Interval-Ladder: Reverse Pyramid

Graduate from short to long then revert back for balanced exertion.

Warm-Up

A gentle jog to prepare your body for the workout.

1 set
Jog

Start with a light jog to get the blood flowing and muscles warmed up.

Reverse Pyramid Intervals

Start with shorter intervals, increase to the longest and go back to short ones, intense effort with balanced recovery.

1 set
Fast Interval 1

Run fast for 1 minute.

Recovery 1

Jog or walk slowly for 1 minute.

Fast Interval 2

Run fast for 2 minutes.

Recovery 2

Jog or walk slowly for 2 minutes.

Fast Interval 3

Run fast for 3 minutes.

Recovery 3

Jog or walk slowly for 3 minutes.

Fast Interval 4

Run fast for 4 minutes.

Recovery 4

Jog or walk slowly for 4 minutes.

Fast Interval 5

Run fast for 3 minutes.

Recovery 5

Jog or walk slowly for 3 minutes.

Fast Interval 6

Run fast for 2 minutes.

Recovery 6

Jog or walk slowly for 2 minutes.

Fast Interval 7

Run fast for 1 minute.

Recovery 7

Jog or walk slowly for 1 minute.

Cool-Down

Easy-paced jog or walk to bring your heart rate down.

1 set
Jog or Walk

Gradually slow down with a gentle jog or walk to cool down.

What Can This Workout Do for You?

This Interval-Ladder Reverse Pyramid workout provides a highly effective method to enhance both speed and stamina. By graduating from shorter intervals to longer ones and then dipping back down, you introduce varied intensity and duration that condition your cardiovascular system thoroughly, improving your running efficiency. Additionally, this workout aids in boosting mental toughness, as managing variable-exertion intervals requires focus and persistence to complete.

With a structure that begins with high-intensity, shifting to endurance, and returning to high-intensity, this session reduces the monotony and keeps your body engaged throughout. It challenges the runner's physiological capabilities across different exertion levels, promoting better adaptation and recovery between efforts, crucial for race scenarios.

Is This Workout Right for You?

This session is ideal for intermediate to advanced runners who are looking to improve their speed and endurance concurrently. Beginners may find this workout challenging; however, it can be adjusted by reducing the speed and opting for jogging instead of running at full pace. Individuals not fully acclimated to high-intensity workouts should proceed cautiously and gradually work up to such advanced interval training.

How to Maximize Your Results from This Session?

To optimize performance during this training, ensure you are well-hydrated and have eaten adequately beforehand to fuel your workout. Pay attention to how your body responds to each interval, maintaining correct form throughout to prevent injury. Adjust the duration or speed of intervals if needed to match your current fitness level, and focus on consistent breathing techniques to aid recovery through each phase of the pyramid.