Is your cardio routine becoming too routine?

If you typically park yourself on a treadmill, bike or other piece of equipment and put in your time at a moderate pace, you've probably reached a fitness plateau. Getting past the plateau is tricky. Even if you push yourself harder, going faster or staying on a few minutes longer, you're not going to see dramatic results. This is because when you perform "steady state" aerobic exercise, your body makes adaptations that make it more efficient. In other words, even with the added challenge, you're not working as hard as you think you are.

There is a way, however, to take your progress to the next level without altering your entire workout. The key is interval training ‑- alternating short, intense bursts of exercise with recovery periods at an easier pace. During the intense intervals, you'll be using the anaerobic system, burning the energy stored in your muscles (glycogen) to fuel the short burst of activity. During the recovery intervals, the aerobic system predominates, and you'll be using oxygen to convert stored carbohydrates into energy.

Cycling between these two energy systems leads to improved cardiovascular health and more effective weight control. Because you'll be working at a higher intensity than usual, you'll be burning more calories. And by using recovery intervals, you can burn the fat without burning yourself out.