The Healthy Performer (6) (Practicals)

Interval Training

Interval training is physical training consisting of alternative periods of high-intensity and low-intensity training. These periods are split up by rest/relief periods. Some experts believe that aerobic interval training is beneficial as it allows you to burn more calories in a shorter period of time. Moreover, due to the short breaks and that the difficulty level changes makes the whole style of exercise seem less monotonous. Interval training allows the heart to work at its CV rate, though the periods of rest are long enough for the heart rate to drop down to its fat-burning rate, but not long enough to drop down to resting heart rate (thus meaning that you are getting physically fitter as well as burning a lot of calories).

Circuit Training
Circuit training is a form of resistance training involving only high-intensity aerobics. One "circuit" is one full completion of all of the activities in the programme. Unlike interval training, there are no rest periods between exercises, and instead you must move from exercise to exercise as quickly as possible. Circuits can either be specific, working in one area (e.g. core, legs or upper body), or they can be broad and work on various parts of the body. The first circuit we did in this lesson consisted on pads and gloves work (for 3 minutes then swap with your partner), squats (3 minutes), step ups (3 minutes), skipping (6 minutes). The second circuit we did focussed on our core: leg raises (1 minute), ball pass sit-ups (2 minutes), ab twists (2 minutes). I personally prefer interval training than circuit training, as we get to have short breaks during interval training (but we still get physical benefits during this break as our heart rate is at its fat-burning level) and therefore it seems less difficult and monotonous. However, due to the lack of breaks in circuit training, I feel like I get more out of the training (although this is not necessarily the case).