Anyone have a good gym workout routine (cardio)
paigethurlow95
Posts: 54 Member
Hey so just I usually just go with the flow at the gym usually go on the treadmill, bike & cross trainer. Does anyone have a cardio plan? I only do cardio because not sure how to use the weight machines.
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Replies
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Good routines are aligned with personal fitness goals and ability levels - what are yours?
For example back in summer I followed an 8 week training plan to prepare for a 100 mile cycle ride, got a feeling that wouldn't be what you are looking for!
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Like @sijomial says, a great plan for someone else may not be a great plan for you. What are your goals? Do you have specific things you want to accomplish or are you looking for just general fitness, etc?2
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I started out doing 20 minutes on each machine (for like an hour total if just doing cardio that day) and eventually figured out which ones I enjoyed and challenged me and were sustainable habits. I like the rower and the stair climbers for short bursts, but can do longer sessions on the elliptical. I run on the treadmill once in a while but mostly do that outside.1
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Thanks for your reply. Soo.. I do about half an hour to 40 mins on the treadmill jogging for around 5/8 mins at a time then walk for a couple then back to jogging.. I am so unfit on the treadmill and I jog on a 6 but I keep getting a stitch in my side so I can’t jog too long.
I spend about 15 mins on the bike on a incline 2 and I spend around 25 mins on the cross trainer on incline 2
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paigethurlow95 wrote: »Thanks for your reply. Soo.. I do about half an hour to 40 mins on the treadmill jogging for around 5/8 mins at a time then walk for a couple then back to jogging.. I am so unfit on the treadmill and I jog on a 6 but I keep getting a stitch in my side so I can’t jog too long.
I spend about 15 mins on the bike on a incline 2 and I spend around 25 mins on the cross trainer on incline 2
That's what you do... but what are you trying to accomplish? What's the reason/purpose you go to the gym and do those things?
For example - if you want to run a 5k, I'd suggest longer, slower efforts on the treadmill. If you want to burn the most calories, I might suggest the rowing machine. If you want to tone up, I'd suggest figuring out the weights.
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Goals?1
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paigethurlow95 wrote: »Thanks for your reply. Soo.. I do about half an hour to 40 mins on the treadmill jogging for around 5/8 mins at a time then walk for a couple then back to jogging.. I am so unfit on the treadmill and I jog on a 6 but I keep getting a stitch in my side so I can’t jog too long.
I spend about 15 mins on the bike on a incline 2 and I spend around 25 mins on the cross trainer on incline 2
So what are your goals in terms of cardio. What do you want to be able to do?0 -
I think when somebody here says they're doing a lot of cardio and doesn't state their goals or answer about them, it's fair to assume their goal is to lose weight. People who are working toward something specific are usually eager to talk about it, and this is a weight loss app so most people are here for weight loss. That's how I go about answering these questions.6
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paigethurlow95 wrote: »Hey so just I usually just go with the flow at the gym usually go on the treadmill, bike & cross trainer. Does anyone have a cardio plan? I only do cardio because not sure how to use the weight machines.
You can start slowly, and you can find a lot of videos online to show you. Don't shy away from free weights, either.
I'm a cardio king. I like riding a road bike over mountain passes. I'm telling you to add some weights because it's genuinely good for everybody. Lifting weights won't help you lose weight really, but it'll help you have a better looking body at the end of your journey. More importantly, it will make a lot of things in life easier and protect you in the long run.6 -
paigethurlow95 wrote: »Hey so just I usually just go with the flow at the gym usually go on the treadmill, bike & cross trainer. Does anyone have a cardio plan? I only do cardio because not sure how to use the weight machines.
Good cardio routine (or any exercise routine) is the one you enjoy, unless you have very specific goals (like training for an event, goals set by a physical therapist etc). Personally, I would rather go for a walk or run outdoors, or swimming, or join a cardio class and I hate bikes with a passion. For someone else, 2 hours on a bike might be heaven. There is no answer that fits all.2 -
Good routines are aligned with personal fitness goals and ability levels - what are yours?
For example back in summer I followed an 8 week training plan to prepare for a 100 mile cycle ride, got a feeling that wouldn't be what you are looking for!
I once biked almost 100 miles with no training....
