High-Intensity Workouts vs. Low-Intensity Workouts
Most people are certain: if you want real, fast results, high-intensity workouts are your golden ticket.
However, the truth is that high-intensity workouts aren’t suitable for everyone, and low-intensity workouts can bring different benefits.
How do you know which one is right for you?
High-Intensity Workouts
High-intensity workouts are exercises that push the body to its maximum potential in short periods of time. These could involve short bursts of intense activity followed by a rest or lower-intensity period in intervals. The main goal of high-intensity workouts is to elevate your heart rate quickly, encouraging your body to burn fat and build endurance faster.Examples include:
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Sprinting
Circuit training
Intense strength training
Intense workouts mean you’re working at your maximum effort. The results? Typically more calories are burned, improved cardiovascular health, and increased metabolism after you’ve finished. It’s the workout that makes you sweat, groan, and feel like you’ve conquered something big.
But here’s the thing: it’s hard. It’s challenging. And that’s exactly why it works.
Low-Intensity Workouts
Low-intensity workouts, on the other hand, are gentler on the body and focus on sustained moderate activity over a longer duration. Even though these workouts keep your heart rate lower, they typically allow for longer sessions without feeling exhausted.Low-intensity workouts include:
Walking
Yoga
Why choose a low-intensity workout?
Even though they burn fewer calories, low-intensity workouts can aid in recovery, improve mobility, and build endurance. They absolutely have their place in your routine—they’re a good foundation for building your endurance and allow less stress on the body. A lot of beginners start with low-intensity workouts, and many bodybuilders incorporate them into their active rest. Why not opt for a class?
It’s not always "go hard or go home!"
High-intensity workouts are a way to push yourself for fat loss and muscle gain. However, overdoing it can lead to exhaustion and discouragement. Look at your routine and decide what is best for you based on the results you want.
