New Study: Only fraction of the time needed to achieve same results?

[Saphron_Girl]

Eight students cycled four to six times for 30-seconds separated by four minutes of recovery daily, while the other group cycled for 90 to 120 minutes each day. At the end of the two weeks, the first group had only exercised 2.5 hours total, and the second group had performed 10.5 hours of training. Yet both groups showed similar health improvements.

Participants of both groups had similar muscle glycogen contents. Glycogen is a sugar molecule that is readily converted to glucose to supply the body with energy during heavy work. Synthesis of glycogen is usually greater after exercise. The researchers also found that improvements in muscle parameters associated with fatigue resistance were similar in all subjects.

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[malkore]

so in a nutshell, the people training in 'short intervals' got the same health benefit (probably related to heart rate, blood pressure, and lung capacity) as the slow n' steady group.

more support for interval cardio.

this article essentially says the same thing, but is more of a 'program' for getting the most out of cardio without spending most of your free time doing cardio
Bodybuilding.com - Alwyn Cosgrove - Energy System Training For Fat Loss!

 

[midlifecrisis]

If you are doing cardio strictly to improve your cardio vascular system and to raise your hdl and lower your ldl and cholesterol, does hiit still make more sense than liss?

 

[malkore]

yes. steady state is not really a cardiovascular workout..your heart rate never gets high enough.

 

[midlifecrisis]

yes. steady state is not really a cardiovascular workout..your heart rate never gets high enough.

My steady state is 54 minutes with my heart rate between 80-90%. I've always wondered if I would be better off doing hiit for 20 or 25 minutes as opposed to the 54 minutes of steady high heart rate.

 

[buzz]

My steady state is 54 minutes with my heart rate between 80-90%. I've always wondered if I would be better off doing hiit for 20 or 25 minutes as opposed to the 54 minutes of steady high heart rate.

80% to 90% is high enough and would be classed as cardiovascular