Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA) Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

The "fartlek" training method is characterized by its unique approach to blending various speeds during a workout. It involves intermittent bursts of high-intensity running followed by periods of slower jogging or walking. This format allows for a flexible training style where the athlete can adjust the intensity and pacing based on their own preferences and surrounding conditions.

Fartlek, which is Swedish for "speed play," is not confined to a strict structure, making it an effective way to improve both aerobic and anaerobic fitness. This method can enhance a runner’s ability to maintain speed over distance and adapt to the demands of competitive racing, which often includes changes in pace.

In contrast, continuous running at a steady pace does not introduce the variability of speed that fartlek does, and a structured interval training method typically involves prescribed work and rest intervals rather than the more spontaneous nature of fartlek training. Lastly, weightlifting routines focus on resistance training rather than cardiovascular conditioning, which is the primary focus of fartlek training. Therefore, the correct identification of fartlek as an intermittent training method mixing fast running with slower jogging captures its essence perfectly.