How Much is Enough?

MomofJBN · Post by **MomofJBN** » January 2nd, 2007, 2:03 pm

I'm just wondering what people considering their minimum work-out. 10 m. is only about a stroke; 10K is a long way (for me). But where does your minimum that you allow yourself to do fall?

At the moment, 3K is my minimum work-out. It does give me a decent work-out, but I'm not really sure if it's really long enough to do any good. Typically I aim for something in the 5K to 30 minute range, which at least meets the 30 minutes of exercise guideline that you always read about.

Anyone else?

PaulS · Post by **PaulS** » January 2nd, 2007, 2:23 pm

It depends on the intensity you decide to work at, but I would place the minimum at 20minutes, though since I don't really care for Timed workouts, I'd be more likely to select a distance that would take an all out effort to complete in 20 minutes and use that. If you make it to a point where you do manage it in less than 20 minutes, pat yourself on the back and add 500m. Repeat as required. The "easy" should take about 1 minute longer than the "hard" days, but both will get the body working in a productive range.

LittleBit · Post by **LittleBit** » January 2nd, 2007, 6:05 pm

Happy New Year!
I usually consider a 30 min row my minimum, with 5 minutes each to warm up/cool down. So that totals out to 40 on the rower. Going 10K takes almost 1 hr, 15 min, so I don't always have time to row that long. I made time during the HC, but that was the exception, not my usual pattern. I'd be interested in other's response to this question!!
Catherine
Southern Indiana

ciproano · Post by **ciproano** » January 2nd, 2007, 6:33 pm

Hi, Shenley. I know what Catherine means about "making time" during the HC. This year, though, I got really cranked up and started doing 10k a day (that was usually something I'd shoot for on a weekend, keeping my daily in the 5-7k range). Now I can't stop, though finding time for the hour a day IS a problem. I've tried getting up at 5 a.m. to do it but my times at that hour of the morning are so slow! But with a resumption of post-holiday activity schedules (and my family not being as understanding in the non-challenge environment), that hour an evening is difficult. So today, I did 5k at 5:30 a.m. and now I'm going to jump on and do at least 5k...I'm afraid if I do 10k, then I'll be too tired or sore tomorrow a.m. to do more.

I really need "challenges" to keep me motivated, so I'm thinking about doing the marathon in April. And I'm looking for a virtual team for the January challenge, I will do the Valentines, etc. Funny, I have never had this reaction to any other sport or activity. Maybe it's because the erging is such a loner thing (I erg at home). But I am so thrilled that my motivation is keeping me exercising every day for an hour that I wouldn't care if they had the goofiest challenges in the world. My complexion hasn't been this rosy in years!

But to your point, if I am really pressed for time, I've been known to row 2k-3k, just to DO it and not get out of the habit. Sometimes (like today), I'll do a little in the morning and more after work. Sometimes I like to do my own versions of "triathlons" where I erg a certain amount, get on the treadmill a certain amount, and get on the Lifecycle a certain amount. I particularly like to do this with my two sons (12 and 14) and we each take one piece of equipment for a certain set time then switch, getting very competitive to see who did the most on each. So when I do those "triathlons", then I do a shorter piece of rowing. I have looked at those "row of the day" routines, but I guess I just like to erg away and listen to my audio books, can't be bothered counting strokes or anything.

Along answer and not necessarily on point, but you asked.

Cindy

efg · Post by **efg** » January 3rd, 2007, 2:59 pm

Hi -

I think anyone with kids can relate to having to fit rowing time in. I prefer longer rows (1 hour +), but I am trying to train myself to think about the 10 minutes I have free here and there as opportunities for rowing. It's better than skipping a day altogether just because I don't have a nice long chunk of free time. Last year, we were not very busy in the afternoons and evenings, so I got spoiled. I could usually row before and/or after dinner. This year is more hectic, and I struggled to find time for the Holiday Challenge.

Emilia

GMW · Post by **GMW** » January 3rd, 2007, 6:54 pm

I prefer longer rows, too, but will row for 30 minutes if that's what I have the time to do. I worked with a trainer for a brief period last year (he didn't get rowing or me, we weren't a good match) but I did walk away with some good information. He talked to me about the concept of "collateral" exercise...like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away, all the stuff we do to add exercise to our day. I think I'm pretty good at that stuff, but realized that I wouldn't row or do cardio in general if I couldn't carve out at least 30 minutes--his point was that it's worth it even if you only have a few minutes because it adds to the bottom line of the goal of getting more exercise.

Gail

Woodpunk · Post by **Woodpunk** » March 8th, 2007, 4:48 am

Hi All,

New to the list- glad to be here. For what it's worth, I aim to do three 40 minute sessions during the week and an hour sometime over the weekend. Two of the 40 min efforts and the hour are at a steady pace using a heart rate monitor so I can keep a check on myself. The other 40 mins I 'treat' myself to a full-on session.

It's interesting to read about preferences for distance vs time for setting workouts. I run by distance but row by time and I have no clear reasoning for either.

woodpunk

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