Cardio question

debbyc1970

My personal trainer suggested rotating various cardio machines. I've tried the elliptical, the bikes, the stepper and I hate them. I actually enjoy doing C2-5K on the treadmill and at home when I don't get to the gym. Is there a benefit to changing up the cardio?

MeanderingMammal

Is there a benefit to changing up the cardio?

Not really.

What you've got is that any CV work only addresses a subset of your capability, so it's helpful to complement the session. That's exacerbated on machines as they isolate a lot of the biomechanical system. Running out in the real is a better session than a treadmill, similarly a bike out in the real will give far more benefit than an indoor bike, and particularly a recumbent.

If you're running I would suggest complementing it with rowing or cycling, as that compensates for the emphasis on hamstrings and calves by developing the core, quads and shin muscles.

debbyc1970

Thanks! I did try rowing tonight and can really feel a difference. It's certainly something I would continue doing with my running.

kevinsmithrn

I do my warm up on the elliptical (10mins) Work out with weights then finish with a 20 minute treadmill interval training session. I'm a heart patient and trying to lose weight as well but I do the cardio to increase endurance and cardio-pulmonary efficiency. Every other week I do one 5k treadmill run for time to see how my endurance is improving (last weeks personal best was 30 mins 30 secs! ). I have a concept 2 rower at home that I use on days that I cant get to the gym and its awesome! I really believe that's it the cardio work that really gives you the immediate results ( you just feel better! ). No matter what give your personal trainer the benefit of the doubt he may see things relating to you ( the big picture ) that you don't and he is being paid to get you healthy! Remember always challenge yourself! I do hope things go well for you in your journey.

alereck

I hate cardio, really hate being out of breath and dizzy. I do mainly strenght exercises but in a way where I burn more calories such as doing supersets and barely resting between them. If you do not like something don't do it, this is suppose to be fun and you should look forward to it.

I did a les mills combat class at my local gym and really enjoyed it. If I want to do cardio I do that, the group and teacher keeps you going and it's a lot more fun then running in place. Maybe try a class?

Tanya949

My trainer makes me do cardio in between strength circuits... Keeps the heart rate up the entire time. After each set I have to do 10 jumping jacks, or butt kicks, high knees etc. it's a good way to sneak cardio in short bursts into your routine, it's over before you know it.

One particular session I remember (one of my favourites) was rounds of kickboxing ( left/right punch, dip(squat)x10), 10 jumping jacks, 10 squats, 10 sit-ups/left-right punch. 10 rounds. That's 200 squats, 100 jumping jacks, 100 sit ups and 40 punches. That wasn't so much weight training but it was a whole lot of cardio with a lot of other movements, better than a boring treadmill!

MeanderingMammal

......give your personal trainer the benefit of the doubt he may see things relating to you ( the big picture ) that you don't .......

Whilst in principle I wouldn't disagree with the thinking, the statement would have some more credibility if it were followed with some rationale for doing different things, and having some structure within it. I'd expect a competent trainer to be able to articulate why there is value in cross training, and to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each discipline.

Specifically the elliptical and stepper have no discernible benefit to any other discipline.

debbyc1970

Thanks for all your answers! I should have explained better. I have 4 workouts I rotate through. 3 days are strength training and I end with cardio. The 4th is also strength, but with cardio bursts between sets and I still do the treadmill after that.
The only reason he gave me to change my cardio, was that people get better results.
After being a couch potato for 25 years, that answer isn't good enough for me. I found something I truly enjoy doing and want to stick with it. I feel I'm more likely to give up if I'm doing cardio that I don't enjoy. I am willing to change it up though, if there is a true benefit from it.