Which is better excercise?

[Rose21]

I want to work out more, but I can't exactly go to the gym due to money issues etc. I already do excercises/weights at my house, but I want to do cardio of some sort.

 

Which would be better excercise:

 

-Biking 3-5 times a week around the block etc.

 

-Going on walks/hikes, on trails, up hill, in woods etc 3-5 times a week.

 

This is including my normal excercises I do 4 times a week, with weights, push ups/sit ups, squats etc.

 

Which would burn more calories? Although I don't need it, I'd like to loose 5-10 lbs. If possible.

[teabee]

Hooping!!

link removed

Sorry, I push that on everyone.

 

I don't actually know the answer to your question, I just thought I'd add my own suggestion

[Rose21]

Thanks TB, but I'm not much of a "hooper"

 

If only if I could keep it around my waist for more than 5 seconds, maybe lol.

[waveseer]

Get an aerobic dance workout video. When you can do it easily get a harder one.

[Rose21]

I really just want to know which is better, biking or walking.

 

I can't dance, nor do I want to.

 

I'm not looking for other options, just wanting to decide between the 2.

[waveseer]

oh, sorry. if you are going the same distance then walking. if you are doing them for the same amount of time then biking. that is to maximize calories burned. personally, i'd do whichever one i like better because i'd be more likely to stick with it.

[Cognitive_Canine]

Walking at an incline (hiking). A lot of people bike but without the resistance or on a challenging course, a lot of people cheat by gliding. They don't even mean to cheat but it's just natural to take the easier route.

[sophie274]

Walking, especially if it's at an incline and you're hustling. Biking around the block is fun, but unless your block is very hilly, it's not going to be much of a work-out. But the mother of all exercise: running! Running on trails is fairly easy on the joints, works balance, coordination and footwork and is one heck of workout.

 

I'll put in a plug for some power yoga. I did 75 minutes yesterday and today, and am so sore I feel like an old lady.

[Rose21]

Well maybe running twice a week, and walking the rest.

 

I just really dislike running=/ Espec when it's hot/sticky out! It's hard to run on the trails when it's so rocky/dusty dirt etc, mudd.

 

I think I will walk, brisk walk. I like it more than biking although I will try to bike once a week because I want to get back into it.

 

My math teacher is like a competitve biker and does like 5-6ks on on the weekends, although she isn't as skinny as me. Maybe it's just not her body type, she has a lot of muscle/.

 

Does walking briskly, cut down on fat over-all?

 

I used to be in track, and aced the sprints, I was one of the fastest.

 

But I DESPISE endurance. After one lap around the track I was out of breath. When I "run" it's stop, run, stop, run lol.

 

I tried to run the other day, and it turned into a 2 mile walk/hike. Expoloring. And in the process, got myself lost

[Rose21]

In addition to walking/hiking 3 times a week, and maybe biking once a week, maybe I should go back to my old workout method, I burned TONNNS of calories, and I was the skinniest I've ever been. I could do this 2-3 times a week too for 30 minutes, GREAT excercise. Even after 2 min, you FEEL it.

 

This:

 

 

 

Afterwards your calves are SO sore. I did this for 30 minutes, the next 2 days I could barely walk! My legs were permeantly flexed, it hurt SO bad and they'd lock up on me!

 

 

 

 

What do you think, good work out?

 

My legs were so toned when I'd go do this every weekend, and I had ABS OF STEEL. I have abs still, pretty good ones, but I was KNOWN for my abs than.

[bruinsy81]

Walking, especially if it's at an incline and you're hustling. Biking around the block is fun, but unless your block is very hilly, it's not going to be much of a work-out. But the mother of all exercise: running! Running on trails is fairly easy on the joints, works balance, coordination and footwork and is one heck of workout.

 

I'll put in a plug for some power yoga. I did 75 minutes yesterday and today, and am so sore I feel like an old lady.

Running is probably the best thing you can do if you want to lose wieght but there are a lot of things about it I don't like.It is very hard on the joints[mine anyway!!] and it does create muscle imbalances,the abdominal muscles and quadricep muscles weaken and the hamstrings tend to lose some flexibility.It also doesn't do anything for the upper body.Personally I love aerobic walking as long as it is done at a fast pace.It doesn't have any of the disadvantages that running contains and it utilizes the upperbody if it is done properly.

