I have finally decided to quit putting it off...I need to start doing some cardiovascular training. I was running 2 miles every other day about 2 months ago, but I just could not stay motivated in running. So, then I thought I would get a jump rope and try that for 20 minutes. Ummm...big mistake - I think running for 2 miles is a helluva lot easier than jumping rope for 20 minutes. So, I was wondering what other people do here when it comes to cardio stuff. The ones who do cardio - do you just run or do you do other things? I have been reading to get the most out of it, you need to do the workout for at least 20 to 45 minutes and do it 3 times a week. What would be the best way to start a program like this?? What should be my goals (other than not passing out)?? What are some other cardio exercises that one can do that are fairly accessible besides running and jumping rope (sorry but swimming and rowing are not very accessible)?? I appreciate any info that people can give me on this subject.
When you don't feel up to running, you can try brisk walking instead. You still get benefits without all the pain. Other activities: rollerblading tennis bicycling walk/run combo (walk 3 mins, run 2, etc...) mini-trampoline Tae-Bo tapes punching bag
Well, this probably isn't very accessible either, but dancing around and hitting a punching bag is actually a very good cardio workout. Another one is going on an empty basketball court and shoot threes, chase down the rebounds, run back behind the 3-point line, and repeat. I did this a lot one summer and managed to lose 35 pounds (I did other stuff too), while improving my outside shot.
I run minimum 2 miles a day., but I run for time so im pretty spent afterwards. I absolutely would be bored as hell if I did not wear a headphones. So my suggestion is put together a up tempo tape together to run to. If you run in the evening, try not to have anything in your stomach, especially heavy faty food. You just will not be able to really get anything out of your run with a ton of crap in your stomach.Also stretch well. Also, it helps if you can kinda take your mind away for the run itself. Once you can pace yourself, try to think of something else other than the run. Throw your sweat towel over the clock and just run. When you get better at running, do this : start off with a easy speed for the first minute, then kick it up to a average speed for the next two. Once you feel comfortable with this speed, begin doing something called "indian sprints." Speed up until you begin to loose your wind, slow back down to a jog. The second you catch your wind, speed back up.
I ride an exercise bike for 45 minutes every other day. I also play tennis every day. Running? Hell no.
I am kind of lazy when it comes to cardio workouts. I am at a perfect weight for my height, luckily. I have been lifting weights every other day for a while now, but whenever I try to do a cardio workout I just get lazy. I try running on the treadmill at my gym, but after like 5 minutes I am totally bored. I mean I'm not tired at that point, but I'm like dieing to stop. I don't get why. I should probably bring headphones. Do you guys that run think that it is better to run on a treadmill or outside on a track, or does it not matter?
Well, when I run I'm usually running up and down The Mall (no, not the shopping mall). There's always something to see. So, part of it is finding a good place to run. Plus, I have a sweet MP3 player that I strap on my arm and listen to. Don't they have TVs in front of the treadmills? I always thought running was on a track was tougher and does less damage to your legs. If you're just looking to lose weight and get a good cardio workout then a treadmill is just as good. If you're looking to actually train to play a sport, I would say running on an outside surface would be beneficial.
Since my shoulder injury limits me from lifting weights, I have been running quite a bit. The key is to find a route that you like and that is a good distance, time yourself, and then try to beat your best time each time out. I run around a lake that is about 3.3 km (approx. 2 miles). My best time so far is 20:26. My long term goal is to get under 17 minutes. I also find that running where there are other people around helps a bit, because it makes you want to keep going. Plus, it's awesome running behind a hottie in spandex, especially if she keeps up a fast pace.
Play basketball or tennis. Unfortunately that makes me lose weight like crazy! I am trying to put on weight and eat five times a day. Work out like 4-5 times a week. But everytime I touch a freakin ball it all goes to waste.
I've had trouble sticking to running as well. It's not even that I get tired or sore(though that does happen). Mainly it's that it gets boring to me. Sometimes if I bring a basketball along and work on my dribbling while I run it helps. Also finding an empty basketball court like DC suggested helps. So does playing several full court games as often as possible. Jumping rope, it hard, but good for cardio and foot speed, and agility too.
I absolutely hate running on a treadmill. It's the boringest thing to do. However, running a track isn't much better. You should try to run a route where you run in somewhat close to a straight line or at least a route that isn't just the same turn over and over. I used to run 2 miles a day around a track and absolutely hated it. I began running through my neighborhood and it was much more fun. My time also became better. I don't know if it had to do with the route or that maybe I was getting better.
Join the Army. They'll motivate you... I think the suggestion that you need to find a good route for your run is a good one. Find a few routes you like, actually, and mix them up on different days. The Army system has you doing MSE on Mon, Wed, & Fri, and running Tues, Thurs, and Sat. Gives you time/space to work different groups and rebuild between workouts. Multiple routes with differing distances and paces helps, too. For example, I've been doing a 3-mile on Tues, a 4-mile on Thurs, and a 5-6 mile on Sat. The longer the run the slower the pace; a slow pace at a longer distance still gives you a good workout (better, actually, if you're concerned more with conditioning than racing). Can't really tell you what to do to motivate yourself; you'll just have to find that out yourself. Think about sex, maybe? I do... I will say that you should probably progress past a 2-mile, otherwise you're not challenging your body. And challenging your body should help to motivate you... Build up to it, though - don't wreck yourself. Don't be afraid to walk some if you need to, either. Alternating a powerwalk with a jog is still a good workout, as long as the distance is adequate. It will help you build up your wind and extend your distance. If you really want to challenge yourself, find uphill routes.
I think that running on an outside track is great. You can do speed workouts on a track so you don't run every lap at the same pace which makes it a lot more interesting.
I run on a treadmill...turn on the TV...and lose myself to the fact I'm actually running...helps me run further.
Why spend hundreds of bucks on a mountain bike, when you can just jump off the kitchen table and land on your head for free? I heard sex is one of the best cardiovascular workouts...oh wait, this is Comic Book Guy were talking about... better stick to swimming.
Two words: Lucky b*stard If there's anything better than being in the postion to purposely put on weight I don't wanna know about it.
Yeah but A-Train, I don't think that sounds like quite as much fun. You need a cost/benefit analysis: mountain biking vs. jumping off kitchen table. Kitchen table: cheaper. Biking: more fun. Barney's movie had heart, but "Football in the Groin" had a football in the groin. Max: I can't imagine running on a treadmill. I also couldn't just run for a set amount of time. For me, it has to be about where I'm going-- I set a route and then run it. Tonight should be interesting. I'm taking a date to dinner, and my pre-date ritual is to run beforehand. I haven't run in about 6 days, so this should be brutal.
To everybody, what's the fastest mile time you've ever run? Me? 4:59 my junior year of high school. I played soccer. Anyone got that beat?
