If you have taken Cardio Align, you have probably seen that little orange timer that your instructor clings to like a precious gem. There is a good reason for that; our cardiovascular interval sequencing is specifically designed to ensure that you get the most effective workout during your 45-minute sweat session. Why is interval training better than traditional endurance cardiovascular training?
Interval training is more efficient than traditional cardiovascular training. A study in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that a small group of both fit and sedentary men and women doubled their cardiovascular endurance after only two weeks of interval training. The control group saw no improvement. It gets better… This study also showed that after interval training, the amount of fat burned in an hour of moderate cardiovascular exercise increased by 36% and the heart and lungs’ ability to provide oxygen to the body increased by 13%. The interval training design used in our Cardio Align class will help maximize the physiological benefits of your workout.
You burn more calories and boost your metabolism. This is due to a physiological phenomenon called Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption, or EPOC. When you work at a high intensity, your body uses more oxygen than it can take in and that creates an oxygen deficit. That means that your body is burning extra calories (6 – 15% more according to the American College of Sports Medicine) to replenish its oxygen reserves while you are sipping your Peets latte after class. The EPOC window is usually about two hours long, but can continue for up to 48 hours after class!
Interval training keeps your mind active. Anyone who has spent time on a treadmill knows how excruciatingly boring cardiovascular workouts can be. At Alkalign, we want to make sure that both your body and mind are active in every class. Interval training not only challenges body, but the quick transitions and exercise variety in our Cardio Align format are designed to keep you engaged and focused and to make the 45 minutes fly by.
Sources:
Jaret. P. A Healthy Mix of Rest and Motion, New York Times, May 3, 2007
HIIT Workout: What It Is And Why It WorksAmerican College of Sports Medicine High Intensity Interval Training
