interval vs. steady state

[kariev]

Which cardio workout do you find gives you the best results (i know diet is #1). I find that longer intense workouts lean me out better than short intervals.

 

[andtckrtoo]

I didn't vote, because for me, it's a combination of the above that works best. If I do one or the other only, my body becomes used to it, and I don't get as much benefit. Marathoners and cyclists have used both techniques for years to gain the most benefit out of their chosen sports. A typical training schedule looks like:

M - steady state run
W - speed work
R - steady state run
S - long run

Mixing it up let you work on a bit of everything. And keeps your body at it's performance peak.

 

[janiejoey]

I voted aerobic intervals. Although I also do steady state, and anaerobic intervals, I feel the both intervals help me a great deal. At least twice a week then steady state once a week.

Janie

 

[CollinsMom]

I agree, both are really important!

 

[dorothyrd]

I did not vote, because I find a combination works best.

 

[punka274]

I voted for intervals. They seem to work best for me. I try to do two of them a week. I will also do a steady state cardio every now and then to break it all up!

so maybe i should of voted for both

 

[fit44]

I couldn't vote either.
Both for me.
I begin with short intervals and as I get closer to my goal weight, I increase cardio time and sessions.

 

[kathryn]

I didn't vote, both because a combination of the two is better, and because it's not particularly safe to do only interval workouts (1-3 a week is good). A weekly dose of 1-2 interval workouts on non-consecutive days, and 2-3 steady-state workouts, for example, would be a good mix.

 

[dss62467]

Hard for me to say, since I rarely do one type of cardio for a set period of time. Typically I'll do both within my monthly rotation. I'm saying Interval, though, because I feel like I've had a better workout when I'm done. If I wear a heart monitor, it's the same. The only time I really get my heart-rate up and burn more calories is when I use the Nordic Track and Cardio Coach.