Fitness enthusiasts looking to strengthen their heart and improve their overall cardiovascular system may wish to try interval training, it has been claimed.

It is usually conducted on cardio training equipment such as exercise bikes and treadmills but can also include strength training routines using dumbbells or multigyms, reports the Mail Tribune.

Brian Cinadr, a personal trainer, commented: "Doing interval training is in some ways less burdensome than the idea of going out and running for an hour.

"That"s a grind. This is up and down, which keeps it a bit fresh."

Mr Cinadr notes that combining this kind of cardio workout with other routines, such as doing squats or push-ups could increase the strength and flexibility of the exerciser.

He adds that he believes everyone should always do intervals but it should be the intensity of the workout that is varied.

Those concerned about over-straining their heart may wish to invest in a heart rate monitor to ensure that they never go above their target heart rate for each interval, according to HowToBeFit.com.

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