Indoor Cycling: 3 Steps To Build Your Aerobic Base
Author: JimHofman Total views: 5 Word Count: 579
Once you reach a point in time where high impact aerobic activities leave your joints aching, you'll want to consider something equally as effective but less bone jarring. While jogging and aerobic classes are great workouts, they're stressful on your joints. If you're considering other alternatives, you might enjoy indoor cycling or spinning classes.
One major benefit I've noticed after adding indoor cycling to my workout regimen has been an increased energy level. If you've ever gotten drowsy at your desk mid afternoon, you know exactly what I mean. Another significant benefit has been decreased tension and much more restful sleep. And yet, it wasn't easy to consistently commit to these classes. In fact, I almost quit just after I started.
One consideration I hadn't factored in was a reacclimation period to aerobic activity. Many of my classmates had been doing spinning classes for quite a while, and their proficiency level left me discouraged. I didn't consider that I needed to embrace a concept called aerobic base building, which basically means establishing a base level of aerobic fitness. Just as it's important to build a solid foundation for your house, it's equally important for your fitness level.
Building Your Aerobic Base In Three Steps
There are three factors you'll need to consider, and accept, when building your aerobic base. With indoor cycling, you'll typically have display monitors telling you how hard and how long you're working, which is quite helpful. The same is true with spinning classes, as most instructors provide specific instructions during the class to monitor exertion level. Here are the three factors explained:
Step One: Your Target Heart Rate
First, you'll need to know your target heart rate. Your target heart rate is a range that's 65% to 80% of your maximum heart rate. Determining your maximum heart rate is easy -- just subtract your age from 220. Then, multiply that rate by 65% to get the lower end of your target rate, and by 80% to get the upper end. As an example, I'm 46, so my maximum heart rate is 174. 65% of 174 is 113, and 80% of 174 is 139. That means I should strive to pedal at an exertion level that makes my heart beat between 113 and 139 times per minute.
Step Two: Give It Time
Expect to build your aerobic base over a 6 to 8 week time frame, possibly longer if you've been inactive for a while. Plan to gradually challenge yourself so you can maintain your target heart rate for a longer period of time. Remember, the longer you work out at your target zone, the more fat you'll burn.
Step Three: Endurance And Intensity
Once you've built your aerobic base and know your target heart rate, don't be afraid to challenge yourself. Add to the length of time you work out, and push yourself a bit harder. You'll find as you become more fit, you'll need to challenge yourself to reach your target heart rate. That's good, because it means your heart is healthier, you've attained increased cardiac output, and you're more fit overall.
The benefits you'll realize from any aerobic activity are numerous, and they'll impact your life in a very positive way. If you're concerned about high impact activities like jogging or stair climbing, add a spinning class to your workout. It's low impact, effective, and enjoyable!
My Articles Directory Free Web Content Provider
About the Author
Jim Hofman recently added spinning classes to his workout regimen, and the results have been very positive, including weight loss and increased energy levels. If you want to get maximum benefit from your aerobic workouts, be sure to visit Jim's resource site devoted to indoor cycling . Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
Copy and Paste Article Code.
Remember: The article body, title, author bio and links may not be changed or removed. By publishing this article, you agree to all the terms in our Terms of Service.