DGS49
Diamond Member
Many years ago, dr. Kenneth Cooper proposed that "aerobic" exercise was the key to cardiovascular fitness. Just bring your heartrate into the training range for 20 minutes or more, three times a week, for top cardio conditioning. Many people are still convinced that this is the best strategy, and that life's greatest achievement is to run a marathon.
Well, maybe not.
More recently, it has been proposed by others that interval training is best. High exertion for a short period (45-60 seconds) followed by rest periods, such that an entire cardio workout can be done in 12-15 minutes.
I have also read (Dr. Barry Sears) that "progressive intervals" are the best. First interval at, say 60% of max, then higher, then higher, until you have reached maximum exertion. Again, the whole cardio workout can be completed in 10-12 minutes, after which - if you are doing it honestly - you are pretty much exhausted.
I am 67 years old and have gone through all of these. I now rely on progressive intervals three times a week, and I THINK my heart and lungs are doing great. (resting heart rate of 45, BP 120/70). My doctors concur. I occasionally do a distance run of 2-1/2-3 miles, but that's more for enjoyment than conditioning. And I do long bike rides (over hill and dale) when possible. And I play tennis, golf, and bowl. And lift weights.
What say y'all? What is best for heart & lungs?
Well, maybe not.
More recently, it has been proposed by others that interval training is best. High exertion for a short period (45-60 seconds) followed by rest periods, such that an entire cardio workout can be done in 12-15 minutes.
I have also read (Dr. Barry Sears) that "progressive intervals" are the best. First interval at, say 60% of max, then higher, then higher, until you have reached maximum exertion. Again, the whole cardio workout can be completed in 10-12 minutes, after which - if you are doing it honestly - you are pretty much exhausted.
I am 67 years old and have gone through all of these. I now rely on progressive intervals three times a week, and I THINK my heart and lungs are doing great. (resting heart rate of 45, BP 120/70). My doctors concur. I occasionally do a distance run of 2-1/2-3 miles, but that's more for enjoyment than conditioning. And I do long bike rides (over hill and dale) when possible. And I play tennis, golf, and bowl. And lift weights.
What say y'all? What is best for heart & lungs?