What works the best?

I like to do 20 minutes Elliptical, 20 minutes bike, and 15-20 minutes of weights. I found that to work the best for me and I don't get bored!

a combo of strength training and cardio. you burn more calories during cardio but strength training keeps your metabolism elevated for longer. And muscle burns wayyyy more calories at rest than fat, which doesn't at all. Intensity is key, so during cardio it's good to get your heart rate at about 70-85% your maximum heart rate. you can calculate this by:

220-age, then multiply by 0.7-0.85 to get your percentage.

Hope this all helps

starrieeyedkat - I'd have to disagree with you about the elliptical. It's tough and a hard workout, I think it works better for me to get my heart rate up, it is easier on the knees too, plus you can also go backwards. Treadmills are good too. The bike is GREAT also, you can really burn calories riding a bike. But like the other's say, you need to strength train too.

Why don't you just try them all to see which you feel more comfortable with and like. Try all the cardo machines, and then try the track. Also classes are a very fun way to workout. Check out all the classes your gym offers, you might find you love kickboxing and spinning!

Good luck and keep moving!

Kelly

While I don't LOVE any machine, I say variety is key. I usually warm up with 20 minutes on the elliptical, the go to the rower and do either 6,000 rows or 30 minutes, whichever occurs first (usually the 30 minutes! LOL) and then I go to the ARC trainer for another 20. However, the other day I did the ARC trainer for 45 minutes straight and while I thought it would never end, it gave me a GREAT workout. I like it much better than the elliptical or the stairclimber.

When I'm not doing a "gym" day, I run outdoors for 2.5 to 3.5 miles. I need to incorporate weights, but I hate the layout of our gym. It's a meat market and I'm not into that at all. What I'd REALLY like to try is doing a kettle bell work out, but can't find anyone that will teach me proper form and a good sequence. I don't want to throw my back out the first time, which I think I would do.

I used to go on the treadmill for 30 mins then the bike for 30-40 mins then do some weights (alternate between arms, legs and abs) and then I walk a mile. It was great. Now I am able to do the stairmaster for an hour and then weights and then a mile for cool down. I have really upped my burned calories with the stairmaster.

IMO, intensity is more important than time spent. Circuits work best for me. For example, warmup 5-8 on a stationary cycle, ramp up to a mild sweat, then 20 secs on&10secs off x4 on a treadmill with incline (as you feel comfortable, and you have to hold on to the handle bars, and get your feet up to speed!! -- leave the treadmill on as you move through your weight exercises -- my gym is very understanding about this sort of thing!), at a high rate (ie 5, 6, 8mph or higher as you get more fit), keeping up high intensity 2 separate weight exercises. (one lap) Do 3, later 4. (one circuit complete) Do 3 similar circuits of high cardio and weights. (later do 4) 45-50 minutes. Have a shower.

Jim W

I've heard the elliptical isn't really worth it, you don't get much of a workout. I'd go for treadmill, stairmaster or bike if you're looking for a cardio workout and weights if you're looking to build muscle/strength.

:laugh: LOL:laugh: - Girl, if your saying this you obviously have never tried it!!!! :happy: I thought the same thing.....Oh that looks easy, I'll do the elliptical for a change......I ALMOST DIED!!! Well, not quite but close! I barely made it 10 minutes the first time!! Much tougher than it looks, burns a ton of calories and is especially great for people who can't put a lot of strain on their knees!!

I get bored easily so it is hard for me to stay on one machine for a long time. I usually do 3 intervals on the tread (5 min warm up, 1 min at 4, 1 min at 4.5, then 5, then 6, then 6.5, then back down) and then switch to the elliptical and do about 15 mins there. I find it is harder to get my heart rate up on the elliptical (because i don't push myself) but it is pretty easy to keep my heart rate up. I have also started doing a spinning class, which is wicked hard, but I love it. During class, the instructor drives the pace and resistance, so I am constantly being challenged out of my comfort zone.