Is there one type of cardio better than another for fat loss? In the last decade, high intensity training has been a trend due to disciplines such as CrossFit. Little by little we have put aside the “cardio of a lifetime” in which we went running at a moderate or low pace for long periods of time. What are the advantages of each one and which one to choose if our goal is to lose body fat?
High or low intensity cardio: pros and cons of each
High intensity: pros
High intensity work is more attractive and generates more adherence to training because we have our brains busy having to pay attention to intervals and work.
Burn more calories in less timeso it is ideal at times when we can train less or when we want to introduce a quick session after a strength session or some activity such as pilates.
High intensity: cons
High intensity is not for everyone. We need a good level before doing this type of work. Otherwise, we will tire very quickly and our self-esteem may be damaged by feeling bad about our athletic level. In addition, it can lead to injury as they are not adapted to such intense training.
Need more recovery time between sessions since high intensity cardio will alter our body to a greater extent than other types of lower intensity training.
Moderate intensity: pros
Moderate-intensity cardio can be done by anyone at any time, as long as there is no medical condition. You do not need an advanced level of training and we can get better little by littlemaking our self-esteem improve.
Moderate intensity: cons
Can result more boring by being monotonous and need more time to achieve the same calorie burn that we have expended with high-intensity training.
Which is better for fat loss, according to science?
High-intensity cardio and moderate-intensity cardio show a similar effectiveness in all measures of body composition. That is the main conclusion reached by most scientific studies. So why choose when we can keep the benefits of both types of cardio?
High-intensity training will be a good option if we are able to do it, and we can introduce it on days we have less time or to mix it with another type of training like strength or pilates, for example.
Moderate intensity training will be excellent for days when we have more time and for Don’t go overboard with high-intensity work. This type of cardio can be done more days a week, and throughout the day, although it takes more time, you will consume more calories.
The important thing is not the type of cardio used, it is that you like the activity and that there is a significant energy expenditure throughout the day so that spend more energy than you consumewhat is condition sine qua non for fat loss to occur.
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