Workout Debates

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Workout Debates
28
Sat, 04-02-2005 - 12:56pm
Let's discuss our opinions on different topics and what works for you or what you do.





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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
In reply to: cl_jeanwl
Sat, 04-02-2005 - 7:37pm

I was thinking big muscles like chest/back vs. smaller ones like bicep/triceps (which are still all major muscle groups)--I assume you're talking about even smaller groups?






iVillage Member
Registered: 06-23-2003
In reply to: cl_jeanwl
Sun, 04-03-2005 - 4:43am

I'm still working through the debate about cardio - whether high intensity interval training or low intensity is better for fat burning and/or weight loss. Now I have read numerous articles about how the fat burning zone idea is lame and about the math behind it (50% of 300 calories burned is still more than 70% of 100 calories burned, etc.) BUT I have also read compelling arguments about how when you're doing high intensity cardio you are exceeding your aerobic threshold and thus releasing lactic acid which inhibits fat burning. I've also read many personal experiences of people who were plateau-ing, started doing low intensity cardio 80% of the time, and had great results. So I'm still unsure. Currently I have switched to doing only 1 day of moderate/high intensity interval cardio, and 4-5 days of low intensity cardio. I'm going to try it for 6 weeks and see if there is any difference.

Any thoughts?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2004
In reply to: cl_jeanwl
Sun, 04-03-2005 - 9:12am

The latest research supports the fact that high intensity interval training (HIIT) produces a higher caloric burn than the lower intensity cardio. The major difference is that a greater percentage of calories are burned from stored fat during lower intensity cardio. However, according to research the source of the calories is far less important and that the overall caloric burn is what matters. I know bodybuilders often use HIIT when they're trying to cut before a competition.

That being said, I have learned that in this industry that nothing works for everybody. There are really so few absolutes (which keeps things interesting but can also be a bit frustrating). I think too many days of HIIT is too hard on your body and too many days of lower intensity cardio is boring so my solution is to mix it up a bit and do both.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
In reply to: cl_jeanwl
Sun, 04-03-2005 - 11:52am

I agree w/ Kel.






iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2003
In reply to: cl_jeanwl
Mon, 04-04-2005 - 7:02am
Yes, that's what I mean. I've been told that it's not necessary to use the abductor/adductor machine because those muscles benefit from other leg exercises and my time is better spent working quads and hams. Since I'm looking for a super efficient workout, I'm always looking for ways to make my workouts faster without skipping important exercises.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
In reply to: cl_jeanwl
Mon, 04-04-2005 - 9:59am

crunches and other things that you are calling "abs" IS a type of core work. anything that works your core is core work, and traditional ab exercises, while they might not be the most effective type of core work, ARE one type of core work.


i agree that functional core exercises are more useful and

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
In reply to: cl_jeanwl
Mon, 04-04-2005 - 10:15am

in my experience, that's true to some extent, but not to the point that you can completely ignore smaller muscle groups (like biceps, triceps etc.). for one thing, it depends on HOW you are working your larger muscles - if you are doing exercises that isolate them, like the hamstring curl machine, you aren't working your leg abductors and adductors the

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
In reply to: cl_jeanwl
Mon, 04-04-2005 - 10:30am
i agree that mixing it up is the best.

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