Martinez, N., Greeley, S. J., Prendergrast, A., Harring, B., & Kilpatrick, M. W. (2013). A comparison of interval and continuous exercise on enjoyment. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(5), Supplement abstract number 2385.

This study compared the perceived enjoyment of continuous and interval bouts of exercise in low-risk Ss (M = 12; F = 12). Ss completed an initial VO2peak test followed by four counterbalanced trials consisting of both interval and continuous exercise on a cycle ergometer. Each experimental trial lasted 20 minutes in duration: 1) continuous at 20% below ventilatory threshold [Continuous-Moderate], 2) continuous at ventilatory threshold [Continuous-Heavy], 3) 10 x 60-second intervals at ventilatory threshold [Interval-Heavy], 4) 10 x 60-second intervals at 20% above ventilatory threshold [Interval-Severe].

In-task measurements of perceived enjoyment were significantly greater at all five time-points during the exercise bout for Continuous-Moderate, Interval-Heavy, and Interval-Severe than Continuous-Heavy conditions. Additionally, perceived enjoyment was significantly greater at Post-0 and Post-10 minutes for Continuous-Moderate, Interval-Heavy, and Interval-Severe in comparison to Continuous-Heavy conditions.

Implication. In-task and post-exercise enjoyment is greater during interval training than heavy-intensity continuous exercise at or near the ventilatory threshold. Greater enjoyment is associated with interval training than for challenging continuous training. The perception of enjoyment persists past 10 minutes after exercise cessation.

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