How much cardio?
Ok Ladies we probably have asked this question 100 different ways 100 different times but I still dont feel that i have the science down. I use Jari's rotation as a guide but still am not sure how to get in all the Cardio that I need. The problem is I hate cardio so when I dont feel like working out I revert to what I like which is lifting weights. As a result I am getting some good definition underneath my fat and the places where I am leaner I can really see and feel great results. The problem is I still have 20lbs to lose and am so frustrated with myself because I never want to do cardio. I keep thinking my heart rate really gets up there with DVD's like Ripped and Chisled and I wish it were enough but from everything I'm reading I know I need more Cardio. So, I guess my question is if I follow the intermediate version of Jari's rotation schedule exactly does that give me enough cardio?
I dont have all the DVD's yet and have been switching back and from from Ripped and Chisled, GER1000, Body Rock, Jillians Banish the Fat, No more trouble zones and cardio kickbox. I normally work out 1 hour 3-6 days a week just depends on how determined I am feeling. I know that losing weight depends 80% on what I am eating(which hasnt been good as of late, will put in another post about that) but I want to make sure I am getting enough cardio in. But in a form that I will enjoy so that I will do it. I have been doing Jillians DVD's a LONGGGG time and am getting tired of them but of the Jari DVD's I have I am not sure there is enough cardio but I love doing them. I dont go to a gym and I know I wont go for a walk or run. I did see several post about Cathe's HITT and I am thinking of adding that to my collection. Do I need to do 1 hour of cardio everyday including the days I do Ripped and Chisled. Also when I do GER1000 it is a combination of weights and cardio but is that enough cardio? Lastly Body Rock is a great mix but I dont feel like I am getting enough cardio. Let me know your thoughts.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by AmandaS on -
Hi again Renee!
Do you have Jari's original Get Ripped 1000? Its a fantastic mix of cardio and weights. Get Ripped to the Core is another good one for keeping the heart rate up. I love Cathe and have switched over to a lot of her workouts for both weights and cardio. I'm doing a 3 week rotation of Cathe's Slow & Heavy and just did a month long rotation of the Gym Style series. My favorite Cathe cardio workouts are: HIIT- 3 short, intense workouts, Cardio Core Circuit- fast paced and intense cardio with ab moves thrown in, MMA Boxing - a real boxer's workout, complete with fast feet exercises and imaginary jumping rope, Kick Max - kickbox combos with 10 high intensity bootcamp blast drills after the combos, Kick-Punch and Crunch- another great kickbox workout from Cathe with drills included. I like the P90X Kenpo workout which is like kickboxing/martial arts, I have P90X plyometrics, but haven't tried it yet. Jillian just came out with a new one called Yoga Meltdown, its yoga Jillian style, no quiet meditation here, I've just ordered it and have read reviews that it gets the heart pumping and it great for all over toning as well. Hope this helps!
-
Permalink Reply by Jari Love on -
What would we do without you, Amanda? You are such a great contributor and supporter - I know I speak for all of us when I say thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to write!
Renee - check out this link - http://www.acsm.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home_Page&TEMPLATE=... - it's to the ACSM website and they have specific guidelines that may interest you. The bottom line for weight loss is just to make sure you are getting a variety of intensities throughout the week, like Amanda said. HIIT is great for maximum calorie burn during and after the workout but make sure you don't do those types of workouts all the time. I would say aim for 3-4 days/week of cardio and just mix it up as much as you can:)
-
Permalink Reply by Megan Alderton on -
Hi Renee,
I do agree with Jari and appreciate how forth-coming you are on here and all your support. I think we can all relate to the feelings and struggles you have. Man, I know I do! I am not the biggest fan of cardio... I prefer weights just about any day. I think I mentioned I have slight asthma (don't use an inhaler) but it leaves me probably more winded than most people.
Have you ever tried Taebo? When I was just getting started into working out at home, I decided to try a Billy Blanks DVD because I had heard so much about him... I had to see what all the fuss was about. I have to say... I love the man! On days I know I am doing one of his workouts, I don't dread it. Almost all his videos are cardio-based and he has a range of beginner to advanced. I don't know. Just a suggestion. I too use Jillian Michaels videos and am getting a little tired of them too. I think I've pretty much plateaued with Banish Fat/Boost Metabolim because I used it so much for a while. Man that one's hard! Her new Yoga Meltdown DVD is pretty good and believe it or not it actually does get your heart rate up.
I recently bought a mountain bike so that I have another form of cardio too, but if you're not into walking or running, then you probably aren't into biking. Thought of buying an elliptical/stairmaster or anything like that? I used to use those machines when I had my YMCA membership and liked it.
Oh, and when I do ER1000 or any workout that is a mix of cardio and strength, that is all I do for the day, side from maybe a walk outside with my doggies. I try to workout 6 days a week and alternate between strength and cardio.
Good luck!
-
Permalink Reply by Aimee Stefanski on -
I recently had to up my cardio too. I think in your case if you can get your eating in check and stick to working out 6 times a week you will see the results. With ER1000 you do have the option to just do the cardio without the weights. I've been mixing that with Jillians Banish Fat and Boost Metabolism, Circuit training workouts, also Slim and Lean, GR1000, and some others. I also started a new kettlebell workout in the last couple weeks. I'm really starting to see a big change in my body too. If you're looking to change things up a bit invest in a kettlebell, I'm starting off with Lauren Brooks The Ultimate Body Sculpt Workout Volume one and it's fantastic. She is an awesome kettlebell instructor. If you're not sure if your are in your target heart rate zone maybe think about getting a heart rate monitor to see. That way you'll know if your working in your zone. Hope this helps!
-
Permalink Reply by Renee Hughes on -
Thank you again so much. I appreciate being able to be so open with you guys and getting such great feedback. I really feel invigorated and hope that the next time I send a post it can be something great and positive. I will send you guys an updated next Monday and see if I am on track.
Jari - the info you sent on cardio is extremly helpful as are all the comments. I think I have a better handle on what to do now. I think that the intensity is what I really need to be looking at. The article mentioned that high intensity is when the heart rate is rapid and you cant carry on conversation. For example with Body Rock you say at the beginning to give it your all and I noticed that with some of the moves I can be lazy and not get as winded but when I really work heard I feel a difference all over. Amanda - you are fantastic and such an inspiration. Thank you so much for your encouragment and I will look into getting more DVD's and increasing my activity level so that I am getting at least 60 min per day of intense activity and just keep it mixed up. Megan thank you so much for your encouragment it feels so good to know even though you guys have reached your goals you still struggle and are just people like the rest of us that are still trying to reach those goals. Aimee thank you for your suggestions too, I have been thinking about Kettlebell so I will try that as well and really, really focus on my eating. Please continue to let me know what is going on with you guys and I will update you as well. I just keep thinking giving up is not an option so although I am tired of the back and forth struggle, I will just have to keep doing it until I finally reach my goals. I love how how I feel when I am on the upswing and am determined to keep trying. I will be 40 in July and I really want to have lost the 20lbs by then.Jari always says the hardest part is just getting started every day on that workout, once i do the workout even cardio I feel great after. Thanks again - have a great and healthy day!
© 2010 Created by Jari Love.
