It can be overwhelming. There seems to be a new and improved way to do cardio everywhere we turn. Do we do it before resistance training? After? Do we hit the treadmill, stair machine, elliptical? It's mind numbing! The truth is, there can be a lot of factors that go into choosing the right form of cardio. As a fitness trainer, part of my job is to evaluate my client's fitness level and to meet them where they are at in that level. Some of the things I look for are any previous injuries, any medical conditions and whether they have been active or sedentary. All of these things play a role in the best form of cardio for my client. If my client has previously suffered a stress fracture in the foot for instance, I certainly wouldn't want them pounding away on the treadmill and re-injuring or aggravating that injury. There are many other options for this client. Dependent upon how long ago the injury was sustained, I would propose a stationary bike as a great place to start. An elliptical machine is another option. The key is to ensure that what you are choosing aligns with your fitness level, does not cause pain to a compromised body part and keeps your heart rate elevated to appropriate level. If this is something that you need help with message me, we'll talk about what's best for you to meet your fitness goals!
