Both athletes and non-competitive fitness enthusiast utilize running as a form of aerobic exercise. Some prefer the long-distance jog, while others like quick speed training as part of their workout. Each style offers benefits, so which style should you choose to help you reach your intended goals? Here is a breakdown of some of their benefits.

Sprinting is a high impact exercise which means it helps to build muscle, bone strength and density. It improves the storage capacity of calories and energy within your muscles while burning fat stores. Sprinting enhances your strength endurance as it aids in your body’s ability to compete while it strengthens your muscles and improves your cardio stamina. Sprinting will also increase the size of your mitochondria, which is the energy powerhouse found in every cell. Speed training such as sprinting allows your body to become stronger and is a form of HIIT that continues cutting fat all day long. It is an excellent training tool for athletes as it simulates game like situation while building up your body.

Distance running is the more common running form often utilized as jogging. The most notable benefit is increased endurance which allows your body to work less as it reaches the same performance level on subsequent events. This occurs by building your heart muscles so it improves overall blood flow preventing your muscles from becoming fatigued. Distance running recruits the fast-twitch muscle fibers so you have more muscle fibers conditioned to get you through long distant events such as marathons. Weight loss is a primary benefit of long-distance running, although you can lose not only fat but muscle tissue. There is an increase opportunity for calorie deficit with long distance running over sprinting; which benefits weight loss.
Both forms of running have their positive benefits. It is necessary to evaluate your goals and chose which form of running allows you to reach them. There isn’t a right or wrong answer, its what fits your needs, lifestyle and abilities.
Until Next Time,
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