Different Exercise Advice

ThatRyanPerson
ThatRyanPerson Posts: 18 Member
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
My exercise routine during the winter since it's cold and snowing outside has been going 45 minutes on the elliptical machine each day. I go at a brisk pace but don't push myself. The body becomes accustomed to doing the same exercise and it becomes less effective. I tried walking backward on it last night and never felt more awkward walking in my life. It was a good exercise for hamstring and glutes.

What other workouts should I be doing? I'd like to work on stomach, arms and the rest of the upper body. The only weights I have are 10 pound dumbbells. During the summer, I try to cycle every day but it's been way too cold and snowy for that (thanks midwest!)

Thank you for any help :)

Replies

  • ShibaEars
    ShibaEars Posts: 3,928 Member
    Body weight exercises are a great way to start. (Pushups, burpees, squats, plank & other core exercises). You can use the dumbbells for shoulder press, bicep curls or just holding them while you do squats.
  • ThatRyanPerson
    ThatRyanPerson Posts: 18 Member
    Sounds good. Thank you!
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    And try doing a turkish get up with one of those dumbbells.
  • dave4d
    dave4d Posts: 1,155 Member
    Have you tried increasing the resistance on the elliptical?

    Body weight exercises are great if you don't have any weights. Pull-ups, push-ups, dip, lunges, squats...
  • ThatRyanPerson
    ThatRyanPerson Posts: 18 Member
    I'll have to try increased resistance. For the 45 minute workout, the elliptical machine goes from 2-3-4-4-3-4-4-3-2 for resistance.

    I need to look up the turkish get up and burpee. Thank you all for the help again! Very nice community here.
  • Jruzer
    Jruzer Posts: 3,501 Member
    Adaptation = training. Go harder, or introduce intervals.

    That said, I know where you're coming from regarding getting outside! Our weather hasn't been as bad as the northeast, but we've got a lot of snow on the ground in Wisconsin.
  • dave4d
    dave4d Posts: 1,155 Member
    When I use the Elliptical machine, I set it on intervals and shoot for a resistance of 15 to 20. I think the max resistance on the one's that I use is around 20 and it takes major effort from both my arms and legs to keep it moving. It makes for a good workout, but it is still just a cardio workout and doesn't provide enough resistance to replace a good strength training program.
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