HIIT Cardio "Afterburn"

[mminguela]

I know one of the benefits of HIIT cardio is the after burning effect of increasing calorie and fat burning for hours after the actual session it self. Does this also happen during a moderate intensity cardio session for 45 mins (80%) of target heart rate? Its just that HIIT cardio is very stressfull on my knees and wondering if I am really losing out. Or should I just focus on total calories burned?

[We Drowned]

I know one of the benefits of HIIT cardio is the after burning effect of increasing calorie and fat burning for hours after the actual session it self. Does this also happen during a moderate intensity cardio session for 45 mins (80%) of target heart rate? Its just that HIIT cardio is very stressfull on my knees and wondering if I am really losing out. Or should I just focus on total calories burned?

Any strenuous exercise will accelerate your metabolism. You're not losing out as long as you are consistent. Focus on the workload, truly. HIIT is great, but it's not a miracle. I bet your nutrition is solid if you're this cognizant of the benefits of HIIT, and if it is, you wouldnt see a big difference either way. Do work. That's it.

[mminguela]

Ok, cool man thanks alot for the reply. Yea steady state is boring as hell bit HIIT is just too much sometimes on the joints and such.

[NOMNOMNONOM]

I just started HIIT a few weeks ago, and just discovered a stress fracture in my right foot. I know where you're coming from lol.

[mminguela]

Damn thats hardcore HIIT right there!

[mpipes]

The "afterburn" is pretty dang minimal in reality so don't stress over it.

Besides, 45 minutes at 80% burns a hell of a lot more energy than 20 minutes HIIT.

If your joints won't let you do HIIT it's all a moot point anyway, you've got to listen to your body!

[bigg_K]

The "afterburn" you're talking about is called excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC).

You won't have as much EPOC from moderate exercise as you would HIIT, but if you can't do it, you can't do it.


You can still do HIIT on things like a bike, or elliptical, low impact.

[Wowzer]

I know one of the benefits of HIIT cardio is the after burning effect of increasing calorie and fat burning for hours after the actual session it self. Does this also happen during a moderate intensity cardio session for 45 mins (80%) of target heart rate? Its just that HIIT cardio is very stressfull on my knees and wondering if I am really losing out. Or should I just focus on total calories burned?

Interesting article by Lyle McDonald on the exaggeration of EPOC.

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/res...nsumption.html

[Alex465]

Dont fuss over the afterburn.. been there done that. What you check the most is your DIET.