[sophie274]

In addition to walking/hiking 3 times a week, and maybe biking once a week, maybe I should go back to my old workout method, I burned TONNNS of calories, and I was the skinniest I've ever been. I could do this 2-3 times a week too for 30 minutes, GREAT excercise. Even after 2 min, you FEEL it.

 

This:

 

 

 

Afterwards your calves are SO sore. I did this for 30 minutes, the next 2 days I could barely walk! My legs were permeantly flexed, it hurt SO bad and they'd lock up on me!

 

 

 

 

What do you think, good work out?

 

My legs were so toned when I'd go do this every weekend, and I had ABS OF STEEL. I have abs still, pretty good ones, but I was KNOWN for my abs than.

 

LOL that's like the Moon Walk, version 2.0

 

Any exercise that gets your heart rate up is good cardio.

The minimum of exercise is really 3 times a week for 30 minutes, but the gold standard, to be fit, is really closer to 45 minutes 5 times per week.

 

For me, the dance you posted, while good cardio, is not ideal. It's clearly very tough on the calves, but is not a full body work-out (although I can't tell much of what's going on). If you're looking for ridiculous calves, then go ahead, but if you're looking for a full body work-out, running, swimming, dance-inspired work-outs like zumba or yoga are more effective. It's also not clear to me how that type of dance would really work the abs, but again I didn't watch the whole video. Doing some pilates or ab-specific exercises every other day has given me the best results ab-wise.

 

Walking briskly does burn fat. Even more effective is interval training. Since you enjoy sprinting, try doing a work-out where you sprint a certain distance (you choose), then walk back, and then repeat between 15-30 times. Burns fat and builds muscle too.

 

A 5k is not a very long biking distance. That's really sprint biking! 5k on a flat surface would take at most 20 minutes for someone who was trying to go very fast, so a 5k for a competitive biker would be very short. Never heard of bike races that short that weren't around a track ...

 

If you want to lose weight, you'll probably get the best results by eating a low-calorie, low-fat diet laden with fruits and vegetables and lean protein and good complex carbs, and low on processed sugars.

 

Running is probably the best thing you can do if you want to lose wieght but there are a lot of things about it I don't like.It is very hard on the joints[mine anyway!!] and it does create muscle imbalances,the abdominal muscles and quadricep muscles weaken and the hamstrings tend to lose some flexibility.It also doesn't do anything for the upper body.Personally I love aerobic walking as long as it is done at a fast pace.It doesn't have any of the disadvantages that running contains and it utilizes the upperbody if it is done properly.

 

Yes I agree to some extent. Running on trails/grass does help to minimize the strain on the joints, and most younger people I know do not have too many problems with this, unless they start to really rack up the miles. I think running is best combined with other cross-training to help work other muscle groups - I would never rely on running as my sole form of exercise. I really enjoy walking too, but if you're really looking to work that heart and build endurance then walking simply doesn't seem to pack the punch that running does. If you're just looking for some exercise and weight loss then walking is definitely the best, and it's free and can take you beautiful places!

 

Yeah, this is what I did!

 

 

 

Every weekend, for like 2-5 hrs off and on.

 

This video is much more structured and work-out like than the other one you posted, where the guy seemed to be mostly jumping around, and is clearly an ab work-out. If this worked really well for you back in the day, no need to convince us that it's good, just go ahead and take it back up!

[Rose21]

That's why I don't like running. I HATE it. I like sprinting, not running distance.

 

That stomping, like the videos I posted, would be MUCH more benificial I think.

 

I look similar to this, but back here I was in my prime.

 

Here was what I looked like when I did the stomping/shuffling all the time! I want to get back to that!! My friend was prob ATLEAST 15 lbs skinner than too, no joke! Not the kind of place Id want to go back to, but be fun to do it at home.

 

Also the kind of thing I wore there with a hoody unzipped.

 

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This was also around that time

 

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I really don't think I gained weight since than though.

 

So what do I do to get back to that? It was like 2 yrs ago.

[greywolf]

The best one is the one that you like better and will actually stick to.

[dangletsbang]

I think you should try swimming..it's an extremely effective work out but it's not as hard on the body as running..and it works your WHOLE body..not just a few certain areas. I know you're from Texas and with the summers we have here..swimming would be a great option for you!

[Fudgie]

I definitely suggest running.

