What is the purpose of using interval training in a class setting?

Using interval training in a class setting primarily serves to enhance fitness levels by challenging various physiological systems. This type of training alternates between high-intensity bursts and periods of lower intensity or rest, which effectively promotes improvements in cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, speed, and metabolic function. By incorporating intervals, participants are pushed beyond their regular exertion levels, leading to adaptations that improve overall fitness.

Additionally, interval training can stimulate greater calorie burn during and after workouts due to the higher intensity of effort involved. This afterburn effect, known scientifically as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), further boosts metabolic rate and contributes to enhanced fitness outcomes. Thus, the strategic design of interval training sessions maximizes the efficiency and effectiveness of workouts in a group setting.