Shorter/Intense vs Longer/Less Intense for Cardio Gains

S

Soosan

Cathlete
Cathe, in order to improve (or maintain) cardio capacity, which do you think is more effective: short and intense (e.g., 1/2 Imax or MIC) or longer and less intense (e.g., Step Blast)? How about for fat loss?
 
RE: Shorter/Intense vs Longer/Less Intense for Cardio G...

If Cathe doesn't get a chance to answer this, does anyone else have any thoughts?
 
RE: Shorter/Intense vs Longer/Less Intense for Cardio G...

Not Cathe here and I really don't have any idea which is better, I just wanted to let you know that on Oxygenmag.com there is a sticky posted about hight intensity interval training. It is very informative and there are also people on that forum that do nothing but HIIT. They say that they have better results and it takes less time. I can't get into the forum right now or I would post the site, I think it may be down at the moment. Maybe Cathe will be able to post with more information.:)
 
You can go to bodybuilding.com for lots of information on HIIT.
I am trying to incorporate it twice a week into my workouts. I haven't given up on other types of cardio though. I think if you are into serious muscle building, longer cardio sessions "cannabalize" the muscle gains. So I think it would depend on your goals, to lean up or look like a total bodybuilder. Check out the site for correct info, though.
Paula
 
RE: Shorter/Intense vs Longer/Less Intense for Cardio G...

Not Cathe here, but I think using both styles of training would be very effective. Some days I do short, high intensity training. But when I have the time NOTHING beats a 2 hour hike on a trail!!!
 
RE: Shorter/Intense vs Longer/Less Intense for Cardio G...

Thanks for the replies, everyone! Shawna, I printed out your link - great, concise information.
 
I'm no expert, but for me I saw the most improvements with my endurance and cardio capacity when I added IMAX 2 to my workouts. I have IMAX 3, but haven't done it yet(I'm too scared!!). I have asthma and I have struggled with increasing my cardio capacity. When I started IMAX 2(about 3 months ago) I could only complete 2 of the 10 blasts, but the other day I completed 9 out of the 10. What a thrill! I still struggle with the sumos, I can do all of them, but I can't do the stepping in between, I have to stop and gasp for air! This weekend I went back and did a w/o that I used to do, and struggled with before I started working out to Cathe and it was a piece of cake!
From what I've heard longer w/o's like SB would be better for burning fat. I just always do both kinds for variety.

Amy
 
Good link. But a question: Cathe has said in her IMax workouts to do them what? twice a week? Can/should this type of workout be done more often? And should this (ideally) replace endurance cardio? I really like the idea of 30min workouts that are so efficient!!
 
Cathe recently responded to a question I had about losing the last 7-10 lbs. and suggesting doing different cardio every day. I think it's a good idea to mix HIIT with steady state in your rotation to keep your body guessing. Worked for me - after taking Cathe's advice about changing my workout routine and switching up my cardio I've lost 5 lbs.!
 
Hi!

There is a book that might shed light on this very topic -- I recommend it alot, as I found that after reading it, I was much, much more knowledgeable about exercise -- what energy system feeds which kind of exercise, etc. That book is READY, SET, GO! by Phil Campbell. You can get it at B&N or Borders and can find it fairly cheaply at both sites. www.barnesandnoble.con or www.borders.com.

Just a suggestion, but it really cleared up this question for me.:)
 
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