HIT and Running: An in-depth conversation with Skyler Tanner about Resistance Training and Cardio
Skyler Tanner is an exercise physiologist based in Austin, Texas where he operates Smart Strength, a HIT-focused, evidence-based, strength training studio. Skyler also regularly brings a fascinating perspective to all things exercise, through insights on his blog, skylertanner.com. I have been intrigued by his recent writing on combining resistance training or HIT with running, an interest that he has developed over the last 5 years. Before any die-hard HITers choke on their coffee at the mere mention of running, Skyler still communicates that by far the most important thing that you can do for your physiology exercise-wise, is to apply …
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HIT vs HIIT, Sprints vs Resistance Training: What’s the Difference?
Is there a physiological difference in response between sprinting all-out (on a bike, treadmill, rowing machine etc) until you are unable to maintain a peak cadence level versus performing a high effort resistance training (RT) exercise? Due to a perceived dichotomy between cardiovascular exercise and resistance training, this is not a question that has been significantly explored in the scientific literature. A recent research paper published in PeerJ, titled “Similar acute physiological responses from effort and duration matched leg press and recumbent cycling tasks” and authored by James Steele, Andrew Butler, Zoe Comerford, Jason Dyer, Nathan Lloyd, Joshua Ward, James …
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Physically Fit for Life
In the last article posted to this blog, I discussed the current widespread attraction to extremes in the realms of physical fitness and appearance and the potential damage that this can do. If you haven’t read that article you can check it out: Attraction to the Extremes of Physical Fitness. I want to spend this post developing an idea alluded to in the previous post, that of a more sane approach: the goal of being physically fit for life. Lets start out working backwards by defining the results we require of exercise, results that will match our aim of being …
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25 Frequently Asked Questions About High Intensity Training
In this article, I want to share 25 of the most frequently asked questions about High Intensity Training (HIT). I often get clients or friends asking these questions and over the years, I found the following answers to be effective in explaining HIT and resolving any resistance or confusion people have – especially those new to this type of exercise, or people who haven’t read Body By Science – might have. I’ll often start out by explaining that HIT is a specific approach to exercise that stimulates the body to produce total fitness results including: hypertrophy, strength, cardiovascular improvement, flexibility enhancement and bone mineral …
Read MoreTraining for Life: HIT
HIT or High Intensity Strength Training has value beyond that which all other forms of physical activity confer. It doesn’t matter whether you have never exercised before, whether you are a seasoned athlete, male or female, 12 years old or 80 years old the principles of HIT are applicable and safe to apply to all. HIT is about long-term fitness, health and strength. Know that every possible physiological benefit that it is possible to attain from exercise, is achieved when you employ HIT. To the uninitiated this may sound like a bold claim, yet HIT is nothing more than a …
Read MoreCardiovascular Health and High Intensity Training
Many individuals looking to improve their health through an exercise program think first and foremost about improving their “heart health” or cardiovascular condition. The vast majority of people believe that they will need to perform a modality of exercise that is traditionally considered cardiovascular or “aerobic”. Options that typically come to mind are running, treadmills, rowing machines, cycling, dance or other aerobic group classes. The belief then follows that if they want to improve their strength too they will have to add in some form of weight training in addition to their “aerobic “ training. Although this approach to physical …
Read MoreThe Best Form of Cardiovascular Exercise: HIT
Although it will be news to most people even today, the fact that HIT (High Intensity Strength Training) is the most effective form of cardiovascular exercise has been known at least as far back as the mid 1970’s. In 1975 the father of modern HIT Arthur Jones funded a study carried out at West Point Military Academy known as Project Total Conditioning. One group of subjects performed HIT and a second group acted as a control. The HIT group outperformed the control group on every single metric tested including overall strength, neck strength, cardiovascular condition (there were 60 different tests …
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