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When it comes to the HIIT vs Long Duration Cardio debate, the HIIT extremists as I call them, are bombarding you with the words, ‘stop doing long boring cardio‘ and ‘long duration cardio will hurt you‘. Once again, I have to question if they have your best interests at heart. You never hear them mention that HIIT training can be harmful to people with certain body types. You also very rarely hear about the health benefits of long duration cardio. I’m going to share just one of the stories from one of my readers, as well as a very informative 14 minute interview with Kevin Gianni below. I encourage you to read on.

Is Long Duration Cardio Really Boring?

To some people, sure it is. And that’s what makes HIIT training so appealing to many people. I admit, running on a treadmill can be pretty darn boring. But running through a forest, on a nice river front trail, or a beautiful park setting can be an uplifting experience.

But cardio is not just jogging. As I’ve mentioned before, I prefer to bike. On my 30 minute bike rides down my winding county road which follows the narrow Belle River, I am certain to see some pretty amazing things along the way. I regularly witness a fox chasing a rabbit, deer running along side me, geese honking and splashing around on the river’s edge, and the simplicity of the horses, cows, and donkey’s that I see along the way.

I guarantee that my 30 minute bike rides contributed to burning the 14% body fat that I recently discarded. And for people to tell me to stop doing something that’s been effective for them and that they actually enjoy is doing a disservice in the battle of obesity.

A Fit Chic’s HIIT Experience

Every day I get at least one email or one post in my support communities from people who are frustrated and confused in regards to this cardio debate. The hype about HIIT has been poured on so strong that it’s been causing people to give up what they enjoy and instead do something that they don’t enjoy because all these experts are telling them to stop doing long duration cardio even though it’s been effective for them.

A Fit Chic member posted her question in the support community and was dizzy with confusion. She had been experiencing fantastic results with long duration cardio incorporated into your workout program and she was enjoying it. But the hype got to her. Being told to “Stop doing long duration cardio because it’s a waste of time” finally sucked her in.

Two weeks of HIIT and two doctors visits later she was ordered to stop HIIT training. It was injuring her and weakening her immune system.

Plus it took all the fun out of exercise. She was dreading her HIIT sessions. But because these experts were pounding it down her throat, she continued with it because this must be the solution to fat loss. Little did she know that she already had the solution. What she was doing was working.

HIIT Evangelists Do Long Duration Cardio Too

The ironic thing is that I know for a fact that there are many HIIT evangelists out there that do triathlons and marathons. Now why is that? I know for some of them it’s because they enjoy it, it’s a new challenge, they do it for a cause, and it’s all a part of living in optimal health.

If they are doing it, why the heck are they telling you to stop?

Hot & Cold Body Types

In the interview below that I did with Kevin Gianni, he shares some great information about body types and which form of exercise would work best for you based on your body type. For example, if you are a ‘hot’ body type, HIIT will actually put stress on your body. This is exactly what happened to The Fit Chic member above and has been experienced by many others within my support communities.

The message that I’m trying to get across here is to listen to your body and listen to yourself. If you are doing something that you enjoy like I enjoy riding my bike, you will stick to it. When it comes to fat loss it’s all about compliance.

If you jogging hurts you or is boring to you, try something different. If HIIT hurts you, try something different. There is no one single solution. The solution is to do what you enjoy and to do what works for YOU!

As I’ve mentioned before, I love both HIIT and long duration cardio. Incorporating both into my program has worked best for me. It’s up to you to find the right balance for yourself.

Take the time to listen to this 14 minute interview with Kevin Gianni. Then share your experiences with HIIT and long duration cardio. Are you overwhelmed and confused? Did you stop long duration cardio because of all the hype with HIIT?

Share your thoughts and opinions… they truly matter and could have a great impact on many peoples lives.

Enjoy the audio and have an awesome day!

Scott Tousignant

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