Interval training is an important ingredient in
increasing
athletic performance. It is recommended
for
swimmers,
runners,
skaters, and
cyclists,
and I assume it is valuable to most other
athletes.
Interval training consists of short periods of
intense
training separated by short
recovery periods.
These bursts of activity, at full exertion, force your
body to utilize its anaerobic system to produce energy.
As activity becomes so intense that the normal aerobic
system does not have enough oxygen to produce the necessary
energy, the anaerobic system kicks in. However, the
anaerobic system burns carbohydrates and cannot produce
energy for very long periods of time. Interval training
increases the amount of time your anaerobic system can be
productive, and also increases your VO2 max (maximum oxygen
uptake capacity).
c.f. fartlek training