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I've had excellent results from interval training. For one thing, I thinks it's more fun than plodding along at a slow pace for a long time. Doing a mixture of different types of cardio helps too. Some days long slow stuff, other days intervals. I mix up the intervals too. Take the treadmill for instance. One day my intervals might be alternating steep hills with flat sections, but all the while, I'm jogging at the same speed. Other times I alternate between sprints and jogs (my favorite interval workout).
From what I've read on interval training, it is true that WHILE you're doing interval-type cardio, you're burning a lower percentage of fat, BUT your metabolism stays higher for a longer period and you end up burning MORE calories overall. As to whether interval training is catabolic, I've read that the intense outbursts during interval training results in release of growth hormone, which is anti-catabolic. That's about my limit on the scientific angle, all I know is I like doing it and I REALLY like the results.
From what I've read on interval training, it is true that WHILE you're doing interval-type cardio, you're burning a lower percentage of fat, BUT your metabolism stays higher for a longer period and you end up burning MORE calories overall. As to whether interval training is catabolic, I've read that the intense outbursts during interval training results in release of growth hormone, which is anti-catabolic. That's about my limit on the scientific angle, all I know is I like doing it and I REALLY like the results.
