Not seeing improvement in my cardio

kknitter

Hi All,

Its almost a year now that I go to gym, I was hoping my cardio would have improved by now... but sadly no (May be I am being too hard on myself )

By improve in cardio I mean, I shouldn't be out of breath just after 10 mins on cross trainer on level 8 !!!!

I was hoping I could do 25 mins without tiring in one go... but currently I can do 15 mins and then weights and then 15 mins... well it amounts to 30 mins a day... but I would like to be good at cardio..
Well, I do spin class once a week as well, but by the end of 30 mins I am really struggling.. and I see people flying through it even at the end!!

Please let me know if it doesnt make sense... I would try and explain better..
But I would really like to improve my cardio..

Forgot to add. I am female 29, 61kgs, 5'7'' height
Really appreciate your help.
Regards

Duck's hoop

kknitter wrote: »

By improve in cardio I mean, I shouldn't be out of breath just after 10 mins on cross trainer on level 8 !!!!

Is this 10 mins from start? You need to warm up for 10 - 15 mins before pushing it.

If you do 40 mins of cardio, consistently, 3-4 times a week you'll notice a difference after only a few weeks. So I'm sure you've improved.

The only real way of measuring this is with HR monitor. Perceived effort and actual effort can be quite different.

Your HR should be coming down over time for the same speed/distance/time kinda thing.

kknitter

Thank you Duck's hoop for the reply. Yes, I start at level 8 and work on same level for 15 mins, I choose different workout option every 2nd day like hill, interval, etc..

hmm... I don't own HR monitor right now, will look into it.
Thank you very much.

AntiVirus

kknitter wrote: »

hmm... I don't own HR monitor right now, will look into it.
Thank you very much.

I found a heart rate monitor is a great way to see how you your fitness has improved over time. I've been wearing a heart rate monitor while out running for the past year and have found my average heart rate has dropped by 10 beats per minute over the same course running at the same speed.

longhalloween

A HR monitor will should tell you how hard you're actually working.

I know for myself after about 15 minutes I get very tired and out of breath but I get a second wind if I stick it out for a few more minutes, after that I'm flying

dazzledust

Any links to a HR monitor that you would recommend

AntiVirus

dazzledust wrote: »

Any links to a HR monitor that you would recommend

I splashed out and got a Garmin 610 with a HRM, its very good but expensive.

kknitter

Thank you all for the replies... I will look for the HR monitor, as I am very much keen to see if there is any difference...

Really appreciate your help.

metamorphosis

unless you are into outdoor activities - no need to go for garmin, polar are a good brand, you will get them cheap from argos too from 40ish on, get one with a chest strap. Polar f1 is a basic easy to use model for about 50ish i think.

kknitter

Thanks a lot Metamorphosis. I am not into outdoor activities, hence your suggestion suits me the best.... thanks a lot for that and amazing price as well...
Thanks you very much