Gulfshore Life Question & Answer

Our very own Kevin Chiddister was asked to answer a fitness question in the latest edition of Gulfshore Life!!!
I want to increase my cardio exercise, but every time I try running or a related routine, I end up sore and out of breath. Any tips to keep the momentum going?
If the goal is to increase cardiovascular efficiency while reducing soreness, building in two or three days of interval training is the most effective way to do so. Interval training is built upon alternating short, high-intensity bursts with slower recovery phases throughout a single workout. The high-intensity bursts are typically anaerobic (like sprints or jumping rope) while the recovery phase involves activity of lower intensity (such as light walking). Interval training provides the benefits of longer-duration exercise in a much shorter amount of time. The benefits include, but are not limited to, an increase in oxygen consumption, increased tolerance to the build-up of lactic acid, reduction of injuries associated with repetitive overuse and the ability to increase intensity without overtraining. Before you start a new exercise, complete a wellness assessment to identify potential areas of injury and reasonable starting points for recommended intensities and volumes of exercise.