Interval Training

Former Member
Former Member
Just went for a yearly checkup. The doctor was pleased that I was continuing to regularly swim. He did suggest, however, "interval training". Apparently this is something where you swim at a normal pace and then go all out for a lap or two and then back down to a normal pace. The thought is that your body/physiology gets accustomed to your usual pace and doesn't burn as many calories per hour of exercise.(especially as you lose weight). This is a way to "trick" the body into a heightened metabolic state. He then said a half hour of this type of training can often be as effective as a full hour of a usual workout. Anybody heard of this or do it? Sorry if this has been covered before. Thanks. AJD
  • This is what most USAS/USMS coached work outs are. Sets with varied intensity shorter swims on intervals rather than one huge slow swim. Check out the workouts section of this message board for ideas.
  • Hey ajdawg ... what you describe in your post is "fartlek" training. That is varying speed within a specified distance, it could have or not have a regular recurring pattern. I think its a Swedish term. Used it a lot when I ran back in the 70's and will still use it on long practice swims now. both interval and fartlek will help. good luck
  • Interval training really means doing sets rather than just getting in and swimming continuously like many people do during lap swims in contrast to competitive training. I agree that what you described would more properly be called fartlek training. If you aren't currently doing interval training you should check out the "workouts" section here.
  • What makes intervals so fun, however (10 x 50 on :50) is when you are required to pyramid (fastest 2 in the middle) or descend (each one faster than the prior) the set. Makes for some interesting mind games when done in a crowded lane with teammates!