Introduction to Interval Training

Written on December 11, 2023 - 10:24 pm | by admin

I am writing about interval training because enough people have written to me asking about how to combine Pilates and cardio that I thought we should look into the issue here. So far, I haven’t been very impressed with the Pilates combined cardio solutions that I’ve seen, on DVDs for example. I mean, running in place for a minute or two before doing Pilates might help get your heart rate up, but a cardio workout it’s not - even if you add flapping your arms about here and there.

My solution is to keep Pilates and cardio work separate. There is plenty to focus on in Pilates as it is, and going between lying down for Pilates and standing to run, walk, spin and the like is just asking for a dizzy spell. The thing is, Pilates is such a great workout, and so endlessly fascinating, that it can be hard to make time for cardio workouts. That’s why I’ve become interested in interval training as a cardio cross training option.

Interval training, sometimes called high intensity interval training (HIIT) or burst training, is a type of cardio workout where moderate level activity is interspersed with short bursts of high intensity exercise. It is said to be very effective. And what I like is that it interval training is proving to be effective in a short amount of time - as little as 15 minutes. Plus, studies are showing that interval training is great fat burner. So, I get a workout that is said to be especially good at burning fat, and I get the all the cardiovascular benefits of a regular style aerobic workout, but faster, so I get more time for my true love: Pilates. Sounds good to me.

I know not everyone here is here looking to add anything beyond Pilates to their fitness schedule (I think that’s fine). But for those who have had it in mind to get more aerobic work somewhere in their fitness plan, interval training is an option that is good to be aware of. I’ve recently written an introduction to interval training. Read: Interval Training, with notes on cross training with Pilates.

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