"Better" use of cardio time?

brandon_2A

I normally use the elliptical until the distance reads 5k. It usually takes me about 34 minutes with 450 calories burned= 13.24/minute.

Today I did 15 minutes elliptical, 15 minutes on the Arc Trainer and 15 on a stationary bike for a total of 551 calories burned= 12.24/minute.

So, is it better to:

A) Stick with the elliptical, or whichever single machine or exercise burns calories the fastest.

Use a variety of machines or exercises even if the calories per minute is slightly lower.

C) The calorie counters on the machines are useless so don't bother paying attention to them.

LaurenAOK

C is usually true; I would use MFP to estimate (though remember that sometimes it estimates high) or get a HRM to find out how much you're actually burning.

Between A and B, neither is "better." It's about doing something you can stick with! If you enjoy the elliptical, stay on the elliptical. If you get bored with that, do a few machines per session like you did today. Personally I hate cardio and I get really antsy on the machines so I have to keep switching up the machines or else I just give up. As long as you're happy with you calorie burn, it doesn't matter what form of cardio it's coming from.

As far as a "better" use of cardio time, I'd suggest replacing some of that cardio time with strength training, but that's a different story all together Unless you're already strength training too, in which case, good for you!

froeschli

I'd opt for C, which lets you do what you like, then mix it up every once in a while for interest.
Calories on a machine are just a number, but if it takes that number to motivate you, then by all means go for the highest rating one.

BlueBombers

Use a variety of machines....you don't want to keep using the same exercises everyday as you want to keep your body guessing.

D) Add some weight training into your routine, you will be amazed how much of a difference this will make. Lift heavy, not those little 5 lb dumbells. Compound lifts are great too.

brandon_2A

I do plenty of strength training as well

I guess I was just curious since the ultimate goal is to burn calories. I don't mind doing 35-40 minutes on one machine but I think my (completely uneducated, unprofessional) opinion is that I'd rather do different things and use different muscles than always repeating the same thing.....just wondered what MFP had to say.

Azdak

All of the above.

You cannot rely on calorie readings from different machines to use as a comparison, since different machines (except for treadmills) will calculate calories differently.

For most people, it is better to include a mix of cardio workouts---e.g. 1-2 endurance workouts, 1-2 tempo workouts, 1-2 interval workouts.

You will burn fewer cals/min during an endurance workout, but more total calories for the workout. If you want to mix different machines during an endurance workout, that is ok--just keep the time in between machines to a minimum.

You will improve your fitness level more quickly with the higher intensity work--which will allow you to work harder for all of your workouts, and thus burn more calories.

DavPul

it's cardio. use whichever machine you enjoy the most. mix it up for variety or use the machine where you feel you can ramp the intensity up the highest. or use the one that you don't have to wait for. it's 30 mins of cardio. let's not over think this.