question about exercise

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-06-2004
question about exercise
6
Tue, 01-23-2007 - 6:22pm

Hello ladies. I finally got an elliptical trainer....woo hoo!! The problem is trying to work out on it for 45-60 minutes at a time kills me. Would my workout be just as effective if I broke it down to 3 or 4- 15 minute sessions a day? I was planning on doing that and switching up the resistance at each session so I dont get bored. Will this be benificial or should I tough out the 45-60 minutes all at once?? Thanks a bunch!!!

~Christina~

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-18-2005
Tue, 01-23-2007 - 6:32pm

Hello!


Studies show that smaller workouts work just as well.

The WeatherPixie <
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 01-23-2007 - 7:13pm

Firstly- welcome to the board Christina!


You'd be fine in breaking up the segments.....perhaps even start lengthening them each day, by about 5 mins....eventually you will be able to work up to that 50-60mins! But JJ's right, the benefits are the same! So- keep on walking!


Here's an article about this very subject:
Starting an Exercise Program-
http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/activity/startexercise.htm
A simple Q&A-
http://www.active.com/story.cfm?story_id=11431&sidebar=576



Q: What if I can't complete 30 minutes during my first week?


A: That's OK. No one expects you to do a 30-minute workout if you've been sedentary. Aim for 15 minutes the first day. Add five minutes the next.
Keep adding time or increasing speed or intensity as you improve. Remember: small steps.

_____________________________________________________

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-11-2003
Tue, 01-23-2007 - 8:04pm

I agree, small steps. I recently tried a new workout and after 20-30 minutes of it I felt great. After 45 minutes, I felt like I was gonna die! So

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-18-2003
Tue, 01-23-2007 - 10:08pm

Hi Christina, and welcome!

I agree with the other posters...several short workouts during the day will be benficial also. Maybe start with the 3-15 minute workouts. And then up those workouts to 20 minutes each. And then start breaking it into a couple 25 minutes. And you'll be feeling fit in no time.

~~ Steffy ~~
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Wed, 01-24-2007 - 11:16am

Welcome to the board Christina!!


I too have an elllptical, and I sure am not up to 45 minutes yet! LOL I think that starting off slowly at shorter intervals is a great idea, as the other ladies have said!


Good luck and let us know how you're doing!!


iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2001
Wed, 01-24-2007 - 7:19pm

You already got great advice just wanted to add that sometimes due to time constraints I break my workouts up into Morning (30 mins)