Quote:
Originally Posted by MrPlow
Err, I meant that HIIT is better at burning the fat than "normal cardio". Thanks for clarifying though.
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If I was going to get picky (which of course I am), moderate intensity aerobic exercise burns fat as a fuel, whereas high intensity training burns carbohydrates as a fuel. This is based on RER (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respiratory_Exchange_Ratio). In high intensity it exceeds 1.0, in moderate intensity it is around 0.7.
Of course, the fuel exercise uses at that time isn't particularly important for fat loss, because it's replacing the fuel using anabolic processes that will have a catabolic effect on your fat stores if you're at a caloric deficit.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrPlow
It's not really a question anymore. HIIT is leaps and bounds ahead of straight cardio for burning more calories.
One source. |
What high intensity training does is cause an increased oxygen metabolism after the cessation of exercise. Whether or not this results in more calories burned than moderate intensity exercise depends on the specific intensity and duration of each, and will differ between individuals.
Suffice to say that prescribing either high intensity exercise vs moderate intensity exercise will depend entire on the individual, their goals, their preferences, time available for exercise, and their previous training experience.