Shouldnt Cardio become easier?

jmsspr93

When I first started using my exercise bike I did 500 a day, I could do it in under 1 hour. Now I am having to take breaks every 20-30 calories when I could do 100 before. I have been gradually turning up the difficulty but why am I finding it so hard???

jmsspr93

Anyone?

Phrick

probably because you're turning up the difficulty?? Maybe I'm misunderstanding but your post seems like "I'm making it harder, so why is it harder?"

sunship

Yes, what she said --

You have to gauge it "ceteris paribus", or all other things equal -- then you'll see your improvements.

_Zardoz_

When I first started using my exercise bike I did 500 a day, I could do it in under 1 hour. Now I am having to take breaks every 20-30 calories when I could do 100 before. I have been gradually turning up the difficulty but why am I finding it so hard???

Well you've turned up the difficulty. Also your 32 pounds lighter so you burn less calories

jmsspr93

I thought I had to keep turning it up else my body would become used to it?

BrianSharpe

To gauge improvement you have to keep all things equal otherwise you're comparing apples to oranges.

A great way to measure improvements is to use a heart rate monitor, while your heart rate will vary slightly from day to day you could do a benchmark ride and then compare your average and peak heart rate doing the same ride a few weeks later - you'll have a tangible and objective way of tracking your fitness improvements.

I thought I had to keep turning it up else my body would become used to it?

Based on your earlier comment (stopping after 100 cal) my suggestion would be to keep the intensity the same and focus on going for longer time periods. With biking, running, rowing etc your first goal is usually to build endurance and that comes from the longer, slower rides / runs / rows.

Once you've established an aerobic base introduce speed work (ie alternate between longer slower rides & shorter faster ones)

Phrick

I thought I had to keep turning it up else my body would become used to it?

well yeah, but gradually. Way more gradually than you probably have been. Like 1 setting increase per month or more likely even less often. Yes your body will eventually adapt but that takes some time, not just a couple of months.

sjohnny

I thought I had to keep turning it up else my body would become used to it?

Um...... yes. Your body will "become used to it" at the lower setting and it probably is now "easier" at the lower setting. Which is why you should keep increasing the intensity/distance/time/whatever. That's improvement.

geebusuk

Try and increase difficulty as YOU improve, not just with time.

So lets say you get to the point you have to take a break after 120 calories - THEN turn it up so it goes down to 90 calories, say. When you get good enough to hit 120 again, turn it up again.

jmsspr93

I was notching it up every Monday, thanks guys. Turned it down slightly now to a more manageable intensity