Fartlek: a fun workout to improve while having fun

Boost your cardio, endurance, and power while enjoying yourself with the flexible and engaging Fartlek method.

Add a Spark to Your Workouts with Fartlek

Are you looking for an effective training method that breaks the routine and keeps your motivation high? Fartlek, which means “speed play” in Swedish, might just become your go-to workout ally.
Flexible, fun, and effective, this method combines intensity and variety to boost your endurance, cardio, and explosiveness. And with Kinomap, you can turn every session into an immersive adventure filled with varied landscapes, climbs, descents, and sharp turns. Ready to spice up your indoor workouts while having fun?

What is Fartlek?

Fartlek is based on a simple principle: varying the intensity of your workout based on your feelings or the terrain. Unlike classic interval training, where the intervals are strictly defined, Fartlek offers more freedom and enjoyment.

Key Features of Fartlek:

• Alternate between high-intensity efforts and active recovery periods.
• Let your feelings or the course guide your changes in pace.
• Embrace a flexible and intuitive approach, ideal for staying motivated.

The Benefits of Fartlek

Improved Endurance and Cardio

The alternation between intense efforts and active recovery stimulates your cardiovascular system and enhances your ability to sustain prolonged efforts.

Enhanced Explosiveness

Sprint phases help improve your explosiveness, muscle power, and cadence, which are crucial for progress, whether you’re running or cycling.

Flexibility and Enjoyment

This method adapts to your fitness level, daily energy, and mood. No strict rules—just fun and effectiveness.

Beating Monotony

Say goodbye to repetitive sessions! Fartlek constantly brings variety, reducing mental fatigue and helping you stay motivated.

How to Do a Fartlek Session on Kinomap?

1. Choose a Varied Route

Select courses with climbs, descents, winding roads, or dynamic scenery. This will naturally allow you to adjust your effort based on the terrain.

2. Let the Terrain Dictate Your Intensity

Speed up on climbs, ease off on descents, and sprint on straight paths. Kinomap makes each route unpredictable and exciting—perfect for Fartlek.

3. Adjust Effort Based on Your Feelings

Push harder during intense phases if you’re feeling strong. If you’re a bit tired, opt for shorter intervals or longer recovery periods.

4. Track Your Progress

Use Kinomap’s features to monitor your performance—speed, cadence, heart rate, power. This helps you assess your progress session after session.

Why Fartlek is Perfect for Indoor Training?

• Fun and Motivating: With Kinomap’s variety of courses and immersive videos, you’ll avoid the boredom often linked to indoor training.
• Suitable for All Levels: Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Fartlek adapts to your needs.
• Flexible: Plan a session that fits your schedule, whether it’s longer, shorter, more intense, or more relaxed.
• Effective: This method allows you to work on endurance and explosiveness in a single session.

Make Fartlek Your Training Ally

Fartlek is more than just a training method—it’s a way to improve while enjoying yourself. By incorporating this approach into your routine, you combine effectiveness, variety, and fun. With Kinomap, every session becomes an immersive experience where you push your limits while exploring new landscapes. So, are you ready to transform your indoor workouts and reach your goals?

By Fanny Marre
Cycling, running and triathlon coach
fannymarre99@gmail.com

See previous coaching articles:
HOW DOES INTERVAL TRAINING ON AN EXERCISE BIKE BOOST YOUR CARDIO AND ACCELERATE WEIGHT LOSS?
HOW TO MANAGE YOUR EFFORT WITH THE FEELING SCALE (RPE)
MANAGE RECOVERY: THE KEY TO PROGRESS!