HIIT and cardiovascular health

[orientalkid]

Hi, with due respespect given to HIIT for its fast, fat burning result, does it actually improve ur cardiovascular, ie make ur heart healthier and make u less prone to heart diseases when compared to moderate intensity cardio done at longer time???

[g_samsa]

The way I look at it is that it's the difference between sprinting in repetition and running 10 miles at a slow steady pace. Both are going to improve your heart and your lungs, but they work in different ways. Sprint Reps increase lung capacity while long steady running improves lung efficiency. That's why sprinters go so fast; they can consume massive amounts of oxygen. Unfortunatly they can't maintain that kind of activity because they don't train for oxygen efficiency. Of course the reverse is true for long distance guys.

I think, to answer the original question, that moderate intensity cardio done over a long time would be better for your heart because it doesn't put the same kind of stress on it. HIIT puts a lot of strain on the heart and lungs and works great when developing power. That's my interpretation. I'm a middle to long distance runner so maybe I'm biased. But I honestly believe that. Everything i've read kinda seems to point to that conclusion as well.

[Richard]

Good answer g_samsa

I think it all depends on what you want to achieve. If you want to be a long distance runner, you have to jog/run longer than if you just want to have better agility and acceleration etc.. Thats probably also why sprinters are so muscular compared to long distance runners.. For me i prefer the HIIT method of training as it doesn't really take that long to complete (i dont like to jog for like an hour)

[forbodybuilders]

best for fats lost is 1 min 140pulse then 1 min 120 pulse..and do it for 20-24minuts! + diet

[stephenlavin]

Originally Posted by g_samsa

The way I look at it is that it's the difference between sprinting in repetition and running 10 miles at a slow steady pace. Both are going to improve your heart and your lungs, but they work in different ways. Sprint Reps increase lung capacity while long steady running improves lung efficiency. That's why sprinters go so fast; they can consume massive amounts of oxygen. Unfortunatly they can't maintain that kind of activity because they don't train for oxygen efficiency. Of course the reverse is true for long distance guys.

I think, to answer the original question, that moderate intensity cardio done over a long time would be better for your heart because it doesn't put the same kind of stress on it. HIIT puts a lot of strain on the heart and lungs and works great when developing power. That's my interpretation. I'm a middle to long distance runner so maybe I'm biased. But I honestly believe that. Everything i've read kinda seems to point to that conclusion as well.

agreed ...an unfit person attempting an intense activity would place themselves under strain ...however G if u follow the programme correctly then i dont think it would be bad for you as it progressive

u could give the argument that although in long distance running your heart never maxes it is under less of a strain but for a much longer period of time. On the whole i reckon euther exercise is good

just my 2 cents