What's Better - HIIT/Cardio or Strength Training?
I get asked this question all the time. And it depends. But, for your typical weight loss/toning client, strength training is going to be your best bet and then supplement HIIT/cardio as desired. if you look at the bigger picture, strength training is going to boost your metabolism, build more muscle, and allow you to burn more calories at rest. Therefore, whenever you do begin to lose weight, it’s going to be easier to keep it off.
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On the other hand, per hour, HIIT training burns more calories than traditional weight lifting. So, in the moment, yes, you’re getting a great calorie burn and workout. However, tons and tons of cardio is actually going to slow down your metabolism and break down muscle tissue if not paired with proper nutrition and strength training. Your body fat percentage will actually shoot UP and your muscle mass will go down – hence the term “skinny fat”. In a sense, you’re teaching your body to become efficient at storing fat rather than getting rid of it.
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How many times have you gone to lose weight, done all these HIIT circuits and crazy intense breath-taking workouts, lost weight, stopped that training regimen, and gained all the weight back? Probably too many times at this point. There isn’t a huge long-term benefit to these cardio based workouts other than when it comes to the cardiovascular system. And, it gets so glorified on social media and in the media in general. The Biggest Loser is a great example. They put people through these insanely STUPID workouts to where the contestants even CRY at times. You DO NOT have to do anything near that hard to lose weight. Slow your shit down, take longer rests, lift moderate-heavy weight in a slow and controlled manner, and watch the difference in your progress.
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Don’t get me wrong, HIIT and cardio both have their place and their own benefits, but if your goal is to lose weight and “tone”, focus on strength training. We are taught through social media to make it harder than it really needs to be.
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On the other hand, per hour, HIIT training burns more calories than traditional weight lifting. So, in the moment, yes, you’re getting a great calorie burn and workout. However, tons and tons of cardio is actually going to slow down your metabolism and break down muscle tissue if not paired with proper nutrition and strength training. Your body fat percentage will actually shoot UP and your muscle mass will go down – hence the term “skinny fat”. In a sense, you’re teaching your body to become efficient at storing fat rather than getting rid of it.
•
How many times have you gone to lose weight, done all these HIIT circuits and crazy intense breath-taking workouts, lost weight, stopped that training regimen, and gained all the weight back? Probably too many times at this point. There isn’t a huge long-term benefit to these cardio based workouts other than when it comes to the cardiovascular system. And, it gets so glorified on social media and in the media in general. The Biggest Loser is a great example. They put people through these insanely STUPID workouts to where the contestants even CRY at times. You DO NOT have to do anything near that hard to lose weight. Slow your shit down, take longer rests, lift moderate-heavy weight in a slow and controlled manner, and watch the difference in your progress.
•
Don’t get me wrong, HIIT and cardio both have their place and their own benefits, but if your goal is to lose weight and “tone”, focus on strength training. We are taught through social media to make it harder than it really needs to be.