Low or high intensity cardio? Which one is better for your fitness goals? Let's dive in and find out!
Are you tired of trying out different types of workouts and not getting the desired results? Are you confused about which type of cardio to choose? Do you want to know the pros and cons of low and high intensity cardio? If yes, then you are in the right place!
What is the target of low and high intensity cardio?
The target of low intensity cardio is to burn calories slowly by keeping your heart rate within 50-70% of your maximum heart rate. This type of cardio is good for beginners, people with injuries or medical conditions, and those who want to maintain their fitness level. On the other hand, high intensity cardio is aimed at burning calories quickly by keeping your heart rate within 70-90% of your maximum heart rate. This type of cardio is good for athletes, people who want to lose weight quickly, and those who want to improve their endurance and stamina.
In short, low intensity cardio is good for maintaining your fitness level, while high intensity cardio is good for improving your fitness level.
My experience with low and high intensity cardio
Personally, I have tried both low and high intensity cardio. When I was recovering from an injury, low intensity cardio helped me maintain my fitness level without putting too much strain on my body. However, when I wanted to lose weight quickly, high intensity cardio was the way to go. It helped me burn more calories in less time and also improved my endurance and stamina.
The pros and cons of low and high intensity cardio
Low intensity cardio has the following pros:
- It is easy on the joints and muscles
- It is good for beginners or people with medical conditions
- It helps maintain your fitness level
However, it also has the following cons:
- It burns fewer calories compared to high intensity cardio
- It can be boring and repetitive
High intensity cardio has the following pros:
- It burns more calories in less time
- It improves endurance and stamina
- It can be done in various forms, such as HIIT, Tabata, etc.
However, it also has the following cons:
- It can be hard on the joints and muscles
- It is not suitable for beginners or people with medical conditions
- It can cause fatigue and burnout if done excessively
How to choose between low and high intensity cardio?
The choice between low and high intensity cardio depends on your fitness goals, current fitness level, and medical conditions. If you are a beginner or have a medical condition, low intensity cardio is the way to go. If you want to lose weight quickly or improve your endurance and stamina, high intensity cardio is the way to go. However, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your cardio workouts.
Tips for doing low and high intensity cardio
Here are some tips for doing low and high intensity cardio:
- Warm up before starting your cardio workout
- Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration
- Stay hydrated and take breaks if needed
- Cool down and stretch after completing your cardio workout
FAQs about low and high intensity cardio
Q: Can I do both low and high intensity cardio?
A: Yes, you can do both low and high intensity cardio, depending on your fitness goals and current fitness level. You can mix and match different types of cardio workouts to keep your routine interesting and challenging.
Q: How often should I do low and high intensity cardio?
A: It depends on your fitness goals and current fitness level. For beginners, it is recommended to start with 2-3 days of low intensity cardio per week and gradually increase the frequency and intensity. For advanced athletes, it is recommended to do 5-6 days of high intensity cardio per week, with proper rest and recovery.
Q: Can I do low and high intensity cardio on the same day?
A: Yes, you can do both low and high intensity cardio on the same day, but it is important to space them out properly and not overdo it. For example, you can do low intensity cardio in the morning and high intensity cardio in the evening, with proper rest and nutrition in between.
Q: How long should my low and high intensity cardio workouts be?
A: It depends on your fitness goals and current fitness level. For beginners, it is recommended to start with 20-30 minutes of low intensity cardio per session and gradually increase the duration. For advanced athletes, it is recommended to do 45-60 minutes of high intensity cardio per session, with proper warm up and cool down.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between low and high intensity cardio depends on your fitness goals, current fitness level, and medical conditions. Both types of cardio have their pros and cons, and it is important to choose the one that suits your needs and preferences. Remember to start slowly, stay hydrated, and rest and recover properly between your cardio workouts. Happy sweating!
