Cardio and summer

curds

Hey Guys,

I get headaches pretty regularly in summer (yes, I do try to drink a lot of water) and its really starting to get hot here by me and I know its not even half as bad as it will get.

So my question is with cardio its all about intensity correct? Keeping your heart rate up? Now, I'm sorry call me unmotivated or whatever you want, but I'm not going to have a splitting headache for the sake of cardio. Moving up and down quickly like with burpees and plyo moves makes the dull sun headaches worse.

So, my question is it a better option to leave out cardio all together or do the moves slower and turn it more into targeted exercises or should I just try to take walks once the sunsets?

Any tips for cardio type workouts I can do while either standing or seated? I know there's cycling, but I don't have a bike or a gym membership. Running is also out.

ps: I know there's always strength training, but I would still like some form of cardio in my workouts even if its just once a week.

melindasuefritz

u should be doing cardio everyday
theres all kinds of stuff u can do it dont have to be outside
Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
Cardio exercise includes any activity in which you move your large muscle groups for 15 minutes or longer while maintaining an increased heart rate. In addition to burning body fat, cardio activities help condition your heart and lungs to move blood and oxygen throughout the body more efficiently. In order to reap the full benefits from cardio activities, the American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes five days per week. Cardiovascular exercise comes in many different forms so find something that you enjoy.

Walking

Due to the low impact nature of walking, it is one of the easiest and most convenient forms of cardio. Whether you're new to exercises or a seasoned veteran, take advantage of the benefits of walking and adjust your intensity based on your experience. Simply put on your walking shoes, step out your door and off you go.


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Running

Following right behind walking in convenience, jogging or running provides an option for cardio with a slightly higher intensity. Start slowly and work up to more difficult workouts. Once you develop some experience as a runner, vary your speed and terrain to challenge your cardiovascular system. Remember, keep your head up and pay attention to your form to minimize the risk of injury.

Aerobic Dance

Aerobic dance classes vary from very low impact to much higher intensity using tools such as a step and kickboxing. Classes range in theme from Latin dance inspired aerobics to belly dancing. Find something that works for you based on your exercise experience, body type, goals and injury status.

Cycling

Take an indoor cycling class, ride the stationary bike or hop on your road bike and ride the neighborhood to get the cardio benefits of cycling. With many options, this very low impact exercise can easily be a part of your workout. Cycling is ideal if you experience any lower body orthopedic problems with the knees or hips or if you carry excess weight.

Swimming

Swimming utilizes the entire upper body and core, making it an effective cardio activity. If you are a beginner, swimming for extended periods of time while maintaining a steady heart rate will be difficult. Build up to longer workouts. Since being in the water eases stress on your joints, water activities such as aerobics or walking work well for those with arthritis or other joint problems.

Sports

Not all sports make great cardio activities. Include team sports incorporating constant activity such as soccer, lacrosse and basketball into your program for maximum cardiovascular benefit. Tennis, racquetball and squash make great cardio workouts as well.

Jumping Rope

Jumping rope challenges your coordination, strengthens the bones and improves your cardiovascular system. Both the lower and upper body benefit from this simple, inexpensive activity that you can incorporate into your routine whether at home or traveling. Learning proper technique is simple and perfected with a little bit of practice.

Elliptical Trainer

Elliptical training machines continue to become easier to find and more comfortable to use. Ellipticals vary in that some use the upper and lower body, some only the lower and others provide the option to increase or decrease the angle on the legs. They provide very little impact on the joints of the lower body.

Cross Country Skiing

While requiring some amount of snow and specific equipment, cross country skiing works the entire body for a great cardio activity. In addition to challenging the heart and lungs, cross country skiing works the muscles in your lower body, core and upper body. Learning proper technique is relatively easy.

Rowing

Rowing combines the driving of the lower body to help the pulling of the upper body for a total body workout. You can use a rowing machine or go outside and actually hop in a kayak or canoe. Rowing is low impact and comes with a relatively low risk of injury. Start slowly and row at a comfortable pace to learn form while you work to build up time or distance.


Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/360819-top-ten-cardio-activities/#ixzz2TEyYAiCq

melindasuefritz

. Step Aerobics - one of the most favorite cardio exercises preferred by women. Step Aerobics mainly target your legs, hips and glutes, and can burn approx. 400 calories in 30 minutes.

2. Bicycling - stationary or outdoors is a great cardio exercises, depending on resistance and speed can but 250 to 500 calories in 30 minutes.

