There are a lot of different training styles out there, almost as many as people on earth. Today I am taking a few minutes to break down the different training styles for you and tell you a little about each and how they can help your program.
Please note that I am only separating them by energy usage and recovery needed to perform the workouts. Today is not about which is better or worse, just what they are. Watch the video below.
Different Training Styles
Long Slow Distance
This is your typical aerobics or Zumba class, or jogging. Designed to keep you moving for very long periods of time with little rest. Typical workouts are about 60 minutes long. By nature you cannot go 100% in this style and be able to finish. You always have to hold back.
Interval Training
Intervals push you harder but also give you rest. Typical interval training will last anywhere form 1-3 minutes and give you a rest of 30-90 seconds. While you are pushing harder you still cannot hold back. Because of the higher energy demand and incomplete recovery these workouts typically last 20-30 minutes.
True Interval Training
These intervals push you to 100% performance. The trade off is complete recovery. Intervals will rarely last longer than 60 seconds with rest intervals commonly over 5 minutes. Due to the very high energy demands, these workouts typically last 20-30 minutes even with the complete recovery.
Take Away
- All 3 training styles are necessary for overall health and fitness
- Each training style acts as a recovery for the training style above it.
- Each training styles adds a performance boost to the style below it.
Cheryl Smethers says:
I have found that my aerobics and kettle bell classes compliment each other. I have increased performance in each because of learning more in the different areas.