Im an Exercise PhysiologistHeres Why You Shouldnt Worry About Cortisol Spikes When You Do HIIT Workouts.

Elliptical vs Treadmill: Which Cardio Machine Is Right For You?

Does Rowing Count as Strength Training?

alt

Cardio is cardio right?

Our cardiovascular system actually relies on three distinct energy systemseach with its own purpose and function.

Theres the aerobic energy system, anaerobic lactic system, and anaerobic alactic systems.

woman sweating in the gym

sports physiotherapist and owner, Innovate Performance

This processmakes a lot of ATP but tends to take some time.

Your cells metabolize stored glucosemeaning turns it into energywithout using oxygen.

Last is anaerobic alactic, which means that it doesnt use oxygen or create lactate to make energy.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

This means your body can only tap into this system to power super short bursts of exercise.

Why do these three energy systems matter for working out?

We can break down and remember each system by intensity and duration, he says.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

The anaerobic alactic system is high intensity, short duration: think short, high energy bursts.

The aerobic lactic system is medium intensity, medium duration: think medium, uptempo intervals.

The aerobic system is low intensity, long duration: think long, endurance activities.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

sports physiotherapist and owner, Innovate Performance

Oftentimes, you will see these energy systems defined by a specific period of time.

Does Dancing Count as Cardio?

Heres What Experts Say

Glute Bridge vs Hip Thrust: Which Is The Better Booty Booster?

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Im a Master TrainerHeres Why You Shouldnt Skip Your Post-Run Stretches.

This zone is often quite uncomfortable.

The feel here is typically comfortable and sustainable.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

Heres an easy-to-understand plan to do just that!

Ideally you would complete three per week.

If not, just cycle through each sequentially on your cardio days.

Lastly, precede each workout with a five-minutewarm-upand a five-minutecool down.

Workout A (Anaerobic alactic; high power)

Choose your cardio equipment of choice.

Treadmills can be the easiest here because running takes considerably more effort than ellipticals or bikes.

Workout B (Anaerobic lactic; uncomfortable)

Choose your cardio equipment of choice.

I prefer the latter.

…

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.