In this month’s Iroman Magazine Dave Goodin talks about sprinting for fat loss and why he doesn’t like it.

Since I totally agree with him on this I thought I’d give my thoughts on it.

The idea behind sprinting for fat loss is a good one; after all, we all know that weight training burns calories long after the workout is over.

And since doing things like sprints or interval type training for cardio closely mimics what we do in the gym, why wouldn’t it be effective.

As with all things, what looks good on paper does not always pan out in the real world and this is exactly what happens, for most.

Personally, I know from experience that sprinting will not work well for me because after a hard leg session my legs are gone and if I tried to do sprints the next day—my legs would be toasted.

One thing that never gets talked about when people try and integrate activities like sprinting into bodybuilding is this.

Those sprinters you see on T.V. both male and female have been training at this discipline for years.

This was not something that they just picked up overnight.

And even these elite athletes get hurt sprinting.

Yet for some reason we think that we (bodybuilders) can just go out and start sprinting with no repercussions.

Bad idea.

SOME COMMENTS

Another thing that I don’t understand about sprinting is this.

Why in the world would you do this activity to lose fat if you are starting to cut calories?

The last thing you need to do is add in something as intense as sprinting at this point.

To me brisk walking has always been my cardio of choice and the reasons are numerous.

First it is low impact, second it can be done anywhere, and third it burns calories.

Plus, to be a little funny here, if you are dieting it will get you out of the house and away from food.

Another benefit of walking is that to me, it works for all types and by this I mean, even if you are one of those bodybuilders that has to eat and eat just to put on a pound of muscle you can still go out for a moderate walk three or four times per week.

These walks would be more for the cardio benefit that they provide, than for the calorie burning they provide.

Plus if you don’t overdo it they shouldn’t really tap into your reserves all that much.

CONCLUSION

To me sprinting goes back to what I said in an earlier post, you always need to keep studying and learning all you can about bodybuilding.

Then you must take what you’ve learned and make a decision.

For me, the benefits of sprinting do not outweigh the risks so I will not be doing this form of cardio any time soon.

Is sprinting right for you?

This is something only you can decide.

Until Next Time

KEEP SMART