WORDS LUCY FRY
FOR INTENSITY AND DURATION
Suitable for those who prefer steady cardio workouts, such as long walks, runs and cycle rides. Also for those training for a marathon or triathlon and keen, lean exercisers who find it hard to gain weight. Carbs matter. It’s not so much whether you’re down-dogging or just-jogging that makes the difference (in terms of fuel), but rather, the intensity at which you’re doing it, according to clinical and sports dietitian Rick Miller. ‘As the intensity of exercise increases, you start to use more glucose and stored carbohydrate,’ he explains. ‘This also applies to duration – that’s why you see the phenomenon of people “hitting the wall” in endurance events like marathons and triathlons. The “wobbly legs” feeling means their glycogen is running out.’