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LordJames

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Report on the Norwegian Protocol: The Gold Standard V̇O₂ Max Training Method

The Norwegian Protocol is a scientifically backed high-intensity interval training (HIIT) method designed to significantly improve cardiovascular health and V̇O₂ max — the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during exercise. This protocol is widely regarded as the "gold standard" for enhancing endurance and heart health.

Structure:
  • Duration per session: Approximately 32 minutes
  • Workout Breakdown:
    • 4 minutes of intense activity (running, jogging, or fast walking depending on age and fitness level)
    • 4 minutes of walking for recovery
    • Repeat the cycle 4 times
  • Frequency: 3 to 4 sessions per week
Benefits:
  • Improves heart and lung capacity
  • Increases V̇O₂ max
  • Burns fat and builds endurance
  • Suitable for all fitness levels with intensity adjusted accordingly
Conclusion:

The Norwegian Protocol is a time-efficient and effective method for boosting aerobic capacity and overall fitness. With just 3–4 sessions a week, it offers substantial health benefits, especially when integrated into a consistent training routine.
 
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Report on the Norwegian Protocol: The Gold Standard V̇O₂ Max Training Method

The Norwegian Protocol is a scientifically backed high-intensity interval training (HIIT) method designed to significantly improve cardiovascular health and V̇O₂ max — the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during exercise. This protocol is widely regarded as the "gold standard" for enhancing endurance and heart health.

Structure:
  • Duration per session: Approximately 32 minutes
  • Workout Breakdown:
    • 4 minutes of intense activity (running, jogging, or fast walking depending on age and fitness level)
    • 4 minutes of walking for recovery
    • Repeat the cycle 4 times
  • Frequency: 3 to 4 sessions per week
Benefits:
  • Improves heart and lung capacity
  • Increases V̇O₂ max
  • Burns fat and builds endurance
  • Suitable for all fitness levels with intensity adjusted accordingly
Conclusion:

The Norwegian Protocol is a time-efficient and effective method for boosting aerobic capacity and overall fitness. With just 3–4 sessions a week, it offers substantial health benefits, especially when integrated into a consistent training routine.

Thanks for sharing.

I may try this.

JazakAllahu khair.
 
I used to be a regular gym guy. I used to do weight training 5 days a week.

I have always been a big fat dude (I was 200+ pounds for most of my life and I still am). So, lifting heavy was never an issue for me.

Anyway, I do cardio nowadays. No more lifting. I try to do 150-300 minutes of walking weekly. I have been doing it regularly for almost a year now.

I want to return to weight training again. I miss it.
 
I recently found out about retro walking. It is basically backward walking or reverse walking. It has some extra health benefits.

I did it yesterday and it made me feel better than regular walking.



 
Used to do it. It’s p nice. These days I prefer using the heavy bag and doing kick boxing / Muay Thai work on it for cardio. Doing my best to learn technique, haven’t made time to go to a MT gym consistently save for a class here and there ever year or so to make sure my technique is at least ok. Good for self defense if Allah na karay situation arises.

Would like to learn wrestling as well as per the Sunnah of Rasul Ullah peace be upon him,

You burn a ton of calories in an hour of training of a strike based martial art like boxing , muay Thai or even grappling like jiujitsu or wrestling.

HIIT is nice. Always loved sprints no matter how exhausting they are esp if you do other forms of exercise with it.
 
Highly suggest doing lifting as well if anyone here is mainly a cardio person and that’s their only mode of exercise.

Even just x2 sessions a week split into doing your upper and lower body has many, many benefits.

Learn proper technique and form, don’t try to lift heavy out of ego, and do what works
 
Highly suggest doing lifting as well if anyone here is mainly a cardio person and that’s their only mode of exercise.

Even just x2 sessions a week split into doing your upper and lower body has many, many benefits.

Learn proper technique and form, don’t try to lift heavy out of ego, and do what works

Good tips.

When I was in my early-20's, I used to focus on lifting as heavy as possible. I got injured a few times also.

Now that I am in my 30's, I don't feel the need to do any of that. I focus on cardio. I may add some light lifting. That's about it.
 
