Fitness Training Technique
OK all you distance folks, time to educate the non-distance folks. Today we'll touch on a training technique known as Fartlek.
According to Dictionary.com, Fartlek is: –noun: A training technique, used esp. among runners, consisting of bursts of intense effort loosely alternating with less strenuous activity.
The theory of this kind of workout, at least my theory (*grin*) is to give your body a "shock-wave" in the middle of the workout. What this does is, among other things, make your heart stronger. Think about it, you're going along at your own pace, whatever that means to you, and your body and your heart are doing just fine. You then give a burst of intense effort for about 30-60 seconds and WHAM! You totally shock the body and heart. (Oh, there is no set time, it all depends on what kind of workout you're doing)
They are saying "what the heck was that?" and work a bit harder to counter that burst. So what does this do for your training?
You may have to wrap your head around this concept, especially the way I'm presenting it, but eventually you'll understand. What it does is train your body and heart to EXPECT these little bursts. After doing it for a while, your body and heart will get used to that intense burst, which makes them stronger, which will give you the ability to do it again, even harder! Can you see how this will make your body and heart stronger? Which means you should be getting fitter and fitter.
If you've never done this kind of workout before, the first few times you do it you'll feel like you can't go anymore. No worries, just keep doing what you can and it will all work out in the long run. More tips to come!
June 5, 2010
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