Continuous vs. interval training: a review for the athlete and the coach.

Both interval and continuous training are necessary in order to maximize the endurance athlete's potential for competition. Continuous submaximal training exerts its greatest effect upon the oxygen transport system of the body, while high intensity endurance-interval training exerts its greatest effect on the structural and biochemical properties of the muscle. The physiological basis for both forms of training is discussed and recommendations are made for year-round training and training to elevate the anaerobic threshold.