Cardio suggestions?

princessorchid

I've not been doing enough cardio (well, little to none) - been going to the gym and doing Power Plate, and going to Callanetics classes - but I think both of these would be classified more under "toning" than anything else. I need more cardio in my life, but am a bit stuck for ideas.

I used to go running with a trainer once a week, but i hated it. I can just about muster up the enthusiasm for a few weeks, but I'm definitely not into running - plus I've got bad knees from ski jumping as a child (TOTALLY stupid) so running is probably not the exercise for me!

Does anyone have any other suggestions for cardio workouts? I was thinking walking or maybe hillwalking (hiking), but not sure if this is enough? I can't cycle for another few weeks yet as I just got my cast off (I had a broken thumb) and the position of the gears on my bike means I'd have to use my thumb to change them - it just isn't strong enough yet!

I'm not a particularly big fan of the gym (I prefer doing exercise outdoors or at home) because it's always quite busy. My boyfriend and I have been thinking about investin in a rowing machine, but we just don't have the money right now! I've seen a beautiful water rower I have my eye on though, so soon!!

What I do enjoy doing (but have been out of the habit for awhile now) is yoga, hillwalking, walking, cycling (I'm not very good at it but i do enjoy it) and rock climbing...would any of these be good cardio activities? I am also thinking of joing a Zumba class near mine, but I can't do that for 2 weeks as the instructor is away this week and next!

Holton

While I do use an elliptical once a week for 50 minutes, my other cardio is walking for 4 miles at a very fast pace. You can work up a nice little sweat if you walk it rapidly and you can choose your venue with a view!

Dom_m

I think you listed half a dozen cardio activities you enjoy doing. Honestly, anything that gets your heart rate up and makes your breathing heavy is a bonus. But I think the main thing is not to list reasons you can't do something, just get out and do it.

Once you start, and keep learning about health and nutrition, you'll get the progress. I wouldn't worry so much about what you do as long as you do it today.

TropicalKitty

Swimming, rollerskating/rollerblading?

You gave a list of things you like and dislike, so I think you already know where you're at. Remember the "cardio" aspect is getting your heart rate elevated. Even a walk at the mall can be cardio, if done at a good enough pace. And I know yoga folks who have busted out a pretty good sweat. I really think the point is to be active. You don't have to do standard things - I hate running and I don't think that I am built for it. I tried to get myself to be able to and it just didn't work. But I love biking. So for outdoors, I hit the bike because I know I won't make myself go out and try to run (or even brisk walk!). If you love to hike and all that, then do it. Don't try to make yourself someone you aren't.

jodi_bannister

Have you tried any fitness DVDs? You can get some really good ones. They usually have an adapted version to follow until you get used to it or if you have bad knees, etc I have several that I do because I do get bored of them and they each target a different area or are a different type of exercise (dance, boxing, yoga, gym ball, etc). I mix them up and work a different area each day. I also like to be outside so I do quite a bit of walking. I would like to start jogging so I am going to try C25K eventually. That way, I will gradually be introduced to running rather than just throw myself in at the deep end! Speaking of deep end, I also like to swim. :happy:

mirgss

Anything that you enjoy that gets you out and moving! It depends on your goal too. Are you trying to lose weight, or are you also trying to strengthen your heart and other muscles?

I personally really enjoy gardening. It's a pleasant activity that gets me outdoors, and it burns calories without feeling like you are exercising.

I know you say you don't like the gym - I used to be the same way. But I just joined a gym near me because they have yoga and pilates (which are great for flexibility and core) and zumba and kickboxing (GREAT CARDIO). Plus it gets me out of the house and interacting with other people.

As to your question about whether the things you enjoy are "enough," well, that's up to you