|
|
Fartlek training
Though runners have known of it for years, fartlek training is only now beginning to become more popular with the general public.
Originally developed in the 1930's by Swedish coach G?sta Holm?r, fartlek training is a form of cardio conditioning which stresses both the aerobic and anaerobic. This is because both the intensity and speed of the exercise varies constantly, allowing you to stress both systems in the same workout.
A typical fartlek training session might look like this:-
Warm up - easy running for 10 minutes.
- Steady, fast pace for up to a mile.
- Easy jog for 5 minutes - recovery.
- Easy running alternated with sprints of about 50 - 100 yards - use natural markers such as street lights as guideposts.
- Cool down.
This is not designed to be a long session - typically about 45 minutes is sufficient. This is, however, a very efficient form of working out, and makes an excellent element in almost any conditioning program.
For the beginner to hard cardio workouts, this is much easier that traditional interval sessions, while for the more experienced athlete, preparing for a race perhaps, adding these sessions into the mix will improve overall conditioning.
The beauty of it is that there is no right and wrong way to do it. As long as you warm up and cool down, any mix of speed and rest will yield benefits. So lace up those running shoes, it's time to go play!
|
|
