Running, which is more effective?

Question

I'm a freshman, and during the summer, I try to stay in shape by running on my treadmill and playing outside. I usually run on my treadmill every day during the summer, but not as often during the school year. I have a question. Say I run 2 miles every day. Would it be more effective to run all 2 miles of that at one time, or break it up into 3 or 4 sessions to reach a total of 2 miles?

Answer 1

Yeah, that's a tough call without knowing more about you and your workout. A workout needs to be a minimum of 20 minutes to achieve benefits of fat-burning and cardiovascular health. A person in good health should be able to get their heart rate up to 60-75% of max to also gain the benefits of the exercise. 80% or higher is a strenuous workout and loses the fat-burning benefit, and will interfere with muscle growth (if that's your goal).

Running at a 10-minute pace will take you to 2 miles in 20 minutes. If you're running slower than 12-minute pace and have a high heart rate, than perhaps split up the workout. The typical person would do the 2-miles at one time.

However, cross-training people will split workouts, allowing for a rest period between sessions in the same day. For example, split up cardio  and weight-training in the same day: one before work/school, and the other after. This gives your body a rest so that you can workout harder for each routine in the same day (but each will be at least 20 minutes).

Be sure that your doctor says that you're medically fit before taking this advice.

Answer 2

Depends really on how much stamina your body has. If you can handle it, I'd say the 2 miles all at once!

Answer 3

i think it would be better if you do the 2 miles together

i run like 2 miles in the morning and at night and it helps a lot

good luck with your workout :)