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OP- find something you enjoy and then just do it regularly. Maybe it’s biking, maybe running or maybe it’s just walking or hiking around outside and getting some fresh air.1
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I do 30 minutes of ARCTrainer (like a cross between a treadmill, Nordiac and stepper; I set it fairly strenuous) and a 30 minute full body circuit training. I belong to PF, but they have laid out circuits at lots of other places. There are alternating numbered step platforms and machines and there is a light on the wall that alternates between red for 30 seconds and green for 60. Exercise on green, move to next platform/machine on red. I move and go ahead and start with as small of a break as possible. After that, I do a little on specific machines for my lower back an abs and I pull the resistance rope until I almost drop. All that takes about 75 minutes total.
Within that comes my goals. I want to say trim and fit and I am in pretty good shape; not heavily built up but good definition.
I set the ARCTrainer with a fair amount of resistance and keep my HR in the 150 range.
I set a lot of the machines on the heavy side when circuit training. I feel like I have the setting right if it's all I can do to make it to the next red light or better yet if I barely can't. The circuit is not heavily used and I can usually stay put for a second set on some machines if I feel I need to. Sometimes I skip some of the step platforms. It seems more common for people to set the machines lighter where they can keep a quick cadence all the way through, do cardio but making sure all the muscles are engaged at one point or another. I approach the machines more like I am doing a couple of strength training reps but I keep moving on and do full body.1 -
paigethurlow95 wrote: »Hey so just I usually just go with the flow at the gym usually go on the treadmill, bike & cross trainer. Does anyone have a cardio plan? I only do cardio because not sure how to use the weight machines.
Did you recently join the gym? Every gym I've ever joined offered 1-3 sessions with a personal trainer. If you've missed the window for this, it's worth it to pay for a few sessions to clarify goals, get familiar with the weights, and develop a routine.
My cardio plan is mostly outdoors and so seasonal and weather dependent.- Just did a bunch of post-frost fall cleanup.
- Earlier this month we dug up a 3' x 60' strip of grass and planted ornamental grass and mulched.
- I'm fixing to push away from the computer and go hiking.
- I don't let the winter cold and snow deter me - I bundle up and go to the state park where it's partially plowed and partially packed down by other walkers and skiers.
- Or for an extremely intense workout I strap on the snowshoes and clomp around on the paths out back behind my house.
- I also maintain these trails. Satisfies the gardening itch off season.
- Spring I do lots of gardening
- Summer I swim
- When it's raining I do yoga indoors.
2 -
kshama2001 wrote: »paigethurlow95 wrote: »Hey so just I usually just go with the flow at the gym usually go on the treadmill, bike & cross trainer. Does anyone have a cardio plan? I only do cardio because not sure how to use the weight machines.
Did you recently join the gym? Every gym I've ever joined offered 1-3 sessions with a personal trainer. If you've missed the window for this, it's worth it to pay for a few sessions to clarify goals, get familiar with the weights, and develop a routine.
My cardio plan is mostly outdoors and so seasonal and weather dependent.- Just did a bunch of post-frost fall cleanup.
- Earlier this month we dug up a 3' x 60' strip of grass and planted ornamental grass and mulched.
- I'm fixing to push away from the computer and go hiking.
- I don't let the winter cold and snow deter me - I bundle up and go to the state park where it's partially plowed and partially packed down by other walkers and skiers.
- Or for an extremely intense workout I strap on the snowshoes and clomp around on the paths out back behind my house.
- I also maintain these trails. Satisfies the gardening itch off season.
- Spring I do lots of gardening
- Summer I swim
- When it's raining I do yoga indoors.
Exactly! Also, get what you're paying for, ask about the free training sessions. I just joined the gym last week and had my first session Friday. Now I have a full body workout. Not just guessing.
Really need to find your why and set some goals. Then you will see results.
Good luck on your journey!0 -
For general cardiovascular fitness and to burn some extra calories, you can just do whatever you enjoy doing.
I don't do cardio in the gym...I primarily cycle. When I'm training for a cycling event, I will follow a program...otherwise, as a matter of general cardiovascular fitness I just make sure I get out on my bike for at least 30 minutes 5-7 days per week.
I do recommend doing resistance training...it is very good for you and will do more to change your body than all of the cardio in the world. I would recommend New Rules of Lifting for Women as a good place to start...the program is pretty good, but the read is really worth it as it will explain what you're doing and why. Lifting is where I definitely recommend following some kind of established program to get the best results...writing your own programming requires quite a bit of knowledge.
