As I have been a spectator more often this year as I have not been racing, I am observing a common trend in the participants body sizes.
I feel there is more proof, without any scientific study, that interval training is more effective for fat loss. Check out the body composition at endurance events as an Ironman Triathlon or a marathon. Then go look at the bodies at a 5k-10k running race, a crit bike race or Cycle Cross.
What do you see?
I watch Cycle Cross – “Star Cross” Championship race last night… I did not see many over weight people racing their bikes in an anaerobic race for 40-50 minutes. They are doing interval training- more speed work creates more “EPOC”… higher post calorie burn.
Endurance events… equals long slow training at our heart rates that burn more fat for fuel. Yes we burn calories during the long training day but post workout we don’t have the higher metabolism. Plus many people feel more hungry after endurance training and end up eating more than they would if they did a shorter workout.
Solution? If our favorite sport are endurance events then perhaps we need to add one day a week of tempo or speed work depending on our race date. We should definitely add strength training workouts 2-3 times a week since it is anabolic (endurance exercise is catabolic).
It is the start of the off season for many triathletes… time to start working on strength training and the underdeveloped areas we didn’t use all season. Balance the sympathetic nervous system training with some parasympathic nervous system training as yoga, Pilates or meditation.
Contact Debbie Potts for online coaching via www.fitnessforwardstudio.com or email.
