Once again it’s HIIT vs. low intensity lardio. The argument will not seem to go away. Here are some of the questions I answer in this podcast:
- Is HIIT the “magic pill” to fat loss?
- Is long duration lardio harmful?
- Is one better than the other?
A look at the numbers:
Low intensity lardio @ 60% MHR for 1 hour = about 240 fat calories burned
High intensity lardio @ 80% MHR for 1 hour = about 264 fat calories burned
It seems like H.I.L. is the clear winner. And minute for minute it is! But it really comes down to exercise duration. Doing H.I.L. at the same rate for just 45 min’s burns about 198 fat calories. In this case Low intensity lardio wins!
Fat loss comes down to calories in vs. calories out and you can create a calorie deficit with either option.
I have seen the best success with my clients and myself by combining the two. For example the 14 Day Transformation program has produced as much as a 15lb weight loss and up to 4 inches off the waist line in just two weeks using that method!
Question from listener Paul Archer:
Hi Erin. I’m interested in yours and Tim’s thoughts on hyperplasia and if it’s actually possible to split the muscle fibers as the theory goes. If so, what type of exercise programs do you believe could accomplish this?