Cross Training Questions
When to use cross trainer/how long for/technique?
Hi. I've just bought a cross trainer. I want to tone my stomach, thighs and bum. I'm just a little unsure of when to use it and how long for really. I'm finding it quite difficult to use at the minute as I'm quite unfit. When is the best time to use it? The morning or evening? Also, how long should I go on it for? I'd like to lose half a stone or so but I'd much prefer to tone up tbh. Also, I've heard that using the machine in reverse is good. Why it this? What is a cross trainer good for? What areas are they good at toning?
Public Comments
- the best time to exercise is in the evening before you've eaten. when i started in the cross trainer i was doind 10 mins, and now a month on i do an hour a day on it! you should start with the time your comfortable with and push it when you can, maybe add another 5 mins every week.
- Yep - start on a comfortable level for 15 minutes or so, you can go at your own pace - but then gradually build it up to more time - or a higher level/resistance. But don't stop just because you feel slightly breathless - you do have to keep going at it, and you don't start burning calories until 20 minutes after exercising at a moderate level. Its a good thing to sweat and be out of breath, coz you know its doing something. Try doing it in front of the telly so the time passes quicker. Its better to do it before you eat as well, because if you have worked out enough at a high enough level your body keeps burning calories for up to 2 hours after you finish exercising. When you use it in reverse it especially helps your bum.
- I use the cross trainer because it takes away the impact on my legs from running, and I like the fact its good for your arms and upper body as well as lower. Best way to lose a bit of weight is to work out for at least 60mins, the first 20minutes burns 80% carbs and 20% body fat, after 40minutes you are burning equally 50% carbs and body fat, and if you can keep up the routine your body will start burning your body fat exclusively at 80% and only 20% carbs, and the longer you stay for, the more fat you'll burn. But thats a guideline to make sure you don't overwork yourself, and you need to make sure you stay in the aerobic zone, going too fast will simply your body into anerobic zone, which doesnt burn fat and not going fast enough also doesnt work for you. The best way to find your aerobic zone is check your breathing, if you can hold a conversation then your not in your zone, and if your struggling for breath then you are over your zone, you need to be in a position where you might need to take a breath of air every now and then but not be breathless. Doing the workout backwards is also great for your thighs and bum, it may be a good idea to slightly tense your muscles while doing it to feel more results and tone up more of those hard to reach bits that take ages to tone up. And on top of all that, keep hydrated, drink lots of water, and eat a well balanced diet, a nice mix of foods with equal amounts of fats, carbs and protein, and dont forget your 5 veg a day! Good luck!
