Victoria’s Secret models have some of the most envied figures in the world.
And while they’re clearly blessed with good genes, they also work hard to look so stunning on the catwalk.
You’d expect this involves a punishing regime of intense military-style exercises that most of mere mortals couldn’t hack for long.
But this isn’t so, according to celebrity trainer Michael Blauner, who has helped many of the famous beauties to stay in shape.
He says he has them doing low-intensity sustained state (LISS) cardio and what’s more, the New Jersey fitness expert says this produces the best fat-burning capacity in your body.
Victoria’s Secret models, such as Adriana Lima pictured here, are said to be fans of low-intensity sustained state (LISS) training
Miranda Kerr, pictured here at a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York is also commitment to yoga
‘Theoretically, long-duration lower-intensity cardio has been considered the best type of cardio workout for weight loss,’ he told Popsugar.
‘You tap into stored fat more when the body uses oxygen as an energy source.’
It’s contrary to what other experts say: That high intensity training (HIIT) torches maximum calories in a minimum amount of time.
Mixing it up
HIIT has had the fitness industry buzzing. The idea is that you do short periods of all-out work followed by short periods of active rest to make the body work harder than it does during steady-state cardio.
But LISS involves doing light cardio – 50 to 60 percent of your maximum heart rate – at a consistent pace, usually for long durations.
Gigi Hadid (left) and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (right) strut their stuff down the runway
Victoria’s Secret models are renowned for having some of the best physiques in the world
This type of workout lasts a bit longer than your typical interval session, at around 30 to 60 minutes.
LISS training is any low endurance workout such as walking, swimming, or cycling, but all at a relaxed level. A hike is perfect as you’re generally not pushing your body to extremes.
But Michael isn’t suggesting people only do LISS, but says it’s the cardio he suggests to clients over everything else.
‘I like to mix in very fast paced, short blasts of higher intensity cardio that develops your cardio system to a higher level,’ Michael said. ‘This way you get the best of both worlds.’
That also keeps you from feeling bored during these longer sessions of cardio.
Therefore, it might be a good idea to mix some LISS sessions into your fitness routine, especially if you’re the kind of person who sticks to HIIT on the regular.