For cardio, you can just do whatever unless you have more specific goals...since you're run/walking, perhaps something like C25K would be beneficial to getting you to being able to run a 5K and would give you more structure if that's what you're looking for.3 -
You can start slowly, and you can find a lot of videos online to show you. Don't shy away from free weights, either.
I'm a cardio king. I like riding a road bike over mountain passes. I'm telling you to add some weights because it's genuinely good for everybody. Lifting weights won't help you lose weight really, but it'll help you have a better looking body at the end of your journey. More importantly, it will make a lot of things in life easier and protect you in the long run.[/quote]
THANK YOU 🙏 someone really understands what I mean yeah I don’t necessarily have any goals I’m just wondering what sort of cardio stuff people do & how long they spend on the machines. I will definitely have to look at the YouTube videos I tried going on the crunch machine today I put the weights on the lowest one and it was impossible for me to pull the bar down I’m so weak!! Thanks for your reply.0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »paigethurlow95 wrote: »Hey so just I usually just go with the flow at the gym usually go on the treadmill, bike & cross trainer. Does anyone have a cardio plan? I only do cardio because not sure how to use the weight machines.
Did you recently join the gym? Every gym I've ever joined offered 1-3 sessions with a personal trainer. If you've missed the window for this, it's worth it to pay for a few sessions to clarify goals, get familiar with the weights, and develop a routine.
My cardio plan is mostly outdoors and so seasonal and weather dependent.- Just did a bunch of post-frost fall cleanup.
- Earlier this month we dug up a 3' x 60' strip of grass and planted ornamental grass and mulched.
- I'm fixing to push away from the computer and go hiking.
- I don't let the winter cold and snow deter me - I bundle up and go to the state park where it's partially plowed and partially packed down by other walkers and skiers.
- Or for an extremely intense workout I strap on the snowshoes and clomp around on the paths out back behind my house.
- I also maintain these trails. Satisfies the gardening itch off season.
- Spring I do lots of gardening
- Summer I swim
- When it's raining I do yoga indoors.
Thank you for your reply. No I joined in February I was showed how to use the cardio machines because that’s all I was interested in at the time. The gym I go to the gym instructor is always sitting in the office at the reception but there are never in the gym unless they are checking, I feel like I don’t want to bother them. I go on my own so a bit shy on trying new things especially if the gym is full. 😫0 -
carlaringuette wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »paigethurlow95 wrote: »Hey so just I usually just go with the flow at the gym usually go on the treadmill, bike & cross trainer. Does anyone have a cardio plan? I only do cardio because not sure how to use the weight machines.
Did you recently join the gym? Every gym I've ever joined offered 1-3 sessions with a personal trainer. If you've missed the window for this, it's worth it to pay for a few sessions to clarify goals, get familiar with the weights, and develop a routine.
My cardio plan is mostly outdoors and so seasonal and weather dependent.- Just did a bunch of post-frost fall cleanup.
- Earlier this month we dug up a 3' x 60' strip of grass and planted ornamental grass and mulched.
- I'm fixing to push away from the computer and go hiking.
- I don't let the winter cold and snow deter me - I bundle up and go to the state park where it's partially plowed and partially packed down by other walkers and skiers.
- Or for an extremely intense workout I strap on the snowshoes and clomp around on the paths out back behind my house.
- I also maintain these trails. Satisfies the gardening itch off season.
- Spring I do lots of gardening
- Summer I swim
- When it's raining I do yoga indoors.
Exactly! Also, get what you're paying for, ask about the free training sessions. I just joined the gym last week and had my first session Friday. Now I have a full body workout. Not just guessing.
Really need to find your why and set some goals. Then you will see results.
Good luck on your journey!
My only goal is to loose weight I was just wondering what sort of cardio stuff people do and what there routines are like. 1 -
If your goal is simply to burn calories...
I haven't found anything better than running outside...
Things like jumping rope and rowing might burn more calories... But you won't be able to go as long0 -
Mr_Healthy_Habits wrote: »If your goal is simply to burn calories...
I haven't found anything better than running outside...
