Promising research shows this training approach to be as effective as continuous aerobic exercise for producing healthy outcomes sometimes even more so
Are your participants short on time? Recommend a quick, low-impact run in the pool to squeeze out the health benefits of higher-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Interval training alternates bursts of high energy with low-energy recovery cycles. Research suggests this kind of approach offers a viable, shorter alternative to higher volume, continuous aerobic exercise. Depending on a person’s fit- ness level and objective, the intermittent work and recovery bouts in HIIT may last seconds to minutes. Pool training provides opportunities to gear up, or down, intensity on demand by capturing water’s natural resistance. And a simple walk, jog or run can be performed with vigor in cool liquid comfort.
Let’s examine some of the growing body of evidence that identifies land based HIIT as an effective alternative or in some cases a better choice for healthy outcomes. The accompanying sidebar provides shallow-water interval sets so participants can take HIIT to the pool (see “Hot & Cool Runnin’ Water Workout” on pages 70–73).