Benefits of long duration, low intensity vs. short duration, high intensity exercise
65Long Duration, Low Intensity Exercise
Defined:
Going for long runs or walks, time spent on treadmills, bikes, rollerblades , gym classes – and all exercise where we spend a lot of time doing (think 30 – 60 minutes) not challenging our body the whole time and not breathing heavily.
Positives:
- Helps your cardiovascular system – heart, blood vessels and lungs
- Creates circulation into your brain
- Good for blood pressure and cholesterol
- There are several benefits to long duration, low intensity
Negatives:
- Gets your hormones working against you
- Cortisol levels go up because it causes long standing stress on your body and body stores more fat and breaks down more muscle
- Your appetite is stimulated
- Recover slower from exercise
Short Duration, High Intensity Exercise
Defined:
Also defined as “Surge” or “Burst” Training or interval training. Performing a short surge in exercise, followed by a period of rest – then repeating.
Positives:
- Hormones work in your favor
- Your body continues to burn fat and build muscle long after your workout
- Pushing your body to its maximum ability, not beyond it
- Testosterone and growth hormone increase
- Endorphin boost (fights depression and anxiety)
Additional Information
- More about Endorphins
- High-intensity Interval Training
More information about the benefits of Short Duration, High Intensity training - High Intensity Workout Study
Study on the benefits of High Intensity workouts - 12 Minute Makeover
A workout based on Short Duration, High Intensity exercise
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Comments
i agree with Adam
Low intensity does burn muscle tissue if you do not have proper blood glucose or glycogen (sugar)stores. A process called gluconeogenesis









Adam says:
2 years ago
Too vague, more scientific research is needed to back up this information