What is interval training?

An interesting question, as interval training means different things to different people. The following article should (hopefully) provide you with a solid understanding of the science and art of interval training.

This article is divided into five parts for easier reading (click on the links):

  • Part One: Background
    • Introduction
    • Aim
    • History of interval training
  • Part Two: Exercise Methodology
    • Introduction
    • What is Continuous Training?
    • What is Repetition Training?
    • What is interval training?
    • The Training Principles
    • Determining your Correct Interval Training Pace.
    • The Recovery Period
    • Why Interval Training
    • Rules of Effective Interval Training
    • Seeing What Happens to the Amount of Oxygen you Consume
    • Ventilatory Threshold
    • Frequency of Interval Training
  • Part Three: Variations and Types of Interval Training
    • Introduction
    • ‘Old’ Interval Training
    • ‘New’ Interval Training
    •  The Fartlek Method
    • The Tabata Method
    • High-Intensity Interval Training
    • The Wingate Anaerobic Test
    • The Timmons Method
    • The Copenhagen Method
    • The Paarlauf Method
    • Interval-Circuit Training
    • Interval Training Variations
    • Who Uses Interval Training?
    • Interval Training in the Military
  • Part Four: Advantages and Disadvantages of Interval Training
    • Introduction
    • Advantages of Interval Training
    • Disadvantages of Interval Training
    • Points to Consider When Planning an Interval Session
    • Points to Consider When Conducting an Interval Session
    • Points to Consider After Interval Training
    • Safety Factors
  • Part Five: Miscellaneous
    • Summary
    • Useful Books, Magazines and Journals
    • Useful Links
    • References