Things like jumping rope and rowing might burn more calories... But you won't be able to go as long [/quote
Thank you 🙏 🙏 I haven’t tried running outside I’m very shy and don’t feel confident doing that. I’m really unfit too. I enjoy rowing & I haven’t done skipping since I was a child 🙈 but I’m happy to give that ago.. what about hoola hooping so you know if that’s any good ? Thank u0 -
paigethurlow95 wrote: »carlaringuette wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »paigethurlow95 wrote: »Hey so just I usually just go with the flow at the gym usually go on the treadmill, bike & cross trainer. Does anyone have a cardio plan? I only do cardio because not sure how to use the weight machines.
Did you recently join the gym? Every gym I've ever joined offered 1-3 sessions with a personal trainer. If you've missed the window for this, it's worth it to pay for a few sessions to clarify goals, get familiar with the weights, and develop a routine.
My cardio plan is mostly outdoors and so seasonal and weather dependent.- Just did a bunch of post-frost fall cleanup.
- Earlier this month we dug up a 3' x 60' strip of grass and planted ornamental grass and mulched.
- I'm fixing to push away from the computer and go hiking.
- I don't let the winter cold and snow deter me - I bundle up and go to the state park where it's partially plowed and partially packed down by other walkers and skiers.
- Or for an extremely intense workout I strap on the snowshoes and clomp around on the paths out back behind my house.
- I also maintain these trails. Satisfies the gardening itch off season.
- Spring I do lots of gardening
- Summer I swim
- When it's raining I do yoga indoors.
Exactly! Also, get what you're paying for, ask about the free training sessions. I just joined the gym last week and had my first session Friday. Now I have a full body workout. Not just guessing.
Really need to find your why and set some goals. Then you will see results.
Good luck on your journey!
My only goal is to lose weight I was just wondering what sort of cardio stuff people do and what there routines are like.
I used to have the "exercise is for weight loss" mentality. My problem was, when I wasn't actively losing weight, I dropped exercise. The weight I lost came back....of course. Try to think of exercise as something you do for your health. Do you want to be healthy always? Then find cardio you enjoy and do that. Don't worry about other people routines. You get a far more consistent weight loss result by managing your calorie intake anyway.2 -
suggestion, this is what i do during the winter months when outside running isnt safe / smart due to below freezing temps and ice.
Jump Rope to Warm up
10 mins bike
10 mins elliptical
10 mins treadmill run/jog
1K Row
10 min Stair stepper
Cool Down on the treadmill
I get bored running more then 20 mins on the treadmill.... hamster wheel....
so i spice it up some and vary the cardio eqpt into the workout. Sometimes toss some jump rope, jumping jacks, squat jumps, etc in between the eqpt.
Make it fun
Again just some suggestions.2 -
paigethurlow95 wrote: »Mr_Healthy_Habits wrote: »If your goal is simply to burn calories...
I haven't found anything better than running outside...
Things like jumping rope and rowing might burn more calories... But you won't be able to go as long
Thank you 🙏 🙏 I haven’t tried running outside I’m very shy and don’t feel confident doing that. I’m really unfit too. I enjoy rowing & I haven’t done skipping since I was a child 🙈 but I’m happy to give that ago.. what about hoola hooping so you know if that’s any good ? Thank u
Running outside is pretty great and you can and should ease into it, if it's something that interests you. I don't always love being out in the elements (I don't do well if it's at all warm or sunny) but I got my running feet under me the past few years and now one of the highlights of my week is getting out at the crack of dawn on a Saturday and running up and down rocky hills in a nearby park. I'm 41 and played 8 years of roller derby so my knees are pretty tired so I keep the trail stuff to once or twice a week though and pay attention to my shoes, and you should feel out with maybe a couch to 5k program or find somewhere to hike and just go a little harder a little further over time. Also a good way to plow through audiobooks! Just keep one ear on the environment, of course.2 -
paigethurlow95 wrote: »carlaringuette wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »paigethurlow95 wrote: »Hey so just I usually just go with the flow at the gym usually go on the treadmill, bike & cross trainer. Does anyone have a cardio plan? I only do cardio because not sure how to use the weight machines.
Did you recently join the gym? Every gym I've ever joined offered 1-3 sessions with a personal trainer. If you've missed the window for this, it's worth it to pay for a few sessions to clarify goals, get familiar with the weights, and develop a routine.
