Cardio V Strength Training

[Meg888]

Hi All. I've been dieting for most of year, and only have around a stone or so to lose. I've taken up cycling at the weekends which I love, and I go to the gym around 4 times mid-weekly. A typical workout will be 30 mins cardio, then 15 mins weight & about 15 mins swimming. I hate cardio!! I just find it so boring and I'm not convinced it's changing my body shape much. I'm 45 so I have accepted i'll never look like I'm in my 20's no matter how hard I work, but I still seem to be very flabby in parts. I want a toned/tight look - I've lost 2 stone, so I wasn't overweight to the degree where it's excess skin. Obviously, I feel much more energetic and healthier, but I would like my arms, tummy and thighs more toned and was wondering if swapping cardio for weight would achieve this or does it need both?

[ummmm]

Swap for weights. Stick with the swimming and cycling.

[dannyk13]

Why not have a chat with one of the trainers at your gym who would probably give you some good advice.

[Meg888]

I was hoping someone would say a straight swap! They're not particularly helpful if I'm honest, I'm searching out a new one but there's not many much better locally at the moment....

[ummmm]

Well you're getting cardio from cycling and swimming.

[Meg888]

Thanks Ummm. There's a lot of debate about what exercise is best for losing weight, and the swimming/cycling are low impact on the joints

[ummmm]

As long as you get your heart rate up.

You'll burn the same amount of calories walking a mile as you would running it. It just takes longer.

My mum has a great figure and she walks or cycles everywhere. It's quite sickening actually :-)

[beso]

Seriously. Forget all of that gym stuff and take up riding a unicycle. It is way more fun than bicycling, is a cardio workout like no other and builds strength all at the same time.

Unicycling requires continuous pedalling. Without brakes or gears, it is work both up and down hills and your legs go like crazy on the flat. Plus you develop incredible balance and coordination.

The mental focus to keep upright is an excellent meditation too. On the whole it is a very addictive activity.

I've been riding for about eighteen months and do 30 to 40 km a week. I'm nearly 56 and my body shape and strength has never been this good.

[beso]

And you wouldn't believe what unicycling does for the legs, arms and tummy.

[Lorzy Lor]

Hi! My advice would be do more weights, squats, deadlifts, weighted lunges..... You cOuld follow this girl called Emily Skye

[Lorzy Lor]

Posted before I finished!! Her name is Emily Skye, she's great, gave me loads of workout ideas etc.... Good luck! X

[dannyk13]

http://www.bicycling.com/training/fitness/quick-cycling-workouts-power-and-endurance
This maybe of use to you.

[Schlomo78]

I love weight training. Cardio is such a chore for me! I recently took up Tabata which is a form of interval training and incorporate weights with it. Very good fun!