There has always been a debate between High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), and long-distance, which is superior and best for fitness among athletes and people with fitness enthusiasm. We believe both offer unique advantages and are ideal for different fitness goals.
If you are confused between them, and thinking about selecting the best one for you, so fear not, we have prepared a detailed guide to discuss all possible pros and cons and help you choose the best one that not only aligns with your interest but also with your fitness level.
Difference between HIIT and Long Distance Running
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
High-intensity interval training involves short but intense exercises and they are also followed by a very concise break. In short, it is a rapid pattern that helps burn calories and improve our cardiovascular fitness while also giving an impressive boost to our heart rate. HIIT involves interval running fast for a bit, jogging slowly, and doing it multiple times.
Benefits Offered By HIIT
Time-efficient
If you have a busy schedule, these workouts are made for you because they are generally shorter than traditional cardio and consume less time.
Higher Metabolism
It even boosts your metabolism which helps to burn more calories after exercising.
Heart Rate
It makes your heart and lungs stronger if you are doing HIIT regularly.
Fat Loss
HIIT is great for burning fat and building muscles.
Drawbacks of HIIT
Tough workouts
It can be hard sometimes and might not be right for beginners or people, experiencing certain health issues.
Risk of injury
It also possesses intense risk, and there’s a higher chance of getting hurt from overuse.
Less focus on endurance
It is great for general fitness, but not the best for training for long-distance events.
Long-Distance Running
In simple words, long-distance running means running for a long time at a steady pace. It helps you to build stamina, makes your muscles even stronger, and at last, also improves your heart rate.
Benefits of Long-Distance Running
Better Constancy
If you are running long distances, then it will be easier to keep going for longer.
Heart Health
It makes your heart and lungs even stronger.
Weight Control
If you start running regularly, you will notice eventually that you begin to lose weight and keep it off.
Mental Health booster
Running can help you reduce stress, anxiety, and depression about worldly things and affairs.
Strong Muscles and Bones
Running makes your legs stronger and your bones denser.
Drawbacks of Long-Distance Running
Time-Consuming
It can be time-consuming as running long distances requires a big time commitment.
Injury Risk
Running also possesses some severe injuries like shin splints and stress fractures.
Mental Toughness
Discipline is the key to long-distance running means it can be mentally tough.
Choosing the Right Approach
We here at One Physio and Mobility believe that
Why Choose HIIT
If you want to maximize calorie burn and improve fitness in a short amount of time.
If you have limited time for exercise.
If you want to enjoy high-intensity workouts.
If you are looking to build explosive power and speed.
Why Choose Long-Distance Running
If you want to build constancy and stamina.
If you want to enjoy the mental and physical challenges of long-distance training.
If you have plenty of time for exercise.
If you want to train yourself for a specific running event like a marathon.
Combination of HIIT and Long-Distance Running
Well, there’s no such need to choose between High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Long-Distance Running. In fact, many athletes around the world include them both in their exercise as part of their lives to get as many benefits as they can.
Your total fitness can be improved by combining HIIT with long-distance running. In short, we can say that the overall performance would increase leading to no spot in results’ improvement with the selection of this combo.
Recommendation
Well, we here at One Physio recommend you listen to your body before choosing the best training method. Proper warm-up and cool-down routines are essential because they help prevent injuries and gradually increase the intensity and duration of work-out rather than being unaware, and increasing intensity and duration can lead to severe injuries.
Additionally, include power training in your routine because it helps to improve your overall performance and if you become strong there will be fewer chances of injuries.
At last, the best workout is the one that you enjoy and can consistently stick to. Experiment with different training, find what works best, and meet your fitness goal and desire!