Finally adding cardio to my workouts. Can I get some feedback?
Every morning this week I'm getting on my eliptical machine and going for 2 minutes at about a 50-60% pace (perceived effort), then 30 seconds at 100%, then 2 minutes at 50-60%, etc.
Right now I can't make it past five minutes. But I can feel my lungs burning for the next few hours so I think it's getting me a good workout.

Is this HIIT? That's what I'm trying to do after being inspired by John's 39 bpm resting heart rate. Should I adjust anything to make it more effective? How about substituting an occaisional "traditional" cardio session of say 30 minutes at 50%?

From what I've read around here, it is. You might hear people say to go for a 30/30 or a 60/60 second split with the perceived effort. Though you say you can't get past five minutes, you've got yourself a goal to work towards.

And about the regular cardio.. Why not? People are going to say to do it to keep your body guessing about what's next.

It's all beneficial, really. As long as your doing it, right?

Jeff.

Every morning this week I'm getting on my eliptical machine and going for 2 minutes at about a 50-60% pace (perceived effort), then 30 seconds at 100%, then 2 minutes at 50-60%, etc. Yup, that's HIIT. You're currently at a 1:4 ratio, which is a decent place to start. Trying working that ratio closer to 1:1 over time.

Right now I can't make it past five minutes. But I can feel my lungs burning for the next few hours so I think it's getting me a good workout. Definetly! Is that 5 minutes, or 5 sessions of hi/low?

Is this HIIT? That's what I'm trying to do after being inspired by John's 39 bpm resting heart rate. Should I adjust anything to make it more effective? How about substituting an occaisional "traditional" cardio session of say 30 minutes at 50%? How many days per week are you doing cardio? I personally do 1/2 HIIT, 1/2 steady state. For the first few weeks though, I only did HIIT. Also, try 45 minutes @ 70-80% :tu: