Best methods for cardio?

jibbs89

So for the past month or two I've been on the elliptical almost every day. Started out at 30 minutes and have increased to 50 (sometimes 51) minutes. I know that after a while your body will get used to the exercises you do frequently and they won't be as effective, so how long until something like that might happen?

Also, any other good cardio workouts I could do that doesn't involve running? (I have a torn meniscus/MCL. must have low impact workouts)

Any good tricks/tips as far as cardio routines that are more beneficial/effective than just hitting the gym and doing your usual cardio?

stephconyers

I LOVE the stairclimber! You burn alot more calories in less time and it's great for lifting your butt (I need alot of help in that area). Its a killer the first couple of times you get on it though.

ahamm002

So for the past month or two I've been on the elliptical almost every day. Started out at 30 minutes and have increased to 50 (sometimes 51) minutes. I know that after a while your body will get used to the exercises you do frequently and they won't be as effective, so how long until something like that might happen?

Also, any other good cardio workouts I could do that doesn't involve running? (I have a torn meniscus/MCL. must have low impact workouts)

Any good tricks/tips as far as cardio routines that are more beneficial/effective than just hitting the gym and doing your usual cardio?

Instead of upping the time, try upping the intensity instead. Do intervals on some days. Also, if you have access to a pool, that's a great way to exercise for people w/ knee injuries.

Chief_Rocka

So for the past month or two I've been on the elliptical almost every day. Started out at 30 minutes and have increased to 50 (sometimes 51) minutes. I know that after a while your body will get used to the exercises you do frequently and they won't be as effective, so how long until something like that might happen?

You have to continue to disrupt homeostasis to continue to see progress, but you don't have to change your exercise selection.

Babygi6003

Do intervals on the ellptical, maybe do 30 minutes elliptical/30 minutes on the bike or treadmill.

zaph0d

As you get used to it, increase the intensity.

NocturnalGirl

Increase the intensity - the speed and resistance. Do whatever cardio you like, you are more likely to stick to it.

marycmeadows

stair climber is great...

also strength training + cardio = circuit training and is GREAT for blasting fat.

marieautumn

i also do the elliptical, and according to my HRM its not getting my HR up like it used to. I used to average 165-175, now i have to move my arms around to get to 160. i've been working with the elliptical for about 6 months.
I find that my body has NOT become used to the stairmaster however. I can do the stairmaster at level 4- 5 and average around 170-180HR.

dbanks80

Stairmaster
Recumbant/Stationary bikes
Row machines
Kickboxing classes

Yaya1976

I try and switch it up. I use the treadmill, the elliptical. I've tried the stair-climber, it kicked my butt. I also do the bike, if the other machines tire me out




Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

jibbs89

The stair climber is something I actually always wanted to do more of, but I use the gym at my apartment complex and they only have ellipticals and treadmills there for cardio. (The campus gym is just really inconvenient to get to). And I've done circuit training type workouts on days where I really just am so bored with the elliptical (which is becoming more and more common).

I just am really bored with the same routine honestly. I can't do treadmill with my knee. I don't have access to a stairclimber or pool. lol what's a girl to do

This was all great advice though, thank you.

MantisToboggan_MD

Heavy bag with straight punches, heavy rope exercises and the pool are good ways to vary your low impact cardio.

gbellsatx

Increase Intensity. Interval training go for 10 min 1 min high intensity 30 second low intensity. Then get off and do the same incorporate pushups, sit-ups, get some 5lb weights do military presses if you can’t afford weights get milk jugs fill with water and go from there then get back on the elliptical and repeat. Bottom line is get creative. Get advice from your doctor for what you can and cannot do and have fun with it. These are just examples and you should speak to your doctor before actually doing thse types of exercises..

jsickman12

Try some of the pre-programed intervals on the eliptical unit itself. There is a bunch of good stuff on the internet too:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/172609-how-to-do-high-intensity-interval-training-on-an-elliptical-machine/