Cardio Training

cass89
cass89 Posts: 198 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
hey guys!
so my boyfriend has given me a good kick up the butt (just what i need) and has told me i'm doing one hour of cardio a day.

but my question to you is what is the best cardio you can do? i have shin splints so i dont really fancy running on the treadmill but what else is btter? cross trainer? cycling? rowing?

cheers!

Replies

  • Carrie704
    Carrie704 Posts: 176
    Do a variety, whatever you like the best. It's good to alternate so you dont get bored and so you dont get injured.
  • cass89
    cass89 Posts: 198 Member
    yeah that's true. i think ill do cross trainer tonight so i can watch tv at the same time. lol
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    i do a variety on days i do 60 minutes cardio : bike, versaclimber and rowing is a good low impact mix for me. i think of it as a little competition and keep track of my distances so i can try and beat myself the next time
  • Tmstanley
    Tmstanley Posts: 2
    I started P90X 3 months ago and just started round 2. I have an elliptical trainer but nothing has worked me better on cardio than the P90X :) Great results!:smile:
  • cass89
    cass89 Posts: 198 Member
    whats p90x?

    yeah good idea about the distance thing...which would also help with challenging yourself how many calories you burn also
  • ka97
    ka97 Posts: 1,984 Member
    Try different things until you find something you like. Personally, I would recommend trying a spin class; I'm not much for riding outside but I love a good spin class. As far as the cardio machines at the gym I personally like the arctrainer; I like all the options in terms of changing the incline and the resistance, and some of the preprogrammed interval programs are really good. I do like to run, but I often use the arctrainer just to change up my routine, and it is my go-to cardio whenever I have an injury.
  • cass89
    cass89 Posts: 198 Member
    oh yeah i love classes, the only thing is my gym is only small and they dont do classes. but its cheap and my partner is becoming a PT but i would love classes. keeps pushing you.
  • TylerB1089
    TylerB1089 Posts: 10
    Jump rope is a very efficient cardio exercise. And if done correctly, it can less impact than running.
  • knk1553
    knk1553 Posts: 438 Member
    Have you gotten new running/tennis shoes recently? The reason you could be getting shin splints so frequently is that your shoes are worn out and don't have the support you need, or you could need orthotics. But if you just don't like running (like myself, but I make myself do it anyways), I would say mix it up, I wish I could get into running 5-6 days a week like so many people I know, but I definitely have to mix it up, otherwise I get crazy bored. I like the stair climber because I can read while on it
  • tigerlilly24
    tigerlilly24 Posts: 130 Member
    I also go to a small cheap gym and my favorites for cardio there are 20 mins of elliptical,20 mins of treadmill (walking at an incline not running) and cycling for 20. That way I don't get bored and the 20 minute increments are easier for me to get thru. My gym also offers a circuit that way I get strength with my cardio too. Good luck!!
  • SPNLuver83
    SPNLuver83 Posts: 2,050 Member
    TURBO FIRE!

    o yeah, and invest in good shoes made for your feet! They will make a world of a difference. I imagine you need a cushioned motion control or stability shoe.
  • cass89
    cass89 Posts: 198 Member
    Have you gotten new running/tennis shoes recently? The reason you could be getting shin splints so frequently is that your shoes are worn out and don't have the support you need, or you could need orthotics. But if you just don't like running (like myself, but I make myself do it anyways), I would say mix it up, I wish I could get into running 5-6 days a week like so many people I know, but I definitely have to mix it up, otherwise I get crazy bored. I like the stair climber because I can read while on it
    yeah i have pretty cheap shoes but even when i wear my proper basketball shoes i get the same problem.

    maybe i should look into proper running shoes. thank you, good idea!
  • cass89
    cass89 Posts: 198 Member
    I also go to a small cheap gym and my favorites for cardio there are 20 mins of elliptical,20 mins of treadmill (walking at an incline not running) and cycling for 20. That way I don't get bored and the 20 minute increments are easier for me to get thru. My gym also offers a circuit that way I get strength with my cardio too. Good luck!!

    yeah that's a good idea! i might do that tonight actually! thank you for you feedback!
  • cass89
    cass89 Posts: 198 Member
    TURBO FIRE!

    o yeah, and invest in good shoes made for your feet! They will make a world of a difference. I imagine you need a cushioned motion control or stability shoe.

    yeah i might need to look into some decent running shoes. thank you.
  • monty619
    monty619 Posts: 1,308 Member
    in my opinion the stair climber is the best... its low impact, and since it uses more leg power to go up stairs using larger muscles creates a bigger calorie burn.. i also like jump rope. i used to run a lot when i would try and lean out but now i dont run distances any more just some days i do sprints.

    ultimately if aesthetics is your main goal the main focus should be diet and cardio should actually be an afterthought.. dont need to be doin cardio to look good just stick to a good diet and weight training.
  • mrsnathanandrew
    mrsnathanandrew Posts: 631 Member
    I love kickboxing!! Also, if you sit down and tap your foot like your being impatient, it's great for shin splints. My track coach taught me that in high school!
  • dolldreams
    dolldreams Posts: 245 Member
    I do whatever I can that isn't boring. I am a multi-tasker so I have to be doing more than one thing at once sometimes. I find that stationary biking works great for me. I can fiddle with my ipod when I want to in between intervals and stuff. Sometimes, I like to listen to my own tunes and it's great for that too.

    Videos tend to get old for me quickly because I have to focus on what the person is saying and doing.

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