Something to add to Cardio

[jeremyaka]

I'm trying to lose weight, but I am somewhat limited in the activities I can do. As far as cardio goes, I can really only do the elliptical and the stationary bike for extended periods of time (have nerve damage in legs that makes tread mills very painful).

I am currently doing 60 minutes on the ellipticals about 5 to 6 times a week. However, I'm not seeing very great results (I've been eating healthy), so I am thinking I need a little variety in my workout.

I have a set of dumbells at home (no workout bench though). Is there a routine anyone could suggest where I add some lifting to a certain amount of cardio to help maximize weight loss?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[tinafan]

Jeremeyaka,

You need to try to lift some weights. Like you I spent 5 -6 days doing cardio and I got some great results but if you can build some lean muscle, it will burn calories all day. Cardio is a great calorie burner while you are doing it and there are some calories burnt after the exercise, but the more lean muscle you can pack on, the more calories you will burn all day and you will start to see the results you want.

I lost 120 pounds in 10 month combining cardio and weigh lifting. I havemore more away for the cardio and now concentrate on weight and I am keeping my fat in check.

Good luck!

 

[summer123]

You need to mix it up a bit- doing the same thing, your body gets used to it, eventually it doesn't work so well.

Try running, cycling, power walking (add weights to wrists and ankles for more power) and group exercise like aerobics, spinning, even water aerobics (though harder to get a good cardio from that I have to say).

Weights will also help- the more muscle you have, the faster you can move, the more calories you can burn and whats more, your resting calorie burn will increase. Though you must be aware that exercise is limited when it comes to weight loss, calories is what really matters. You gain 1lb of muscle and you can eat about 30kcals a day extra, your exercise wont burn as much as you think, no matter what the exercise machine tells you or the heart rate machine says.