Exercise Question

[geetey]

My DH works out at his company's fitness center. They have a full time trainer on staff. Joey was telling my dh that you should be exerting a 7 in energy/effort when working out for maximum benefit. If it is lower, you need to increase your workout in some way. ( 0 = complete rest, 10 = on the verge of collapsing)

Is this true? I would have to honestly rate my effort a 6 when I do the 3 mile tape with hand weights and 1 pound ankle weights. I don't have time to do a 4 mile everyday! Any exercise experts out there?

 

[karebear1]

I'm NO expert, but I was wondering if you could explain a little more what you mean?

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

I used to take aerobics 5 years ago and once or twice during class we would stop and take a heart rate to find out if we were in our maximum zone. I think the explanation is that once you reach your ideal zone that you are at an optimal fat burning rate. Too high and you ran the risk of over exerting yourself, too low and you needed to bump things up a bit more.

If you are doing the same tape, maybe you're too used to it. I know that I can do the 3-mile WATP express tape and feel tired but finish but the 3-mile WATP with the weighted balls is too much for me. Maybe you need to spice up your routine or use arm movements all the time instead of just during cues. During aerobics we were told to use or stop using our arms depending on if we needed to bump up or slow down our heart rate.

Good luck!!

 

[WebmasterAlex]

That is a VERY subjective number. Your 6 may be someone else's 4 or 8.

 

[ohMom]

no expert here - but my opinion is that interval training burns fat the fastest! that would be a workout of up and down, short bursts of harder intensity (being able to talk but not wanting too) with somewhat longer periods of less intensity to recover inbetween. Supposedly your body works very hard trying to recover while still exercising - even at a lesser intensity.

I have seen some info on this in SHAPE magazine, maybe their website would have some info?SHAPE mag

I think there is a lot of differences of opinion on this topic and find what works for you and stick to it! I try to do an pre-program interval routine on the cardio machines, but when I walk/jog/bike ride I tend to be more at a steady intensity. BUT, variety is key too otherwise your muscles become accustomed and it isn't as much 'work' for them.

i'm not sure that really helped or i just like to hear myself talk!

 

[geetey]

Karebear,
I guess what I was really trying to say is.... if the 3 mile WATP tapes start getting easier for me, does that mean it isn't helping me anymore? I really credit the WATP tapes for my good numbers each week, along with WW. I am wondering if I have to change my workout to continue to see the same results, or if a 45 min. workout is a 45 min. workout and it still provides the same benefits. Does that make more sense?

Crzy,
I added more arm movements and upped the weights to 3 pounds and that definitely made it more difficult. You are definitely on to something!

Alex,
I wasn't saying that the 3 mile tape is a 6 for anyone but myself. I have been using this series for 3 months now and certainly don't expect anyone else to use my ratings as their own guide. Sorry if my post was confusing!

OhMom,
I am only working out at home and inside (allergies) so I will have to look into a way to turn up the intensity here! Maybe Leslie has an interval training tape.

Thanks for everyone's help!!