Use of machines for the cardio

[sallywally]

Hi there,
I am on my fifth week of BfL and loving it! I have a question and sorry if it seems a bit silly. I've been using various cardo machines at the gym. I tried running in the street but I live in a very urban, fume-filled area so working at the gym seems more efficient. I have alternated with treadmill, cross-trainer and recliner bike. On all these machines I use the 'level' button to increase the intensity. I started on level 5 af first but now start on level 6 and increase/decrese using the level buttons. Is this the way it should be? is this what Bill meant when he said increase the levels (actual machine levels?) I try to attain the rpm high and sometimes, if I feel I haven't reached my limit I may go on another cardio machine for a short period of time. I also have a short relax swim (10 lengths - and I'm not much of a swimmer) after my workouts just to aid the stretching process. Is this also ok? Any advice would be so welcome. Thanks folks for keeping me motivated with your excellent advice. BTW, I have noticed a change, not so significant lately, but a change nevertheless!

[Chris]

You're doing great!

I don't think he meant actual machine levels. He's talking more about your perceived level of difficulty, just like when lifting weights. It's based on 10 being the most difficult thing you've ever tried or were able to do. Then you base the lower intensities on relative differences from that perceived level. Does that make sense?

Swimming after your workout is fine. It is probably helping you burn a few extra calories in the process. Good for you! Keep it up!

[yakubu]

Originally Posted by sallywally

Hi there,
I am on my fifth week of BfL and loving it! I have a question and sorry if it seems a bit silly. I've been using various cardo machines at the gym. I tried running in the street but I live in a very urban, fume-filled area so working at the gym seems more efficient. I have alternated with treadmill, cross-trainer and recliner bike. On all these machines I use the 'level' button to increase the intensity. I started on level 5 af first but now start on level 6 and increase/decrese using the level buttons. Is this the way it should be? is this what Bill meant when he said increase the levels (actual machine levels?) I try to attain the rpm high and sometimes, if I feel I haven't reached my limit I may go on another cardio machine for a short period of time. I also have a short relax swim (10 lengths - and I'm not much of a swimmer) after my workouts just to aid the stretching process. Is this also ok? Any advice would be so welcome. Thanks folks for keeping me motivated with your excellent advice. BTW, I have noticed a change, not so significant lately, but a change nevertheless!

id be carful with the swimming. there is a reason you are only meant to do 20 mins cardio - its to preserve muscle tissue. if you do more swimming after your cardio then u are basically doing more CARDIO so becareful. it really isnt neccesary to swim.

as for the intensity if the machine level 10 requires you to only use a level 5 e.g (you are just jogging) then its not a level 10 for you its a levl 5. if the level 15 ont he amchine requires an all out sprint from you then that machine level 15 is a level 10 to you. know what i mean ?

[sallywally]

Thanks Chris, I get what you mean. I find it difficult to gauge the difference between, say, a level 7, 8 and then a 9. I feel I go from level 5 to a 7 then to a 10 really quickly. I keep going though and always complete the full 20 mins, plus some more if I feeling in my heart of hearts I could do slightly more. I also do a once a week mix of Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi, called Body Balance, it really helps me become more supple and as only an hour or so I find I am much more flexible. It's funny but I find I like to go tothe gym just for fun and nothing to do with BfL, even on my days off. Although I am careful not to work myself too hard and often then use the pool and spa facilities just to treat myself. Bfl has really given me a purpose. I have never missed a workout and complete all the paperwork religiously. I would recommend it to anyone for the sheer pleasure of making the effort to change. Thanks again Chris. Best regards, Sally

[sallywally]

I get it Yakubu, thanks so much, this has made sense now. I said it was a silly question!

[sshultz]

Sally, if the swim helps you relax and stretch out, go for it. You did say it was a short relax swim so if that's what you like, by all means, do it. Someone needs to tell Michael Phelps that his swimming is eating away his muscle...

[yakubu]

Originally Posted by sshultz

Sally, if the swim helps you relax and stretch out, go for it. You did say it was a short relax swim so if that's what you like, by all means, do it. Someone needs to tell Michael Phelps that his swimming is eating away his muscle...

uh...wtf swimming after cardio is overtraining. do you just say things for the sake of it ?

[Chris]

Originally Posted by yakubu

uh...wtf swimming after cardio is overtraining. do you just say things for the sake of it ?

Are you being rude just for the sake of it? Come on, think about what you're saying. Over training by doing some light swimming after a workout? So are you saying walking home from the gym is over training too?

[yakubu]

Originally Posted by Chris

Are you being rude just for the sake of it? Come on, think about what you're saying. Over training by doing some light swimming after a workout? So are you saying walking home from the gym is over training too?

im being sarcastic for the sake of it. im just repeating the inapropriatey that was given to me in an earlier thread

[Rhone]

Aw crap, I think I'm overtraining my fingers by typing this post.

[winnie]

Originally Posted by Rhone

Aw crap, I think I'm overtraining my fingers by typing this post.

Only if you're doing it after HIIT.

[sallywally]

Sorry follks, I seem to have caused a stir. To be honest, if you saw my swimming, you'd never think that was over-training! my granny can probably do more strokes than me. I do a front crawl for ten short lenghts of a realtively small pool. One nice thing, and something I think that Bill mentioned in the book, was exercising outside. The pool is heated by outside and does make a relaxing end to work out and it's kind of nice to swim at dusk. Thanks so much for your thoughts thou guys. Sally

[Chris]

I think some of us like these "stirs"... you can see we all take our workouts very seriously.
Enjoy your swims!

[sshultz]

Yeah. I don't think it was you that caused the stir.

Have fun with the swim and if you don't feel like you're overtraining, go with it.