Once again, this question is started by someone at the gym giving me a suggestion......

On either the tread mill or an elliptical....
I was told that 2 minutes at high intensity and 2 minutes at low intensity/intervals for 30 minutes is better than me running like a demon for one solid hour.

Any opinions here?

I think that's pretty well accepted - it's in the recovery that you gain the benefit. But a lot of runners/exercisers don't do this becaue it's easier just to stick to one pace and maybe more pleasant. If you're not interested, stick to what you'll do. There should be settings on the machine so you don't have to think about it too much. I am starting interval training these days - it also help with speed.

Janine

Janine, thanks for this response and the other response on the other thread! I think that the real truth is that my workouts are just pleasant. Even though I work hard, it's just what I am used to. You're comment about belly fat really makes sense....even though I don't want it to.

So guess I need to change my evil ways.

MANY THANKS-Marie

I fell into the trap, too. In May, on a lark, I signed up for a ten-mile race. I thought I could get to mile six and then walk the rest of the way. I made it the whole way running without much problem. It was a huge accomplishment for me, but I realized with the little training I'd done, maybe running for 2 hours straight was not actually very impressive in terms of athleticism. But it sure felt good!

Janine