Is long distance running or sprints better to become lean?

Question

I'm wondering whether slower, longer distance running is better for burning fat and becoming lean or if a sprint workout is. Any examples of various distances that work the best would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Do both, but long distance is better for fat burning.  Short distance is good because it conditions your heart more which is ultimately the goal of exercising(intervals increase stamina and endurance).  You should get a schedule with at least 2-3 long distance running days and 1-2 sprinting days a week for an awesome schedule.

Answer 2

Do some research on the words, ANAEROBIC and AEROBIC.  It's about fat burning based on heart rate and time.

The best is a combination of long distance running combined with periodic sprints.  However, time and heart rate is the most important element, it has nothing to do with distance. As Aaron stated,  a minimum of 30 minutes or more will give you an optimum workout.

There is tons of info on the internet - give it a try.

Answer 3

Fat = excess body fat

Skinny = lack of fat & lack of muscle

Lean = balance of low body fat and lean muscle mass

Exercising (notice I didn't say running necessarily) with your heart rate around 60-70% of your max heart rate (calculated by 220-your age so if you are 20 then 220-20=200 and 60% of 200 is 120) is the best way to burn FAT.

Sprints really don't build all that much lean muscle mass.  You're better off in the weight room doing core exercises (lifts that mainly work muscles from your shoulders to your knees) for building muscle.

Answer 4

Long distance is. If you have maybe a high school track around you, try running anywhere from 1 and 3 (at a slow pace) to start off then moving up to more laps.

Answer 5

sprint workout cause sprinting burnes more calories then distance.

Answer 6

utilize both while training..

Answer 7

The longer you keep your heart rate up the better, but distance doesn't really matter, just time.  Try to run for at least a half an hour with out stopping.

Answer 8

long distance. look at the olympic sprinters, then look at the olympic distance runners. the olympic sprinters are "thicker" while the olympic distance runners are more lean and skinnier.