I think (and I'm definitely an amateur) that the problem with steady state cardio is the body's ability to adjust to it, and that people don't adjust it in kind. I'm not a gym person, however, I use a treadmill at home. I recognize that I have to change it up to keep my heart rate up. However, I know people that talk about reading while on the treadmill - how can they?
I mean, I usually have the television on, but I know I miss half of what's being said. That's okay - it's really just to distract me from watching the timer. I've used my iPod, but I need to change over to music (from audiobooks). I would get to a certain point and I'd lose track of the plot. I actually bought a heart rate monitor this week to make sure I push my heart rate up fast enough (something I sometimes don't do).
There's also the time issue. I think that's where the concept of HIIT is appealing. Hey, if you can spend less time and even get the same result, I can see why more people would stick to it.
|