Change your cardio routine?

Keanray16
Keanray16 Posts: 1 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Since I’ve started I’ve stuck with the same cardio routine elliptical and have managed to go faster than ever before I still sweat and the bpm reads 160-170. But i heard someone say I have to switch it up. But I don’t enjoy running I love the elliptical.

Replies

  • GemstoneofHeart
    GemstoneofHeart Posts: 865 Member
    You don't have to, the best exercise is the one that you do.
    Some people like to switch it up because they get bored, and some people might want to incorporate weight training too in order to get those benefits in their regime.
    But ultimately if you are happy doing the elliptical, don't overthink it and just change it if you decide to at some point.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    I've been a cyclist all my life. When I get bored riding the roads and trails around me, I put my bike in the car and ride it some place new and pretty. I'll be a cyclist until I die, I love riding a bike, it's good exercise, it gets me outdoors, it's transportation. I see nothing wrong with this. You love the elliptical - keep at it.

    :smile:
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    But you are switching it up because you are going faster than you could before and you are fitter than you were before. If you are both enjoying what you do and making progress then carry on.

    Boredom or lack of progress are valid reasons for "switching up" but that clearly doesn't apply to you. BTW - There's some weird and wonderful reasons espoused by the clueless for switching but most don't stand up to scrutiny.

    I'm a cyclist, my idea of switching up is faster, further, higher hills doing the sport/pastime I love.
    "It doesn't get any easier; you just get faster." - Greg LeMond

  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    I change every day. bike, roller blade, kangoojumps,run, bike, race walk, hills, stairs, skate, ski, snowshoe, hike, stand up paddle boarding, on and on. I try new things every day, love my cardio! FUN!
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    I am a runner I set up various goals like to run further, run faster, etc. I run because I enjoy it and just love to run. I cross train as well and this helps me with my specified fitness/running goals.

    That said, the exercise you WILL DO and the exercise you LOVE is the exercise you should continuing doing. If by chance you are no longer attaining progress (according to any specified goal) this is when you can increase volume/intensity, add in cross training etc.

    If it ain't broke, don't fit it!
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    sijomial wrote: »
    But you are switching it up because you are going faster than you could before and you are fitter than you were before. If you are both enjoying what you do and making progress then carry on.

    Boredom or lack of progress are valid reasons for "switching up" but that clearly doesn't apply to you. BTW - There's some weird and wonderful reasons espoused by the clueless for switching but most don't stand up to scrutiny.

    I'm a cyclist, my idea of switching up is faster, further, higher hills doing the sport/pastime I love.
    "It doesn't get any easier; you just get faster." - Greg LeMond

    Agree completely. What I want to debunk is the idea that you have to switch it up, even if you're happy with your routine.
  • SarahSloth342634
    SarahSloth342634 Posts: 90 Member
    Keanray16 wrote: »
    Since I’ve started I’ve stuck with the same cardio routine elliptical and have managed to go faster than ever before I still sweat and the bpm reads 160-170. But i heard someone say I have to switch it up. But I don’t enjoy running I love the elliptical.

    I love the Elliptical! I built up my fitness on one in the gym for about a year and like you, I felt like I needed to change something. I switched to the treadmill, jogging a little and walking on incline. Now I run on it thanks to the fitness the Elliptical gave me (was not kean on running before) I still go on the Elliptical sometimes but get a better calorie burn by changing to different things.
  • rheddmobile
    rheddmobile Posts: 6,840 Member
    Since the reasoning behind switching it up would be that your body has gotten used to it, and your bpm indicates that's not the case, there's no reason you should switch anything right now.

    It's always good to expand your repertoire of things you love to do, and some day you may get bored with the elliptical. I normally love Zumba and just now it feels like work to me, so I'm focusing on c25k and cycling. Try new things when you get a chance and have fun! Meanwhile, enjoy your elliptical workouts.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    There's no reason to "switch it up" unless you're bored. Do you think athletes in their chosen discipline "switch it up?"

    I've been cycling for years...every ride is different, but I'm not switching anything up save for taking the occasional hike or hitting the rock climbing gym a couple times per month.
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