Cardio Alternatives

[Duff]

So, I'm experiencing an awful ingrown toenail, and this is hindering my ability to run (it hurts sooo bad). I've always looked to running as my cardio exercise. But I was wondering if there are other exercises that give you an equal or better workout.

 

Mainly, I want to do something that will burn fat. I don't have a swimming pool, else I'd be swimming. Would biking do the trick?

 

It just seems like biking and running wouldn't have the same effect on the body. I'm trying to work out my core and chest, and I want a good cardio exercise (that replaces running until my toe heals) so that I can burn the fat around my lower abs and torso.

 

Also, sorry if this thread has been answered somewhere else.

[Guest Rob]

Have you tried rowing before? Or just using a rowing machine (called an ergometer). They're a great cardio workout, and also help build your arms and core. I can get a used one for around $60 in my nearest city, so it's something worth looking into.

[Sy_Accursed]

From all I've read lately the best way to burn fat in the long term is weight training; cardio is just less intensive less focused muscle training that is more about endurance/stamina.

Both use the muscle causing your metabolism to increase for ~24 hours to help fat burning, weights just do it faster. Plus weights increase muscle size to increase your resting metabolism in the long term.

 

But anyway going slightly off point; I find cardio boxing stuff to be a nice little cardio workout that is fairly intensive on the muscles compared to running or w/e and does do a lot for your core as you have to tense a lot to balance yourself during lots of the moves like kicks and squats. Its also a bit more intensive on the chest and arms if you use some wrist weights or perhaps light dumbells. Rowing is pretty decent too.

[Duff]

Have you tried rowing before? Or just using a rowing machine (called an ergometer). They're a great cardio workout, and also help build your arms and core. I can get a used one for around $60 in my nearest city, so it's something worth looking into.

It looks like something that would be useful, but I dunno if I'd be able to bring it up to college, let alone fit it in my dorm.

 

From all I've read lately the best way to burn fat in the long term is weight training; cardio is just less intensive less focused muscle training that is more about endurance/stamina.

Both use the muscle causing your metabolism to increase for ~24 hours to help fat burning, weights just do it faster. Plus weights increase muscle size to increase your resting metabolism in the long term.

 

But anyway going slightly off point; I find cardio boxing stuff to be a nice little cardio workout that is fairly intensive on the muscles compared to running or w/e and does do a lot for your core as you have to tense a lot to balance yourself during lots of the moves like kicks and squats. Its also a bit more intensive on the chest and arms if you use some wrist weights or perhaps light dumbells. Rowing is pretty decent too.

I don't have a membership, so my weight training is basically push ups and ab workouts. Is that enough muscle training to increase metabolism and increase endurance/stamina?

[Ouchy]

Seeing as you don't have a gym membership, a rowing machine would seem to be out of the question, which is a shame :( But I would recommend biking. While it won't do anything for your upper body, it is good for your lower, and will provide the cardio you need.

[stevepole]

If you can get your hands on a rowing machine I'd also recommend it, but cycling is another great cardio activity, you just have to make sure you're challenging yourself.

[Hobgoblinpie]

Cycling is a great way to do a cardio workout. You will need to push yourself though. Find a cycle route (doesn't matter how long), then cycle it once at moderate effort. The next time you cycle it, push yourself so at the end you will be so tired that you want to fall to the floor when you finish the ride.

[Faux]

aerobics

 

just DL an aerobics video and do it

 

1 hr of aerobics everyday + watch the food you eat = burn fat

[assassin_696]

Rowing or cycling. Short interval bursts, say 200-2000m then rest for a few minutes and repeat a few times. Go hard in the intervals.

 

Or, do something like:

 

As many rounds as possible in 15 minutes of:

 

10 press ups

15 sit ups

20 burpees

 

That'll get you panting and develop muscle strength/endurance.