Not everybody looks forward to performing cardio. Yet it provides important benefits. It’s important for fat loss and cardiovascular health. It’s also flexible, meaning you can choose from a wide variety of cardio workouts, from the treadmill, bike, elliptical, or walking. And the list doesn’t stop there. Regardless of how you do cardio, lifters with a busy lifestyle look for a workout that’s fast and effective. Others with a little more time and perhaps less experience might prefer something more “steady”. That means the choices come down to a couple of types of cardio: steady state (SS) or HIIT (high-intensity interval training). Which is best?Â
What Is Steady State Cardio?
First, let’s define each type. Steady state cardio is performed at a low to moderate pace over an extended period (typically 20-60 minutes). This can be any type of cardio exercise you choose. This approach can elevate the heart rate to a specific zone that helps emphasize fat burning. There are also cardiovascular benefits.Â
What is HIIT Cardio?
In comparison, HIIT workouts are a popular approach for individuals with busy schedules and limited time. HIIT is done in short bursts of all-out effort, followed by a rest period. HIIT is a good choice for both burning fat and improving cardiovascular fitness. As noted, it’s a quick workout compared to steady state cardio.Â
Benefits Of Each
Both HIIT and steady state promote fat loss. Neither holds a clear superiority over the other in this regard. However, when the talk turns to cardiovascular fitness, HIIT comes out on top. The bottom line is that either is a good choice for fat loss. If you’re an athlete training for a triathlon, you might see better results with HIIT. Training for a marathon? Go with steady state.(1,2)
So Which One Is Best: Steady State or HIIT?
So which one is best? Ideally, both. As noted, the form of cardio you focus on depends on goals, experience, current state of health, and available time. Here’s one way to incorporate both. If you are a beginner to bodybuilding, fitness, or a specific sport, you should start with steady state. You can include HIIT sessions as you gain experience and improve your fitness level. Also, you can focus on whichever type supports your training without neglecting the other type.Â
Don’t Forget 5% Nutrition!
Of course, whether it’s cardio, resistance training, or both, 5% Nutrition has the products you need. If your goal is fat loss, there’s the innovative All Day You Shred. This potent formula has the same BCAA/EAA Blends as 5% Nutrition’s legendary All Day You May amino powder. Here’s the kicker, it adds a powerfully complete Fat Burner Blend. This blend is so far ahead of other amino burn supplements that it’s not even a contest.Â
There’s also Shred Time, our explosive thermogenic fat burner. Are you at the level where you’re doing cardio for an upcoming contest? We have the diuretic you need: Stage Ready. This formula was designed to help you achieve your best condition yet! Finally, there’s Liquid L-Carnitine 3150. This formula helps burn fat for energy. It also supports ATP production to help you through your tough workouts. Don’t forget the 5% Nutrition basics, and you’re good to go.
Recap
Whichever form of cardio you choose, you can get it done with dedication, consistency, and 5% Nutrition. Don’t wait, get started today, but after you stop by 5% Nutrition, shop and stock up on the outstanding products you need to succeed!
References:
- Engel, F. A., Ackermann, A., Chtourou, H., & Sperlich, B. (2018). High-Intensity Interval Training Performed by Young Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in physiology, 9, 1012. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.01012
- Keating SE, Johnson NA, Mielke GI, Coombes JS. 2017. A systematic review and meta-analysis of interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training on body adiposity. Obes Rev. Aug;18(8):943-964
