Going to the gym will always be a different experience depending on who you are. Some people love it and feel excited about going, while others feel apprehension and borderline nervousness about what to expect. I think that these different attitudes relate to the pain you are expecting to endure - and whether you are going to enjoy that pain or not.
While pain is not exactly an aphrodisiac for me, I know that there has to be a certain amount of discomfort to push my body to change from its current state. This is effectively how training works, taking the body from homeostasis to struggle mode, which leads to adaptation and then, if you don't challenge it again, back to homeostasis. This is why it's so important to consistently challenge your body with progressive programming. So, what is the best way to get results from training and what types of training will you most likely adhere to over a long term basis?
To answer, let’s take a closer look at High Intensity Training (HIT). I have grouped strength and weight training with HIT and compared it to steady state cardio (you know, something that needs more exertion than walking your dog or scratching your bum) for fat loss and health markers.
HIT
Steady State Cardio
The best alternative to HIT training will be Medium Intensity or Steady State Cardio and the best alternative to Steady State Cardio will be running away as fast as you can from a hungry pride of lions.
If you are on the fence about which type of training suits you best then it may be worth adding in both depending on your capabilities and seeing what you enjoy the most. Personal preference and goal-orientated training play a large role in determining what is best for you.
If muscle growth or retention is one of your goals then consider incorporating high intensity into your training. You don't always have to sprint on a treadmill like a lunatic, but you can include doing weights. If your priority is focused more on fat loss but you're not concerned with much else, then steady state cardio can get you there. Whatever you choose, both steady state and HIT require a good diet to get the results you want. Keeping it up is key to seeing results: it all comes back to starting with goals that are relevant to you.
What others say:
“I prefer HIT. You can't compete doing steady state”
Joey BamBam Lee