off-in-tuh-vulz
Noun, verb
Short bursts of intense cycling effort followed by a rest period.
Example usage: I'm doing some off-intervals to build up my endurance for the race.
Most used in: Cycling training and racing.
Most used by: Serious cyclists who are training for a race or competition.
Popularity: 8 out of 10
Comedy Value: 2 out of 10
Also see: Interval Workout, Interval Training, Intervals, Repeat Intervals,
What are Off-Intervals in Cycling?
Off-intervals, also known as recovery intervals, are an important part of any cycling training program. They are short periods of rest or low-intensity exercise that are interspersed between periods of higher-intensity work. The purpose of off-intervals is to give the body a chance to recover and regenerate between hard efforts.
Off-intervals can be used to increase overall performance on the bike. Studies have shown that including off-intervals in a training program can improve performance by up to 10%, while also decreasing the risk of overtraining and burnout. They also help to reduce fatigue and improve recovery time between hard efforts.
Off-intervals can be used in a variety of ways, such as after a hard interval session or after a long ride. The length of the off-interval depends on the intensity of the preceding work and the individual's recovery ability. Generally speaking, off-intervals should last for at least 5-10 minutes, but may be as long as 30 minutes or more for longer efforts.
Off-intervals are an effective way to maximize performance and reduce the risk of overtraining. They should be included as part of any serious cyclist's training plan in order to get the most out of their training and racing.
The Origin of the Term 'Off-Intervals' in Cycling
The term “off-intervals” is used in cycling to refer to a type of exercise that involves alternating between periods of intense effort and periods of rest. The origin of this term can be traced back to the 1970s in the United States, when it was first introduced by the American coach and cyclist Eddie Borysewicz. Borysewicz was the head coach of the US National Cycling Team from 1978 to 1988 and was credited with introducing the concept of interval training to the world of competitive cycling.
The term “off-intervals” is thought to have originated from the idea of “off-season” training, which was a period of time during the year when athletes would take a break from their regular training routine. Borysewicz applied this concept to cycling by introducing the idea of alternating between hard and easy efforts during a single workout. This type of exercise was seen as an effective way to improve a cyclist’s performance, as it allowed them to increase their intensity in a safe and controlled manner.
Today, the term “off-intervals” is widely used in the cycling community and is seen as an essential part of any cyclist’s training regimen. It is an effective way for athletes to improve their fitness and performance, while also allowing them to rest and recover between hard efforts. In addition to its use in cycling, the concept of off-intervals has also been adopted by other sports such as running, swimming, and rowing.
