Cardio workout, what do you do?

[Beeman]

Besides work what do you do for a cardio workout/exercise? Walking has turned into a drag lately especially this time of year with the weather and short days. It's always had the drawbacks of dodging cars and getting harrassed by dogs. I've comtemplated a cardio machine of some sorts like a Nordic Track or something.

[chili]

When it isn't raining...I walk with my dogs. I do have a treadmill, but it is soooo boring, and my dogs sit and whine while I'm on it. I do hand weights, stretch bands and sit up etc., while I watch TV during the day. We have a Nordic Track - in the attic. But it really is a great workout. They have an attachment that you can put a book, or radio or something on. Just pray for no rain!! for an hour a day!

[jross]

We have an epiliptic trainer, a stationary bike, and weights which we seldom use. I go the ice rink to play some hockey, DW goes to Curves. Cutting and splitting next years wood helps along with running up and down the stairs to put wood in the stove. Deer season is tough, although climbing up and down, much time is spent motionless. Rock hopping the mile long Barnegat jetty casting as we go is a workout.

[h_oder]

My girls' Tai-Kwon-Do school offer's a women's cardio kickboxing class 4 days a week that I signed up for. You can go as little, or as often as you like. Since I'm there with the girls so much - it's incentive. Also, the owner's will ask me where I've been if I don't show up after a while.

[annethcz]

Although I have a stationary bike, I grew sick of it very quickly and don't use it much anymore.

I like using workout videos. They're relatively inexpensive (especially if you can find them used), so I can vary my workout frequently so I don't get bored. My current favorites are the Walk Away the Pounds and Yoga Booty Ballet series.

[trixiwick]

I'm a runner, and I think I'd go nuts if I was sidelined for too long.

I run outdoors year-round, though sometimes I have to be creative about where. As Beeman points out, traffic and such can be problematic. I find it's worthwhile to drive to a better place to run - you lose a bit of time, of course, but it's so much nicer to run on a trail than on a busy road. I have about half a dozen places where I can run, depending on what I'm up for and how much time I have (and how many hills I'm prepared to tackle ).

[PTFarmer]

Would chasing my goats around the pen to give med's, trim hoofs or get a hold of the babys qualify me ? I can do this sometime's for hours at a time

[feral]

I too find that splitting wood gives a good cardio workout.

[wyld thang]

If you hump a backpack you burn twice the calories, about. I have 25# of rice in mine. Works your muscles more too. Start small and work up to let your joints get stronger--you might hurt them if you start off right away with the whole weight. I use a medium day pack from Cabela's that has a simple internal frame and a hefty waist belt--don't use a wimpy backpack. I think the pack was around 50$(and it came with a bladder and cover, still looks brand new--can't help it I was really pleased with what I got for the money, after shopping locally even REI).

If you go up hill you can take long steps, kind of like a mini-lunge, that will really get your heart going and work your legs. If there is a stump or a bench step up on it a few times(after you've gotten your knees into shape, ONLY).

Practice your alpha dog 'tude

[FreightTrain]

nuttn like a walk in the woods to get the blood running

[fishhead]

Swimming is the best aerobic excercise that I've ever found. Beyond that you can bicycle, rowing machine, eliptical inside or snowshoe, XC ski or just plain walk.

I like to see how high I can get the average rpm on the stationary bike. So far my best is 124 rpm for 30 minutes. I could do better but they have those painful wide seats.

[jross]

Originally Posted by wyld thang

If you hump a backpack you burn twice the calories, about. I have 25# of rice in mine. Works your muscles more too. Start small and work up to let your joints get stronger--you might hurt them if you start off right away with the whole weight. I use a medium day pack from Cabela's that has a simple internal frame and a hefty waist belt--don't use a wimpy backpack. I think the pack was around 50$(and it came with a bladder and cover, still looks brand new--can't help it I was really pleased with what I got for the money, after shopping locally even REI).

If you go up hill you can take long steps, kind of like a mini-lunge, that will really get your heart going and work your legs. If there is a stump or a bench step up on it a few times(after you've gotten your knees into shape, ONLY).

Practice your alpha dog 'tude

Never though of it, but my hockey gear weighs 35 lbs at least. It is a bear to carry it in the bag, but once you have it on, it doesn't seem that heavy.

[cssc]

High intensity interval training. Crossfit. It's the only thing that's gonna give me the strength & stamina to face the yard/ garden in April. And I've lost 5 pounds & I don't even do it regularly (well, starting today I have to).

[legacy]

it to be great exercise and particularly convenient if you get the folding model. Twenty minutes on it and your done. Be sure to take your time and look for used ones offered for sale or at garage sales. I've seen some that are in almost brand new condition for a fraction of the cost of a new machine.

You may want to go to a local fitness club where you can pay by the visit and try one out over a period of several days to see how you like it.

I used to be an avid jogger and runner. Too hard on the joints. Ski machines aren't.

[okgoatgal2]

i go to the gym and run/walk on the treadmill, do the elliptical, and lift weights. i also work out to a tv show some mornings when i can't make it to the gym.

[Kazahleenah]

Cardio excersize? I do TaeBo.

[Philbee]

I started jogging on Oct. 7, 1965 & kept it up until about 6 years ago. I started jogging before jogging shoes became the rage & when people looked at you as if you were nuts & this was in Southern California so that should tell you something. I had no instructions & the mistakes I made were I ran too hard & often in the heat of the day. We moved to Western Washington where the air is clean & cool & that really helped my jogging. I think that it is good to do different types of excercises because doing one thing only can wear you down. I walk now & don't jog due to heel spurs & sore knees. The old fasion Nordic Track is good excercise machine but can be hard to get used to. I use a Polar brand heart monitor & I will get my heart rate elevated on the Nordic Track & then go for a walk & that works better for me for it takes me a while to get my heart rate up if I just walk. A good tread mill might be a good thing but most importantly consistancy with the excercises, a good diet, keep the stress in your life as low as possible & sleep well!

Best wishes, ---------- Philbee

[annie716]

Originally Posted by PTFarmer

Would chasing my goats around the pen to give med's, trim hoofs or get a hold of the babys qualify me ? I can do this sometime's for hours at a time

PTFarmer forgot shoveling poo, that gave me a good workout yesterday!

Seriously though I have a gazelle that I find a litte less boring than some of the other machines, don't fall for the fold it up and tuck it away unless you also lift weights as it isn't that easy. BF & I bout killed ourselves getting it up the stairs and it has been in the upright position since. I got mine for $65 used but like new, not a scratch w/6 videos (haven't gotten all the way thru 1 yet ). Also if you have stairs you might try that for variety. I do once in a while. Up & down 1 flight quickly as many times as you can, good for the legs too!