Fat burn vs Cardio?
Hi guys!
I'm sorry if this has been posted before, I checked back a few pages and didn't find anything related to it. However I'm about to head to the gym so I'm in a hurry! :) Since I've been working out on the eliptical, I've always just selected "manual" and set the resistance where I want it for the day. Very unorganized... normally I do 20 minutes at a higher resistance/try to go as fast as I can. This gets my heart rate up (I'm 24, according to the machine, my heart rate would average around 167 - 172) and I get off the machine feeling like I've been run over by a truck. Yesterday on a whim, I choose "fat burn" and was able to do 45 minutes and it seemed, well not easier, but not so "punishing" and I enjoyed it more even with the increased time. In your experience, is it better to try to be more intense for a shorter amount of time, or at a more manageable speed for a longer timespan? My goal on the eliptical is ultimately burning fat. I do weight lifting after the cardio to help build some muscle and jump start getting toned before all the extra weight is gone. Thanks in advance!! |
I'm no expert .. but I think working at a 'reasonable' intensity for a longer amount of time will burn more than 'killing yourself' for 20 minutes.
You could try working at a reasonable intensity for 20 minutes then cranking up the juice for 10 minutes and then bringing it back down to reasonable for an additional 20 minutes :) |
What I would suggest is trying to do intervals as intervals tend to give you a good intensity and it doesn't leave you too tired. It also makes it so your body doesn't get used to what you are doing and I believe makes you burn more fat.
There is an interval program on most ellipticals but what you can do is for a period of time (30 secs? 1 minute?) increase your intensity by going faster/adding more resistance, then go back to a "normal" pace. I've been able to do the elliptical for 30 minutes at least using this method. You can spread out your intervals to whatever you are comfortable with, I always liked every 4-5 minutes. |
I just wanted to say thanks to all of you! I tried out the "Hill Plus" setting today... it was great! I don't know if it's the new setting or the fact I tried reverse for awhile, now my butt is sore. That's new! Now I just need to attempt tackling the Stair Master :)
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I agree with Nelie- try doing intervals, or mix up your cardio. Intervals on some days, long "fat burning mode" on other days. Mel |
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Today was an "off day", but I went to the beach. After the hike from the car, carrying 2 lawn chairs and an ice chest that felt like it was 20 pounds, and a few hours of swimming/walking in sand, I feel pretty worn out. In a good way, of course :) |
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