Best methods for cardio?

jibbs89
jibbs89 Posts: 13
in Fitness and Exercise
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?

Replies

  • stephconyers
    stephconyers Posts: 2
    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
    ahamm002 Posts: 1,690 Member
    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
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    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
    Babygi6003 Posts: 356 Member
    Do intervals on the ellptical, maybe do 30 minutes elliptical/30 minutes on the bike or treadmill.
  • zaph0d
    zaph0d Posts: 1,172 Member
    As you get used to it, increase the intensity.
  • NocturnalGirl
    NocturnalGirl Posts: 1,762
    Increase the intensity - the speed and resistance. Do whatever cardio you like, you are more likely to stick to it.
  • marycmeadows
    marycmeadows Posts: 1,691 Member
    stair climber is great...

    also strength training + cardio = circuit training and is GREAT for blasting fat.
  • marieautumn
    marieautumn Posts: 928 Member
    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
    dbanks80 Posts: 3,685 Member
    Stairmaster
    Recumbant/Stationary bikes
    Row machines
    Kickboxing classes
  • Yaya1976
    Yaya1976 Posts: 357 Member
    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 :)



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  • jibbs89
    jibbs89 Posts: 13
    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
    MantisToboggan_MD Posts: 30 Member
    Heavy bag with straight punches, heavy rope exercises and the pool are good ways to vary your low impact cardio.
  • gbellsatx
    gbellsatx Posts: 37 Member
    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
    jsickman12 Posts: 139 Member
    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/

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