High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) vs. Steady State Cardio?

Let’s start with the basics:

What is steady state cardio? As the name implies, this is any bout of physical activity in which your effort and heart rate stay about the same, and usually done over longer periods of time. The benefits? It is easy, usually low impact (for those trying to recover), and can easily become routine.

What is HIIT training? HIIT is a means to do intense bouts of exercise (80-100% max heart rate) in a short amount of time. Think circuits, exercises back to back, and resting only when the routine is complete, just to do it all over again after your intentional amount of rest time. This has more physiological benefits than steady state cardio: You can see equal if not greater results in a shorter amount of time, builds better cardiovascular health, and introduces you do new cool exercises!

Which one is best for you?

It all comes down to your goals and what you can do consistently to stick with it. Most of you are likely doing steady state cardio, perhaps some of you have tried HIIT, maybe you loved it, maybe you hated it! No form of exercise is a one-size-fits-all, and thats okay. I always encourage people to try new things, and form an opinion of their own. You can make anything work so long as you have a plan and stay consistent. Going back to which one is right for you, give HIIT a chance if you are short for time, or if you do have time and you genuinely enjoy steady state cardio, by all means keep going.

Conclusion:

For a well rounded lifestyle, weightlifting should always be priority number 1, but mixing in your favourite cardio is by far the most optimal way to go about exercise. Switch things up, have variety, or do both! The choice is yours. Nobody is responsible for the amount of work you do except you. HIIT is hard, staying consistent with steady state for a long period of time is hard, but so is being unfit.

~Kyle