Most women either skip cardio entirely or do too much of the wrong kind. Here's what actually works: two types of cardio, for two different purposes. Both matter. Neither requires hours.
I'm menopausal and trying to get "into" exercise. I've started a sunrise walk and try to keep it moderate (zone 2?). Brisk walking was awful over even the short "beginner" distance I was doing.
A friend, and now you, have mentioned HIIIT this week, so I'm listening.
My hesitancy is 2 artificial hips, and an historic tendency to high cortisol from intense exercise.
The cortisol isn't such an issue now, fortunately, but I must watch it.
Suggestions? I don't expect my docs will know much about this, as I had to figure it out myself the first time
The research suggests that HIIT is precisely a good way of improving peak aerobic efficiency without the cortisol. The bursts are short enough and the exercise session is also short enough not to exacerbate cortisol issues.
The artificial hips point can make things a bit more complex. Any exercise that gets your heart right high for the "on" period works. So it could be anything that is not too hard on your hips (orbital? rower?).
I personally use a rebounder for my HIIT, but you should be comfortable enough with balance for that one. It is low impact, though, and you can get a handle to feel safer on it.
I would still discuss this with your physician. I get we don't get a lot of suggestions out of the blue, but they still should be able to give you advice for your propositions based on your personal history and health.
I'm menopausal and trying to get "into" exercise. I've started a sunrise walk and try to keep it moderate (zone 2?). Brisk walking was awful over even the short "beginner" distance I was doing.
A friend, and now you, have mentioned HIIIT this week, so I'm listening.
My hesitancy is 2 artificial hips, and an historic tendency to high cortisol from intense exercise.
The cortisol isn't such an issue now, fortunately, but I must watch it.
Suggestions? I don't expect my docs will know much about this, as I had to figure it out myself the first time
Hi Jaye,
The research suggests that HIIT is precisely a good way of improving peak aerobic efficiency without the cortisol. The bursts are short enough and the exercise session is also short enough not to exacerbate cortisol issues.
The artificial hips point can make things a bit more complex. Any exercise that gets your heart right high for the "on" period works. So it could be anything that is not too hard on your hips (orbital? rower?).
I personally use a rebounder for my HIIT, but you should be comfortable enough with balance for that one. It is low impact, though, and you can get a handle to feel safer on it.
I would still discuss this with your physician. I get we don't get a lot of suggestions out of the blue, but they still should be able to give you advice for your propositions based on your personal history and health.
Good luck!
I see my GP next month, and will bring it up. As a former physiotherapist I suspect he'll have thoughts!
The surgeon at the time told me "whatever I could do, I could do. Except ski-diving". I was only 45, so that may not have been entirely a joke!
Thank you so much.