Cardiovascular Exercise ???

[billt]

I retired last December. When I did I made the commitment that I would not just get into the bad habit of laying around and becoming a "couch potato". So I got my treadmill all fired up and working, and had a guy come out and tune it up, lubricate it, put on a new belt, etc.

I've been going on it religiously every day since. I take Sundays off. I go 6 days a week, at full incline for 7:00 minutes, at 2.5 MPH. That may not sound like much, but believe me you're huffing and puffing afterward. It's a bit like walking up stairs at a fast pace for 7 minutes.

The thing is I don't feel any different after almost 7 months of doing this. Yeah, it's a bit easier to go the 7 minutes now, than it was when I started. But big deal. I'm not seeing much, if any benefit. I'm 62 and don't expect to feel like an Olympic swimmer, but I should think there would be some physical gain. Do any of you guys undertake in this type of exercise, and do you think it's as beneficial as so many claim it is?

The human heart starts beating not long after conception. And it keeps beating until the day you die. It never gets a break. How can something that works that hard require "exercise" in the first place? What am I not seeing here?

[brushmore]

I've been there done that.  What made a difference for me was high intensity exercise such as Crossfit.  You need to add in some anaerobic exercising into the mix, like some weight lifting, push-up, sit-ups, etc.

[Solus]

Might want to check out this site for a more detailed explanation why aerobics or cardio excessive might be what you need.

http://www.alsearsmd.com/pace2/jvnb/


They want to sell you the plan, but it's not hard to figure out from what is shown.

[tombogan03884]

What result are you looking for ?
Your heart isn't going to get larger, or buff.
What you will accomplish with your current routine is to keep the shot flushed out of your heart and arteries. You only feel that if you don't do it.

[billt]

What result are you looking for ?

You know, I'm not sure of what I should be expecting? I've always felt good. No shortness of breath. No getting long winded going up a flight of stairs, etc. I'm not even sure how I should feel at my age, (62). Other than noticing the fact stuff I used to do takes more out of me now than it did when I was 40. When I went to a Cardiologist 3 years ago, he did a stress test and said he gave my heart a "10". What ever that means. So it's not like I'm ready to keel over.

I've washed and waxed my vehicles. Changed oil and shock absorbers. Cleaned out and organized my garage. All since I've been retired. No problems except for being a little sore the next day. I've got guys on my block that I never see doing anything, except hoisting a beer in a lawn chair. But when I get on the floor to play with the dog, it sure isn't as easy to get up as it used to be! 

[Sponsor]

[lhprop1]

You know, I'm not sure of what I should be expecting? I've always felt good. No shortness of breath. No getting long winded going up a flight of stairs, etc. I'm not even sure how I should feel at my age, (62). Other than noticing the fact stuff I used to do takes more out of me now than it did when I was 40. When I went to a Cardiologist 3 years ago, he did a stress test and said he gave my heart a "10". What ever that means. So it's not like I'm ready to keel over.

I've washed and waxed my vehicles. Changed oil and shock absorbers. Cleaned out and organized my garage. All since I've been retired. No problems except for being a little sore the next day. I've got guys on my block that I never see doing anything, except hoisting a beer in a lawn chair. But when I get on the floor to play with the dog, it sure isn't as easy to get up as it used to be! 

Finally, a topic I actually know something about!

Bill, at your age, being active and staying active is the main thing.  If your heart checks out and you're not having any difficulty in day-to-day activities, you really don't need to do any additional cardio.  As long as you stay active, keep doing what you're doing.  If anything, a brisk daily walk will keep your joints limber.  If you're looking to shed a few pounds, you'll have much better success in watching what you eat rather than trying to burn it off.

As for why the treadmill doesn't seem to be working, it could be a number of reasons.  If you had to climb a hill 1 year ago, would you be able to climb that big hill easier today?  You won't know until you try.  Also, doing the same thing every day tends to yield few results beyond the tolerance to do that specific task.  Try lowering the incline and increasing the speed a touch.

[TAB]

my advice is find the gym where all the pretty young things go( both single and the milfs)  find one with a great but in spandex, get on the machine behind her.  you will be amazed at how far you go.

[ellis4538]

Bill, I used the Tmill 5 days a week after my stay in the hospital.  That along with proper diet made a big difference.  Now that I am unable to do the mill...just barely able to walk the track, I can see a big difference.  I am able to use cycle type action machines (go figure) but they don't seem to be the same.

I suggest you change your routine a bit.  Don't go for max speed and incline but work you way up and spend more time on the mill...worked for me.


Richard

PS:  I weighed 283 to start and got down below 200.  Kept it off for a long time but organized motorcycle rides with a meal thrown in has hurt a bit.

[billt]

Bill, I used the Tmill 5 days a week after my stay in the hospital.  That along with proper diet made a big difference.  Now that I am unable to do the mill...just barely able to walk the track, I can see a big difference. 

Richard

That brings up another thing. Right after I retired my feet were killing me after I finished. I was working 12-1/2 hour shifts 3 days straight standing on a cement floor. Both my back and feet ached something awful by the time I got home. Now that I'm taking it easier, and off my feet more, I have zero foot pain after doing the treadmill. My feet look much better as well. A lot of the dark veins have disappeared. And the skin color is much even and more normal with no dark spots. I'm 6'2", at around 220. So yeah, I could drop a few pounds, but overall I'm not too bad.

[TAB]

try elipticals,  not just one but several different kinds.


they are all a little different, some may not hurt your joints like others.