People are always looking to get the most out of their day. Humans are experts at maximizing our time and efforts when it comes to getting the most bang for our buck. We are programmed to want the most reward for the least work. But sometimes we don’t know how to achieve the goal.
The new 12-3-30 viral treadmill workout may actually be a winner. We always like to look at trends to tell you whether or not you should avoid them, but this one is pretty sound advice, according to researchers. You walk at a 12 percent incline, at a three-mile-per-hour pace for 30 minutes.
Researchers compared it to running head-to-head, having healthy young people perform the two workouts. They did both routines long enough to burn the same amount of calories. Running burned calories faster — about 13 running versus doing 12-3-30. But, 12-3-30 used more fat. Around 41 percent of the energy burned came from fat, whereas running used 33 percent fat. Running was far more dependent on carbs.
“This study confirms what exercise science has already known: the ‘fat-burning’ percentage of a workout is not the same as total calorie burn,” said Maelee Wells Sutton, a certified personal trainer.
Overall, the difference between the two was very modest in both. Running burned slightly more calories, and walking on an incline burned slightly more fat. Ms. Sutton pointed out that consistency matters more than these small differences. “If a person dislikes running but loves 12-3-30, it’s far better to do that consistently than to force a certain workout that a person rarely completes. Trends should be viewed through both a scientific and personal lens — look to experts for guidance rather than relying on social media.”
It’s just nice to know that one of these viral trends we see blowing up isn’t dangerous for once. It’s always good to have options when it comes to workouts. Finding one that works for you is essential. We have a team member who hates gyms and can’t stand the idea of a “workout.” We are surrounded by beautiful parks and nature here in Southern California. How does she get her weekly exercise? Every week, she goes to a local amusement park and walks eight to fourteen miles! She says when her feet hurt, she just goes on a ride for a break. She is the definition of a weekend warrior, and we love that for her. Find your form of exercise, and it becomes a lot more fun.
