Are you the type of person that likes to run for hours at a steady pace? Or do you like to get into the gym and crank out a quick interval run and be done with it? Maybe you avoid running altogether?

I’ve been all of these throughout my fitness journey, but have settled into a more HIIT (high intensity interval training)-oriented routine based on my schedule. I like having time for a variety of things outside of work and quick interval runs suit my needs.

But, I do understand the therapeutic value of a long steady-paced run outside after a stressful day. I think it be can be a great way of sorting through thoughts. It’s harder to do that with an interval run when you are constantly sprinting and slowing down.

I also understand the people that hate to run. There are definitely times that I hate to run, too. 🙂

I hadn’t really thought too much about which type of running, or if running at all, was healthy until I read “Women: Running into Trouble” by John Kiefer. The article talks about the detrimental affects of steady-state cardio. The purpose of this post isn’t to persuade you either way, but to present more information on the topic so that you can make a decision for yourself.

I like to work smart and I’m sure you do too! Hopefully this article provides some insight into your cardio choices. After all, we all want to find ways to maximize our exercise time to be able to dedicate energy to other aspects of life.

I’m not a scientist, MD, or RD, and I encourage you to read the article and research the topic if you would like to know more.

The three main downfalls of steady-state cardio (according to the article):

  • Studies demonstrate beyond any doubt that in women, cardio chronically shuts down the production of the thyroid hormone, T3.  Translation: It’s important to keep T3 in the right range. If you don’t have enough T3, then the body adds fat despite increased physical activity. 
  •  Training at a consistently plus-65 percent heart rate adapts the body to save as much body fat as possible. Translation: After constant steady-state training, the body stops releasing fat during the activity. In fact, the body adapts and makes it harder for you to lose fat. It holds onto it! 
  • No more muscle because too much steady-state cardio triggers the loss of muscle. Translation: Muscle mass is an indicator of health, so the loss of it (especially as you age), is not a good thing!

I found this information to be really interesting. One of the aspects that I love about fitness is that it is constantly evolving, so I continue to learn with it as different views and research appear. I’m always open to learning about what’s coming next and I want to make sure to reflect that in this blog. I think it’s important to adapt and grow in fitness and nutrition as with other areas of life. I never want to shut myself off to new ideas, so I want to share what’s out there.

What do you think about this article? Do you agree? Does it change your views in any way?