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Treadmill, exercise bike, rowing machine: what’s the best option for cardio at home?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lewis-ingram-1427671">Lewis Ingram</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hunter-bennett-1053061">Hunter Bennett</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/saravana-kumar-181105">Saravana Kumar</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Cardio, short for cardiovascular exercise, refers to any form of rhythmic physical activity that increases your heart rate and breathing so the heart and lungs can deliver oxygen to the working muscles. Essentially, it’s the type of exercise that gets you huffing and puffing – and fills many people with dread. People often do cardio to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30003901/">lose weight</a>, but it’s associated with a variety of health benefits including reducing the risk of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6481017/">heart disease</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30191075/">stroke</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27707740/">falls</a>. Research shows cardio also improves <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29334638/">cognitive function</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26978184/">mental health</a>. The <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity">World Health Organization</a> recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardio per week. There are many ways to do cardio, from playing a team sport, to riding your bike to work, to going for a jog. If you’re willing and able to invest in a piece of equipment, you can also do cardio at home. The treadmill, stationary bike and rowing machine are the most popular pieces of cardio equipment you’ll find in a typical gym, and you can buy any of these for your home too. Here’s how to know which one is best for you. <h2>The treadmill</h2> In terms of effectiveness of exercise, it’s hard to look past the treadmill. Running uses most of your major muscle groups and therefore leads to greater increases in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1334197/">heart rate</a> and energy expenditure compared to other activities, such as cycling. As a bonus, since running on a treadmill requires you to support your own body weight, it also helps to build and maintain <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26562001/">your bones</a>, keeping them strong. This becomes even more important <a href="https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/exercise-your-bone-health">as you get older</a> as the risk of developing medical conditions such as osteopenia and osteoporosis – where the density of your bones is reduced – increases. But the treadmill may not be for everyone. The weight-bearing nature of running may exacerbate pain and cause swelling in people with common joint conditions such as osteoarthritis. Also, a treadmill is likely to require greater maintenance (since most treadmills are motorised), and can take up a lot of space. <h2>Stationary bike</h2> The stationary bike provides another convenient means to hit your cardio goals. Setting the bike up correctly is crucial to ensure you are comfortable and to reduce the risk of injury. A general rule of thumb is that you want a slight bend in your knee, as in the picture below, when your leg is at the bottom of the pedal stroke. While cycling has significant benefits for <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21496106/">cardiovascular</a> and metabolic health, since it’s non-weight-bearing it doesn’t benefit your <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0026049507003253">bones</a> to the same extent as walking and running. On the flipside, it offers a great cardio workout without stressing your joints. <h2>Rowing machine</h2> If you’re looking to the get the best cardio workout in the least amount of time, the rowing machine might be for you. Because rowing requires you to use all of your major muscle groups including the upper body, your heart and lungs have to work even harder than they do when <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32627051/">running and cycling</a> to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8325720/">deliver oxygen</a> to those working muscles. This means the energy expended while rowing is comparable to running and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3193864/">greater than cycling</a>. But before you rush off to buy a new rower, there are two issues to consider. First, the technical challenge of rowing is arguably greater than that of running or cycling, as the skill of rowing is often less familiar to the average person. While a coach or trainer can help with this, just remember a good rowing technique should be felt primarily in your legs, not your arms and back. Second, the non-weight-bearing nature of rowing means it misses out on the same bone health benefits offered by the treadmill – although there is some evidence it still can increase bone density <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7551766/">to a smaller degree</a>. Nevertheless, like cycling, this drawback of rowing may be negated by offering a more joint-friendly option, providing a great alternative for those with joint pain who still want to keep their heart and lungs healthy. <h2>So, what’s the best option?</h2> It depends on your goals, what your current health status is, and, most importantly, what you enjoy the most. The best exercise is the one that gets done. So, choose whichever piece of equipment you find the most enjoyable, as this will increase the likelihood you’ll stick to it in the long term.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/213352/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lewis-ingram-1427671">Lewis Ingram</a>, Lecturer in Physiotherapy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hunter-bennett-1053061">Hunter Bennett</a>, Lecturer in Exercise Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/saravana-kumar-181105">Saravana Kumar</a>, Professor in Allied Health and Health Services Research, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/treadmill-exercise-bike-rowing-machine-whats-the-best-option-for-cardio-at-home-213352">original article</a>.

