Running and interval training

Does long distance running destroy muscle?

Is this why my PT wants me to do interval training?

I prefer long distance running. I am lifting weights and don't want to waste muscle.

Thank you
 
Does long distance running destroy muscle?

Is this why my PT wants me to do interval training?

I prefer long distance running. I am lifting weights and don't want to waste muscle.

Thank you

I don't think there is any evidence that long distance running destroys muscle. Anecdotally, long distance runners are slender because that is the body style that is most conducive to running and they rarely hit the weights.

Interval training is fine and burns fat fast and that is probably why your PT wants to go to interval training as long as you are in decent enough condition to do it. Interval training will help, not hurt, your long distance running as long as you maintain long distance running.
 
Long distance runners are typically lean because they burn off their fat running. They also run efficiently and apply less force when they run. Less force = smaller muscles.

If you lift, you will be a big and slow long distance runner. :) Every extra pound is an extra minute in a marathon.
 
Thank you for your anwser.

But I am still unsure why interval training works, how it works.

Is interval traning good for beginners only? Is it good for those lifting wishing to burn fat?

Thank you
 
What are your Goals?

Long marathons can cause muscle catabolism because of the need for energy but this only happens in long marathons.

I think your PT wants to increase your metabolism for a longer period of time. This helps with fat loss and muscle anabolism depending on your nutrition. To be honest I prefer intervals but you can integrate cardio on your off days as long as you have a good pre and post workout nutrition (basically high carb, mid protein, low fat, for Pre-workout and high carb, high protein, low saturated, fat high healthy fats for post workout), is not a lot (not more than one hour) and you get a lot of rest.

Sometimes intervals are just more convenient because you get more fat burning effect for a shorter session. You could also do some longer intervals, not as hard but you are still going as fast as you can for a longer distance or period of time. At the end, the winner is the one who gets there first.

I put this as simple as I can explain it without opening a book

Hope this helps

Rick_CSCS
ttfatlossworkout.com
Low Intensity Exercise = (LIE)
 
Thank you for your anwser.

But I am still unsure why interval training works, how it works.

Is interval traning good for beginners only? Is it good for those lifting wishing to burn fat?

Thank you

It works because of EPOC Excess Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption. Your body's oxygen consumption is higher for up to 38 hours. Slow cardio will create EPOC for a shorter time ( if you do 1hr then EPOC occurs for approx 1hr with slow cardio)

I think obese or overweight beginners should start with slow (not very long) cardio for at least 2 weeks so they can adapt their body to exercise. Then we hit intervals because it forces your body to burn calories for a longer period of time.

I'll take an increase in my metabolism for 38hrs over 1hr every time.

I Hope this helps

Rick_CSCS
ttfatlossworkout.com
Low Intensity Exercise = (LIE)
 
Does long distance running destroy muscle?

Is this why my PT wants me to do interval training?

I prefer long distance running. I am lifting weights and don't want to waste muscle.

I want to start to the beginning again. Why are you seeing a PT... if you don't mind me asking.
 
I don't think there is any evidence that long distance running destroys muscle. Anecdotally, long distance runners are slender because that is the body style that is most conducive to running and they rarely hit the weights.

Interval training is fine and burns fat fast and that is probably why your PT wants to go to interval training as long as you are in decent enough condition to do it. Interval training will help, not hurt, your long distance running as long as you maintain long distance running.


Sorry I missed this, ty.
 
I want to start to the beginning again. Why are you seeing a PT... if you don't mind me asking.

I was just wondering what interval training does. My PT is a old colleague. I spent about seven months just doing weights on my own. Once I was able to fully integrate exercise into my routine it was necessary for me to get help to establish a program to more efficiently reach my goals.

I was only running about once a week on my off days and I hated it. Now I really enjoy pushing myself, run post work out also (just a bit) and have started some pretty hard interval training (200 m sprint, 3min rest, 200m sprint 2min rest, 200 m sprint 1min rest) on some days and some longer distance running on other days.

Thank you for letting me know exactly why it works, another colleague claims that long distance running destroys muscles.

I think my diet is the major factor holding me back right now. I am trying though, but bad food, I have found, is harder to kick than smoking and some drugs.
 
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