Group: General Fitness & Exercise

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 382, Messages: 54581

Various general exercise related discussions. Find out what it takes to reach your fitness goals through daily effective exercise. With so many options we try to find out what works best.

Join group

Running Ideas?

kab63
kab63
Posts: 10
Joined: 2003/03/12
United States
2003/03/25, 02:34 PM
I all-and-all despise running, but it's the only thing that really seems to help me lose fat and build tone in my legs and stomach. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make it more appealing and fun. Even better, does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives that are just as effective?
ebabe1026
ebabe1026
Posts: 165
Joined: 2003/03/10
United States
2003/03/25, 03:02 PM
Cardio wise - suggestions would be Elliptical Trainer, aerobics, stairmaster. Sounds as though you also need to incorporate weight training for those legs of yours. I used to be a die-hard runner but since I've laid off the running & shifted gears the past 2 years toward weight training my body has become more defined than any cardio ever did for me.

Best of luck!

--------------
You only get ONE body, take care of it and it'll take care of YOU!
kab63
kab63
Posts: 10
Joined: 2003/03/12
United States
2003/03/25, 04:56 PM
Thanks for the suggestion ebabe....
I actually do incorporate weight training in my routine (all the standard gym leg machines, including lunges and squats with the smith machine, plie squats with free weights, etc) but I can't seem to accomplish the really tight, lean, toned look that running brings.
I currently take twice weekly spinning classes, I use the elliptical trainer (on various programs) for about 30-45 minutes 3-4x/wk, I use the Stairclimber for 20 minutes on the interval setting 3-4x/wk, I hop on an excercise bike once in a great while, and I walk to and from work in a hilly area (totals about 30min).
I know I'm in decent, if not good, shape but for whatever reason, running kills me both physically and mentally (ack, my achin' joints). I like what running does for my appearance, but I hate what it does to my mental state and my joints.
As a running convert, do you feel better not running anymore? What made you stop? What do you do to maintain cardio health? Has your body changed a lot? How have you maintained lower body strength, leanness, and agility?
Sorry for all the questions....I think I need to try a few new things, and I'm all ears for inspiration!