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Exploring the Fundamentals of Low-Intensity Steady State Cardio

Nov 08, 2023 By Nancy Miller

Many people have praised the high-intensity interval training (HIIT), discussing its advantages, ease of doing it and efficiency. They aren't incorrect to think so; HIIT is an efficient kind of exercise that can help you burn fat and become fit.

Nonetheless, vigorous exercise isn't for everyone. Extremely intense exercises pose dangers, including injury, overexertion, and fatigue, even for seasoned exercise enthusiasts. This is where LISS comes in.

LISS cardio may be the best option for beginners. Regular exercisers may welcome the opportunity to switch things up by trying something new.

Low-Intensity Steady State Cardio

The LISS refers to cardiovascular exercise that is performed at a relatively low intensity for several minutes or even hours. Contrasting with HIIT, LISS doesn't swing between high bursts and resting periods.

The average length of such a LISS session is between 45 minutes and 1 hour. Different physical activities are available, such as:

  • Brisk ambulation
  • Trail trekking
  • Gentle runs
  • Cycling on a stationary machine
  • Aquatic laps

The constant intensity of aquatic laps LISS makes it distinct from HIIT. During a LISS session, you should aim for a heart rate of 50–65 percent of your maximum, putting you in a moderately hard training zone. This allows you to keep up the motion at a constant rate for longer than you could in a more strenuous session.

Should you choose to bypass difficult calculations or monitor your pulse, there are alternate approaches to determine your workout intensity. A fitness tracker, mental notes, or the "talk test" are all viable possibilities. Conversing comfortably, yet singing would be too taxing, is a sure sign that you've entered the LISS zone.

LISS Cardio Benefits

The LISS cardio’s advantages may be worth the time investment required to complete a specific routine, which is often longer than a HIIT session.

Augments Cardiac Wellness

Regular exercise is great for your heart and lungs since it improves your cardiovascular fitness. Improved heart health has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Include activities from LISS exercises with more intense cardio sessions once per week.

Caloric Consumption

It can be the most efficient and fastest method to burn calories quickly. In particular, those who are overweight have been shown to benefit from both exercises in terms of calorie burn, VO2 max increase, and body composition optimization.

Consistent low-intensity exercise may cause your body to use fat stores for energy instead of muscle glycogen, according to the research. For instance, LISS has shown promise as a more effective strategy than HIIT for reducing total adipose tissue in individuals with obesity.

Enhances Stamina and Aerobic Proficiency

Since it is conducted at a lower intensity, it may be done for longer periods of time. Long training sessions like this are great for improving your stamina and fitness level overall.

As stamina increases, it's possible to do longer bouts of LISS exercise. This is a great fit for the routines of long-distance racers. LISS cardio is often used by runners as part of their marathon training.

One study showed that continuous-state exercise was just as effective as HIIT in increasing aerobic capacity in sedentary young people. This has encouraging implications for beginners who aren't yet physically ready for HIIT.

Amenable to Novices

Amongst its major benefits, LISS cardio is especially accessible for beginners. These less strenuous exercises may be more inviting to those just starting out on their fitness journey. LISS cardio may be made much more manageable by opting for familiar exercises.

A good LISS exercise can consist of going on a stroll or riding a bike with your kids or a friend. If you choose an activity that you love and that fits easily into your schedule, you may be more motivated to stick to your exercise routine.

Decoding the Disparity Between LISS and HIIT

In contrast to HIIT, the goal of LISS exercise is to maintain a modestly raised heart rate for long periods of time. Still, the most obvious distinction is one of intensity. In the midst of a HIIT session, it is desirable to attain roughly 85 percent of one's peak heart rate, corroborated by the recommendations for severe exercise provided by the American Heart Association (70 to 85 percent of one's maximum heart rate).

Differences consist of:

Time

In compared to a 30-minute HIIT exercise, a LISS session delivering equal advantages, either energy production or calorie intake, would require a more considerable time commitment.

Rhythm

Rhythm Uniformity distinguishes the LISS pace, as opposed to the varying intensities interspersed by relaxing interludes typical of HIIT.

Cognitive Engagement

Most people can devote less mental energy to LISS since it entails repeating the same actions over lengthy periods of time. However, because of the frequent switching between tasks and the varying intensity levels, HIIT necessitates a higher degree of concentration.

Liss Cardio Workouts

We recommend thinking about how different activities you can do without sacrificing a lot of time.

You can opt for hiking, a difficult one, but it might be perfect for folks who love the outdoors. Meanwhile, experts point out that errands that you do in daily life, also fall under this exercise.

Numerous activities qualify as low-impact or moderate-intensity routines. Among them are:

  • Two kilometres in thirty minutes of hiking
  • In half an hour, you can bike four kilometres
  • Stair climbing and descending for fifteen minutes
  • Spending half an hour dancing vigorously
  • Twenty minutes of swimming laps.
  • Spending half an hour in the garden

For any training program to be effective, it must begin slowly and then gradually increase in time or intensity.

Conclusion

The LISS cardio is a more mild but effective option. It's flexible to a diversity of activities, fits perfectly with varied lifestyles, and suits both fitness newbies and seasoned athletes. Those looking to increase their heart health, endurance, and fat loss will find that this method is ideal because of the consistent pace it provides. LISS is a vital part of a well-rounded, health-conscious lifestyle because of its tailored, moderate approach.

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