Jogging Versus Sprinting: Which Is Better For You?

Cardio has become synonymous with jogging. You tighten your running shoes, hit the treadmill or walk and keep going until your joints are no longer in control or until you are tired. That's how you should burn calories and lose weight. Isn't that so?

Maybe it's time to rethink your exercise regimen.

Endurance exercises, such as jogging or cycling, trigger the release of the body's natural cortisol. This has its benefits, but in terms of muscle training and growth, cortisol is a hormone that can hinder your body's ability to build muscle.

So what can you do to combat this? Is there a way to improve cardiovascular health, while at the same time not hinder the body's ability to grow muscles, or to assist in the process?

Think of how the human body has evolved (or been created, if you become that way). People were designed for both walking and sprinting. It is rare to run with any other species. Animals on foot to migrate and sprint to hunt or escape.

While jogging can release cortisol into the body, running naturally can release more hormones that are beneficial in terms of muscle building: testosterone and human growth hormone (HGH). Yes, men and women have the ability to produce testosterone and HGH, even at very different levels. No, these are not synthetic substances prohibited by athletes. These are natural hormones that help build muscle, slow aging, build stronger bones, and so on.

Not only does it speed up your testosterone and HGH levels, but it can keep it up to a few hours after your workout. This makes your body burn fat long after your workout is over.

Also, jogging, such as walking, will ignore your body's fast-twitching muscle fibers, while emphasizing slow movement. What's the difference? Fingernails are fast used for explosive, powerful movements, while soft-fiber fibers are a source of muscle stamina. In terms of appearance, athletes who focus on exercises that emphasize slow-twitch fibers tend to have long, slender muscles, while those who train on fast-moving fibers tend to be larger.

Now, are you really getting rid of jogging from your workout routine? Not necessarily. I would recommend about 70/30 percent split between sprinting and jogging, respectively. This will ensure that both types of muscle fibers are in use, and that you will develop both strength and endurance as you train.

Jogging Versus Sprinting: Which Is Better For You?


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