HIIT vs Cardio: How to Choose the Right Training Style for Your Routine

The strongest approach to HIIT vs cardio is not about choosing the hardest workout.

It is about choosing an appropriate level of exercise and repeating it consistently.

For someone starting from a low activity level, regular walking or moderate cardio may be the right first step. Someone who already exercises regularly may add interval sessions to increase training variety and intensity.

The Canadian guidelines provide a useful framework: aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week and include muscle- and bone-strengthening activities regularly.

If you want to move from regular cardio into structured interval training, read our HIIT workout for beginners guide to learn how to select exercises, structure work and recovery periods, and progress your workouts according to your current fitness level.