Is steady state cardio needed for heart health?

Govtgirl

Govtgirl

Cathlete
...if I do HIIT several times a week? I am asking about this for heart-health...not weight loss. I really prefer HIIT for cardio....the time just goes so much faster, I don't get bored, and I really feel like I've accomplished something at the end. I warmup for 5 minutes, then do sprints (1 minute) and walking (1-2 minutes) on the treadmill for 20 minutes more. I do this about 3-4 times a week, and do weights on the other days.

So, in order to keep my heart healthy at the ripe ol' age of 48, so I have to do steady-state cardio, or does HIIT give me the same health benefits? The added bonus to HIIT for me is that you're only supposed to do it for 20 minutes, and I like the efficiency. I would rather work out in the most efficient way possible for the least amount of time, and use the rest of the hours in my day for drawing, reading, gardening, and general goofing off :D

Thanks for any input!
 
I've read that Hiit can actually be harmful to the heart if done to excess (that's why it recommended to have a minimum of 48 hours of recovery between Hiit workouts). It is more stressful to the heart than steady state, and requires more recovery. 1-3 days a week is the usual recommendation I've seen, so replacing one of your Hiit workouts would probably be beneficial as far as heart health goes.

Don't forget that weight workouts have a cardio benefit as well. And some higher-rep workouts have an aerobic effect to them, IMO.
 
I thought steady state is for developing endurance, HIIT for power so... in everyday life it's good to have endurance, or sports that require longer durations,biking ,running, swimming

I'd think Hiit would be good for things like tennis, swim sprints, skiing, other activities that require quick power & agility.

For good heart health, steady state cardio & weight training for strong muscles. I just started Cathe's videos in Oct., & I found out just how unfit I was/am...worse to better Cardio < leg strength < core strength/flexibility (tie) < upper body strength (impact & intensity didn't make the list when I started but now? who knows!) :)

you go Govtgirl!
 
I did see too an 8-week walk to run program in Prevention mag site, where you progressively run/walk intervals,not necessarily sprinting, but the end result you'd be running more distance walking less, requires less time, maybe something like that would work for you?

I may have to try that one!
Linda
 
Well, I did nothing but HIIT when I started running, but now I really enjoy all types, from HIIT to steady state. I find that there are legit health benefits to each type of training- just like resistance training. Ya gotta mix it up to get all the benefits, dontcha know!
 
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