Burst Training

As part of a nutrition program I am in, we were given information about a style of cardio workout called burst training. Essentially, the idea is that sustained, routine, lengthy cardio training doesn't do as much to build muscle and burn fat as it could.

That's where burst training comes in. Burst training calls for you to push yourself to the limit — or a little beyond — for a few short blasts with rest periods in between. The idea is to train in five to eight short bursts a few times per week. At first, the goal is to burst for 30 seconds, rest for a minute, and repeat five to eight times.

In reading it, I thought that doesn't seem so tough. Then I tried it in the pool. After about seven bursts, I was ready for a nap. The great thing about burst training is that, because your activate hormones in a different way, the work of building muscle and burning fat continues even after the training session is done.

I thought about that in terms of our lives, and you know what I think often the same thing is true. I know I'm prone to bouts of extreme productivity, followed by the need for rest periods. The same happens with ministry. You have incredible bursts of productivity and outreach, then quiet periods. But the hope is the work you put in during the burst continues even after the burst is over.

I think Easter is like that. It's a few frenetic days of preparation and activity. Then before you know it, the whole thing is over. While that frenetic burst may have passed, I know the seeds planted during that time are continuing to sprout.

To get another burst, check out the Oxygen series, beginning tomorrow.