HIIT – High-intensity interval training vs. Steady Pace Running

At Bindl Chiropractic, the main interest is health.  And as exercise is a HUGE part of overall health, we like to be active and keep up with any new health stories.  In fact, we just read this article http://articles.elitefts.com/training-articles/women-running-into-trouble/ a few days ago, and we must admit that it made us think twice about our workout schedules.

We encourage you to read the article, but in case, you don’t have time – it basically breaks down the reasons  why steady pace exercise (in this case steady pace running) is not the best way to lose weight, and in some cases can even be a bit bad for you.  The author points out how women are told and prompted to run too much, and that it is presented to them as the key to stay slim when it in fact may do just the opposite.  Science is present in the article and definitely makes it all the more interesting.

I have run one half marathon – it was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but also one of the most beneficial.  Normally, I exercise only with the goal of maintaining my health, not really to lose weight.  My workouts tend to be varied, but steady pace running is still a part of them.  And I had to wonder if this article is real and applicable to myself.

The article itself sounds very logical and legitimate, but I am unsure of the actual results.  The coolest thing is that you can really use any machine or form of exercise (they encourage variety and imagination) so long as you following the varying intervals of intensity.  The different phases can be found here: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/ultimate-8-week-hiit-for-fat-burning-program.html.

I am curious to know if anyone else has tried this and how successful it was. Or do you think this article, about how too much steady pace running can be harmful, had merit? Please feel free to share comments!  I really look forward to hearing from you.  As always, thank you for reading.

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