Sonofanump;1857017 wrote:No need to push more than 90% for more than 10 seconds or 80% for 20 seconds.
(i.e. 100% is what you would sprint for 60 yards or getting chased by an black bear or ocelot)
This is especially true if you are older. A lot of other factors work in if you push yourself too hard...tendinitis, joint problems etc etc...and it does you no good if dealing with these prevents you from working out. That said, anaerobic exercise (HIIT)in your workout routine is necessary for muscle maintainance and weight management as we age. There is considerable science behind this, and it's more than just "broscience"...and easy enough to research. My motivation to change my workout routine came 5 months ago after a seminar with a nationally renown nutritionist. It motivated me to change my diet....cut out processed meats watch the hidden sodium and sugar that was sabotaging my health, and load up on unprocessed carbs, healthy oils and proteins. I eat a lot more fish and chicken, and I look for ways to incorporate plant based omega 3's in my diet. Additionally, the seminar which was nutritionally oriented also pointed to the importance of exercise and suggested that current research pointed to interval training being incorporated in your exercise routine.
5 months later, after employing good nutritional principles and a rigorous workout routine, I've lost 25 lbs., have good muscle tone, and a lot of the joint pain I was dealing with has gone away....I'm 63 years old.