High impact cardio vs low impact cardio

[Demonia]

When I get on the elliptical machine there is always a chart that says the levels of fat burning as opposed to cardio training. What should I be doing more of and what is the impact of each. Which one is more beneficial.

Thanks for your help,

[Demonia]

What's a better workout regime, circuit training or doing 1 body part and cardio for each workout or is it better to do a combination of both.

Thanks for your help,

[threenorns]

basically, do whatever gets you sweaty: each has benefits.

[CF-OC_gal]

Sweat is not a good guide. Some people do some people don't . Learn how to measure and use your heart rate as a measure of intensity.

[threenorns]

that was meant metaphorically speaking.

[midgetcop]

Ignore those so-called "fat-burning zone" charts. It's been busted as a big myth:

http://exercise.about.com/cs/cardiow.../aa022601a.htm
http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/Dumm...bcat-MIND.html

[Demonia]

Thanks Midget cop for the links I always thought that high impact was better of the two and I don't have enough patience to keep a slow pace I always just want to start running.

[midgetcop]

Personally, I do a mixture of cardio to keep it interesting. On average I do about 2 high-intensity sessions and 1 longer, low-moderate intensity session per week.

[Stiletto]

Hmmm... i dunno about the sweat issue not being a good judge of an effective workout. I personally strive for what I call "break through" sweat.... when I can get to the point where my body just kind of opens up and lets it all run out (one of the reason I love spinning so much!). For me its more of a catharsis. It means my body is responding correctly to a heavier cardio workout; it means I am not dehydrated. Workouts where I can't get to the break through stage tell me I probably need more H2O... less sodium... less alcohol whatever.

I have friends who absolutely detest sweating and stick to pilates and yoga for their workouts. It works for them. Just doesn't cut it for me, tho.

Am I off target with this?

[ajarvis]

I personally don't think how much you sweat is a good guide to whether or not you're working hard enough. I work up a good sweat walking to and from work (even in -36 temps). Don't know why. Just the way I am, but it doesn't mean that I don't need to do an actual workout.

[sillyme]

I've posted this before, but my favorite is high intensity. I do it on the treadmill. And to make it interesting I'm always changing the slope. Also I don't like to just run straight ahead. I also go sideways (kind of like those basketball player drills) and backwards. It's great fun and VERY VERY effective.