best cardio - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

mobster · 05-23-2001, 10:31 AM

I usually run like 3 times a week for 30 minutes and I weigh 235lbs. since I lift a lot and I am in good shape but being that heavy it puts some stress on my body and stuff. I was wondering if riding a bike would be a good change from running to burn calories? I would probably have to do it longer but oh well.

Naxis · 05-23-2001, 10:40 AM

Riding a bike (particularly stationary so you can control the intensity) can be just as good as jogging without the added impact on bones and joints, not to mention it works different muscles. Just adjust the resistance and go for higher RPMs to get the most out of it. Ideally, you might mix and match cardio exercizes to maintain variety so you don't get bored and to give your muscles a workout from different angles. That's my $0.02

Nexis

JCM · 05-23-2001, 12:55 PM

I'll tell you what I've started doing, but you really need access to a gym with a good selection of cardio equipment.

Stationary Bike - 10 minutes 25% - 50% effort
Stairmaster - 5 minutes 75% - 90%
Tredmill - 10 minutes 75% - 90%
Rowing machine - 10 minutes 75 - 90%
Stationary Bike - 10 minutes 75% - 90%
Arm bike - 5 minutes 75% - 90%
Tredmill - 10 minutes 50% - 75%
Stationary Bike - 10 minutes 25% - 50%

When you switch around, it doesn't let your muscles get used to one motion. They can actually become more effective at one thing and your body will overtime burn less calories doing that single exercise.

I do this 3 times a week. I've dropped 5 lbs in the last 2 weeks.

lee-ann · 05-24-2001, 12:18 PM

I usually go to gym three times a week. I used to alternate and one day do the circuit which is good for toning and working all the muscles. I wouls usually do this accompanied by 15 min of bike and 15 min of treadmill, then on alternate days I would swim...(if your gym has a pool) Now I do about 40 min running/riding/step machine and then swim for about half an hour.

Goodluck!!!

chick4u · 05-24-2001, 06:46 PM

I jump rope for 5 minutes, do jumping jacks for 6 minutes, run 4 blocks, jog in place for 20 minutes if you don't like running around the block, ab shaping for 8 minutes, and its also important to stretch before doing this.