Jul 13, 2009, 2:35 PM
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What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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Please, note, this is NOT about whether cardio will help you train for climbing.
I believe that cardio is important for other reasons, and more specifically, believe that *I* should be doing it, but I am having trouble coming up with something that i would actually like doing.
Running-- probably isn't going to happen b/c I hate running, and b/c I just don't have time to go for a run.
Biking to work would be nice, but lack of bike lines scares me, and the fact that I have to either pick up or drop off the kids prevents me from doing it. I tried a spinning class, but all I could think of, the entire hour, was B_O_R_I_N_G.
All exercise machines. like treadmills, fall into the B_O_R_I_N_G category, as well.
Swimming-- I like it, but I hate chlorine in the pool, and logistically it is too much of a hassle, though doable, I suppose, as a lunch break at work sort of thing.
Aerobics... I guess I could try it again, It's been many, many years. LOL.
Why, oh why doesn't yoga qualify as cardio? Maybe I could convince myself that it does, after all, if it is power yoga?
So, in short, I am curious what other people are doing, and if there is any other cardio-type workout that I am just missing.
Jul 13, 2009, 2:45 PM
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Re: [lena_chita] What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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I would use the word "jog" rather than run--runners are faster than I am
Interesting that you said you don't have time to run--I run for exercise b/c it seems like far the most efficient way to do it (just run out of your house, not need to go to gym, etc.); I don't particularly enjoy it. MP3 player makes it tolerable.
Jul 13, 2009, 2:47 PM
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Re: [lena_chita] What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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Sports of all types. Treadmills etc in the gym are sometimes necessary evils though.
I agree with your assessment of most of these being boring or hard to fit in. I love cycling when I can get outside but the best cardio I usually get is playing basketball a few days a week.
While the Tour de France is on it makes the stationary trainer at home a little more tolerable if I'm watching the race at the same time.
Jul 13, 2009, 3:09 PM
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Re: [lena_chita] What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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I bike, used to be to and from work before I was laid off, but I'm still doing errands on my bike and I try to get out for a longer ride once or twice a week (mountain or road).
I live in a small city and I'm passing farmer's fields less than 3 miles from my house. Access to the mountain biking trails is even closer.
Frankly, if you live in a big city it's going to be harder to do cardio that you enjoy. Chlorine does suck, but if I had facilities near by with good hours this would be my second choice after biking.
Jul 13, 2009, 3:15 PM
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Re: [lena_chita] What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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I bike to work as many days as possible during the warmer three months. That doesn't help me during the winter, but I ride the bike at the climbing gym to help with that. It's 30min each way, and I have a shower at work that I can use for free.
As for a lack of bike lanes, it's not that bad if you know how to control the road. Look, I ride in Boston during rush hour. Bostonians are well known for their, erm, driving abilities. They are very aggressive drivers who tend to think that using the blinker is giving information to the enemy, and they always feel as if they can sqeeze their car into any open space at any speed. The problem is that most of them can.
Even still, it's not that bad because I make sure my ego kicks when I'm riding in Boston traffic: I take as much of the lane as I feel I need to progress safely, and don't care if I've got six cars at idle speed behind me just waiting for me to either pull over or a better passing lane on the other side of me. Screw 'em. I'm not biking to get out of their way. They can wait and pass me when its safe to pass for both of us, not just when it's safe for them to pass.
I am also very vigilant in using clear and obvious hand signals. The middle one worked perfectly well this morning in Harvard Square.
a lot of their workouts require nothing more than a pullup bar and some space for squats/pushups. however it's most useful for training power and power-endurance rather than extensive cardio endurance. it also has a cult factor to it, but it's very easy to modify their workouts to suit your needs.
you might also be interested in kettlebell training. again, it's best for power and power-endurance, but given that you don't much like running/biking/swimming, it's definitely a good option. swings, snatches, and clean & presses are great exercises.
I know you're just looking for ideas, but I can't help but ask what your goals are? I sort of feel like lots of people spend about an hour a day doing junk workouts, where significant gains can be made with the right 20-30 minute workouts at high effort. you won't build much long-term endurance, but your lactic acid tolerance and aerobic capacity will shoot way up.
Jul 13, 2009, 3:26 PM
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Re: [pfwein] What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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pfwein wrote:
Interesting that you said you don't have time to run--I run for exercise b/c it seems like far the most efficient way to do it (just run out of your house, not need to go to gym, etc.); I don't particularly enjoy it. MP3 player makes it tolerable.
