Need some ideas for my cardio

[Mike]

Trying to get back into my old exercise routine from the summer, I haven't gained any of my weigh back but I'd like to lose 10-15 more pounds.

I had no problem going for 45 minutes to an hour on the elliptical but I'd like to try other types of cardio. When I try running around the track I can only go for 15-20 minutes tops before I become really tired, and this is going at a fast pace. Running on a tread mill I can go for over 30 minutes easy at a 6mph pace. Any other ideas?

[cabezon]

yeah, slow down on the track. Some thing that I learned is that running slow and building a base is better than running fast and gutting through a workout. I spent a few months building a base and now it is paying off as I get ready for a marathon. You probably are not getting a lot of resistance on the elliptical or treadmill and that is why you are able to go longer. try that on the track, nice and easy.

[ericajones80]

If you want to get out of the running realm of things....go out and buy some boxing gloves and hit a heavy bag. I've taken many boxing and kickboxing classes and I find it to be the best cardio

[Mike]

Yeah - I ran on the track again tonight but did it at a slightly slower pace then I usually do and was able to do 30 minutes pretty easily.

[cabezon]

there you go, keep it up.

[estonian26]

Maybe give swimming a go?

[Count Patron]

Originally Posted by ericajones80

If you want to get out of the running realm of things....go out and buy some boxing gloves and hit a heavy bag. I've taken many boxing and kickboxing classes and I find it to be the best cardio

If you go this route make sure you have someone teach you how to properly wrap your hands and wrists so you do not injure them, also I would strongly recommend learning how to properly hit a bag so you do not injure yourself as well.

As an amateur boxer I use many different forms of cardio. In the morning (6-7am) I go for a nice long run 4-5 miles. I then will normally jump rope 3 5 minute rounds, then shadow box for 3 5 minute rounds then hit the heavy bag for 3 5 minute rounds. I lift weights maybe 2 times a week and do push-ups and sit-ups pretty much every night.

[The League Champ]

fartlecks are a good way to help with track running

[jenzwhiz]

for gym music and workout music, I recommend european dance music.......

it's ALWAYS the best motivational tool for me...

.....and you don't have to tell anyone at the office if u just listen to it on the mp3 player at the gym ;) ....

.... here's a compilation series on itunes that I recommend:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/advancedSearchResults?albumTerm=Euro+Club+Hits+Vol+

[Dalton]

Running sucks. Sure it burns a lot of calories, but to be honest its not for everyone, its high-impact on your joints, and a very discouraging excersize if you don't like it. I bike personally. I do the stationary bike in the gym and mix it up with some HIIT. It allows me to get on, put on the music, close my eyes and zone out without having to worry about falling over or something. It helps, and its very effective. I've lost close to 40 pounds and I've never ran. The only time I step on a treadmill is if I'm doing a 15 minute cooldown walk. 178 lbs and counting! Used to be like 215.

[T///Mac325is]

Originally Posted by Dalton

Running sucks. Sure it burns a lot of calories, but to be honest its not for everyone, its high-impact on your joints, and a very discouraging excersize if you don't like it. I bike personally. I do the stationary bike in the gym and mix it up with some HIIT. It allows me to get on, put on the music, close my eyes and zone out without having to worry about falling over or something. It helps, and its very effective. I've lost close to 40 pounds and I've never ran. The only time I step on a treadmill is if I'm doing a 15 minute cooldown walk. 178 lbs and counting! Used to be like 215.

wow thats pretty impressive. I enjoy running, but I'll admit that it takes a major toll on my feet (I've tried many different shoes). But I just can't seem to do cardio inside a gym; treadmills, bikes, ellipticals get old for me really fast.

As far as different cardio ideas... I generally can't go running at night in Baltimore city out of fear of getting stabbed, so after lifting at the gym I usually head over to the indoor basketball courts and get a game together or if the courts are empty, shuttle sprints have helped whip me back into shape

[cabezon]

If running is impacting your joints, you are not doing it right.

The CrossFit program that I saw in Muscle&Fitness this month piqued my curiosity. I learned a few things. I will post in running, but needless to say, i can't do 50 pullups, yet.

[Sportsmedjosh]

Originally Posted by jenzwhiz

for gym music and workout music, I recommend european dance music.......

it's ALWAYS the best motivational tool for me...

.....and you don't have to tell anyone at the office if u just listen to it on the mp3 player at the gym ;) ....

.... here's a compilation series on itunes that I recommend:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/advancedSearchResults?albumTerm=Euro+Club+Hits+Vol+

Thats a good idea, good beats.

[Val CU]

Hey! I usually go to a football field and do sprint intervals.......sprint intervals help you to lose weight faster. Do 5 sets of sprinting to the 50 yard line and back, while giving yourself a 30 second break inbetween intervals. Then do between 3-5 sprints going the full football field and back! I promise it will work!! Also if you are close to a college school stadium run up and down all the bleachers.....that one is a definite burner!!


hope one of those help!
-val