New workout ideas

Belong to a gym and am sick of the treadmill. Would love to know what other machines any of you use. Thanks.

Thu. Jan 19, 1:30pm

I've actually started to use the stair master a lot. It really burns a lot of calories and makes me sweat!

Thursday, January 19, 2006, 1:53 PM

I am in love with the Elliptical Trainer. I tend to burn twice as many calories on it then the Treadmill.

Thursday, January 19, 2006, 1:56 PM

I find it easier to read on the bicycle, if you are looking for entertainment.

Thursday, January 19, 2006, 2:06 PM

I like the bike too. Tthe bike uses completely different muscels than the treadmill, so that's another benefit. It's really tough starting out if your not used to using those muscles.

Thursday, January 19, 2006, 2:09 PM

My favorite is the rowing machine. The elipticals are almost always full at my gym (although I use them when I go in off hours and they are emptier). The rower really works my upper body and core, too, which I like - it seems like a better overall workout than just the bike.

Thursday, January 19, 2006, 2:42 PM

I love the classes. I go to 24 hour and they have really good Group X classes. I try to make an effort to get to know the people in the class and the instructor so that if I don't go I feel as though I have let them down. I love spinning, kickboxing and step.

Thursday, January 19, 2006, 2:59 PM

Here's what I love to do on the cardio machines (mostly ellipticall). I have my ipod play random songs. If the song that comes on is fast, I try to go fast on the machine for the entire song. Like, I make a little goal in my head that I won't let myself go slower than 65 rpm. If the next song is slower, I crank up the resistance and push through that for the entire song. If the next song is medium paced, I'll start going backwards, without hands, at a medium resistance. See what I'm saying? I give each song a different speeed, resistance, etc. That way I feel like I'm doing different things on the machine instead of just doing the same boring movement for 45 minutes. Another one I do is increase the resistance in increments of 30 seconds, so by the time the song is over I'm at the top resistance and my legs are burning. I got the idea from spinning class where each song is a different style of riding. Anyway, I think it's fun - well, as fun as cardio machines can get!

Friday, January 20, 2006, 1:07 AM

Treadmill is boring.
I am breaking it up by walking alternating with running...

Friday, January 20, 2006, 11:15 AM

Do intervals on any machine or running out doors. I usually do 30 seconds of high intensity (steep incline, or high resistance), and 1 minute of medium intensity recovery time. Just enough to catch your breath. This also makes time fly. Good luck!

Friday, January 20, 2006, 4:28 PM

The recumbent bike is a good alternative at times. I can get my heart rate up to a great level and I never hurt my back.

Saturday, January 21, 2006, 8:20 AM

try the elliptical machine you can get an upper and lower body workout

Sunday, January 22, 2006, 3:57 AM

Don't know where you are located or what your facility is like,
but depending on weather / gym amenities, have you tried fhe following?

Swimmng / Water Aerobics (supposed to be one of the best non-impact activities)
Dance classes (not Aerobics, but actual dance clases)
Snow Shoeing (a pair only costs about $75 at Sam's Club--then you just need a nice snowy place to walk-- many places are FREE--or try your local metro parks, rentals are extremly reasonable -- maybe about $5 - 10 a day)
Winter or Summer Hiking
Cross Country Skiing (Equipment is slightly more, but lots of metro parks have cross country rentals as well and it's much more aerobic and cheaper than downhill skiing)
Ice Skating

Sunday, January 22, 2006, 9:31 AM

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