What is interval training?  To start with, we have to understand what is going on inside of our bodies as we exercise.  When we move our bodies, we have to systems working inside of us to produce energy.  One is called "aerobic," and the other "anaerobic."  Basically, the two terms refer to either the presence or absence of oxygen. Aerobic - WITH OXYGEN and Aerobic WITHOUT.

During aerobic exercise, energy is fueled by oxygen but during anaerobic exercise (high intensity), muscle cells must rely on other reactions that require no oxygen to fuel energy.
When you first begin to exercise (walk, jog, bike, etc), glycogen in your body turns into glucose. If glucose in your body becomes low, your body begins to use fat as fuel. You know that feeling that some call the "runners high" where you feel like you can breathe better and just feel RAWR - here's why.  Once the body shifts over to use oxygen for energy fuel, your brain releases endorphins which are called the "feel-good" hormones. Whoever you are - if you've spent time exercising regularly, you will agree that your mood is BETTER.  So with this type of exercise, you gradually get your heart rate up and you keep it up over the course of your exercise.  IE: You start jogging and you jog at the same rate over the next thirty minutes, then slowly bring the heart rate down before you stop.

Unlike aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise needs no oxygen to fuel energy.  Instead of using oxygen, your muscles use only glycogen (the first part of the process noted above) for their power.  Glycogen comes from blood sugar, which comes from the liver and the liver made it from amino acids and carbohydrates. (The best sources for these amino acids and carbohydrates, of course, are PUTTING HEALTHY FOOD IN YOUR MOUTH.)

Anaerobic exercise doesn't require large amounts of oxygen because the activity itself is brief and intense.  With all this said, you are bringing your heart rate up in "spikes" - so say you're walking fast getting that ticker going then you sprint for 20-30 seconds and spike that heart rate up then stop and walk fast again.  It's almost like you're "pulsing" your heart rate.

We need both aerobic and anaerobic exercise for primo health. Aerobic exercise is good for your body because it gives you overall toning and strengthens your cardiovascular system. This alone can lower your blood pressure and improve your body's circulation. It's going to make your heart stronger by boosting its pumping efficiency and lowers your resting heart rate.  It reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease and will increase your red blood cell count, which means oxygen gets carried through your body like a well-oiled maCHINE!  That's good stuff!

Anaerobic exercise helps keep muscles fit and strong (especially as we get older and use our muscles less) and it can give us stronger bones.  Raise your hand if you DON'T want to  break a hip!  Anaerobic will improve our speed and generally give us more "power" and "umph" in daily activities like taking stairs or walking up a hill.  Is this stuff exciting you like it is me??

Interval training is maximum cardiovascular exercise. All the results from your cardio (no matter if you are walking, jogging, biking whatever!) will be brought to a whole 'notha level by doing interval training once a week. The benefits are huge - your heart rate slows, you use oxygen more efficiently, you get faster, and you feel great from all those endorphins flying around in your bloodstream.

Raise your hand if you want to be able to keep up with your toddlers, teenagers or even your grandchildren.  This is the way!  There is no shortcut.  There is no pill.  Anything worth anything, takes a commitment and hard work, but MAN IS THE PAYOFF WORTH IT!  We get to live longer and be happier living it!