Quantity vs. quality

hbunting86
hbunting86 Posts: 952 Member
edited September 30 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey

Just a bit of workout advice needed! My flatmate and I have both been going to the gym each day, however have a totally different approach to working out.

I tend to spend around 1hr 15 or so in the gym - I do intense cardio (either calorie burn/interval training on the treadmill) followed by the rowing machine. I'm pretty tired when I'm done and a hot sweaty mess! My 'walk' on the treadmill is 6.7 and I vary the gradient from 3.0 - 11.

However conversely, my flatmate will spend a good few hours, if not more on her workout. She uses the treadmill on manual, with a max speed of around 5.6 (and only uses the treadmill).

So my question is, regarding workout is quality (i.e. a more intense workout) or quantity seen as the optimum way to train? I'm confused about this and we're having plenty of flat debates at the moment!

Replies

  • Zerbertkisses
    Zerbertkisses Posts: 35 Member
    Bump, I'm curious about this as well. My hubby and I don't exactly agree 100% on this matter either.
  • SimplyDeLish
    SimplyDeLish Posts: 539
    Your workout routine needs to reflect your goal. Maybe she is looking for endurance and you want to build muscle and burn fat. If that's the case I'd think you are both on the right track. If she's looking to burn fat...she needs to change her approach.
  • kochany
    kochany Posts: 32
    Did you know doing intense cardio is not good for you.

    Both of you might be doing it all wrong.

    Interval training should only last 20 min max if you do it right(1(3 m/h) min walk 1(highest speed you can run) min run).
    Calorie/Fat burn should be ur HR depending on ur age around 125-140 BPM for 20-30 min. thats all you need.

    I would suggest strength (weight lifting)(with heavy weight) implemented into you routine. Don't worry you will not look like a man unless you take testosterone.

    Its funny that women think that only cardio is for them and they skip lifting. I see it all the time ,only few are brave to go and pump some iron.

    Many studies show its very beneficial .
  • garlic7girl
    garlic7girl Posts: 2,236 Member
    The fitness books I have read over the years have stated if you want to blast fat then a high intense workout in a short session say 30 minutes is actually more effective then a long term workout. It was once believed that working out for long periods of time was to help reach the 'fat' burning zone. If you read the official Journals of (I think) sports and fitness or the like (google it) they have done a lot of research on this in the past 10 years.
    All of our workouts should be varied so our bodies do not adapt to quickly and then we plateau. plus, highly intese workouts wear on the body so a day or so with less intense exercise should be noted. All this with strength training and flexibility training make a balanced body. Do read though it will empower you!
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,032 Member
    Its funny that women think that only cardio is for them and they skip lifting. I see it all the time ,only few are brave to go and pump some iron.

    Many studies show its very beneficial .
    I enjoy the results of both as I see benefits that way. I don't do heavy cardio for hours though. Some low intensity, then some high intensity and swap it out and add in some strength training. Pretty much what you're saying I guess?
  • Ahluvly
    Ahluvly Posts: 389 Member
    My advice to you is, if you've joined a club that has a pool or does classes, then you need to have a balance exercise regime of cardio and resistance training so start varying your exercise!

    I agree with a few of the comments that you need to be getting more out of your work outs to enter the fat burning zone so it's not necessarily about doing a longer work out! Do you have a heart monitor? If not, could be worth you looking into buying one?

    This is what I do:
    1-2 cardio sessions
    1 weights
    1-2 swimming
    1 class (yoga, Kinesis, kettlebells)

    Hope that helps!
  • Lyadeia
    Lyadeia Posts: 4,603 Member
    Did you know doing intense cardio is not good for you.

    :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
  • kochany
    kochany Posts: 32
    Did you know doing intense cardio is not good for you.

    :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:


    Whats so funny,
    You should educate your self .
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