An alternative way to work out, that was originally developed for professional athletes, is known as fitness interval training and consists, in simple terms, of intense exercise periods followed by periods of low intensity or rest.

Interval training is the best method to allow the body to build new capillaries leading to an increased ability to deliver the necessary oxygen to strengthen muscles, including the heart muscle .

Exercising the muscles in this way leads to a strengthening of the cardiovascular system and high performance.

Another benefit is the increased resistance to injury that can be obtained, not easily though, with repetitive and uninterrupted exercises, lowering the risk of overstraining or exercise burn out.

The training work out must be a continuous process and the major purpose is not to abandon it but to be incorporated with an interval training routine as both have very positive aids to fitness and general health.

The same precautions should be taken for developing an interval training program as for a continuous exercise routine.

If you are a beginner in this form of exercise, it is best to seek for professional help, which you can probably find at your local gym.

It is easy to overstep the mark by giving yourself to intensive a schedule to start with. So if you think to do it yourself try to take it easy and try to pay enough attention to the following safety precautions:

Always warm up before starting your exercise routine. When starting interval training, try to do it cautiously. For example, you should first take a fast 3-minute walk followed by 3 minutes at gentle walking pace. The process must be repeated. You should aim to increase your heart rate during the intensive activity period and to bring it down to normal in the rest interval. Develop your periods of intense exercise cautiously over a period. increasing The duration for these periods should increase and should be followed by intensity in gradual steps. Work on building the number of repetitions as you develop your interval training work out. It is important to remember to set your interval training goals within your abilities and comfort zone. You will soon feel that your increasing resistance and stamina will allow you to set higher and higher goals. If you are at the beginning, you should know that the intervals between intense exercise and rest must be between two and five minutes; any longer should be left to high performance athletes who enjoy qualified professional advice.

It is well to know also that interval fitness training can do wonders on reducing overweight. This happens due to the fact that the increased blood supply to the body is an important factor in burning off unnecessary fat while the muscles strengthen.

So for a trim, sleek, fit and toned body, think interval training.

We recommend that you seek advice from a qualified fitness trainer before developing an interval training program.