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Should your workout routine change as you age?

We all know how hugely important exercise, movement and an active lifestyle are for our health and longevity. But even the most workout-honed bods are not immune to the ageing process, and for those of us who don't have a regular fitness regime, the changes Mother Time wreaks on our bodies are even more noticeable. "Unfortunately, we all age and the tell-tale signs cannot be stopped," says Simon Bennett, owner and head strength and conditioning coach at TRI-FIT Endurance Performance Centre on Sydney's Northern Beaches. "Our metabolism slows down leading to unwanted weight gain, we produce less testosterone leading to decreased libido and our energy and mood levels aren't what they once were. Our bodies become more susceptible to injuries and we spend more money on posture related treatment like chiropractic and osteopathic care. In our late years we are at high risk of muscular and bone degenerative diseases unless we exercise regularly." Bennett shares the most important inclusions and changes we should make to our exercise routines as we reach 40 and beyond. Strength/ resistance training It's usually during our mid-30s that we typically begin to lose muscle mass and function, with physically inactive people losing as much as three to five per cent of their muscle mass with every passing decade. All too commonly, this loss of muscle mass is replaced by fat, which is why resistance training is essential as we get older. "Strength training not only builds strong muscles, it also develops bone mineral density which will reduce bone related diseases like osteoporosis," explains Bennett. "Strength training will also help with testosterone production, something that's important for both males and females." Bennett advises that there's something for everyone when it comes to strength training, ranging from powerlifting and body building for those who really want to push themselves and lift heavy weight, to cross-fit and TRI-FIT classes "for those who enjoy lifting weights but also want more. Basic strength training is a large part of the program but they have a more functional and athletic approach." For those who prefer light weight lifting, Bennett recommends F45 circuit training and body pump classes, "and for those who simply don't want to lift any weights, then bodyweight strength training like TRX and callisthenic training are fantastic". Yoga As we age, the neuromuscular connections that help keep us upright slowly decline, resulting in poorer balance. But the good news is those nerve pathways can be kept in check or even reclaimed by specific daily attention. A good habit to get into is to practice standing on one leg like a stork each morning while you brush your teeth. From an exercise perspective, Bennett recommends yoga to "lengthen the muscles, improve joint mobility and stretch and strengthen all the tendons that attach your muscles to the bones". He advises, "Yoga comes in many styles, much like strength training, so find a local yoga centre and discuss what will suit your needs based on age, restrictions and goals." Endurance/Cardiovascular training Maintaining good cardiorespiratory health is vital, especially as we get older. "With a strong heart and lungs, we can rest assured that our vital organs are in good health," says Bennett. "Go for a run, swim some laps in the pool, surf, ride a bike, even a fast paced walk will elevate your heart rate enough to burn some kilojoules, improve blood circulation and strengthen the heart." Conditioning/H.I.T.T Training Keeping a handle on our weight (or avoiding developing handles in the first place!) is notoriously more challenging once we get past 40, and Simon says the H.I.I.T revolution is the most time-efficient way to halt middle aged spread in its tracks. "H.I.I.T training style allows us to spike the heart rate to near max efforts in short sharp frequent bursts leaving our bodies to continue to burn kilojoules for up to 36 hours post exercise – more kilojoules burnt in less time basically. Now people can be in and out of as gym in under 45 minutes which suits the fast pace of modern life." Foam rolling and mobility training As we age, our tendons and muscles tend to get tighter, and our risk of injury – tendinitis, in particular – increases. Daily stretching is essential later in life, and foam rolling is a great addition to this. Explains Bennett, "You should spend at least 10 minutes prior to any exercise performing a variety of drills and movements using foam rollers, massage balls, broom handles and resistance bands. "These movements allow for greater range of motion in our joints, the release of tight and overactive muscles from day to day activities and the breakdown of any adhesions that occur in the fascia, the fibrous connective tissue that surrounds our muscles. If this is tight then the muscles can't be used efficiently, meaning added stress on tendons that will place you at a higher risk of soft tissue injuries." While maintaining a fitness regime throughout life is ideal, it's never too late to start a fitness program. Bennett has this advice for people who've had a long time between gym visits: If you have any illnesses or injuries that may inhibit you from physical training, see a physician to get medical clearance. Begin light and build into it. Start bodyweight training before advancing to more challenging styles of training. Ensure a variety of styles of exercise. Doing the same thing will lead to training plateaus so mix it up. How do you exercise in tune with your body? Let us know in the comments below. Written by Zoe Meunier. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Images: Getty

