Short, High Intensity Exercise Burns More Calories

When calorie burning is our aim, research shows that short, high-intensity anaerobic sessions burn more calories than longer, low-intensity aerobic workouts. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, more calories are burned in short, high intensity exercise.

 For example, a 70kg (11stone) person running at a pace of 8mph, will burn 320 calories in 20 min. The same person walking at 3 mph for an hour will burn on 235.

Although shorter, high intensity workouts burn the most calories, they aren’t always the best option. They are not recommended for a beginner exerciser because they can contribute to injuries in those who aren’t prepared for the physical demands of this type of workout. High intensity work outs are just that, and require ample rest, they should be used sparingly. Even highly condition athletes vary their workouts and have some long slow work outs for endurance and recovery. Working at high intensity will cause you to fatigue quicker and you are likely to have to stop within 20 minutes. During slow exercise one could go on for several hours.

If you’re already exercising regularly and progressing in your exercise intensity, perhaps try shorter more intense workouts to increase your calories burning. However if you have just started an exercise program, it’s advised to take on slow and steady exercise until your fitness levels increase.At the end of the day the type of exercise you undertake depends on your goal. If your training for mountaineering or backpacking long steady walks with inclines, are recommended, however, if you aim to lose a few pounds for the summer holiday it may be worth giving the high intensity workouts a try.

There are a number of methods in which to execute high intensity training, including fartlek, interval training, high-rep Olympic lifts and super sets to name a few.

Adapted from:

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/conditioning/a/aa112701a.htm