24/07/2026
Improve your V02 Max using the Norwegian 4x4 method â¤ď¸âđĽ:
the method:
- 4 rounds of: 4 minutes of near maximal effort followed by 3 minutes at a lower pace
- Pace yourself! Start at a steady but challenging pace you know you can hold for the full 4 minutes then ramp it up towards the end of each effort
- Start at 85% finish the 4 minutes at 95% then drop down to 60% for the 3 minutes
- Use the three minutes to focus on managing your breathing, loosening off the muscles, and re-finding your rhythm before the next interval
- Think about your intention behind each phase of the intervals:
- The 4 minutes should be hard! Near maximal efforts, so put that mentality into it
- The 3 minutes are for recovering, not resting; So catch your breath, but donât relax to the point of loosing technique or focus
the benefits:
- This method of interval training has been shown to improve your VO2 max (the maximal amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise)
- It supports heart health, as when working at near maximal efforts, youâre pushing the heart to transport more blood and oxygen around the body, improving blood flow ability and thus creating a stronger heart
- Itâs not too long a session with 16 minutes of total work time, 28 if you include the 3 minute recovery, so great to slot into a busy schedule
- Off-feet conditioning! This can be done on the row-erg, ski-erg, bike, etc. Keeping the impact on the joints low. Great for returning from injuries, athletes wanting some cross-training or anyone looking to off-load the feet for a session
Looking for more sessions like this?
Drop us a message at [email protected] or +852 9856 0400