I don't understand as to why Azam Khan hasn't lost all the weight in the last couple of years? What advice is he getting and what program is he on?
 
I don't understand as to why Azam Khan hasn't lost all the weight in the last couple of years? What advice is he getting and what program is he on?

I personally think he should try a combination of intermittent fasting and cardio. I am seeing result with it.

I went from around 220 pounds to 205 pounds with intermittent fasting and cardio. I want to lose 40 more pounds (in sha Allah).
 
I don't understand as to why Azam Khan hasn't lost all the weight in the last couple of years? What advice is he getting and what program is he on?
Blame is 100% on PCB. Seems like they are lenient only because he is Moin’s son, don’t recall seeing a Pak player given this much leeway regarding fitness.

If you put a price on fitness as a sports body, then these things wouldn’t be happening.
 
I don't understand as to why Azam Khan hasn't lost all the weight in the last couple of years? What advice is he getting and what program is he on?
Because he is not at all interested in getting fit. He thinks being bulky makes him capable of hitting long sixes... But he is pathetic when it comes to performing...
 
Norwegian protocol? seriously?

vO2 max improvement needs O2 deficit. not going to happen in a 4 min activity

follow the original


20 second blast with 10 seconds rest

repeat as many cycles as you can in 20 min
There are studied out there which categorically show VO2 Max improvements with Norwegian Protocol but you are right about O2 deficit being necessary...
 
There are studied out there which categorically show VO2 Max improvements with Norwegian Protocol but you are right about O2 deficit being necessary...
Challenging to sustain 4 min anaerobic effort needed for hypoxia.

30 sec cycles can adopted for a wide range of fitness levels and it becomes modular

Try this combo 30 sec cycles you choose work time and resting time

Burpees
Mountain climbs
High knees
Jumping jacks

2 min set. You choose the rest between sets

Requires no equipment, 20 min max work

I’m usually puking by the end.
 
Challenging to sustain 4 min anaerobic effort needed for hypoxia.

30 sec cycles can adopted for a wide range of fitness levels and it becomes modular

Try this combo 30 sec cycles you choose work time and resting time

Burpees
Mountain climbs
High knees
Jumping jacks

2 min set. You choose the rest between sets

Requires no equipment, 20 min max work

I’m usually puking by the end.
You are conflating the increase in Co2 with Oxygen deficit.

There are more than one way to increase V02 max and not all are the best ways of doing it or the optimum way. There is a biological cost to everything and you have to balance it all out. If Tabata was an answer to everything then all elite sports person would use it exclusively. Elite runners or sports people don't use Tabatas... and you have to ask why. When
you are doing Tabata strictly, you are not in the aerobic zone at all and not utilising oxygen, you are essentially working on your anaerobic threshold and lactate threshold and pushing it higher. But this type of work, done a lot of times in a week has its biological cost over time and it is not the best way to work on lactate and anaerobic threshold.

Norwegians 4x4 is scientifically proven to be one of the best and here is the key term.... "safest" ways to increase Vo2 Max providing you are utilising a heart rate monitor. It is scientifically proven to change heart structure in older people to make their hearts "younger" considerably. It is not easy, keeping up a pace that is 80-95% of your max rate for 4 minutes with 3 minutes rest repeated 4 times is not easy. It is also classified as High intensity interval training.
 
VO2 max is great for CVS health, no doubt. But if you’re of Indian origin, weight training isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes don’t just care about your weight on the scale, they care where your fat sits and how much muscle you have. And most South Asians tend to carry excess visceral fat, especially around the stomach and hips, the most dangerous kind.

You could look lean, even have a “normal” BMI, but if you’re low on muscle mass, you’re still at high risk. Especially as a Desi, muscle isn’t just about strength, it’s metabolic armor. Build it. Maintain it. Or eventually, face the consequences.
 
You are conflating the increase in Co2 with Oxygen deficit.

There are more than one way to increase V02 max and not all are the best ways of doing it or the optimum way. There is a biological cost to everything and you have to balance it all out. If Tabata was an answer to everything then all elite sports person would use it exclusively.
Tabata variations are part of just about every athlete's fitness regimen regardless of sport.

It is not designed for any specific sport. It was one of the first study which demonstrated that "upside own pyramid" iis better than wide= base training
Elite runners or sports people don't use Tabatas...
you mean long distance (5k, 10K marathon type). Actually they do tabata variations routinely

and you have to ask why. When
you are doing Tabata strictly, you are not in the aerobic zone at all and not utilising oxygen, you are essentially working on your anaerobic threshold and lactate threshold and pushing it higher.
Yup the goal is to increase the hematocrit. and I found that my 10K race times saw significant improvements from tabata after being stuck at 37 min mark for a couple of years. I was able to cut down on actual long training runs. felt less wear and tear on my body
But this type of work, done a lot of times in a week has its biological cost over time and it is not the best way to work on lactate and anaerobic threshold.
would love to learn more about the biological cost you are referring to.
Norwegians 4x4 is scientifically proven to be one of the best and here is the key term.... "safest" ways to increase Vo2 Max providing you are utilising a heart rate monitor. It is scientifically proven to change heart structure in older people to make their hearts "younger" considerably. It is not easy, keeping up a pace that is 80-95% of your max rate for 4 minutes with 3 minutes rest repeated 4 times is not easy. It is also classified as High intensity interval training.
90-95% max HR for 4 minutes is the safest way? Agree to disagree.

Besides, from an introduction perspective, the 30 second cycles are far easier to get into.
 
Interesting results from the study here


4x4 improved VO2 max more compared to Tabata, but did not translate into significant result in 3K runs. 0.1% difference between 4x4 and tabata.

300m sprints, tabata was 2x more effective
From the paper:

Conclusion: Tabata is an ineffective approach to improve VO2max in moderately trained females compared with HIIT. However, when evaluating anaerobic capacity as MAOD and anaerobic performance on 300- meter run Tabata were superior to HIIT.

Exactly what I said in my previous post. You saw improvement because your anaerobic threshold was your weakness as from what you wrote, you had a good aerobic base.

I will write a more detailed post if I have time since you asked about the biological cost.
 
From the paper:

Conclusion: Tabata is an ineffective approach to improve VO2max in moderately trained females compared with HIIT. However, when evaluating anaerobic capacity as MAOD and anaerobic performance on 300- meter run Tabata were superior to HIIT.

Exactly what I said in my previous post. You saw improvement because your anaerobic threshold was your weakness as from what you wrote, you had a good aerobic base.

I will write a more detailed post if I have time since you asked about the biological cost.
does anerobic threshold even come into play in a 40 min+ effort at what I would describe as 80% of max effort?
 
I normally do walking rather than running or jogging.

I ran today. Full-speed sprint. My body is sore now. But, it was worth it.
 
Anytime I try to get on the airbike determined to do an hour, I get restless within 10 minutes and stop. Listening to podcasts doesn't help as I thought it would.

Let's be honest, exercising is tedious and bores the hell out of most people...
 
Anytime I try to get on the airbike determined to do an hour, I get restless within 10 minutes and stop. Listening to podcasts doesn't help as I thought it would.

Let's be honest, exercising is tedious and bores the hell out of most people...

You have to condition your body.

For example, I normally walk for 210-300 minutes weekly. I do that regularly. So, my body doesn't get sore from walking and I actually look forward to it. I don't get bored either.

But, if I try to run (like I did today), I may feel sore because my body has not been conditioned for running lately.

A few years ago, I used to hit the gym regularly (5-6 times a week) and I used to do weight training. If I try do that now, I may feel sore for a week or two. I need to condition my body again.
 
A few years ago, I used to hit the gym regularly (5-6 times a week) and I used to do weight training. If I try do that now, I may feel sore for a week or two. I need to condition my body again.

Walking and jogging in the city or countryside isn't as boring but lifting weights and stationary cycling definitely is. Any repetitive monotonous action is.
 
Walking and jogging in the city or countryside isn't as boring but lifting weights and stationary cycling definitely is. Any repetitive monotonous action is.

Stationary cycling is boring. I agree. LOL.

I have this machine in my house. I rarely use it.

Lifting weight can be fun if you are a bulky dude. I am 200 pounds. So, I can lift well.
 
HIIT and medium weights(depending upon body) are the best for brain as per Huberman’s podcast.
 
It’s unfortunate cycling is not a thing in midwest or majority of American cities, West coast has amazing cycle culture and lanes for them but rest of America seems to be allergic to it.
 
It’s unfortunate cycling is not a thing in midwest or majority of American cities, West coast has amazing cycle culture and lanes for them but rest of America seems to be allergic to it.

I like cycling outside but haven't done it in a while.

Not indoor stationary cycling. That's boring.
 
Walking and jogging in the city or countryside isn't as boring but lifting weights and stationary cycling definitely is. Any repetitive monotonous action is.

Anytime I try to get on the airbike determined to do an hour, I get restless within 10 minutes and stop. Listening to podcasts doesn't help as I thought it would.

Let's be honest, exercising is tedious and bores the hell out of most people...

These are fat excuses and seems like you are too addicted to stimulus that you get restless so easily..

Keep at it, try to stay present and eventually you’ll enjoy it because you will then look forward to the endorphin release after the exercise session.
 
I was 213 pounds in 2024 May. I am 194.6 pounds today (September 5, 2025). I have lost 18 pounds in the last 16 months. Not bad.

I have been doing regular cardio (averaging around 30-35 minutes daily) and regular intermittent fasting (average of 15-16 hours). I have also been taking a multivitamin 3-4 times a week. I didn't follow any specific diet but my diet was naturally protein-heavy and carb-heavy.

Anyway, IF and cardio are giving me good results. Alhamdulillah. Want to continue and lose 30 more pounds.
 
I was 213 pounds in 2024 May. I am 194.6 pounds today (September 5, 2025). I have lost 18 pounds in the last 16 months. Not bad.

I have been doing regular cardio (averaging around 30-35 minutes daily) and regular intermittent fasting (average of 15-16 hours). I have also been taking a multivitamin 3-4 times a week. I didn't follow any specific diet but my diet was naturally protein-heavy and carb-heavy.

Anyway, IF and cardio are giving me good results. Alhamdulillah. Want to continue and lose 30 more pounds.

Masha'Allah, keep going Insha'Allah as much as you can.

Lose the weight because it is against Islam to be fat and lazy, whatever you are doing make intention of following the Sunnah.

Most importantly, sleep starlight after Esha and get up early and start your day, pretty soon you will be needing a second wife Insha'Allah. :)
 
Masha'Allah, keep going Insha'Allah as much as you can.

Lose the weight because it is against Islam to be fat and lazy, whatever you are doing make intention of following the Sunnah.

Most importantly, sleep starlight after Esha and get up early and start your day, pretty soon you will be needing a second wife Insha'Allah. :)

Thanks.

My exercise habit started in July 2024. I was close to 210 pounds at that time. I was having constant chest pain for a few days. So, I went to my family doctor and she gave me a blood test. Blood test showed my cholesterol and other things were all very high. So, she asked me to start daily walking and watch what I ate. I have been following that for the past 14 months. Lost a lot of weight. My chest pain also didn't come back. Alhamdulillah.

Regarding sleep, I agree with you. I need to sleep early. I end up sleeping from 1 AM till 5:30 AM. If I go to bed earlier, I can sleep more and maybe even pray Tahajjud.

I am not married yet. So, I first have to get a first wife before a second wife. LOL!

Anyway, hoping to lose these 30 pounds by next year (2026 December maybe). Let's see how it goes.
 
Thanks.

My exercise habit started in July 2024. I was close to 210 pounds at that time. I was having constant chest pain for a few days. So, I went to my family doctor and she gave me a blood test. Blood test showed my cholesterol and other things were all very high. So, she asked me to start daily walking and watch what I ate. I have been following that for the past 14 months. Lost a lot of weight. My chest pain also didn't come back. Alhamdulillah.

Regarding sleep, I agree with you. I need to sleep early. I end up sleeping from 1 AM till 5:30 AM. If I go to bed earlier, I can sleep more and maybe even pray Tahajjud.

I am not married yet. So, I first have to get a first wife before a second wife. LOL!

Anyway, hoping to lose these 30 pounds by next year (2026 December maybe). Let's see how it goes.

This is an extremely bad and disruptive habit! No diet, no exercise and nothing will work with this sort of sleep pattern, Brother.

[40:61] It is Allah Who has made the night for you to rest in and the day bright. Surely Allah is ever Bountiful to humanity, but most people are ungrateful.

You need to force yourself to sleep after Esha and get up for Faj'ar and then move to Tahajjud but you need sleep. Please set a habit for 21 days (all the time without exception on weekends etc)

As @Suleiman and @Justcrazy will tell you

[4:3] If you fear you might fail to give orphan women their ˹due˺ rights ˹if you were to marry them˺, then marry other women of your choice—two, three, or four. But if you are afraid you will fail to maintain justice, then ˹content yourselves with˺ one or those ˹bondwomen˺ in your possession.2 This way you are less likely to commit injustice.

The counter for Muslims starts from 2 wives, and 1 wife if you just want to get by in life by just barely existing and living a meager existence...

:)
 
This is an extremely bad and disruptive habit! No diet, no exercise and nothing will work with this sort of sleep pattern, Brother.

[40:61] It is Allah Who has made the night for you to rest in and the day bright. Surely Allah is ever Bountiful to humanity, but most people are ungrateful.

You need to force yourself to sleep after Esha and get up for Faj'ar and then move to Tahajjud but you need sleep. Please set a habit for 21 days (all the time without exception on weekends etc)

As @Suleiman and @Justcrazy will tell you

[4:3] If you fear you might fail to give orphan women their ˹due˺ rights ˹if you were to marry them˺, then marry other women of your choice—two, three, or four. But if you are afraid you will fail to maintain justice, then ˹content yourselves with˺ one or those ˹bondwomen˺ in your possession.2 This way you are less likely to commit injustice.

The counter for Muslims starts from 2 wives, and 1 wife if you just want to get by in life by just barely existing and living a meager existence...

:)

Thanks.

I am exercising now. But, yeah. I was very disorganized with my health before July 2024. My cholesterol level was dangerously high. Things are better now. Alhamdulillah.

Anyway, need to fix my sleeping pattern.
 
Thanks.

I am exercising now. But, yeah. I was very disorganized with my health before July 2024. My cholesterol level was dangerously high. Things are better now. Alhamdulillah.

Anyway, need to fix my sleeping pattern.
Your sleep pattern is way more important then your exercise and your diet.
 
@LordJames I am not the right person to advise , I am working in a shift that ends at 2 AM in the morning , it is a 10 hr shift. When I started It was till midnight , last 3 years they changed it from 8 hr shift to 10. Since then my sleep has been affected.
 
This is an extremely bad and disruptive habit! No diet, no exercise and nothing will work with this sort of sleep pattern, Brother.

[40:61] It is Allah Who has made the night for you to rest in and the day bright. Surely Allah is ever Bountiful to humanity, but most people are ungrateful.

You need to force yourself to sleep after Esha and get up for Faj'ar and then move to Tahajjud but you need sleep. Please set a habit for 21 days (all the time without exception on weekends etc)

As @Suleiman and @Justcrazy will tell you

[4:3] If you fear you might fail to give orphan women their ˹due˺ rights ˹if you were to marry them˺, then marry other women of your choice—two, three, or four. But if you are afraid you will fail to maintain justice, then ˹content yourselves with˺ one or those ˹bondwomen˺ in your possession.2 This way you are less likely to commit injustice.

The counter for Muslims starts from 2 wives, and 1 wife if you just want to get by in life by just barely existing and living a meager existence...

:)
Need to fix my sleep pattern too sir, I want to be able to wake up for good after Fajr and then take a nap during qayloola time if necessary.

