When it comes to choosing the right kind of cardio, things can get confusing. Should you go for an intense burst of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) or a steady, Low-Intensity Steady-State (LISS) workout?
Each has its benefits and challenges, so let’s dive into the pros and cons of both to help you decide which one fits your goals.
What’s HIIT All About?
HIIT is like a sprint for your heart and muscles. It’s about giving everything you’ve got in short bursts, followed by brief rest periods. Typically, a HIIT session could involve 20 to 30 seconds of all-out effort—think jumping jacks, sprinting, burpees—then a short rest before doing it again. And again. And maybe one more time for good measure. This pattern gets repeated until you feel that you’ve left it all on the mat (or treadmill or track, wherever you are). The whole workout can be done in 20-30 minutes. That’s right, shorter than an episode of your favorite show.