Cardio Help

[purple_magada]

Back in January, I started WW and have lost 22lbs so far. I still have 18 more til I reach my goal. I know that cardio is key in losing fat but I honestly hate cardio. I do walk 5x/week during my lunch at work - I walk 3.5 miles in 45 minutes so it isn't like I'm taking a leisurely stroll. Is that enough cardio or do I need to kick it up a bit? I think that the main reason that I dislike cardio so much is b/c I am extrememly choreographly challenged. I'll try to do a step work-out and I can't keep up or follow the moves and I get so discouraged. Now when it comes to weight training or toning, I love it - could do it everyday but I know that I need the cardio too.

Just wanted to add that I recently joined this forum and everyone here seems great. Your positive outlooks and fitness levels are really getting me motivated (and believe me I need it).

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dana

 

[fab40]

I think the key to any effective exercise program is to find something you enjoy doing. I personally am a cardio junkie. I love complex, advanced step videos, but 8 yrs. ago I wouldn't have even imagined my love for it today. I hated Step areobics at first. I started with KV Energy Sprint, Reebok Step and KS Step Aerobics. I was such a klutz, but soon the steps seemed to click, then I got some of Cathe's (older) step tapes and now I can't believe I can do complex choreography. You may want to start out with real basic choreography, that might help. Do you have any hiking trails near you or bike paths? Good luck, whatever you choose, try to make a goal to stick with it.

 

[Aquajock]

Hi, Dana! Although I absolutely adore cardio, I'll be the first to admit I'm the Ranking Klutz of the cardio world. The simpler the choreography, the happier I am, and the safer the furniture.

I do think it is important, from a cardiovascular / pulmonary / respiratory conditioning standpoint, to train to work at a higher aerobic level that power walking (another fave of mine) affords.

If you are into basic but athletic moves, I'd like to suggest the Boot Camp workout. There are 8 complete cycles each consisting of a 1-minute simple but INTENSE cardio blast, a 1-minute leg strength / endurance blast, an upper body strength/endurance segment, and then a core segment. Lemme tell you - the cardio is simply but exceedingly effective. If you can, get the Boot Camp / Muscle Endurance DVD rather than the video, because the premixes offer a lot of options.

Also, I'd like to suggest the Interval Max 2 workout; again, if you can get this on DVD with its partner Cardio+Weights, all the better. Interval Max 2 is a step routine with 10 1-minute intensity blasts that, again, are very simple choreographically but very challenging physically. And the mid-range aerobic cycles are fairly simple choreography too. The DVD version also has premixes that would be very handy for you.

Hope this helps! Welcome to the gang!

A-Jock
Ph.D in SOPM (Spending Other People's Money)

 

[rmrmr]

I agree with A-Jock. You may also want to consider Cardio Kicks, Kick, Punch and Crunch, possibly Maximum Intensity Cardio (MIC). MIC is high impact and high intensity, but it contains a floor portion and a step portion. You could start with just the floor portion, modifying it to lower intensity until you felt comfortable, and then simply add on 5 additional minutes and eventually you would be doing the whole workout.

Maybe it is just that aerobics isn't your thing. Can't imagine since I am a cardio junkie, but you could look into biking, stepping, elliptical trainer. It needs to be something you enjoy or you wont keep at it. For me, I love running outside but hate running on a treadmill, so if i workout inside I'll use the stepper, elliptical (my fav), or even a bike.

You have to find what works for you.

Diana

 

[Jcrew3082]

Dana, Congratulations on your amazing progress so far!

I dread cardio also. I usually walk a few miles or kickbox once in a while to fulfill my cardio needs, but I hardly enjoy these activities. You said that you enjoy weight training. Is that currently a part of your routine? Whether it is or isn't, I highly encourage you to purchase at least one of Cathe's weight workouts. As I'm sure you know, weight training burns tons of calories during and after the workout, increases muscle mass which in turn burns even more calories, and does great things for your appearance.

The other ladies have given you great suggestions, and they certainly know their stuff! Good luck.

Gina

 

[hopefull]

I might get cyberly shot for saying this, but I have a few Fitprime tapes that I just love. (Don't get me wrong. I love my Cathe tapes too.) Crunch Time and From the Ground Up in particular are my favorites. They aren't too complicated, but provide very good work outs. I mix them up with lots of other stuff, including Cathe tapes. I use pretty heavy weights with them, but if you used lighter weights and worked into them you might really like them. They have some pilates and yoga moves that really help these old bones. Just an idea. Don't count yourself short either. A crisp 45 minute walk is good exercise. I know that walking always helps my saddlebags. I find that in the spring and summer when I do more of this my legs slim down.