I had a breakthrough while using my trainer last night. I finally figured out the difference between spinning and mashing. And today I have a question about it. While doing interval workouts, I can hold a lower gear for the first 2 or 3 intervals, then I have to switch to one gear higher for the next 2 or 3(there's only 5). This is where my question comes from. Should I switch to the higher gear and keep on spinning or should I hold the harder gear for as long as possible, even after I start mashing? I think I should drop the gear because I am trying to work on my pedal stroke, but my HR does not get as high. Tell me what you think.

Thanks.