cycling question

songofserenity81
songofserenity81 Posts: 138 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Is 90 to 110 minutes of cycling for 5 to 10 minutes duration throughout the day going to be as effective in helping me lose weight as one long continuous ride of the same length?

Replies

  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    There have been some studies showing that breaking up cardio is just as effective as doing the same amount at once. In my opinion, whatever gets you moving is a good thing!!

    http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/25/the-10-minute-workout-times-three/?_r=0

    As far as weight loss goes, your diet is most important. Exercise is more for fitness and only helps with the calorie deficit for weight loss if your diet is in check.
  • Hellbent_Heidi
    Hellbent_Heidi Posts: 3,669 Member
    I don't see why not. Are these intense bursts? If so, it should be VERY effective!
  • songofserenity81
    songofserenity81 Posts: 138 Member
    not sure on intensity , I am cycling between calls in the village, time is always a factor as i have to literally create it out of thin air ..or so it seems :O
  • scottaworley
    scottaworley Posts: 871 Member
    The advantage to a longer ride would be sustained elevated heart rate. If every ride you take 2 minutes to get your heart rate up then you're only getting 3 good minutes of cardio per 5 minute ride. If you ride at the same intensity for 90 minutes then you just got 88 minutes of solid cardio.
    On the flip side, if you get fatigued and take it easy on a 90 minute ride then your heart rate will be continuously lower, and you may not burn as many calories as you would if you were to have short, intense, bursts.
  • Hellbent_Heidi
    Hellbent_Heidi Posts: 3,669 Member
    In reality, the most effective thing for actual weight loss is your calorie intake, but exercise is important for so many other reasons.

    If this is part of your normal daily/job activities, have you set your activity level at 'active'?
  • songofserenity81
    songofserenity81 Posts: 138 Member
    set it to lightly active earlier today.....as I still don't see the job as being over strenuous and cycling it sure beats the heck out of walking it in the shoes I have to wear

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