I've been thinking about my workouts lately. In January, I did the same workout 21 days out of 31. I'm happy with myself for working out the 21 days, but am wondering if I need to kick it up a notch.
When I started out at 250 lbs, I was coming off of about 2 years of not working out at all, so I was really out of shape. Initially, I did 30 minutes on the elliptical at like, a level 1. After awhile, I started doing 40 minutes, then 45, then 50, and am now doing 60 minutes. I am also up to a level 4. The other day I did intervals, but usually I just do the manual setting - 60 mins all at a level 4.
I also lift weights maybe 2-3 times a week, usually just while watching TV, nothing special.
I used to do Jillian Michaels' DVDs and I am fully aware of how brutally painful they are, so I haven't busted them out yet. I am scared. Actually I am kinda scared of all workout DVDs at this point, since the elliptical just seems like an easier alternative. Maybe I'll try Zumba :)
What do you all do for exercise? Do you prefer short, intense workouts or longer, less intense ones?
Oh, and I read in my Weight Watchers food journal about a study that shows that smaller periods of exercise added up provide the same benefits as lengthy session as long as they are at least 10 mins long. Interesting, huh?
7 comments:
I tend to go as fast as I can for between 30 to 45 minutes - it gets it done for me. I do need to workout with weights more though. I'm very hit and miss with that.
Congrats on the 21 days! I am a slow and steady girl, but I have only been doing this since Sept. and have limited access to the gym. I want to get to fast and intense though. I think I am going to buy Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred this weekend.
I like a combination of the two. Trick the body. Long steady walks (not necessarily slow but not running). I like doing interval training on my treadmill, throw in the odd DVD and it's almost fun (lol). Oh, I forgot weights...must concentrate more on weights.
I have a training schedule that I follow. But the most efficient workouts are interval up and down Zone 3. keep that heart rate moving!!!!
I like short not necessarily slow though.Also I'm more of a walker. I live in a very rural area so it allows me to have pleasant 30 min walks in the countryside.But I'm struggling to start a regular routine so kudos because it looks like you have a good thing going for you. Also thanks for following my blog and leaving a comment as well!
I like to mix up my workouts, I find I get the best results for me that way... So even though every day is elliptical for an hour, I also do P90x everyday, and those are rotating differently-themed DVDs, then a couple days a week when I'm not exhausted after the former workouts, I do kettlebell snatches. For a while, all I did was elliptical, and no matter how much I increased my time, I wasn't seeing the numbers and results that I expected from putting in that much work... Sounds like even if you do Jillian's DVDs every once in a while, that would be a nice changeup and give you good burn.
Polar's Mom
www.polarspage.blogspot.com
My schedule is kind of packed a lot of days, so my goal (most days) is to get as sweaty as possible in 30 minutes! The days I have more time, I'll pace myself and go longer. It really depends on how much time I have available, and whether my body (making the knee angry is bad) will cooperate. I think mixing it up is best, and keeps you from getting bored. And I love Zumba!! I've missed the last few classes due to snow and sickness though :(
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