniques, such as HIT (High Intensity Training) or Circuit Training are very quick and efficient models to follow. You can get an amazing workout in a very short amount of time!
Circuit training was popularized by a small fitness company called Curves, maybe you've heard of them:) Anyways, they took the concept and ran with it for their facilities. Now the idea is right, but I wouldn't exactly agree on the execution of the model. A study conducted by the American Council on Exercise a couple years ago discovered that a 30 minute Circuit routine at Curves is the equivalent to a 30 minute walk. Not very convincing, I know. Their concept is great though! They have been able to get women into working out just by taking out the intimidation factor to a gym. Many of my clients are former members of Curves who are looking for that next step, now that they have become addicted to workouts like you ... read more
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strength training, weight training, circuit
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HIT Method Strength Training
1/20/2008
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Over the next couple weeks, I'm going to lay out a few different training programs I've discovered and used with some of my clients. Many of these programs work, but not each is not for everybody, so try each one carefully!
First, one of my favorites is the HIT (High Intensity Training) method! This is an amazing program and totally contradicts a traditional heavy weight program, and it works great! HIT has simple rules to follow:
-Every exercise is done in 1 set of 8-12 repetitions.
-Each repetition is 3 seconds up, 1 second hold, 3 seconds down, 1 second hold, and repeat.
-Exercises shouldn't last for more than 90 seconds, meaning you should be able to get to 8-12 repetitions within that time frame. Trust me, once your set is done, you won't want anymore to do with that exercise.
-Without breaking go directly into the next exercise and follow the same procedure. You should work on a push/pull pattern (for example: bench press then seated rows). Yo... read more
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hit, strength training, weight training
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