exercise ratio???

So, I'm in the process of adjusting my workout routine. Here's the question: on the elliptical, for weight loss purposes, is it better to go at a lower resistance rate for longer time or same amount of time but adding resistance? Help?

Mon. Feb 27, 2:13pm

adding resistance will probably help to build muscle. muscle will burn more fat in the long run, although you won't be able to do as much aerobically....

Working out longer at a lower resistance should be more helpful aerobically...

Monday, February 27, 2006, 2:55 PM

It also depends how hard you are working. Vary your workouts. Do some at a steady pace where you can still talk in short bursts. Then do some interval workouts where you push very hard for 1-2 minutes and recover at an easier pace for 1-2 minutes. Intervals challenge your heart and you see results quickly in terms of overall performance and weight loss.

Monday, February 27, 2006, 10:29 PM

fat burn programs on treadmills are designed to get your heart rate up for a set time, then let it drop, then raise it again- essentially interval training as the above poster mentioned. It's always about the heart rate...

Monday, February 27, 2006, 11:30 PM

I am no expert, but supposedly, running on a treadmill aggravates cellulite. So I do the elliptical and -----they say----swimming and pilates actual counter cellulite (so I will be adding swimming)...anyway...the elliptical:
I play games with myself on it. Burn 200 calories in 15 minutes. Do the all *ss(Bottom) workout as hard as I can for 8 minutes. See how many calories I can burn in 6 minutes.
The elliptical is low impact so you aren't hurting joints, or "adding cellulite".
I try to read 3 magazines or burn 500 calories whichever comes first.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006, 12:37 AM

I think I know what I am doing wrong...

So, I walk/jog 30 mins every day an dam no longer losing lbs. Should I be mixing it up more, and changing machines. I find it hard to do the eliptical for more then 8 mionutes, am I doing something wrong? Im 5'2 and 148. 20 lbs overweight but not physically challeged. Suggestions?

Link

Tuesday, February 28, 2006, 10:20 AM

Thanks for all of your feedback---still not sure I'm getting the answer I'm looking for though. I know about interval training. Here's the deal: I was doing the elliptical for 30 minutes (in conjunction with a longer workout at the gym) at a level 3. I upped it the other night to 45 minutes. My question is: Do I keep upping the time but leaving the resistance level at 3 to lose weight or should I stay at 30 minutes and up the resistance level to 4, etc. Of course, I'm working on doing BOTH, but until then, which is more conducive to losing weight? I'm guessing it's the timing and not the resistance, but who really knows?

Tuesday, February 28, 2006, 11:07 AM

repeat: it's all about your heart rate!!! If your heart rate isn't getting high enough once your body has become accustomed to the resistance level, you will have to raise your resisitance. Find out what your resting heart rate is, and use the karvonen method (see link) to find your target heart range. Then just make sure you're exercising in that range. Your body doesn't know or care what the resistance level it's at- it care about how hard it's working which can only be evaluated by measuring your heart rate.

And as someone who's cellulite has been greatly diminished, that bit about running affecting it is garbage. Running helped. I've focused on swimming more than running lately, and have not gotten as good of results.

I hate hate hate hate ellipticals.They're the most unnatural movement in the world. I'm the person who sells fitness equip and I will tell you a treadmill is better for you!!! If you're worried about joints, RAISE THE INCLINE. An inclined treadmill will have minimal impact (less than walking on the street, which you do anyways....) and will work your muscles- esp and including your heart- better than an elliptical.

Link

Tuesday, February 28, 2006, 11:37 AM

Second and third the HEART RATE. As you become more fit, you'll need to "work harder" to raise your heart rate in to it's optial zone. For example, my friend and I were working out together. I'm more fit that she, so when we rode the bikes, I rode at 88rpm and my HR was 135. She on the other hand rode at 68rpm and her HR was 135.

I invested in a HR monitor and it tells me exactly where I am, how much more I need to push myself and when to pull back. It's the best tool ever!

Length of time also matters. I do cardio for a minimum of 60 mins.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006, 1:38 PM

length of time does matter, but only if your heart rate is up. You will get a better workout doing a half an hour in you target range than 45 min out of range. Duration is good, but quality is more important than quantity. Upping your time will not make much of a difference unless you do up the resistance. But only up it enough for you to get the heart rate where you need it. Personal opinion is 45 min to 60 min is ideal. This may not be easy for everyone, but I think it should be the goal they work towards.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006, 4:38 PM

I think a half hour of cardio is just fine. Keep doing your half hour workout on the ellliptical like you are, especially if you love that machine. And just BUST YOUR BUTT! Work as hard as you can knowing you have to get through 30 minutes. If you don't feel tired (but really proud of yourself) when you step off that ellliptical, you know that next time you need to make it more difficult by either increasing the intensity or moving your legs faster.

Sometimes we need to listen to and focus on our bodies and how we feel rather than worry about how long we're going for and at what intesity. Put 100+% into your workout every time whether you're running for 10 minutes or biking for 40 minutes. Set a goal at the beginning of the workout (30 minutes running, 1 hour lifting, 45 minutes biking, etc). Listen to your body but push yourself to its limits. The mind is very powerful.

I'm leaving work here in a few minutes and heading to the gym where I'm going to bust my butt punching and kicking my way through an hour long class. I'm going to focus all my energy on my movements and pretend as if I'm fighting someone else. I'm going to kick the highest and hardest and duck the lowest. I'm going to work the hardest! That's my goal! My legs will be trembling at the end of the night, but I'll walk slowly home knowing I gave it everything I had.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006, 5:43 PM

Amen on the heart rate. Investing in a monitor was one of the smartest things I ever did for my overall health.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006, 7:46 PM

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