Best way to get cardio in at the gym without treadmill?

blondiek91

I have been going running for quite a while now and my ankle has been getting progressively worse. I have just joined a gym and wondered which machine except for the treadmill is good for getting cardio in? xx

poedunk65

elliptical, arch trainer, walking, jogging, stari stepper. Anything that moves your whole body. Swimming would be excellent for a bad ankle.

BerryH

The rowing machine, if it doesn't aggravate your ankle. You're best staying off weight bearing exercise until that's better.

Dragonnade

Rowing machine. I have appalling knees, shin splints and my chest tends to take on a life of its own when I run. I also find the cross trainer kills my knees whilst the bike it totally hit and miss.

But the rowing machine, with proper technique, leaves you entirely destroyed afterwards, right down to your core. I love it! You'll find out where you're weakest too which is useful

blondiek91

Swimmings my favourite!
I'll give the rowing machine and the arch trainer a go today i think thanks
I was wondering if the bikes would be any good?
x

Dragonnade

Best thing - try it and see. Start on a low level so there's not too much resistance and see how the ankle holds up. And if it hurts, stop.

annew1952

Spinning classes also. Vigerous stationery biking to great music. At least at our gym. We have a bunch of
ladies who have been doing this for years. We sing out loud to the music. We are a crazy bunch.

MRBARWICKRHODES

also anything areobic... star jumps.... anything that keeps your heart rate up.. skipping etc

blondiek91

Ahh yes spinning! Was going to give that a go this week but was fully booked Gonna try and go next week! I'm a little scared thooo I've heard its really hard haha!

deadbeatsummer

Without a doubt the elliptical/cross-trainer is the only other cardio machine that burns cals like the treadmill does as it requires your whole body to push. Set the resistance up and youll find you will be able to go up the better you get at it.

Also, because you are not jumping, the swingng motion protects your feet ankles and shins which is great fi you are prone to those injuries or are overweight.

Sometimes as well if my knee is bad i go on the step climber for 20 mins and sweat buckets.

Flixie00

Rowing machine, swimming and bike in that order.

JJinWI

Kettlebell swings!