 

I have PCOS, which means I have a low metabolism and it's an uphill battle w/ my weight. I run almost everyday and I am still losing! Running keeps your heart in shape, tones your legs, ups your metabolism, and just makes you lose weight.

 

If you keep up with it and run a decent amount, I'm sure you'll see results soon.

[sidehop]

The best one is the one that you like better and will actually stick to.

 

I agree, each body type is different, I was never a runner and not something I enjoy though biking I can do everyday.

 

A simple 20-minute walk on various terrain will make a huge difference. Start small, do what you enjoy and keep your body active.

[jengh]

It seems like you already have it made up in your mind what you want to do, as you're not really open to other suggestions so why bother asking?

 

I really don't think I gained weight since than though.

 

So what do I do to get back to that? It was like 2 yrs ago.

...so, what exactly are you asking? I'm just confused.

[IphigeniaSaysHi]

The better exercise is always the one you're not thrilled to do. Very few people initially like running. Unless you have medical concerns or bad legs, it is your best bet for the majority of cardio. Jumping rope and hooping are really fun alternatives, you should reconsider. Hooping takes practice.

 

If you're going to bike or walk, really push yourself. No results come from being lazy or giving up. It can be hard but is worth it for health.

[SpeedingCars]

I absolutely hate running.

 

Why don't you do pilates?

[Rose21]

I always thought pilates/yoga was the easy way out, didn't really burn calories/loose the lbs.

 

Dang, Swimming is actually a REALLY good idea.

 

I could do that in the summer when the pool warms up. It will be a good thing to do considering we HAVE a pool now!

 

How often should I do it, and how long though? I love swimming.

 

What kind of things should I do in the pool? Just swim back and fourth?

[Cognitive_Canine]

I always thought pilates/yoga was the easy way out, didn't really burn calories/loose the lbs.

Dang, Swimming is actually a REALLY good idea.

 

I could do that in the summer when the pool warms up. It will be a good thing to do considering we HAVE a pool now!

 

How often should I do it, and how long though? I love swimming.

 

What kind of things should I do in the pool? Just swim back and fourth?

 

It's actually extremely difficult if you take a halfway decent class on it.

[SpeedingCars]

It's actually extremely difficult if you take a halfway decent class on it.

 

I agree... it is actually a very good way to tone your body.

[Rose21]

I don't want to go to classes, could I just do videos? Would that work?

 

I'm very flexible, do a lot of contortion. I'm sure pilates/yoga would be a breeze for me, as long as it doesn't involve any kind of dancing! lol.

 

Stomping, (hence the name) is the only kind I can do, otherwise I look like Elaine and her kick

[sophie274]

I don't want to go to classes, could I just do videos? Would that work?

 

I'm very flexible, do a lot of contortion. I'm sure pilates/yoga would be a breeze for me, as long as it doesn't involve any kind of dancing! lol.

 

Stomping, (hence the name) is the only kind I can do, otherwise I look like Elaine and her kick

 

I'd like to invite you to my power yoga class and see if you breeze through. It's just about being flexible, but also about strength AND cardio - when you do vinyasas (flows), your heart rate gets going mighty fast. In my class yesterday, we did about a 10-minute series of exercising without getting out of a lunge position on each leg. Turns out it's not easy to bend your leg for 10 minutes straight. I have never experienced such a ridiculous burn. My yoga instructor could kick just about anyone's ass - the woman has the most amazing body I have ever seen, and is incredibly strong, and all she does is yoga! She has muscles defined that I didn't even know I had!

 

Same for pilates. I've done it before, and that is some serious ab work.

 

My experience is that you can do any kind of exercise either really leisurely or really intensely. Running can be a breeze too, just go really really slow. Running can also be the most difficult thing ever. Same for biking, swimming, anything. You can make it as hard or as easy as you like - it all depends on you. Most personal trainers and fitness gurus these days incorporate exercises from all sorts of sports into their work-out routines. Variety is the spice of life and helps make sure you work every last muscle in your body.

 

I mean, it doesn't really matter. You should whatever exercise you think will work for you. You just seem to be ruling out an awful lot of types of exercise. My personal experience:

Awesome cardio: Running, biking, swimming, rowing, hiking, dancing

Awesome strength training/muscle building: Lifting in the gym, yoga, rock climbing, aerobics classes