How does interval training benefit calorie burning?

Interval training benefits calorie burning primarily by increasing overall heart rate. This training method involves alternating between short bursts of high-intensity exercise and periods of lower-intensity recovery or rest. When the body experiences these high-intensity bursts, it requires more energy, which elevates the heart rate significantly.

This elevated heart rate results in a higher caloric expenditure both during the workout and afterward, as the body continues to burn calories during the recovery phase. This effect is often referred to as the "afterburn" effect or excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), where the body continues to require additional oxygen and energy to recover from the intense efforts of the workout. Therefore, by maximizing heart rate fluctuations through interval training, individuals can achieve improved calorie burning efficiency compared to traditional steady-state exercises.