Aznman

I do both weight lifting and cardio/aerobic; cycling would be my main cardio.
But I am wondering if adding other types of cardio would benefit me even more. Or would it be insignificant?

Basically, these are the options that I am interested in:
1. Jump roping (up and down motion) and cycling.
2. Running/jogging and cycling
3. Jump roping, running and cycling (I probably won't have enough time for this option).
4. Cycling is good enough; adding other things won't benefit you much.

late

Rowing is great.

linnefaulk

Adding other types of exercise is always beneficial. It keeps your body guessing.

Slowhead

It may be the best single all around exercise.

sprince

Cycling is about as pure cardio as it gets, and if you are already lifting I'd add something to help offset muscle imbalances introduced by too much time cycling. Maybe one of hiking, running, basketball, football, rowing or tennis one day a week.

RISKDR1

hiking in mountainous terrain is great. I have bagged peaks where my Heart rate was at 90% for over an hour on long steep pitches. It does not pound you like running but has a high aerobic benefit. I use hiking poles and that engages upper body like Nordic skiing.

Aznman

That is awesome. Thank you

hermanchauw

What is your goal?

Aznman

I'm going to be taking self defense classes. I want to build balanced endurance.

wolfchild

If you're taking self-defence then you need: speed, power, explosive strength and flexibility. You are already doing cycling which is cardio, don't waste time doing more cardio. Focus your energy on improving and practising your self defence techniques instead of doing more cardio.
Self defence is all about finishing the fight as quickly as possible which requires speed, explosive strength , power and good technique. You don't need endurance to run in circles around your opponent for 2 hours...Strong core is the most important thing because every powerful kick, punch and many other self-defence movements originate from the core and hips.

Aznman

Thanks.

hermanchauw

Self defense or sport fighting? Must be differentiated.

Self defense no need any physical performance. Gouge eyes, squeeze windpipe, kick balls etc no need much force.

Sport fighting need strength and conditioning.

FrenchFit 

+1. And you think you have your cardio optomized, and then you try something new and end up hands on knees huffing and puffing. I added private boxing lessons to my work-outs, jeez...totally fried after 30 minutes. And, I'm used to one/two hour runs.

Aznman

Wow. Thanks for this advice.

GeorgeBMac

Cycling is mostly endurance (with a few exceptions)

My cardiologist (actually his exercise physiologist) asked me to add HIIT 2-3 times a week to my routine. The routine he recommended was running on a treadmill in intervals of 4x4 for total of 30-40 minutes.

Also, I have found that running uses -- and strengthens -- different muscles than does cycling.

danadear

Due to my goals I run and ride. 3 rides per week and 3 runs per week. I think they compliment each other very nicely. .

rumrunn6

add some swimming to feel amazing

mcmoose

It's not a bad idea for cyclists to add a weight-bearing exercise to help maintain bone density and strength. Whatever you can do and not blow out your knees.

And a strong core helps everything.


Old Lady mcmoose

RISKDR1

One form of activity that no one mentioned is rollerblading. Done with good skating form it builds a lot of power. It also builds good core strength.