HIIT Cardio Vs. Steady-State Cardio: Which Is Better For You And Why
How much cardio does it take to burn through that stubborn layer of fat lingering around your abdomen? The answer will change the way you think about working out.
Steady-state cardio, or maintaining a consistent, low-to-moderate intensity work-rate for an extended period of time, has been the norm.
While it can be effective, it requires an extensive amount of time to get results. Enter HIIT cardio.
What is HIIT Cardio
HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is a way of working out in which you give all-out effort through quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short, sometimes active, recovery periods.
Benefits of HIIT
Burn double the calories in half the time
Because these intervals are all about changing your pace and inclines, your heart rate will be constantly rising and falling throughout the workout, therefore burning more calories. Studies have shown that people doing HIIT lost more fat in half the workout time than those who kept things at an even pace.
Improve your race times
Get fast even faster with super short, superfast efforts. Researchers have found the low volume, high-intensity approach of HIIT training can boost your speed.
The quickest way to lose weight, burn fat, and build lean muscle, not bulk!
Long gone are the days of not having enough time for exercise. HIIT workouts can be done anytime, anywhere: at home, in a hotel room, in a park, at the gym, etc. And all you need is 30 minutes or less!
Click here to try a free HIIT treadmill workout!
Increases metabolism so you’re melting away the fat 48 hours AFTER your workout
Even though interval training consists of only short bursts, this is enough to raise your heart rate and speed up your metabolic rate for up to 48 hours after your workout. This means you’ll still be burning fat even after you’ve finished.
Cardio for people who hate cardio
For those of you who dread cardio, adding intervals into your workout is a way to fight off boredom and keep you motivated and focused. The change of pace during interval training helps the time go by faster, making your workout seem less like work.
Why you should try HIIT exercise — even if you’re out of shape
There is a common myth that HIIT workouts are (or must be) super brutal, but this is just not true. You can customize them to your level.
As time goes by you will see that your ability level increases as your body adapts and gets leaner, tighter and stronger.
So finally to answer “how much cardio does it take to get amazing results?” Not much! 30 mins or less a few times a week and you’ll see amazing results!
This is why we created our HIIT treadmill workouts for you. A treadmill is a perfect place to start for easy speed and incline changes.