Should I add in a HIIt/cardio day?

mizzcasual
mizzcasual Posts: 223 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
When a first started I'd be doing HIIT/cardio plans no strength training that was good but i wasn't building muscle giving me more of a skinny fat look. For the past few months i've just be doing strength training 3 times a week not bothering with much cardio there is cardio at the end of the strength training. My main goal is fat loss to get a lean/toned looking body. Although I haven't really needed the cardio so far body fat is dropping fast but the weight slowly (don't have much to lose though). I was thinking of adding in HIIT/cardio circuit style training once a week to make sure I'm going 4 days a week. Would it be worth it ? to do something different since I've stopped the HIIT/circuit style for the past 3-4months.

Replies

  • cajuntank
    cajuntank Posts: 924 Member
    If you can keep up the weightloss, losing .5-1% bodyweight weekly average without it, then I would not worry about it. If you want to add it in as it is something you enjoy or there is a cardiovascular element you need to take advantage of, or want to increase caloric consumption some, then by all means, go for it. But again, try to keep your weightloss around the .5-1% bodyweight range weekly for optimal fat loss and muscle retention (assuming macros are in line). This might mean upping your calories some to offset the added cardio if you lose too much.

    Also as a side note if you do end up adding it in, make sure it does not impede your recovery for strength training, as from way you worded your posting, looks like strength training is more important to you at this time.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    It's one day. If you want to do it and you enjoy it, go ahead. If you don't, then don't. Don't overthink one day of cardio per week
  • mizzcasual
    mizzcasual Posts: 223 Member
    I do enjoy it as a way to challenge myself in a different way.
  • MrGonzo05
    MrGonzo05 Posts: 1,120 Member
    You may find HIIT interferes with your recovery. Though most people who talk about HIIT aren't actually doing HIIT.
  • mizzcasual
    mizzcasual Posts: 223 Member
    The days I'd do it would be something along the lines of this

    Monday - Strength
    Tuesday - Hiit
    Wednesday - rest
    Thursday - Strength
    Friday - rest
    Saturday - Strength
    Sunday - rest

    I might only add the circuit style hiit in every other week just doing it with the trainer. One week 3 days strength the next week 3 days strength with one day of circuit style hiit

    I've done the cardio HIIT myself where I warm up for 5-10mins then for about 10mins I do 30sec fast 1min slow in the 30 sec I go as fast as I can on 1% incline can't usually do more than 10mins.

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