Is Continuous Training a better workout than Interval Training?

H

hatcht9x

0
As some of you may know I started running about 10 weeks ago.. 2.5 miles each night alternating running and walking each 1/4 mile lap. Recently however, I decided to see if I could run the mile continuously, without walking (resting), and I can actually run 2 miles straingt (Something I never thought I would be able to do) no heavy breathing or cramps.. I have lost 20 LBS so far but I want to go at least another 40..

I was wondering if I should continue the run/walk/run/walk method (interval)

or if I can start running my 2 miles straight and walk the last two as a cool down and still get the same, if not, better work out.

I 'run' at 5.5 mph and the calorie counter (although it is a general estimate) shows that I burn more calories with the continuous 2 miles plus cool down..

so, which one is a better work out? (burns more fat)

thanks guys, Sorry this was long,

-Chris
 
Hey great job on losing the 20!

It really doesn't matter which one you do. One will burn calories faster than the other. Maybe alternate but whatever feels more comfortable for you. I run twice a week. One day is 30 min (300 calories) the other day is sprinting intervals (300 calories) 10 minutes which includes the warm up and cool down.

Just shoot for calories burned.
 
thanks for the responce.. so you are saying that as long as it is the same distance it doesnt matter how fast I get there? It does make sense.. however I think about how I sweat more running than I do alternating.. but also that the body performs more chemical chages during interval training.. idk.. it seems like there is more than meets the eye.

thanks again,

-Chris
 
Hi dude,

on my travels i have found that continuous intervals work well (for me anyway)

so thats sprinting till you cant any more then jogging to get your breath back and then sprinting again

i have also found you burn more calories this way if thats what your going for

congratz on losing the 20!! always switch it up so you dont hit a brick wall!!! (plateau)
 
i believe its called a pleteau, basically its when your body gets to used to training and you dont see any results, to combat this you need to switch up your training every couple weeks so shock your body and it doesnt get to used to any training

i have hit this "wall" once and ill be damned if it happens again!!!
 
Competely depends on your goals and what you hope to achieve. A good interval training program is a great way to exercise.... If you're at a lower level of fitness, try running continuous as much as you can. Interval training is a little more specific and to use interval training to get good results, you will need a good level of fitness as it pushes your work rate up a great deal. I wouldnt call jogging and then walking for a bit before jogging again interval training... have the motivation to keeping jogging along even at a slow pace. In time you will increase fitness, speed and stamina....
 
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thanks for the info guys! what would you recommend I do so I dont hit this wall? Im not in good shape haha.. but my stamina is improving obviously..I can jog 2 miles straight.. so should I finish the month this way and next month up the distance? or go back to jog/walk/jog/walk?

I appreciate it!

-Chris
 
dude usually i mix it up

you can jog for the mile or so then try to sprint for as long as possible then slow down to a jog once you get tired

just try not to slow down to a walking pace as long as you keep your feet up you should be cool :)
 
Thanks for all the great info guys.

I have another question though.. If I wanted to do my workout twice a day (5 miles total) would I be overtraining?

what is considered overtraining anyways.. I want to run as much as I can, but I dont want any adverse consequences..

Any help would be great!

thanks again guys and gals
 
hatcht9x said:
Thanks for all the great info guys.

I have another question though.. If I wanted to do my workout twice a day (5 miles total) would I be overtraining?

what is considered overtraining anyways.. I want to run as much as I can, but I dont want any adverse consequences..

Any help would be great!

thanks again guys and gals
Click to expand...

Oh course not. Take at least a day or two off though- I would.
 
awesome! and yea I usually take a day off..

but out of curiosity.. what would constitute 'overtraining' ?

thanks!

-Chris
 
that makes sense.. however Im assuming since everyone is different, there is no real way to tell how long someone needs to recover. How do you differeciate between sore and overtrained?

I really appreciate the help and sorry for all the questions!

-Chris
 
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