Getting on the treadmill, elliptical or bike is supposed to burn calories and increase your aerobic fitness, but how do you know if you have the right intensity level to achieve these benefits? Instead of buying expensive Heart Rate monitors or doing a lot of math, a simple way we use to determine intensity is the talk test. If you can comfortably talk without pausing for breath, then you need to increase the intensity, but if you cannot talk at all, or can only say a few words at a time, you probably need tone it down a little. Finding a speed or resistance in the middle is optimum for getting that aerobic benefit but not putting too much stress on the heart.
When it’s so cold outside that it’s uncomfortable, come to the gym to work out on the treadmill or elliptical. Remember, it’s still important to stay hydrated, no matter how cold it is outside.
About the author: Personal Trainer Ricky Buoncore likes to talk about cardio.