Cardio.....How often ?

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tnkhart
tnkhart Posts: 72 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello MFP friends !! My question is....How often should I use my eliptical ? My goal is to loose 20-24 lbs. This past week I was on my eliptical 4 out of 7 days. I actually feel guilty when I take a day off. I'm usually going for about 30 minutes. Is there a rule of thumb on this? Just curious what everyones take is. Have a great weekend !!

Replies

  • katieann1735
    katieann1735 Posts: 6
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    I try to work out 6 out of 7 days a week if possible for about 30-45 minutes. If you don't won't to do the elliptical all the time, try switching it up with something else. I'm a huge fan of circuit training -- it burns great calories as well!
  • carl1738
    carl1738 Posts: 444 Member
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    Use it daily if you want. It's strength training that you're supposed to take rest days for. Of course, if you find yourself excessively sore the next day, take a break. Otherwise, keep going if you're up for it!
  • beverlyl64
    beverlyl64 Posts: 381
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    I shoot for 6 days a week, and add some strength training about 3 days a week.
  • deepakris
    deepakris Posts: 31 Member
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    Hi there! What I am trying to start doing is three days of cardio, three days of strength training & one rest day per week. Four days of elliptical sounds great. You should check how many calories you burn doing it for thirty minutes here on this website, & then you can decide whether or not it's enough.
  • findingfit23
    findingfit23 Posts: 846 Member
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    I do 5 days of cardio, 2 of strength training. I say if your body feels up to it, do it!
  • heyree424
    heyree424 Posts: 21
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    I don't think there's a hard and fast rule. Four days a week is great! Usually when I start a new cardio program, I do 3x a week the first two weeks, 4x the next two, etc. until I get to 6 days (you always need one day off!). I also can't jump right to 30-60 minutes, especially on an elliptical. I read somewhere that you should start with 10 minutes the first day, then at 10% more time each day until you get to the level you want.
  • InspiredByStreisand42
    InspiredByStreisand42 Posts: 29 Member
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    I shoot for 6 days a week, and add some strength training about 3 days a week.

    This. I do the exact same! :)
  • MayhemModels
    MayhemModels Posts: 367 Member
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    I do cardio 6 days a week and when i strength train I always strength train first
  • XDoodlebugger
    XDoodlebugger Posts: 54 Member
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    I personally would add strength training into the mix before more cardio, but that's just me.
  • Angela_MA
    Angela_MA Posts: 260
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    4-5 days a week minimum is 60 minute (usually do more). I do strength training 3 days a week as well. Plus, I try to stay active on rest days, like organize my house, clean, wash vehicles, yard work, go biking with family, walk the dog...etc
  • XDoodlebugger
    XDoodlebugger Posts: 54 Member
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    I personally would add strength training into the mix before more cardio, but that's just me.
  • tnkhart
    tnkhart Posts: 72 Member
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    Thank you all. This past week I did cardio 4 days and burned 1502 calories. Next week I should get Power90 in the mail and then I'll change things up. Thank you all for some great info and support....as always !!!
  • Artemis726
    Artemis726 Posts: 587 Member
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    I have always been a cardio girl, so in the past I would do cardio 6-7 days a week for at least 30-45 minutes. BUT...I think I was over-doing it and not giving my body enough variety. When I am able to start back with a good program, I am planning on cardio 3-4 times a week, strength training at least 2 days a week, and yoga at least once with a scheduled rest day. I think balance is key to overall fitness. :)

    Good luck!
  • tusher2011
    tusher2011 Posts: 201 Member
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    I shoot for 6 days a week, and add some strength training about 3 days a week.

    This. I do the exact same! :)

    Me too! I am currently doing 30 min of cardio and then I alternate days doing upper body one day and lower body the next. I do want to work up to 45 min for whatever cardio I am doing.
  • movert
    movert Posts: 12 Member
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    I dont think there is a golden answer especially if you are doing other activities like P90X, weight training or aerobic classes. As long as you are getting your heart rate up about 4 to 5 days a week and watching meals, you should be fine. I do strength training about 4 days a week and one day solely for cardio and abs, but my strength days are a lot of supersets and back to back movements and sets to keep my heart rate up.
  • mosneakers
    mosneakers Posts: 343 Member
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    I so know what you mean about feeling guilty! I get that too on my days off.
    I've tried to add more strength training but I love the sweat of cardio. If you've been doing the same thing for a while, switch it up (and shock your body with something new) - I'm doing the couch to 5 K (C25K) program because I have never been a runner and it seems like a great challenge for me!

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