Typically, an interval timer may costs anywhere from $15 to $100+. Now, interval timers are free as long as you have a smart phone. There are a lot of interval timer apps on the android market, but many of them either have an obnoxious alarm or fail to alarm if the work and rest intervals are set to 3 and two seconds, respectively. Short intervals are important for targeting eccentric or concentric muscle contractions to produce the appropriate training effect. I was surprised to find that this timer could function even if the interval was set to the shortest possible duration (1s work/ 1s rest).To get the same app, search "hiit interval training timer" on the android market and download the app with the square icon, silhouette of a runner and the letters "HIIT" underneath the trailing leg of the runner.
PROS:
- It's free!
- Easy to use
- No obnoxious alarm at the end of each timer
- Loud enough to hear outdoors while running or cycling
CONS:
- App can operate in the background
- App interface could look better... can't really complain since it's free!
