Looking for some new fun cardio ideas

L

lorina3

New member
Hey folks! New to the site but not new to trying to get in shape. :)


I'm trying to lose 10 pounds to get to my goal weight. So far, I've been counting my calorie intake and burn (1200 calories consumed per day approximately). For cardio, I've started running although I'm definitely not a "runner."


Unfortunately, running more than 3-4 times per week burns me out on the activity, particularly because my knees give me a bit of trouble. I like to mix in some aerobic hoola hooping and circuit training (jump rope, jumping jacks, etc), but I'm looking for other ideas for high intensity cardio that other folks enjoy. Ideally it would be outside of the gym since I'm not actually a member anywhere right now.


What gets you fired up and excited to work out?
 
jump rope is one of the best workouts out there. If you are decent at it, add in twists, doubles, etc.


Biking is really good on the knees ... swimming if you are near any lakes ...
 
Hey! Some of my fav. cardio workouts have to do with kickboxing! I know it sounds dumb but it's really fun punching and kicking the crap outta things (even if it imaginary)
 
If you have problems with your knees then swimming and cycling are two of the best workouts you can do, because they take a lot of pressure of the knee joints.


It depends how your knees are feeling but you could see if there are any outdoor exercise groups that you could join! They are great for motivation as you are working out with others and you will probably find that you will push yourself more than if you were exercising alone. :beerchug:


'The Lady That Munches'
 
I have weak knees as well- I find cycling more difficult than running, but a lot of people say that cycling's meant to be easy on the knees, so your mileage may vary.


Swimming's very good for the knees, and brisk walking is better than running if you can't keep up the running. If you do get access to gym equipment, or for other peoples' reference, I find the cross trainer (eliptical) pretty easy on my knees (on a lower resistance, and moving the resistance up slowly as my knees strengthen- but this depends on why your knees are weak), and the rowing machine's ok as well (not wonderful, but ok).


Oh, and I forgot to say- what gets me excited? Doing something interesting while I'm exercising. I really like bushwalking, taking in the scenery. I can be working quite hard and forget about the exertion if I'm faced with a beautiful view or the unspoiled sounds of nature.
 
yea, i actually had started to write about boxing / kickboxing, but I realize that without proper training and equipment, it can be hard to get a good workout, so decided to leave it out. But, if you have the access, it's definitely way at the top for good workouts.
 
Originally Posted by amy1985


I have weak knees as well- I find cycling more difficult than running, but a lot of people say that cycling's meant to be easy on the knees, so your mileage may vary.
Click to expand...



I agree, I have messed up knees from dancing and cycling kills them. They pop with every pedal. Swimming is great, and I actually still can dance with them because there are so many other things to focus on that I don't notice pain. Dancing is always the most fun exercise in my opinion!
 
For those of you who are having issues with your knees while cycling... Have you tried adjusting the seat height? I know for myself if the bike seat is too low, my knees click and my quads fatigue very quickly. Your knee should be almost straight but not quite when your foot is at the furthest point away from you.


As for new cardio ideas... do you enjoy hiking? It's a good way to get out and enjoy some new scenery!
 
AYou should check out this youtube channel

http://www.youtube.com/user/charliejames1975

There are ton's of idea's for you there that won't cost you a dime in equipment. Just hard work. I can't do this kind of stuff yet I am just to heavy and I really don't want to hurt myself. But if I Had a end goal it would be to be able to do those kinds of workouts.
 
AI have, thanks PLB. The crazy thing was that before I stopped going to the gym (visiting family overseas) I could manage the stepping machine almost better than I could the bike (and I remember the stepping machine being agony when I first started).
 
For me it is cycling and either P90X or insanity that I can do in my basement. I find with my hectic life that there is never enough time to go to the gym, however I can usually find time to head down into my basement for some quick workout routines. Insanity and P90X are fun (in a bit of a sadistic way).


I've tried running but found it too hard on the knees. I have had no problems with my knees with cycling.
 
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