Category: Crafts and Hobbies
Do any of you focus strictly on a cardio workout routine? Just curious. You know, they say curiosity killed the cat. Anyways, I do. I do this because I am trying to reach a healthy weight. I started at 330 pounds in Feb. of this year (2013) and am now down to 250 pounds. My first goal was 265, then 250, now 200. Once I reach 200, my goal will be 170. I am around 5'8. What do you all think of this? Just wanting opinions and feedback here.
As for what I do in my strict cardio workout, I go to my local gym anywhere from four (4) to five (5) days a week and ride the exercise bike anywhere from 45-65 minutes each day. I am able to bike an incredible 11.50-15.00 miles in this amount of time and burn anywhere from 290-315 calories. Just depends on the day and my pedaling speed. Pretty good right?
Just reaching out to try to get others thoughts and opinions and for those of you who are like me and do a strict cardio only workout routine like myself, want to see what you do.
You might consider adding the rowing machine to your workout; is still cardio, but works arms and back, as well as legs. Maybe alternate bike and rowing days? If nothing else, it makes your workouts a bit less repetitive. lol. Great job on the weight loss!
I mostly do cardio being a runner. Running is one of the best ways to exercise and you can lose substantial weight doing it. If running isn't for you cycling is also great, or using a stair climber or elliptical machine. I vary my running between just jogging or doing several sprints with short breaks. Over the summer I got to a point where I could run 10 miles in about an hour and a half. Recently though I've wanted to gain some more muscle weight so I'm in the opposite situation as you are. I'm glad you are trying to lose weight though because 330 pounds is not a healthy weight.
I'll say congratulations for sure. I have never had that much to take off, just a average guy who can often spare to lose ten or so pounds but I certainly understand.
You're doing great.
I will say the ellipticals are also easy on the joints and another way to work both arms and legs. Great ideas here. I am not on as strict a workout routine as I was when I wasn't in the city. Probably a bit fatter because of it, but I'd like to think anyway probably even a bit healthier because I can walk everywhere. I can, and do, and enjoy it because I have my freedom.
The only thing I will add is take stairs wherever whenever possible. Most days I take my apartment building's full five flights of stairs at least five times a day just for the workout. It's great and you get a lot more done that way. This is an older building with steep stairs so.
But keep doing what you're doing. Obviously, you're doing a great job, which ultimately is all that matters.
Wonderful. Really good.
Muscle burns fat, so if you add some machines to it you'll lose faster.
Be aware however, when you start to build muscle, you'll actually gain some, before you start going down the other way.
Next, building some muscle will allow you to tone, and you'll not be a flabby 170 when you reach that goal.
I've totally fallen off the wagon with my workouts. It's shameful. lol. I've been sick and stressed and have a massive sleeping issue so I'm always tired and nowhere near in the mood to exercise. Probably the birth control I'm on recently has something to do with it... I really have, to get back on track. Who wants to be my motivational buddy? lol I'm serious.
I have a spin bike I havent' used for months, but it's also a great cardio workout. Has anyone else used a spin bike?
Didn't you get an IUD?
If so and that changed you, have your iron levels check.
I say this because you say you are tired and such.
Good point. If you can find someone to work out with that will help a lot too, because another person could help push you harder than you might when you work out alone. I ran with a buddy who used to be in the Marines a week ago or so, and the fact that I was running with a Marine made me want to push myself harder.
Oh and another tip I just thought of. If people try telling you to lay off carbohydrates completely, don't listen to them. That is your best means of getting energy especially when you are doing cardio workouts like running and cycling. There are certain things you shouldn't consume regularly such as breads, biscuits, rolls, etc., but sometimes doesn't hurt. Pasta is your best choice, and supposedly dark chocolate is great for you too if you like dark chocolate. I love pasta or spaghetti and could eat it everyday ironically, it's not just that I'm a runner lol.
Wayne, no, I couldn't be on the IUD because I had really bad cramping issues pretty much every day when I was on it. So I switched to teh depo shot. Worst mistake of my life, as of late. They couldnt' put me on the pill because I have high blood pressure--remaining from my preeclampsia from when I was pregnant.
Thanks for the tips ryan. I'm in no shape to run right now, but I think I'd like to someday. How do I go about getting to that point?
BTW, I love spaghetti too.
Yummy, great birth control tips here. lol
Elliptical, muscle training, and my favorite of all, the treadmill! You can run hills with it and it just works.
Good job on the weight loss. Without a little push, I would've given up a long time ago.
If you don't all ready, start walking daily. After some time start jogging short distances. A combination of jogging/running followed by walking is a good start. Every couple of days try to run farther without stopping for a break. You should naturally be able to go farther as time goes on. I wouldn't even worry about how far you can go in the beginning, because you won't know for sure and you won't stress about it.
You know I think the fittest I ever was, was probably when my job involved me running around instead of sitting on my middle-aged ass all day.
Sure, a year ago I was pretty hard core paleo, and I used to work out 7 days a week. Now I just do five flights of stairs five times a day, from ground to top floor of the apartment building plus general walking around. But what I would love to have a job where I walked around again! I'm a fit man for middle aged, no arthritis, no physical issues, and can attest to the benefits of the mobile lifestyle.
Take the stairs whenever you can, and instead of standing around waiting for the bus, walk. I bought a bus pass online but used it only once since hoofing it is free, keeps you warm when it's cold, and now I can. lol.
I would love to have a mobile job again. Admittedly I have a brainy job but my nature, as it were, is more in common with those who move around a lot.
Thanks for all of the tips you guys. It was hard not to give up. I thank GOD for helping me and guiding me to loose all the weight, and thank God for being on the diet pill. Although, I am going to be off of the diet pill as of 12/20/13.
Have been on it since 2/3/13. Doctor says it is bad for my heart. But I think I got this now. I noticed I've been around the 250 mark around a few months now, and it's getting discouraging, but I won't give up.
Thanks again for the kind words and advice you guys. You all are totally awesome.
Also, I would run (or do the treadmill) but when I walk or run, it hurts my lower back right above my tailbone. Not sure why or if this was because I was so overweight at one point, so I just stick to the bike. As for the elliptical, I cannot do them, I suck at them. I might try out the stair stepping machine though. Those seem pretty cool.
My fear is just gaining once I am off the pill, but it will take strength and willpower. And I must stick closely to my logbook and stuff, (1,200 calories a day) and go from there...the only draw back is, back to being down in the dumps and tired all the time. But that's a whole nother story. LOL. I guess those pills are uppers. LOL.
Anyways, out for now.
Back later.
Jay
Hmmm... not sure what the tail bone pain could be from unless it was broken or something in the past. I would also say to try doing some ab workouts as well which should burn off fat around the stomach.
Never broken, not in my tailbone, but more my lower back which my dad says is because I am obese and all the added weight is adding pressure to the nerves...I don't know. Coming from him I see it as just another way to cute me down...lol you know how stuff is from parents. Anyways, I was doing that, but popped a groin muscle, so my weight loss coach told me to ease off and only do 1 hour of cardio 4-5 days a week, which is the bike. But now coming off of the diet pill, won't I want to be extremely careful and add more stuff in? Hope I am not bugging anyone with all of my confusion and questions. Thanks, Ryan.
I would be careful adding things in. I would for sure add them, but start slowly and build up. This was great to read and love your username btw!