Newbie-Intervals

rparedes said:

Just trying to understand interval training. i know the theory but what does 2x8 (2 minutes at max power and then 8 recovery minutes?)or 2x20 mean? Can somebody explain?
What are some beginner interval training to increase power? or just to get more out my riding?
I ride typically 4 times x week with two "hard" days (30 to 40 miles) and two "easy" days (20 to 30 miles) but I'm trying to get a little more systematic about my riding. I don't compete and ride just because I like it plus it keeps me from gaining weight. When I look at bike mags I don't really understand the "lingo"; I know some of the acronyms but the numbers part gets to me...

2x8 means 2 times 8 minutes, 2x20 means 2 times 20 minutes. No recovery period is usually mentioned, though the longer the intervals (10-30 minutes), the less recovery is needed (5 min). Generally, for shorter, more intense intervals (30sec-5 min) a more complete recovery is needed, unless you're specifically training for 30 sec on 30 sec off type of efforts.

Piotr said:

2x8 means 2 times 8 minutes, 2x20 means 2 times 20 minutes. No recovery period is usually mentioned, though the longer the intervals (10-30 minutes), the less recovery is needed (5 min). Generally, for shorter, more intense intervals (30sec-5 min) a more complete recovery is needed, unless you're specifically training for 30 sec on 30 sec off type of efforts.

Thanks!