In Sha Allah 2+ wives for me, may Allah give me the financial, emotional, physical and most importantly spiritually strength for that up to 4 wives, Ameen. And for all my brothers who want that. May we able to have healthy sleep schedules with 4 wives each as well Ameen @sweep_shot
 
Need to fix my sleep pattern too sir, I want to be able to wake up for good after Fajr and then take a nap during qayloola time if necessary.

In Sha Allah 2+ wives for me, may Allah give me the financial, emotional, physical and most importantly spiritually strength for that up to 4 wives, Ameen. And for all my brothers who want that. May we able to have healthy sleep schedules with 4 wives each as well Ameen @sweep_shot

Ameen.

In sha Allah.
 
@LordJames I am not the right person to advise , I am working in a shift that ends at 2 AM in the morning , it is a 10 hr shift. When I started It was till midnight , last 3 years they changed it from 8 hr shift to 10. Since then my sleep has been affected.
Insha'Allah, as long you realize that it is important for your long term Health and fitness.
Need to fix my sleep pattern too sir, I want to be able to wake up for good after Fajr and then take a nap during qayloola time if necessary.

In Sha Allah 2+ wives for me, may Allah give me the financial, emotional, physical and most importantly spiritually strength for that up to 4 wives, Ameen. And for all my brothers who want that. May we able to have healthy sleep schedules with 4 wives each as well Ameen @sweep_shot
Ameen.

In sha Allah.
Ameen to both of you.

Remember that the counter starts at 2 and not 1.
 
HIIT is excellent, you can make great progress with it, I used it quiet a bit on the treadmill in the past.

This week Mon-Fri:

I did like two or three 30-45 min walks outside.

And inside, 2-3 30min cardio/weights sessions:

A curl 15 reps
Triceps extention from the floor: 15 reps
And then 9 reps of a full body workout with the e-z curl bar or whatever it is called.

After that 10 mins on the heavy bag is my most fun part of the workout because I use to box & it reminds me of my love for the sport and when I hit the bag, I feel like I am battling all the demons
:akhtar

This is nothing special and very low intensity and I’ve lost 2-3 kg just like that, I did make some small tweaks to my diet by not having a heavy lunch.

I think whatever it is you do, consistency beats everything.
 
HIIT is excellent, you can make great progress with it, I used it quiet a bit on the treadmill in the past.

This week Mon-Fri:

I did like two or three 30-45 min walks outside.

And inside, 2-3 30min cardio/weights sessions:

A curl 15 reps
Triceps extention from the floor: 15 reps
And then 9 reps of a full body workout with the e-z curl bar or whatever it is called.

After that 10 mins on the heavy bag is my most fun part of the workout because I use to box & it reminds me of my love for the sport and when I hit the bag, I feel like I am battling all the demons
:akhtar

This is nothing special and very low intensity and I’ve lost 2-3 kg just like that, I did make some small tweaks to my diet by not having a heavy lunch.

I think whatever it is you do, consistency beats everything.

HIIT. I used to do that like a decade ago (back then I was a gym rat; used to hit the gym 5-6 times a week).

It is very effective. I agree.
 
HIIT. I used to do that like a decade ago (back then I was a gym rat; used to hit the gym 5-6 times a week).

It is very effective. I agree.

In 10-15 mins you can achieve so much, I use sprint to Kurt Angle’s theme song :yk
 
In 10-15 mins you can achieve so much, I use sprint to Kurt Angle’s theme song :yk

LOL. Nice.

I am thinking of going back to HIIT. There are many health benefits. Also, it takes only 10-15 minutes. Very convenient to add it to daily routine.

 
Stronger Muslim is beloved to Allah

@sweep_shot @Suleiman @Justcrazy

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don't say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do and your" if" opens the (gate) for the Satan. [Muslim]
  1. Always work on your Fitness​
  2. Keep pushing Yourself to excel at fitness​

 
Stronger Muslim is beloved to Allah

@sweep_shot @Suleiman @Justcrazy

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don't say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do and your" if" opens the (gate) for the Satan. [Muslim]
  1. Always work on your Fitness​
  2. Keep pushing Yourself to excel at fitness​


Subhanallah.

Didn't know this hadith.

Thanks for sharing.
 
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