Define interval training.

Interval training refers to a specific exercise method characterized by alternating periods of high-intensity exercise with lower-intensity activities or rest. This approach is designed to boost cardiovascular fitness and improve overall athletic performance by challenging the body to adapt to varying effort levels.

During high-intensity phases, the body works at a significantly elevated effort, which can enhance endurance, speed, and metabolic rate. The subsequent lower-intensity periods allow for recovery, making it possible to sustain higher levels of exertion overall compared to steady-state training. This dynamic structure can lead to significant improvements in aerobic and anaerobic conditioning, making interval training a popular choice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts for its efficiency and effectiveness.

In contrast, other training methods like steady-state training do not incorporate this strategic alternation; instead, they focus on maintaining a consistent effort level. Options that limit the type of exercises or intensities involved, such as only performing strength training at high intensity or avoiding cardiovascular exercises altogether, do not align with the principles of interval training, which emphasizes a blend of different intensities and exercise types for comprehensive fitness development.