Splitting up Cardio?

[tjs]

I don't think it has to be one or the other...both have benefits, especially if you are working up to a goal such as a long-distance race. Doing two 30 minute sessions will allow you to push more intensely each time and burn more calories both during and after the workout. However, one 60 minute session allows you to challenge yourself cardiovascularly and helps your lung efficiency. Additionally, doing both types of workouts each week keeps your body constantly challenged. I would try doing one of each per week, plus the other 35 minute workouts you described.

 

[JJFigure]

"However, one 60 minute session allows you to challenge yourself cardiovascularly and helps your lung efficiency."

That's very true; unfortunately, you may also die of boredom.

Give me an outdoor sprint any day of the week!! Just psyching myself up for today's sprint workout.

 

[Judah Bauer]

half right...

calories burned do contribute to overall calorie expenditure, which combined with diet will yield weight loss.

but... the percentage of glucose, protein and fats used at certain exertion levels, is not crap. example, as THR (target heart rate) increases, the subsequent increase of proteins and glucose as preferred energy source increases as well. fat oxidation cannot keep up with the required energy expenditure. someone looking to burn cals, is set. someone looking to maintain muscle...might not be. the difference between straight cardio and HIIT would be the amount of post exercise oxygen consumption (epoc or afterburn) which sets the body up to burn calories after the workout is completed.

I haven't seen any proof that substrates burned during cardio (fat vs. carbs) actually has much to do w/ actually bodyfat lost.

I have seen at least one study where pre workout whey nullifies catabolism...so I'm gonna theorize that if you do two cardio session, and the meals before those two sessions are whey...you could pretty much lower the risk of catabolism substantially, while still maintaining the benefits.

I just think there are advantages....say you do 20 mins cardio in the AM (whatever form)...you'll burn some fat, raise BMR, raise insulin sensitivity, and 20 mins protolysis really isn't a prob. Then you train in the after noon and you get all the same benefits. Then maybe 20 mins evening cardio, the same benefits again.

As long as your not overdoing it on intensity, or creating too much of a deficit, and getting enough protein....I'd say three bumps in insulin sensitivity/BMR/fat burning is probably superior to two.