Cardiovascular exercise is essential for maintaining heart health. It not only strengthens the heart muscle but also improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Two popular forms of cardio exercise are HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) and steady-state cardio. Both forms of exercise have their unique benefits and drawbacks, and it’s essential to understand how they affect your heart health.
What is HIIT?
HIIT is a form of cardiovascular exercise that involves short bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest. The intense activity can range from 20 seconds to 2 minutes, and the rest periods can range from 10 seconds to 2 minutes.
The goal of HIIT is to push your heart rate to its maximum capacity during the intense activity periods, followed by brief rest periods to allow your heart rate to recover before starting the next intense activity. Learn more about HIIT workouts in this Ray of Health article (https://rayofhealth.sg/articles/fact-vs-fiction-the-truth-about-hiit-workouts/).
What is Steady-State Cardio?
Steady-state cardio is a form of cardiovascular exercise that involves maintaining a steady heart rate for an extended period. This type of exercise can be performed at lower or moderate intensities, depending on your fitness level and goals.
Steady-state cardio can include activities such as jogging, cycling, or swimming, where you maintain a consistent pace throughout the workout.
The Effect of HIIT on Heart Health
HIIT has been shown to have significant benefits for heart health. The intense activity during HIIT causes the heart to work harder, which strengthens the heart muscle and improves cardiovascular fitness.
HIIT has also been shown to improve blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of heart disease.
The Effect of Steady-State Cardio on Heart Health
Steady-state cardio is also beneficial for heart health. It improves cardiovascular endurance and strengthens the heart muscle, which helps the heart pump more efficiently.
Steady-state cardio has also been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels.
Which is Better for Heart Health: HIIT or Steady-State Cardio?
Both HIIT and steady-state cardio have their unique benefits for heart health. HIIT is excellent for improving cardiovascular fitness, while steady-state cardio is great for building endurance and improving heart function.
It’s essential to choose the type of cardio exercise that best suits your fitness level, goals, and preferences. If you’re looking to improve your cardiovascular fitness quickly, HIIT may be the better option. However, if you prefer a more sustainable form of cardio exercise that you can do regularly, steady-state cardio may be the better choice.
Both HIIT and steady-state cardio are effective forms of cardiovascular exercise that have significant benefits for heart health. The key is to choose the form of exercise that best suits your fitness level and goals and to incorporate it into your regular exercise routine.
