Comparing HIIT and steady state cardio if weight loss is your goal.
Hi friends! How are ya? I hope you’re having a lovely morning so far! We’re still on a little trip – sharing lots of details on IG stories! – but I had some posts ready to go while I’m gone. Today, I wanted to talk about two extremely popular cardio strategies and how they compare, especially if weight loss if your goal.
For years, cardio has been a go-to solution for cardiovascular health, weight management, performance and endurance training. HIIT has also surged in popularity in the past decade and is here to stay. Sometimes there’s confusion about which type of cardio you should choose in your routine, so today, I’m breaking it all down in this post!
HIIT vs. steady state cardio for weight loss
HIIT: High-Intensity Interval Training
HIIT is like a fiery explosion of energy that revs up your metabolism and torches calories long after your workout is over. By alternating intense bursts of exercise with short recovery periods, you push your body to its limits and experience the often-touted “afterburn effect.” HIIT can increase the size and density of mitochondria, which are like the fat-burning little powerhouses in our cells.
To get the body back to homeostasis, it has to bring all pre-exercise factors back to baseline, including decreasing tissue temperature and heart rate. Your body continues to burn calories at an accelerated rate for hours post-workout.
Benefits of HIIT:
Time efficient: HIIT workouts are quick and SWEATY, which makes them ideal for busy individuals. It offers a tremendous calorie burn and fat loss potential due to its intense nature and the post-workout EPOC (oxygen consumption post exercises).
Cardiovascular benefits: HIIT also helps improve cardiovascular fitness by challenging your heart and lungs, resulting in enhanced endurance and stamina.
Performance benefits of HIIT: HIIT can also improve fitness performance, including power and strength.
Another advantage is its muscle-preserving quality, as HIIT workouts can stimulate muscle growth while targeting fat stores. Plus, HIIT can be customized to any fitness level, with modifications and variations available for beginners to advanced athletes. Incorporating HIIT into your fitness routine can rev up your metabolism, boost your mood through endorphin release, and provide a fun and challenging workout experience that keeps you motivated and engaged.
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