Due to COVID-19 and the limited number of group fitness options available, many of us have added solo cardio activities in the form of at home or online workouts to our fitness regimens. Walking, running on a treadmill and even outdoor biking done repeatedly can become routine and uninspiring.

Adding interest to boring cardio is as easy as adding intervals! Interval training is simply adding alternating bursts of more intense activity with intervals of less intense activity (recovery). For instance, if your exercise is walking, you might incorporate short bursts of speed walking into your regular walks. If you're in good shape, add bursts of jogging into your workout. Runners can always add sprints, and elliptical users can add speed or resistance bursts. As with any new fitness activity make sure you start slowly. For example: walk 2 minutes/run 2 minutes.  

Once you’re recovering faster you can start increasing your work time, decreasing your recovery time or adding more intervals to your workout.  Not only does adding intervals make your workouts more interesting, it also helps build endurance and burns more calories.

Downloading an interval app makes it easy to keep track of your intervals. These apps are readily available and allow you to set high intensity periods, low intensity periods and repeat for as many times as your workout requires. Set it up once, and then you're ready to go every time! Or consider using a Myzone Activity Belt to improve and track your interval training. Check out the Myzone Wearable Technology Blog. 

 The best form of exercise is one you enjoy and can do regularly. Adding intervals can help you focus on a routine you like enough to do on a consistent basis.