do I HAVE to sweat?

tuffgrl · 30-Nov-05, 08:39 PM

I was doing step aerobics for about a year to get in shape for my honeymoon. After only 30 min. I would be literally dripping sweat. I loved that feeling...knowing that I got a good workout. I had surgery about three months ago, and 12 lbs. later, I'm just now starting to work out again this week. I can't do step aerobics any more because it hurts to much after all of that bouncing. I ordered this row machine from e-bay. After the first day of using it, my arms, abs, and back were sore. So I know it's definately working muscles....but I don't sweat, at all and I don't get out of breath either. I only do 30 min. which only burns 100 calories. Is that enough? Am I still getting an effective cardiovascular workout, even though I'm not sweating? I really need to know if this sounds like it will still burn fat. I have put on soo much fat since my surgery, I don't even look the same any more.

CF-OC_gal · 30-Nov-05, 09:12 PM

Sweating isn't a good indication of fitness. Some of us do and some of us don't as much.

Your comment about liking step aerobics is a good indicator of what motivates you though. Why not get a good supportive bra (yes you'll have to make an investment) or wear 2 at once and get back to the routine you love the best?

Check out the site title9 for an idea of what is out there.

**.V.** · 30-Nov-05, 10:57 PM

tuffgrl, I don't know what kind of surgery you had. But if your doc has released you for physical activity then what Brat said is very good advice.

There are plenty of other things you can do too. A stationary bike, a recumbant bike. Even walking fast is a good cardio exercise. Anything to get the heart rate up is going to help. Some days I just go out and split firewood for an hour (150 heart rate for 1 hour). Not as intense as a hard bike ride or a run but still better than sitting on the couch working the remote control button.

Your rowing machine will work too. So what if you only burn 100 calories - you are still increasing your metabolism from doing it and will continue to burn calories after the workout is done.

Now about that 12 pounds...from the pics you posted before, it probably didn't really hurt your appearance any. But if you aren't happy with it, it's got to go. Get to work on the diet as well as the activity.

Good luck for getting the results you want.

**threenorns** · 01-Dec-05, 02:10 AM

basically, you're not getting as much of a workout from a rowing machine.

might want to investigate canoeing if you like that kind of exercise. otherwise, the bra is the way to go. one trick i found works well is just to wrap the chest in tensor bandage.

CF-OC_gal · 01-Dec-05, 06:11 AM

Rowing is an awesome workout! If you do it right.

I limit it now because it feeds into my dislike of leg work. It gets the heart rate up just fine though.

**threenorns** · 01-Dec-05, 06:18 AM

i guess i'm spoiled: those rowing machines feel nothing like a canoe or rowboat - i don't get a thing from them except bored.

tuffgrl · 01-Dec-05, 07:15 AM

what sucks is that I already bought the thing....I was hoping that it would be more convenient with my new busy schedule of 2 jobs. It folds up and I can stick it in the corner of the living room, and take it out and row while my husband and I share some TV time too. That was the only disadvantage to step aerobics...I had to kick my hubby of the TV for an hour. Maybe I'll buy one of those mini steppers too and switch back and forth between that and the rower. I guess I can always do a few min. of jumping jacks to get that heart rate up or something.

**.V.** · 01-Dec-05, 09:14 AM

Sometimes to get our activity, we have to do things we don't really like. I hate the cardioglide. But use it. It's a heck of a workout - it gives one back what they put into it. Just row faster, or if it's adjustable, turn the resistance up on it. Once you get a feel for it you CAN make a pretty good cardio session out of it. Also a good leg/back workout. Not like weights, but you can still work the muscles and get your heart to pumping with it.

The mini stepper is a good idea too if you prefer that kind of thing. You just don't want to do like far to many people do and end up with a storage closet or garage full of fitness equipment that you don't use.

tuffgrl · 01-Dec-05, 04:53 PM

I actually worked out to one of my old step videos today. I just held myself in position while doing the major bouncing....

It was tuff, and I'm a little out of shape compared to what I used to be. But I got my sweat, and heart rate pumpin. I think what I will do, is invest in a mini step in addition to my rower. I will do 20 min. of the mini step in the mornings when I wake up, my step video after my 1st job in the afternoon (only mon-thurs), and the rower when I get home from my 2nd job. I'm also going to squeeze in my weight training in the afternoon after my step routine. Then on the weekends, I will just do the rower, and pilates. I know it sounds like a lot...it might be. But I'm gonna try it, and see how it works for me.

**.V.** · 01-Dec-05, 06:05 PM

Good luck. Sounds like a lot of work. Don't overtrain right off the bat since you've had some time off. Watch your progress very carefully and if you start to feel as if you are overdoing it, cut back a little.

Best wishes for good results.

tuffgrl · 01-Dec-05, 06:10 PM

thanks....As soon as I get some batteries for my digi camera, I'm going to take a "new" progress pic of myself and post my progress. I already had some posted, but I obviously went the opposite way in progress. So far I have worked out every day this week, and that is a very big step for me. I am giving myself 6 mon. to see what happens by May, and I'll keep everybody posted.

CF-OC_gal · 01-Dec-05, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by threenorns

i guess i'm spoiled: those rowing machines feel nothing like a canoe or rowboat - i don't get a thing from them except bored.

No it doesn't feel like row boats or canoeing. I know that the competitive rowing teams at both universities here hog them for their winter training so they must be a legitimate exercise tool.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffgrl

what sucks is that I already bought the thing....I was hoping that it would be more convenient with my new busy schedule of 2 jobs. It folds up and I can stick it in the corner of the living room, and take it out and row while my husband and I share some TV time too.

That could be your problem... it's not built strong enough. I never enjoyed rowing until I started using the Concept II rower or one similar. I considered buying one but the darn thing is over $2000. It is the one most gyms here have. I'm usually working in the top 3 settings.