One of our EP Coaches & Massage Therapist’s Paul has written his first Blog, and we think it’s pretty good! Have a read and let us know what you think….
Whilst planning my ENERGISED bootcamp for a sunny Tuesday evening on the downs I found myself preparing another ‘fartlek’ session! Just as chance would have it, my last three bootcamp sessions have all fallen on a day where this fartlek training day has been requested! (I even find out I’ve acquired a temporary nickname, ‘FARTY Paul!’)
So it got me thinking, I wonder if everyone doing these sessions knew why we put them through this form of training for their bootcamp sessions. So what better subject to write my first blog as an Energised Coach!
First off, what is Fartlek training? The word fartlek is the Swedish term for ‘speed play’ and is simply a form of training where a persons speed or intensity is increased or decreased at will. It is a little less structured than interval training (another favourite at bootcamps!) Fartlek training alternates between short, high intensity bursts of speed with slower, recovery phases throughout the workout. Both the aerobic and the anaerobic system are used in this form of training. During the high intensity phase the anaerobic system uses glycogen stores in the muscles for energy, lactic acid is produced and your body enters oxygen debt. The body then works to “pay back” this oxygen debt and begins to break down the lactic acid. This is the time where your body is breaking down carbohydrate stores to replenish those energy stores!
Anyway, enough of the science I’m sure you want to know what benefit is all this to me!
1. Burns More Calories! Studies have shown that short bursts of high intensity exercise burns more calories than continuous steady pace exercise (jogging)! More total calories burnt, the more fat calories you will burn!
2. Well Rounded Workout! Steady exercise only improves aerobic fitness, fartlek workouts work both aerobic and anaerobic systems which are used in everyday activities and nearly all sporting activities. Even the runners amongst you will use the anaerobic system for that sprint finish at the end of your Half Marathon!
3. More Fun!? Ok, I’m speaking from personal experience here! But I’m sure most of you would agree that this form of exercise is more enjoyable than being on a X-trainer for an hour or slugging it out on a treadmill for 10 miles!
4. Helps Prevent Injury! Continuous impact exercise, especially road running can cause significant stress on your joints, muscles and bones. Shorter distances travelled can give your bodies that much needed rest.
Break Your Plateau! A lot of people keep to the same training programme for months and even years. In this time your body adapts to the type of training you are doing and after a while you will reach a plateau. Changing up your programme will help you raise your performances above this and help in all aspects of your fitness goals in the future.
To join us at Energised Bootcamps in Bristol or book a session with Paul just get in touch!