Now, I heard that you can still benefit from splitting up. But, that may pertain to general health. There's a big difference between how much you need to exercise to stay healthy, and how much you need to lose weight. Like J said, I also heard that you don't start burning fat for about 20-min, so you're getting the most benefit after that amount of time.

Tonya, I feel the same way! I work out first thing in the morning. One workout, one shower, get it over with http://www.lowcarbsite.com/images/sm...icon_smile.gif Anything put off until later does not get done.

If you r anything like me, you wont get on that bike a second time anyway. So its prolly better to just do it all at once. That way you have done it and gotten it out of the way to go about your day http://www.lowcarbsite.com/images/sm...on_biggrin.gif

Good luck,

Tonya

Same for me too Patty. I cant think of getting back on after i get off. Moreover my legs are all shaky and cant stand the thought of another round.

From what I understand it is probably better to do 5 miles all at once. Apparently you don't gain much benefit from Cardio, unless you do it for a minimum of 20 minutes in one setting. How long does it take to peddle, 5 miles?

By splitting it up, you reduce your average heart rate.. because it takes awhile each time to get that heart pumpin. The higher the average rate the better the workout assuming your not too high. http://www.lowcarbsite.com/images/sm...icon_smile.gif

granted I'm no expert and splitting it up is way better then not doing it. http://www.lowcarbsite.com/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif

well that all depends on your speed that your riding ...at a 80mp clip u should reach that in like 15 minutes i usually ride 40 minutes at 80-85 and get about 14-16 miles each day!

I need some advice...
 

For cardio, say I use a recumbant bike, and want to do 5 miles a day on it.

If I split my workouts into two sessions--doing 2.5 miles at one time, then 2.5 at another time in the day--will I not get the same results as if I were to do the 5 miles at one time?

I'm sure doing ANYTHING is better than doing nothing at all, but I thought I read where splitting it up like that isn't as effective as doing it all at once.

Would like to know what everyone thought.

Thanks

You will burn about the same number of calories if you break it up into 2 workouts or do it in one workout. However, one of the benefits of cardio exercise is heart health. The longer you do the exercise, the better it is for your health. Breaking up the exercise into 2 short segments is not as good as a single longer segment.

I would recommend that instead of picking a particular distance, that you plan to pedal for a certain amount of time (say 20 minutes). Then, gradually increase your time and intensity. Over time, you'll burn calories and increase your heart health.

Brian