Cardio Help!

BusyMomma2012
BusyMomma2012 Posts: 41 Member
edited September 26 in Fitness and Exercise
My favorite thing to do for cardio is to jump on the bike. I can do it for awhile if I have the TV or a magazine to distract me. I also like the elliptical but find myself counting down the minutes until I can get off of it. I don't like the treadmill, because I can't really run (bad knees) and walking takes forever to burn calories!

My question is, what is the best thing to do and how often should I switch up what I am doing and for how long so that I don't hit a plateau? Any help and suggestions would be great!!

Replies

  • LexyDawn
    LexyDawn Posts: 113
    Not sure how your knees would handle it but dancing is a wicked way to burn calories. You could take a dance class, try the "Just Dance" type video games or just put on your favorite music and dance around your house. The time goe by so quickly too!
  • JBatt123
    JBatt123 Posts: 24
    Bump. Would love to hear the responses as well.
  • LexyDawn
    LexyDawn Posts: 113
    Swimming is also good.
  • deniseg31
    deniseg31 Posts: 667 Member
    Hey there, if you like bikeriding why don't you GO bikeriding instead of say to a nearby lake or something. I too love the elliptical BTW. It's my favorite and you burn tons of calories on that thing.
  • NoAdditives
    NoAdditives Posts: 4,251 Member
    Switch up your exercise routine every 3-4 weeks, 6 at the max to avoid a plateau. You should also be increasing time, resistance, incline, etc. as you go.

    Full body machines that have you standing up give you a better overall workout. The exercise bike is fine if you have an injury or aren't feeling well, but the treadmill, elliptical, arc trainer, etc. are much better. Except for the treadmill, they often have moving handles to work your arms and the make you work your abs and back muscles to keep your balance. My rule of thumb regarding exercising is that if you can read, you aren't working hard enough, which means you aren't getting much benefit from working out.
  • StacyD015
    StacyD015 Posts: 62 Member
    Have you tried exercise classes? I love zumba and Legs bums and tums!!!

    Theyre great for cardio / tone / strength all together!! I too clock watch when using cardio machines... i put my towel over it or a magazine !!!

    But remember, walking may feel like ur not doing much but look at my diary and see how many calories i burn doing this... it would suprise u! :noway:
  • BusyMomma2012
    BusyMomma2012 Posts: 41 Member
    I've tried Zumba and its a lot of fun. I go to a class every Tuesday!
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