How do I know what works best for me – Low intensity or high intensity cardio?

by Jack Kenefick on October 28, 2009

jogging through the fields Cardiovascular exercises are very popular among fitness freaks and cardio exercise regimens are definitely a part of weight loss and fitness programs. However, many people do not realize the cardiovascular exercises are of two types: high-intensity and low-intensity. The point here is to learn which form of cardio workout suits you the best. Let us therefore take a look at what makes these two forms of cardio workouts different and how they can be individually beneficial to someone who wants to workout cardio.

From a layman’s point of view high intensity cardio workout like running will burn more amount of fat compared to a low intensity cardio workout such as walking. However, scientists claim this to be a misconception and they say that our bodies burn more fat during a low intensity workout rather than a high intensity workout. They explain that when a person is doing high intensity workout the body burn glycogen, which is a form of stored carbohydrates that are in the liver and muscles. Meanwhile, a low intensity workout results in burning body fat.

Hence, choosing either forms of workout depends on your goal. If you are looking to burn body fat then low intensity workouts would not help.