What happens is that i either can't get it done while it is still light outside b/c I need someone to watch the kids, or the baby-sitter i available when it is already dark, and I am not comfortable running alone after dark.
otherwise, I agree, just getting out of the door and starting your run seems pretty efficient, no need to ride to a gym, etc.
a lot of their workouts require nothing more than a pullup bar and some space for squats/pushups. however it's most useful for training power and power-endurance rather than extensive cardio endurance. it also has a cult factor to it, but it's very easy to modify their workouts to suit your needs.
you might also be interested in kettlebell training. again, it's best for power and power-endurance, but given that you don't much like running/biking/swimming, it's definitely a good option. swings, snatches, and clean & presses are great exercises.
I know you're just looking for ideas, but I can't help but ask what your goals are? I sort of feel like lots of people spend about an hour a day doing junk workouts, where significant gains can be made with the right 20-30 minute workouts at high effort. you won't build much long-term endurance, but your lactic acid tolerance and aerobic capacity will shoot way up.
No, I haven't tried crossfit. Knowing myself, it won't be something I would stick to on my own, and gym time is really hard to carve out. I barely have time for climbing gym.
Jul 13, 2009, 3:32 PM
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Re: [lena_chita] What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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My cardio involves mt/road biking, paddling (kayak), jump rope, and sports... once in a while I may trail run.
I usually play some sports here and there, like basketball and tennis, so running would just be overtraining and risking injury. If I do run, it will be at a local trail to kill the boring factor and provide soft ground. Though my friend is out all summer because he ruptured his Achilles tendon running.
Some ideas for a mom: find things you can do around the house. Circuit training can be cardio if you do it right, jump rope is always a great option.
Jul 13, 2009, 3:33 PM
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Re: [Gmburns2000] What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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Gmburns2000 wrote:
I am also very vigilant in using clear and obvious hand signals. The middle one worked perfectly well this morning in Harvard Square.
just a hunch, but are you talking about the fork by the EMS, where you bear left to get to Central square? I got denied by a pretty big truck this morning, had to go around.
also, it really depends on where you live. according to a friend of mine who is a courier in NYC, drivers actually will try to kill him. so uh, yeah, just be careful. eye contact helps. most people have trouble killing people they make eye contact with.
Jul 13, 2009, 3:44 PM
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Re: [fresh] What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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fresh wrote:
Gmburns2000 wrote:
I am also very vigilant in using clear and obvious hand signals. The middle one worked perfectly well this morning in Harvard Square.
just a hunch, but are you talking about the fork by the EMS, where you bear left to get to Central square? I got denied by a pretty big truck this morning, had to go around.
Me and a Saab were turning off the road where the Fogg is and crossing Harvard Street. At the slight fade right, both he and I were going to head straight (or fade left) and go across Mass Ave and down the hill toward Memorial Drive. At the last second he decided he wanted to take the full right into Harvard Square. Naturally, I was to his right and he damn near cut me off.
In reply to:
also, it really depends on where you live. according to a friend of mine who is a courier in NYC, drivers actually will try to kill him. so uh, yeah, just be careful. eye contact helps. most people have trouble killing people they make eye contact with.
Eye contact is a big plus, but I have to wear glasses to prevent my eyes from watering. I'm also too cheap to buy the clear lenses that obviously don't work on sunny days. I make up for it by making myself visible.
Jul 13, 2009, 3:47 PM
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Re: [lena_chita] What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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IMO, running is one of the most efficient means of cardio in terms of time (much more so than biking). i'd run and swim while i was doing cardio more regularly. i just run for about 30-45 min, with the single goal of maintaining my target heart rate for at least 30. i never really kept careful track of the distance, but it's around 3-4mi or so. the swimming is just more of a cardio workout targeted toward surfing (i hate it; it's boring as hell, but i find it to be one of the most exhausting all around cardio activities).
(This post was edited by chilli on Jul 14, 2009, 4:21 PM)
Jul 13, 2009, 5:06 PM
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Re: [lena_chita] What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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Ditto on all the good-for-you-but-boring exercises like running/etc. I've gotten into Aerials in the last year and the reasons for starting and continuing are just because it's fun. Any health benefits are a bonus. [And there are benefits, lots of climbing motions/upper body work when it comes to rope and fabric.]
I went to a hoop dance class given at the gym where I do Aerials and it was a blast. Don't know how much of a cardio workout hooping is _supposed_ to be, but I spent a lot of time running after my hoop.
http://www.hoopnotica.com/
Check it out. It's something that you can do in your home.
Jul 13, 2009, 7:44 PM
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I'm not sure if it's an option if it's already too dangerous to be biking, but I found that rollerblading was a pretty good cardio workout. I just use the biking lanes (we have a lot in Copenhagen) in the summer, and replaced my biking to/from work by it. It takes roughly the same time but I am getting a much better workout!
