The Interval Training Workout: Build Muscle and Burn Fat with Anaerobic Exercise [Paperback]

M.D. Joseph T. Nitti (Author), Kimberlie Nitti (Author), Carl Lewis (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 10, 2001

The Interval Training Workout, cowritten by a doctor and a certified trainer, shows how interval training can be done practically anywhere and benefit anyone who wants to get healthy. The training has three key components:·Interval training workoutswith brief repetitions of intense exercise alternating with intervals of rest; (extended) workouts: longer weekly sessions which allow certain biochemical and muscular adaptations that improve fitness and burn fat; and·active rest days: steady, comfortably paced exercises that help the body rest and recover while still burning calories. The book also offers specific customizable programs for training and tips for assessing performance and tracking progress.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Hunter House; 1 edition (May 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897933273
• ISBN-13: 978-0897933278
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #276,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #33 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Aerobics

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

90 of 92 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but limited., July 19, 2004

By 

Anthony "mrwhy" (San Gabriel Valley, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Interval Training Workout: Build Muscle and Burn Fat with Anaerobic Exercise (Paperback)

This book discusses interval training and is a good starting point for anyone who is new to the concept. However it is basic, and unless you have no idea what is meant by "interval training" then you will not learn anything new. At its heart the message is, go really fast for a minute, then slow down for two minutes, repeat until done.

The most glaring problem is that the book only talks about interval training as manifested in the traditional cardio sports (running, swimming, cycling, etc.) It does not talk about ways to incorporate interval concepts into your strength training routines, and even worse does not adequately talk about how to incorporate your strength training with the interval program recommended.

I think this book is most useful for the type of people who "just run" (or just "whatever") at a steady pace for a predertmined time and have no plans to lift weights. However, if you are looking for a more holistic program that will cover more aspects of fitness, then I would suggest searching further.

36 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional personal fitness program., May 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Interval Training Workout: Build Muscle and Burn Fat with Anaerobic Exercise (Paperback)

This book is like having my own personal trainer. As someone who exercises to stay in shape and manage my weight, my biggest problem has been a lack of an effective, step by step plan that I can use in the limited time I have to workout. The authors have distilled a very scientific, elite level exercise concept down to the point that a normal person like myself can use it easily and effectively in as little as 30 minutes 3-4 times a week. I have always had the motivation, but now I have the plan!

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good general introductory approach to conditioning based on intervals, January 15, 2006

By 

Todd I. Stark "Cellular Wetware plus Books" (Philadelphia, Pa USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Interval Training Workout: Build Muscle and Burn Fat with Anaerobic Exercise (Paperback)

Interval Training (IT) is systemic conditioning based on low intensity activity punctuated with bursts of high intensity activity. IT has an advantage over "aerobics" done at constant pace because the high intensity phase triggers growth hormone and other effects that are never quite achieved by extended low intensity training. This means that you can achieve benefits beyond those of aerobic training for athletes and also for weight control and general fitness. IT does not neccessarily replace low intensity training entirely, nor does it replace more specialized strength or flexibility work where needed. It is a concept with its own niche in physical training.

This book introduces the concept of IT and gives examples of how to set up a conditioning program for yourself with IT at the core. There is a lot of practical advice here for the novice and for those who have only a passing knowledge of physical conditioning. Those with moderate knowledge of conditioning including interval techniques will find most of this to be review or variations of ideas they alreay use. Trainers and those who use formal interval techniques already will probably not get much out of this, and should instead look to more advanced, more technical, or more specialized books.

An excellent practical introduction to interval based fitness.