which is better, running fast for small amount of time or running slow for longer period of time.?

Question

My normal heart rate is 120. My metabolism is really high. What ever I eat, my body consumes it so fast. I am fairly thin. (6ft, 170lb) Been going to the gym for about 6 months. When I run my heart rate goes up to 190-195 max. I don’t run for more than 15 minutes at speed starting at 3 then going up 3 levels every three minutes. Even when my heart rate goes all the way up I don’t feel too tired, I can usually handle it, but not for too long. I am trying to get a little more muscular more definition. Only have about 15% fat in my body. Can’t afford to get any more thin. Should I run for longer period of time at slower speed or should I run fast for small amount of time. Any resources about this kind of information such as books or websites or articles are appreciated. thanks

Oh I don’t think I mentioned it or not, I am a dude.

Answer 1

You are untrained!

Your heart rate is way too high (it should be below 90) because you are not trained. You should try to do endurance running (lower speed, longer distances) so to make your heart rate slower.

That will make you thin but you'll have to eat more.

(a trained heart would allow you to start at around 4 mph and go up to 6-7 and run for 30 minutes)

Another option is for you to stop running and start lifting weights. But you need to train your heart a little more. Starting at 3 and running only 15 minutes is not enough.

Answer 2

Your answers can be found in the following link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-intensity_interval_training

Basically a cardio workout of all out efforts with recovery periods is best for you. It even stimulates more growth hormone release. For the best muscular development, I recommend deadlifts, squats, bench press, pullups, dips, and overhead presses. Unless you are on steroids you should not do other exercises beyond this. See this website for details on how to do the exercises and the body parts they target:

www.exrx.net

Good luck to you.

Answer 3

Hey dude! First of all to begin with you are NOT thin. In fact according to statistics you are the right weight for your height. In fact if anyone is fairly thin, its me. I am 5'10" tall and I weigh 143 lbs.
Now to answer your question, my advice would be for you to jog, and for a long distance. Any amount of cardio is fantastic for ya. I myself walk my dog 5 miles every day and go swimming every day as well for 1 hr. non-stop
Good luck dude.

Answer 4

I has the same prob- I biked for cardio- and hit the wieghts with proper protien diet with Carbs for the muscle growth. Short wind sprints make the muscle larger- long rides stretch the muscles for endurance-- there u have it.

Answer 5

I don't have any expertise in this area but a 190-195 heart rate seems pretty high to me.