What is steady state cardio?

Steady State Cardio (SSC)

Steady State Cardio, often shortened to SSC, refers to cardiovascular exercise performed at a constant intensity for a sustained period. The goal is to maintain a consistent heart rate within a specific zone, typically around 60-80% of your maximum heart rate. This differs from HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), which involves alternating bursts of high-intensity effort with periods of rest or lower intensity.

• Characteristics: SSC is characterized by its sustained effort, consistent heart rate, and lower perceived exertion compared to HIIT. Common examples include jogging, cycling, swimming, brisk walking, or using an elliptical machine at a moderate pace.

• Benefits: It provides several benefits, including improved cardiovascular%20health, increased endurance, and calorie%20burning. It can also help reduce stress and improve mood.

• Drawbacks: Some perceive SSC as less efficient than HIIT for burning calories in a shorter amount of time. Also, the body can adapt to a consistent workload, potentially leading to a plateau in progress.

• Heart Rate Zones: Monitoring your heart%20rate is crucial. Target heart rate zones for SSC are typically calculated based on your maximum heart rate (estimated as 220 minus your age).

• Suitability: SSC is often recommended for beginners, those recovering from injuries, or individuals who prefer a lower-impact form of exercise. It's also suitable for longer duration workouts.