Jul 14, 2009, 2:34 PM
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Re: [lena_chita] What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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Mountain Athlete/Crossfit style workouts.
In the off season I'll follow some of mountain athlete's workouts. There power endurance/work capacity workouts tend to be really cardio intensive nightmares. I have to scale these down a bit during the peak of the season though - or they'll have a negative impact on my climbing subsequent days.
Jul 14, 2009, 3:38 PM
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I love spin class! I used to go at my old climbing gym in Cali (pipeworks) unfortunately I moved to Ohio and I have to spin at the local gym. Mostly I do an hour of elliptical every night (weekends are touch and go). I try to mimic spin class when I do it...add things like hills, sprints, rolling hills, etc. My music selection is WAY better though ha. I occasionally mountainbike and cycle.
Jul 15, 2009, 12:39 AM
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Re: [chilli] What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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chilli wrote:
IMO, running is one of the most efficient means of cardio in terms of time (much more so than biking). i'd run and swim while i was doing cardio more regularly. i just run for about 30-45 min, with the single goal of maintaining my target heart rate for at least 30. i never really kept careful track of the distance, but it's around 3-4mi or so. the swimming is just more of a cardio workout targeted toward surfing (i hate it; it's boring as hell, but i find it to be one of the most exhausting all around cardio activities).
ditto. i loathed running until a few months ago when i started to do it a few times a week. seems the cheapest, most efficient cardio option i can find. add an ipod and it's almost enjoyable.
Jul 15, 2009, 7:14 AM
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Re: [lena_chita] What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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Lena, when was the last time you went running?
The reason I ask is, about two years ago I hated running...real bad. But in the recent weeks I have picked it back up and find it actually pretty enjoyable. Although, I don't go very fast or for very long (a couple miles at about a 9' pace). So, if it has been a while since you went for a jog maybe give it another try, and ease into the length and pace, don't bust your ass.
As far as having the time, I completely understand. I would recommend deciding right off the bat how much time you are able/would like to devote to cardio (say 25 minutes) per day, then fill that time up with whatever exercise you choose.
This would be instead of deciding how much of an exercise you're able to do, and taking however much time is necessary to do that exercise. E.g. If running 3 miles normally takes you 35 minutes, go ahead and decide you're only going to run for 25 minutes, and just do what you can in that amount of time, instead of making yourself go a certain distance.
Another thing I recommend is variety. If you do the same one thing every time, it is going to get boring no matter what you choose. Find a couple things you like and switch it up. I run 5-6 miles/week, bike 20-25 miles, swim occasionally and row occasionally (rowing is a great for the shoulders and back, too). Good luck!
Jul 15, 2009, 7:21 AM
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Re: [lena_chita] What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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lena_chita wrote:
Please, note, this is NOT about whether cardio will help you train for climbing.
I believe that cardio is important for other reasons, and more specifically, believe that *I* should be doing it, but I am having trouble coming up with something that i would actually like doing.
Running-- probably isn't going to happen b/c I hate running, and b/c I just don't have time to go for a run.
Biking to work would be nice, but lack of bike lines scares me, and the fact that I have to either pick up or drop off the kids prevents me from doing it. I tried a spinning class, but all I could think of, the entire hour, was B_O_R_I_N_G.
All exercise machines. like treadmills, fall into the B_O_R_I_N_G category, as well.
Swimming-- I like it, but I hate chlorine in the pool, and logistically it is too much of a hassle, though doable, I suppose, as a lunch break at work sort of thing.
Aerobics... I guess I could try it again, It's been many, many years. LOL.
x-c skiing? Rollerblading? (those two are supposedly good cross-training for each other)
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Why, oh why doesn't yoga qualify as cardio? Maybe I could convince myself that it does, after all, if it is power yoga?
I'm sure someone here on rc will claim that yoga is good for cardiovascular fitness. After all, multiple people have claimed, quite seriously, that playing guitar, piano, and drums are all good for climbing fitness.
Jay
So, in short, I am curious what other people are doing, and if there is any other cardio-type workout that I am just missing.
Jul 15, 2009, 3:07 PM
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Re: [jt512] What sort of cardio workouts do you do regularly?
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jt512 wrote:
x-c skiing? Rollerblading? (those two are supposedly good cross-training for each other)
Oooh, roller-blading, how did I forget about it? I used to really enjoy it. Thanks!
jt512 wrote:
I'm sure someone here on rc will claim that yoga is good for cardiovascular fitness. After all, multiple people have claimed, quite seriously, that playing guitar, piano, and drums are all good for climbing fitness.
But of course playing piano is good for climbing! It keeps your fingers strong, right? However, I found that, for some strange reason, CLIMBING is not good for piano playing... who would have thought?