Bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger has inspired the fitness community with his iconic workouts and now passes on his extensive knowledge to his fans. In a recent Arnold’s Pump Club newsletter, Schwarzenegger discussed the best cardio methods to lose weight, revealing that both high-intensity interval training and lower-intensity workouts are capable of similar fat loss results.
“Many people argue whether one type of cardio is better than another, and a new study might have put the debate to rest.”
Seven-time Mr. Olympia winner Arnold Schwarzenegger may have stepped away from the competitive stage, but his dedication to staying fit remains unwavering. The 76-year-old makes sure to stay active every day, maintaining a healthy addiction to the gym and holding onto the belief that sweat is the secret to slowing the aging process.
While in pursuit of longevity, he has incorporated a mostly plant-based diet to improve his blood pressure and takes a multivitamin to help increase his cognitive function, considering them as added insurance for the body. However, Arnold Schwarzenegger stands behind the idea that nothing is more effective at prolonging life than regular exercise.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger Talks Best Cardio Types For Losing Weight, Analyzing Both HIIT and Lower-Intensity Workouts
With his newsletter, Arnold’s Pump Club, Schwarzenegger has consistently shared science-backed research proving the benefits of specific workout techniques. From strength training having the ability to prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia to power walking and increasing lifespans, Arnold Schwarzenegger is on a mission to educate his followers about the countless benefits of remaining active.
His latest Arnold’s Pump Club newsletter discussed the best form of cardio for losing weight, comparing high-intensity interval training with lower-intensity workouts.
“Scientists recently found that high-intensity cardio (HIIT) and lower-intensity cardio were equally effective at supporting weight loss goals.”
“The research focused on randomized controlled trials (the gold standard for determining direct relationships), which included 11 studies assessing the effectiveness of cardio. The high-intensity workouts lasted an average of 27 minutes and were performed three to five times per week. The lower-intensity sessions were performed the same number of days, but the workout lasted approximately 45 minutes per workout.”
Even though both HIIT and lower-intensity workouts had similar outcomes for losing fat, HIIT workouts had additional health benefits.
“Both programs resulted in similar fat loss, body weight reduction, BMI changes, and triglycerides. That said, the HIIT workouts did a better job of improving VO2 max, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol.”
Ultimately, Arnold Schwarzenegger explains that both forms of cardio have their advantages so the main objective should be staying consistent regardless of which workout type is chosen.
“The takeaway? Don’t forget rule #1: consistency is king. The activities you do repeatedly will deliver results. So you can spend all day optimizing, but what matters is consistent work and effort. That means selecting programs that best match your behaviors, routines, and lifestyle.”
“Different types of cardio will have tradeoffs. HIIT workouts require less time, but they can put more stress on your body and require more recovery. Lower-intensity cardio requires longer workouts but creates less fatigue, making it typically easier to bounce back faster. Or, you can mix and match different types of training. If you determine the variables that best allow you to stick to a plan — and remember to stay patient — it’s only a matter of time before you’ll see results.”
Lower-intensity workouts are nothing to scoff at but Arnold Schwarzenegger has provided many upsides to HIIT-based workouts in the past that can’t be overlooked. For example, Schwarzenegger shared a scientific study that revealed HIIT workouts can reduce the risk of metastatic cancer by 70%. In another study, Arnold Schwarzenegger provided research suggesting that high-intensity training could increase natural testosterone.
Arnold Schwarzenegger continues to advocate for the myriad of health benefits that come with staying active. Drawing on his extensive experience inside the gym, Schwarzenegger remains a well of wisdom not only for fitness enthusiasts but all individuals looking to enhance their health and well-being.
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