[News]

News: SMF - Just Installed!

[bobby digital]

Do you recommend a certain type of cardio workout over another?

If doing an hour of cardio, do you think it is better to split the workout in two 30 minute sessions of two different types of cardio (example- 30 minutes running, 30 minutes stationary bike).  Or, do you get the same results doing 60 minutes of the same excercise (ie. 60 minutes running OR 60 minutes biking).

Also, do you get better results by switching your cardio routine every so often?  For example, instead of always using the treadmill, should I use the treadmill for a few weeks and then switch to the stationary bike for a few weeks?

For burning fat, is it better to follow that heartrate chart that says a lower heart rate is more efficient at buring fat, while a higher heartrate is only building cardio conditioning/stamina?  I find it hard to believe that by working harder, I am buring less fat.

[Mark Shields]

The form of cardio has no bearing on results, you're body cant' tell the difference between a treadmill and elliptical assuming intensity levels are the same on both. Choose which one you prefer best.

Don't follow the crappy guidelines on the the machines either. They are based on outdated formulas that don't take into account the individual's conditioning levels.

As for slower pace equaling more fat being burned, that's just hogwash.

While it is true that a larger percentage of fat calories are burned at lower intensity when compared to higher intensity, this is just bad advice.
That's like saying, well since we actually burn a higher percent of fat while at rest, we should just lay in bed all day, because we burn a higher % than compared to sprinting.

The flaw lies in the fact, that when you exercise at a higher intensity the % of fat being burned is lower, but the total work done is greater, thus equaling a greater number of fat calories being burned in the process.

Studies also show higher intensity exercise burns more calories post-exercise compared to lower intensity.

[bobby digital]

Thanks for replying.

Do you think that it is good to mix up your cardio routine?  Just like muslce memory, do you think there is "cardio memory"?  If I only use the treadmill, do you think its good to switch to using the bike for a week or so just to mix things up?  Maybe the answer is making sure that I increase the intensity with each work out to make sure I dont get stuck in a rut and stop seeing results.

[Mark Shields]

You're right about changing the intensity to make sure it's challenging as you become more fit.

For example, if you've never ran a mile, at first it would probably be tough, but as you work towards it and run a mile a few times, your body adapts to it, thus making it easier. So then, you need to up the intensity and either run further or run faster to make it challenging.

Bike, treadmill, doesn't really matter as long as you train at your training heart rate zone.