cardio suggestions

So, I'm a 24 year old full time student, part time guardian of my 3 year old nephew, and also work 40-50 hours a week, so my schedule is pretty limited. The Army taught me that the best time to do cardio conditioning for fat burning is first thing in the morning when the only thing in your stomach is the water you drink when you first wake up. I've been going to the gym at school and hitting the rowing machine for about 30-40 minutes a few mornings a week before class, and I'm seeing some results along with a changed diet. However, I was going to get ideas on more effective cardio in the short time I have to dedicate to fitness. I'm not trying to bulk up. When I lose the weight that I want to work off (post-deployment laziness), I will then start strength training. Any suggestions?

[Llamafighter]

Originally Posted by kborntreger

So, I'm a 24 year old full time student, part time guardian of my 3 year old nephew, and also work 40-50 hours a week, so my schedule is pretty limited. The Army taught me that the best time to do cardio conditioning for fat burning is first thing in the morning when the only thing in your stomach is the water you drink when you first wake up. I've been going to the gym at school and hitting the rowing machine for about 30-40 minutes a few mornings a week before class, and I'm seeing some results along with a changed diet. However, I was going to get ideas on more effective cardio in the short time I have to dedicate to fitness. I'm not trying to bulk up. When I lose the weight that I want to work off (post-deployment laziness), I will then start strength training. Any suggestions?

I've found that doing intervals is the best. set the timer for 20 minutes and then start running for 2 minutes at a steady jog. at the 3 minute mark kick it up to a sprint for a minute then return to a jog for a minute and alternate for the whole time. I find this works best on an elliptical machine

I'm 6'6" and have never found an eliptical machine that has a stride big enough to be comfortable for me. But, intervals definitely does work. I try to do that on the rowing machine, and it is like a full body workout. I just want to do what's most effective.

[rockdawg21]

I prefer high intensity intervals as they don't take very long. It's an extremely brutal 8-12 minutes, but it's done very quickly and it's very effective at burning fat and sparing muscle mass.

[Llamafighter]

Originally Posted by kborntreger

I'm 6'6" and have never found an eliptical machine that has a stride big enough to be comfortable for me. But, intervals definitely does work. I try to do that on the rowing machine, and it is like a full body workout. I just want to do what's most effective.

hmmm I'm 6'3" and haven't had a problem, but maybe a treadmill with manual adjust is the way to go. you just need to anticipate the speed adjustments.
High intensity circuits are good and we do those in boxing.

The army lied to you about doing cardio on an empty stomach. If you have no fuel, you won't get an optimal workout. A true workout that's designed to burn fat isn't about how many calories you burn during the workout. It's about how many calories you burn as a residual effect.

If time is limited, you need it to be a highly intense workout. I also suggest getting some strength training. The more you build muscle, the more calories you'll burn while at rest. Fuel your workout with some carbs and protein, then hit it hard. Keep your metabolism active by eating smaller meals, throughout the day instead of just 2 or 3 large meals. Drink LOTS of water.

It's a myth of turning fat to muscle, which leads people to want to burn the fat BEFORE building the muscle. Building the muscle will HELP burn the fat. Anyway, if you want more info give me a holler. I don't want to throw too much at you at once.

i have a gym at wor, so i go first thing and pic about 10 exercises that use a variety of muscles, than do them each for 45 - 60 secs each without rest ......... i only do it in the morning though cuz no one is there and i can monopolize the equipment ... do it three times than have a nice clean breakfast

i just recently started p90x and its killing me so far its a great workout but the exercises take 1 hour to an hour and 15 min on yoga days. but i would suggest it so far to anyone,