3. Swimming - like cross-country skiing is an excellent cardio exercises as it is a full body exercises. Swimming is a great cross-training for other cardio activities. Doing the breast stroke can burn approx. 400 calories in 30 minutes.

4. Racquetball - side to side sprinting makes racquetball and excellent cardio exercises. A 145-lb person burns over 400 calories in 30 minutes.

5. Rock Climbing - is not only a cardio exercises, but also uses arm and leg strength and power. Rock Climbing can burn up to 380 calories in 30 minutes.

6. Cross-Country Skiing - whether on a machine or outdoors on snow, is an incredible cardio exercises as it involves both upper and lower body. A 145 lb person can burn approx 330 calories in 30 minutes.

7. Running - Running is an excellent cardio exercises because all you need is a pair of quality running shoes. Running burns serious calories. A 145 LB person can easily burn 300 calories in 30 minutes.

8. Elliptical Trainer - is an excellent cardio exercises and a great way to build endurance. A 145 LB person can burn about 300 calories in 30 minutes.

9. Rowing - is both a cardio exercises as well as giving your arms an incredible workout. 145 LB person can burn about 300 calories in 30 minutes.

10. Walking - Brisk walking is a less strenuous form of cardio exercises. Walking can burn up to 180 calories in 30 minutes. Sprinting, adding hills or an incline can increase amount of calories burned.


For the real high intensity cardio people out there who love the H.I.I.T training (High Intensity Interval Training), below are the top three cardio exercise which will provide amazing results!

1. Jumping Rope - This is one of the simplest, yet most effective exercises one can do. In just 15 to 20 minutes, jumping rope will give you an unparalleled total body workout. Jumping rope is ideal for cardiovascular endurance and enhances performance in virtually any sport - tennis, basketball, football, skiing, volleyball and more. This simple exercise is also great for eye-hand coordination, lateral movement, foot and hand speed and agility.


2. Sprinting - Sprinting not only burns HUGE amounts of calories while sprinting, it also keeps your metabolism flying for days after. Sprinting combined with running / jogging can bring amazing results


3. Spinning - These high-intensity workouts to music simulate a challenging bike ride, complete with hills, valleys and varying speeds, all dictated by the group instructor.

JohnnyCashMoney

Hey Guys,

I get headaches pretty regularly in summer (yes, I do try to drink a lot of water) and its really starting to get hot here by me and I know its not even half as bad as it will get.

So my question is with cardio its all about intensity correct? Keeping your heart rate up? Now, I'm sorry call me unmotivated or whatever you want, but I'm not going to have a splitting headache for the sake of cardio. Moving up and down quickly like with burpees and plyo moves makes the dull sun headaches worse.

So, my question is it a better option to leave out cardio all together or do the moves slower and turn it more into targeted exercises or should I just try to take walks once the sunsets?

Any tips for cardio type workouts I can do while either standing or seated? I know there's cycling, but I don't have a bike or a gym membership. Running is also out.

ps: I know there's always strength training, but I would still like some form of cardio in my workouts even if its just once a week.

You don't NEED high intensity stuff. You just need to get your HR up and keep it up into a zone that helps you burn fat. If you don't have a HR monitor, try this: Get on a treadmill at a decent pace and increase the INCLINE until it is difficult for you to maintain a conversation. I always use a phrase like "Oh pardon me thou bleeding piece of earth that I am meek and gentle with these butchers" ( Julius Caesar). If you cant get through your whole phrase, you are working too hard. If you can say it really easily, you aren't working hard enough. If you don't do high intensity intervals, concentrate on Long Slow Distance (LSD) training. LSD training isn't as efficient, but it works all the same.

jzammetti

No disrespect to the previous poster, but CARDIO IS NOT NECESSARY EVERY DAY.

Weight training has more benefit to you in the short and long run. :happy:

If you just love cardio, I would suggest swimming for summer. But, even a fast walk can be very good cardio. I walk for my weight training warm up every time I train (3x a week) and do HIIT cardio every other training session for 15 minutes. I run on my off weeks from weight training because I truly enjoy it.

curds

MMMH thanks, I don't have an elliptical, but I do think maybe running at night is my best bet. I have a park near me where I can do it.

I'm also not a cardio lover, I do it because I do think it has really good health benefits and I'm sorry, but I disagree about needing to do it everyday.

I live on the 15th floor of my apartment complex and I take the stairs up, I walk to most places instead of drive so yes I try to work in the odd activity here and there. I don't have a beach near me and my local swimming pool lol well lets not go there.