Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Workout Intensity


I've blogged before about the inverse relationship between how hard you can work out and how long. If you want to get the most done in the shortest amount of time, you need to ratchet up the intensity. The upsides include having more time available for other things and making very effective use of the time you spend exercising. The drawbacks are that it's less comfortable and you have to build up a solid foundation before training at a high level of intensity.

Probably the most important caveat is that you need to be vigilant about executing with pristine form to avoid a higher risk of injury. But the main selling point is equally compelling: Shorter, higher intensity workouts allow you to hit performance peaks that longer, less strenuous workouts cannot produce. This is a great recipe for transcending sticking points.


Whenever intensifying your effort level in exercise, check with your doctor to make sure you're in good enough general health to tolerate it.


Then go for it!


--------------------------------------------------------------------


"Jubilance knows, and Longing acquiesces. Only Lament is learning still, nymph of the weeping spring."

- Rilke, Sonnets to Orpheus

No comments:

Post a Comment