My cardio plan is mostly outdoors and so seasonal and weather dependent.- Just did a bunch of post-frost fall cleanup.
- Earlier this month we dug up a 3' x 60' strip of grass and planted ornamental grass and mulched.
- I'm fixing to push away from the computer and go hiking.
- I don't let the winter cold and snow deter me - I bundle up and go to the state park where it's partially plowed and partially packed down by other walkers and skiers.
- Or for an extremely intense workout I strap on the snowshoes and clomp around on the paths out back behind my house.
- I also maintain these trails. Satisfies the gardening itch off season.
- Spring I do lots of gardening
- Summer I swim
- When it's raining I do yoga indoors.
Exactly! Also, get what you're paying for, ask about the free training sessions. I just joined the gym last week and had my first session Friday. Now I have a full body workout. Not just guessing.
Really need to find your why and set some goals. Then you will see results.
Good luck on your journey!
My only goal is to lose weight I was just wondering what sort of cardio stuff people do and what there routines are like.
I used to have the "exercise is for weight loss" mentality. My problem was, when I wasn't actively losing weight, I dropped exercise. The weight I lost came back....of course. Try to think of exercise as something you do for your health. Do you want to be healthy always? Then find cardio you enjoy and do that. Don't worry about other people routines. You get a far more consistent weight loss result by managing your calorie intake anyway.
Thank you yes I do want to get healthy. That’s my only goal to get fit and healthy for my son so I can run around with him without feeling so out of breath. When I first started the gym I was going 4/5 a week now Ive only been going twice a week if that as stupid as it seems but I felt more confident when I was 3 and a half stone bigger to go to the gym. Now I don’t feel confident going to the gym and I have no idea because I love my results so far from loosing weight. 0 -
My gym cardio is doing intervals on the treadmill, about 15 minutes varying the incline before I strength train, and 15-20 minutes varying the speed after strength training. The intervals help me not get too bored.0
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MelanieCN77 wrote: »paigethurlow95 wrote: »Mr_Healthy_Habits wrote: »If your goal is simply to burn calories...
I haven't found anything better than running outside...
Things like jumping rope and rowing might burn more calories... But you won't be able to go as long
Thank you 🙏 🙏 I haven’t tried running outside I’m very shy and don’t feel confident doing that. I’m really unfit too. I enjoy rowing & I haven’t done skipping since I was a child 🙈 but I’m happy to give that ago.. what about hoola hooping so you know if that’s any good ? Thank u
Running outside is pretty great and you can and should ease into it, if it's something that interests you. I don't always love being out in the elements (I don't do well if it's at all warm or sunny) but I got my running feet under me the past few years and now one of the highlights of my week is getting out at the crack of dawn on a Saturday and running up and down rocky hills in a nearby park. I'm 41 and played 8 years of roller derby so my knees are pretty tired so I keep the trail stuff to once or twice a week though and pay attention to my shoes, and you should feel out with maybe a couch to 5k program or find somewhere to hike and just go a little harder a little further over time. Also a good way to plow through audiobooks! Just keep one ear on the environment, of course.
1 -
suggestion, this is what i do during the winter months when outside running isnt safe / smart due to below freezing temps and ice.
Jump Rope to Warm up
10 mins bike
10 mins elliptical
10 mins treadmill run/jog
1K Row
10 min Stair stepper
Cool Down on the treadmill
I get bored running more then 20 mins on the treadmill.... hamster wheel....
so i spice it up some and vary the cardio eqpt into the workout. Sometimes toss some jump rope, jumping jacks, squat jumps, etc in between the eqpt.
Make it fun
Again just some suggestions.
Thanks so much for your reply. I do jumping jacks at home and enjoy that! I would like to try the stair stepper too. There’s been a few times where I’ve just been on the treadmill for up to 1 hour walking,jogging and it has got boring so I do agree mixing it up a bit makes it more fun 😬1 -
Mr_Healthy_Habits wrote: »
Haha could be!1 -
My gym cardio is doing intervals on the treadmill, about 15 minutes varying the incline before I strength train, and 15-20 minutes varying the speed after strength training. The intervals help me not get too bored.
I usually warm up and walk for around 5 mins then jog for 10 mins then have a little 3/4 mins walk and then jog again for as long as I can (usually never more than 10 mins) then walk again. After I have finished jogging I put the incline up 0
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