Many people wonder about the most beneficial exercises for weight loss. Some of them consider that cardio exercises are enough to lose weight in a gradual and moderate manner that does not affect the performance of other basic tasks such as work or study, but on the other hand there are many who believe that HIIT exercises are more effective, so what is the difference between them then? What is the most effective and safest way to lose weight?
Even if you’re new to the world of health and fitness, you’re probably already familiar with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cardiovascular training, commonly known as cardio.
They are both considered staples in the field of training, and are usually the first two terms people encounter when they start their research. It’s important to understand the key differences between the two so you can get the most out of each technique and start optimizing your training methods.
HIIT and cardio are sometimes mistaken for the same thing, or one term can be confused with another. In this article, we’ll let you know the key differences between the two techniques so you can plan your workouts to get the results you want.
CARDIO
Simply put, aerobic exercise is any type of exercise that results in a sustained increase in heart rate during exercise. Therefore, aerobic exercise is considered aerobic exercise because the muscles need oxygen to perform it. High-intensity interval training, on the other hand, is a form of anaerobic training. This is the first big difference when it comes to HIIT vs. cardio.
In traditional cardio, most people aim to keep their heart rate at 60-80% of their maximum. When people think of cardio, they often equate it with running, but it’s just one of many sports that fall into this category. Swimming, riding the elliptical, and even “comfort” activities like kayaking are examples of cardio.
The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five days a week. Aerobic exercise has many benefits, such as weight loss, lower heart rate over time, enhanced lung function, and improved mood.
However, cardio is good for your health, and it’s important to start slowly, especially if you’re new to the sport. It is recommended that you consult your doctor to determine if your body is healthy enough to handle the sudden increase in activity.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
A great way to visualize HIIT is to sprint. High-intensity interval training means going all out for the exercise at hand, such as sprinting, for short periods of time, followed by rest between bursts of activity. This type of workout has been a staple for athletes for years, and many personal trainers use it on their clients.
The popularity of HIIT began in the late 1990s, when research showed that high-intensity interval training had the potential to provide the same benefits as aerobic exercise, while taking far less time to complete the workout.
However, despite its benefits, if your goal is overall fitness, high-intensity interval training shouldn’t be your only workout. Cardio and HIIT must be combined to maximize the benefits of both.But Is one technique better than the other? Dr. Jonathan Mike of Albuquerque, NM said it best: “The truth is that both high-intensity interval training and steady-state cardio work in their own way.”
Find balance
The best way to find the right balance between cardio and HIIT is to consult with a personal trainer or other fitness professional. Taking this path allows you to develop a custom routine that fits you and your unique needs. You don’t have to go to the gym to do this.
There are many trainers out there who will be happy to create a program for you to do outdoors or in the comfort of your own home.