Originally Posted by
Oneder
6'2" and 300 lbs. I regularly workout at gym already a couple times a week with weights and treadmill. I have gained weight in the last few years but don't look as fat as you would imagine (if I tell people my weight they are dumbstruck and can't believe it). However in the last two years my BP suddenly skyrocketed from normal range to danger zone and the medicine has side effects but does not seem to actually help the BP much!
I am up to around 4 miles a day now and have lost about 10 diastolic from my BP and would like to lose 10-15 more so I can stop using these damned medicines. However the time and especially the weather are a bit of a concern so I don't want to do more than I have to either. For me the only way to stick to things is to do it every single day, rain or shine or else I will eventually get sidetracked and get lazy on it.
So what is considered the range that is best for cardio where you get most bang for the buck? No idea how long my rides take and it varies a lot depending on weather so discussing the time taken is kind of useless.
Should I be shooting for 5 miles? 10 miles? If I go more than that then will it really make that much difference?
Any experiences you guys have would be a big help. Thanks.
IMHO, it’s more about time in saddle than miles. 5 miles takes you in the neighborhood of 25-30 minutes I guess? That’s a great start and you’re right, 60 minutes is better than 30, but only if it’s sustainable for a *lifestyle*. I’d hate to see you push it to 60 minutes a day only to fall off the wagon in a few months mentally and physically burnt out.
My recommendation is ride 3 days a week. One day easy and short, one day easy and a little longer, one day short and little faster. Set a schedule so you can plan ahead and gear up for that fast day or long day or relax mentally knowing the easy day is coming.
And don’t think you have to hammer the whole way everyday. As they say, ride slower to get faster. Meaning, if you slow down, it’ll be more enjoyable so you’ll ride more often for longer distance and you won’t suffer mental or physical burnout... so in 6 months you’ll be far faster and fitter if you just take it easy and hammer only on designated days, once every week or two.
Cheers,
Dan