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Infographic of 5 astounding benefits of walking

Here are five reasons to ditch the car in favour of a brisk walk or, even if you don’t have to go anywhere, stretch those walking shoes at least once a day. <img width="500" height="1233" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/19028/5-benefits-of-walking_500x1233.jpg" alt="5 benefits of walking"/> Source: Youthkiawaaz.com Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2016/01/the-activity-that-cuts-death-risk/">This activity halves risk of death</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/02/four-ways-to-stay-active/">From walking groups to tai chi, top 4 ways to stay active</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2016/03/struggling-to-lose-weight/">5 reasons why you may be struggling to lose weight</a>

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5 great cardio alternatives to running

We’re not all born athletes, and we’re certainly not all born runners. Many people may find running particularly un-enjoyable for a variety of reasons, ranging from their body type to their attention span. Here are five great alternative cardio options that you can try instead: 1. Swimming Swimming not only works entire body, including being great for your core, but is non-impact thus reducing risk of injury. In fact this is a go to for when you’re injured. Mix things up and do different strokes every two to four laps alternating between freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly and so on. Kickboards will also really work your legs and core and help to create variety in your session. Aim for at 20-30min of non-stop swimming and you'll definitely feel your heart and breathing rate go up. 2. Boxing Whether you take a class or do some work on the bag by yourself, boxing is a great cardio choice. It’s also a form of resistance training that will also strengthen and tone your entire body. If you're not sure what to do, join a boxing class or gym for a few ideas and combine bodyweight drills such as skipping, high knees and kicks to break up the punching. 3. Skipping So simple yet so effective, skipping is not just for schoolkids. In fact, jumping rope is a great form of cardio training. Alternate what you do, go for fast speed skips intervals with short easy skipping in between. High knees, side-to-side jumps, double-unders and so on – all of which work your cardiovascular system as well as coordination and agility skills. You will also feel your core working and your posture straighten up simply by staying up tall and engaging your abs as you jump. 4. HIIT (high intensity interval training) HIIT style training is taking off in a big way because of its ability to combine multiple modes of training into an awesome metabolic session (meaning you torch a bunch of calories during and after your session). To make an HIIT style session more cardio based, simply choose cardio and plyometric drills (i.e. rowing, high knees, squat jumps, skips, skaters etc) that you can do high reps for short bursts with little rests in between. Keep your heart rate up throughout by going for max efforts of high reps in the short intervals and keep the rests in between short so you stay in that cardio zone. 5. Hill or sand sprints Okay so this is still kind of running. However, you can break up the idea of a long, boring run into shorter sprint intervals. Not only do you make it more achievable but you also will get a more metabolic effect from your workout (again think mega calorie burn and great for building lean strong muscle). Choose distances that are doable on your end (anywhere from 80m-200m) and go for 10-15 sprints with either standing rest or jog back as recovery. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz </a> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2015/12/7-common-lies-about-fat/">7 common lies about fat</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2015/12/bloating-food/">The best and worst foods for bloating</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2015/11/what-your-food-cravings-mean/">What your body’s cravings really mean</a>

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Treadmill, exercise bike, rowing machine: what’s the best option for cardio at home?

Should your workout routine change as you age?

Infographic of 5 astounding benefits of walking

5 great cardio alternatives to running

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