Intervals are common place in the training plans of the vast majority of athletes, irrespective of sport type. An interval session is simply one in which a work period (usually higher intensity) is interspersed with a rest period (allowing recovery). When training is done in this manner it typically allows for a greater total workload than would be achievable through continuous exercise.

 

Within endurance sport, the dominant energy system is the aerobic one and so the primary goals of interval sessions include improving aerobic capacity and power. Anaerobic workloads are less commonly prescribed, can also be useful but won’t be discussed here. When athletes look at interval workouts they typically fixate on the work periods and how hard or easy they are likely to be. In this short blog I’d like to be an advocate for the importance of the RECOVERY PERIOD!