doing 30 min of cardio a few times a week, what should I try next?

cecile97

Hi!

So I just joined Planet Fitness on Nov 1 and have been doing the elliptical machine for about 30 minutes ~2-3 times a week since then. My Fitbit tells me I am burning about 350 calories which is better than the 0 calories burned before this, but I am still feeling a little unfulfilled afterward.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what to try after the 30 minutes of cardio? I am a 20 year old female, I weighed in at 180 on Oct. 27 and am now at 174. I am also 5'3. Not sure if that would help with suggestions, but just wanted to give a good overview. I am pretty clueless when it comes to working out, so I would really appreciate any advice!

TavistockToad

C25k?

waywardtravels

If you're looking to continue with cardio only, possibly work on a 5k (or 10k if you're already up to 30 minutes of running) training program, or on incr.easing your running speed. If you're looking into strength, perhaps a HIIT program, since they incorporate cardio as well? Also consider whether you want to do circuit training with machines, use the free weights at the gym, or do body weight exercises. You're already off to a great start for any of these options!

jemhh

I would add some resistance training. I've never been to PF but for some reason think they have a machine circuit set up. Is that right? You could do that or, if they have dumbbells, use those. Here are three dumbbell-based lifting programs:

* Fierce 5 (note that there are several variations from beginner to advanced, 3-5 day, plus a dumbbell program) - http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=162916931&p=1266578971&viewfull=1#post1266578971
* Frankoman’s Dumbbell Only Split - https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/frankoman-dumbbell-only-split.html
* Full body dumbbell routine (note: women and men can use the same rep range, if you want to go low do it, if you want to go high do it. I promise that neither will make you gain or lose a Y chromosome.) - https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/dumbbell-only-home-or-gym-fullbody-workout.html

stanmann571

jemhh wrote: »

I would add some resistance training. I've never been to PF but for some reason think they have a machine circuit set up. Is that right? You could do that or, if they have dumbbells, use those. Here are three dumbbell-based lifting programs:

* Fierce 5 (note that there are several variations from beginner to advanced, 3-5 day, plus a dumbbell program) - http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=162916931&p=1266578971&viewfull=1#post1266578971
* Frankoman’s Dumbbell Only Split - https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/frankoman-dumbbell-only-split.html
* Full body dumbbell routine (note: women and men can use the same rep range, if you want to go low do it, if you want to go high do it. I promise that neither will make you gain or lose a Y chromosome.) - https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/dumbbell-only-home-or-gym-fullbody-workout.html

They generally have Smith machines too.

And while doing 5x5 on a smith is certainly suboptimal. It's a start.

lorrpb

Yay for getting started! You can increase the resistance, speed, or time on the elliptical. I can exhaust myself in 30 min on elliptical. I also favor strength training.

jjpptt2

What are your goals? What are you hoping to achieve with the exercise? What do you mean by "unfulfilled"?

Without knowing that, I'd probably suggest 20-30 minutes on the rower (if they have them), and/or a strength circuit (I assume they have machines setup so you can go from one to the next and eventually have a full body circuit).

stanmann571

jjpptt2 wrote: »

What are your goals? What are you hoping to achieve with the exercise? What do you mean by "unfulfilled"?

Without knowing that, I'd probably suggest 20-30 minutes on the rower (if they have them), and/or a strength circuit (I assume they have machines setup so you can go from one to the next and eventually have a full body circuit).

They do. And it has a timer and instructions for each machine.

cwolfman13

Add in some resistance training...

rsclause

Get fitted for running shoes and give C25K a shot. I went from "I can't run" to "I can't wait to run". After making it a habit and getting miles in I just love the feeling it gives me. It also is the only way I can lose weight or keep it off.

gearhead426hemi

Try lots of different workouts and see which ones you enjoy so it doesn't feel like working out. I suggest outdoor sports personally. I like to mountain bike, trail run, kayak anything that get me outside and gets my heart rate up. There really isn't a one size fits all diet or workout so just do what makes you feel the best. Best of luck!