Easy cardio

[l23]

Do you think "easy" cardio days are worth it? Usually once or twice a week (especially Mondays!), I don't feel like going to a tough spinning class or doing a tough Cathe tape after work, so I'll take a 60 min kickboxing cardio class at the gym. My heartrate doesn't get very high, but I do feel my legs burn a bit. I also do some weights beforehand.

Do you think it's worth it to take this class, or should I just forget it, or just do weights? I only do 3-4 cardios a week, 2 of them being tougher.

Thanks!

 

[Stacy]

How many days a week are you doing strength training now and what tapes are you using?? I most always will do strength training over cardio. On days I should be doing cardio and I'm just not in the mood I'll sometimes practice a new tape that I've had on the shelf for awhile that way I can use the excuse that I'm learning a new tape and not feel guilty when my heart rate doesnt stay elevated b/c of all the rewinding! The way I see it, it's better to be moving doing cardio than moving around in the kitchen!

Stacy

 

[mogambo]

I think learning a new tape on those days is a great idea, and when I don't have one, I sometimes do feel better doing a "wimpy" workout than not working out at all. It just perks me up and feels good. Or maybe I'll do just one muscle group from the Slow and Heavy series, like just triceps. Or I might go for a long walk to run an errand instead of driving. Anything that gets the blood moving seems to be better than nothing.

 

[hounddogs]

From what I've read lately, "easy" cardio, and by that I assume you mean heart rate at 50-60% of maximum rather than 70-85%, can actually burn fat as well as, if not better than more intense stints. It's also easier on joints, and is not as difficult to sustain for a longer session. I wish I could site chapter and verse for you, but maybe others have read the same thing and can tell you where to find the facts. When you are really high in your training range, working anaerobically, your body skips fat burning and burns ghlycogen (carbohydrate) instead. So, I would say take that class, or go for a long brisk walk, or a level bike ride, or....that's my .02.
--Ann

 

[Faythe]

I've recently added a low intensity power walk with my DH in the mornings. I see the lbs coming off quicker. I feel great. I add that to my usual hi-intensity cardio and strength training and abs. But for me it's nice to walk in the fresh air and enjoy it. But I do keep my heart rate monitor on so I can keep in my zone even though it's a low intensity walk. If it's weight loss your looking for or just overall good for your heart exercise, I'd say it can't hurt at all. I think it's worth it. If your bored with that class perhaps it's the class itself. Maybe try something else like a walk or something. Just MHO.
Faythe