cardio workouts
How do you explain to clients that they can get a cardio workout without a treadmill or elliptical? What would be a sample workout you would give a client who says they just dojt feel like theyre getting enough of a workout without doing cardio machines? Clients that dont have a gym membership or time to walk outside when its cold or raining.
Good answers. I am a strong advocate for interval training, whatever the modality of cardio exercise. Increase intensity until the ventilation threshold is reached, slow down, catch breath, then speed up again, whatever the modality. If health condition allows, sometimes increase intensity to an RPE of 10, then slow down, catch breath, then speed up again. The post-interval cool down is essential. I suggest making it at least 3-5 minutes.
Take care.
I think many clients who are used to working out in a gym are unaware of the kind of cardio workout that can be achieved from using very basic (or even no) fitness equipment. Introduce your clients to HIIT for example and I guarantee they’ll say iots harder than any cardio they’ve done in the gym. It’s proof that you just don’t need these big cardio machines to get a great workout. Add some basic bodyweight exercises like burpees, mountain climbers, jumping jacks and introduce a 20/10 routine for 8 sets a piece. This will be tough for even very fit individuals.
Sarah Murphy
www.motivatept.co.uk
Melissa,
To try and explain why a client can get a cardio workout on a machine can be tricky. It may require some defining, which is just boring for everyone. Knowing why they don’t think they can get a workout is a better question to ask. It may be a simple dislike. If that is the case, it is our job to find modes that they do like. If you needed to explain to them the “why” factor, I would tell them that any aerobic exercise is defined by prolonged, regular, repeated muscle action. Ellipticals, bikes, treadmills, etc., all do this.
My suggestion is HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). This is a research-backed method to 1) provide a challenge, 2) eliminate monotony, and 3) significantly improve cardiovascular and metabolic function. If they will try the machines for this, it is very easy to monitor and control. If they will not do machines, (or like you said, don’t have access to them) this can also be done by regular running and/or biking. They would just need a running watch.
Even though the name sounds intimidating, research has shown it to be effective for a wide variety of clientele abilities. (It has been put into use in cardiac-rehab facilities). I use this kind of training for the “young guns” I work with, and for the elderly population as well.
Below is a link to my recent blog post on HIIT. It is a 5 minute read, and provides a sample HIIT routine. It is definitely worth a look:
http://blog.ideafit.com/blogs/anton-snyder/high-intensity-interval-train…
Good luck!
-Anton
Hello Melissa Sigler,
I would explain that anything that gets the heart rate up is cardio.
Did you ask or explain how the cardio machine keeps them moving at a certain pace which is why they get a “better” workout feel?
They may not know how to keep up that pace on their own; that may be the place to take this conversation.
Take care,
Natalie
NAPS 2 B Fit