Cross-trainer work out for beginner.

thegirlintheattic

I used to do a fair bit of walking but have become very lazy of late, so have decided to make use of the cross-trainer we bought some time ago.

Any ideas for a good beginners workout?

I'm currently doing 15 mins every other day at resistance 2 (out of 8).

[Deleted User]

Interval training will give you a more challenging workout that doing the whole session at the same resistance. Try doing a minute at resistance 4/5 for example then 2 mins at resistance 2 then a minute at 4/5 etc. Or start at resistance 1 for a minute and put the resistance up every minute then back down again. You need to monitor your speed (steps per minute?) as well to know how well you're doing and hopefully to get motivated through seeing your fitness improve. If you get a heart rate monitor you can also set yourself targets for your heart rate which should show evidence of improved fitness as you progress. Good luck! Set yourself small but realistic targets

andygb

I think that you have to monitor your heart rate as well, to make sure that you are pushing yourself a bit.
Victoria's suggestions of intervals are a really good idea, because it makes for a great workout and also makes the time go quickly.
The idea with interval training, is that the intervals and rest periods should be balanced, in order that you can sustain a high effort during the interval, but rest effectively so that you can deliver the same effort again.
I would not however recommend doing interval training every day, because it is very intensive, so you should mix it with sustained effort days and light work days.

Conrad

I agree on the interval training. It's made a huge difference in my regimes.

Even doing things like sit - ups at home, you can turn into interval style training.


Just plodding at one pace is not nearly as effective and also gets a bit boring.