HIIT on a bike? - JP Fitness Forums

beach_plums · 03-07-2008, 08:51 AM

I'm going to be doing my first Stage 2 B workout today, and am wondering a little bit about HIIT. I've noticed that most people seem to do their HIIT on the treadmill. I do a slowed down version of HIIT most mornings with my dog, sprinting and walking outside without timing (I use my dog's attention span as a timer--she's a scent hound, so once she picks up a scent she likes, we stop running; otherwise I get my arm yanked), so I don't really want to add any more running to my day. Is there any reason that people are sticking to the treadmill here? I was thinking of doing mine on the bike. Is there any compelling reason not to?

missjane · 03-07-2008, 09:06 AM

I think that the bike is what is described in the book (or maybe it was the original NROL -- can't remember). I just prefer the treadmill.

karenmc6 · 03-07-2008, 09:20 AM

i do mine on a stationary bike with 30 seconds of work at a time - i just don't have 60 seconds in me yet! mine looked like this when i started:

120s warm-up
30s work
60s rest
30s work
60s rest
30s work
60s rest
120s cool-down

i have since added two more work sessions. i'm certainly no expert, but it seems to me that adding work sessions rather than lengthening my current work sessions is the way to go, at least for now. i have also boosted the level at which i am cycling.

karen

Cynthia · 03-07-2008, 10:00 AM

I've been doing my HIIT on the stationary bike too.

LaraT · 03-07-2008, 10:10 AM

I do mine on either the bike or treadmill. I am still pretty much a "newbie" runner so it is harder for me to run really hard without using bad form (and feeling all sorts of twinges) but have been cycling for years so can really go all out.

pursuingpurls · 03-07-2008, 10:19 AM

I do mine on the elliptical as I can't run - I have pes ansurinus burcitis (problem just below my knees that's aggravated from impact like running) and doctors orders to not run if I don't have to ... I get a really great workout

Principessa · 03-07-2008, 10:24 AM

I used to do my Hiit on a bike all the time before I even knew what it was last year. I am now training for a 10 k that is why I run on a treadmill. I find I got a great workout doing intervals on a bike. You just have to pick the right songs on the mp3 and peddle like a mad woman during that song and then slow down during the breaks.

Susan4 · 03-07-2008, 11:08 AM

Elliptical here too. If I used a treadmill I'm sure I'd puke from the jostling, there's less jarring motion on the elliptical so I don't hurl...just barely.

Cynthia · 03-07-2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Susan4

Elliptical here too. If I used a treadmill I'm sure I'd puke from the jostling, there's less jarring motion on the elliptical so I don't hurl...just barely.

Yeah that is one thing about the TM intervals that I don't like -- it seems the TM (at my gym anyway) take a good 10-15 sec to recover in each direction when speeding up and slowing down.

rixatrix · 03-07-2008, 11:27 AM

I use a stationary bike at home. Boy, do you feel it in the glutes! My butt is so sore right after I finish...I think the important thing is to work at a resistance/speed that's difficult for YOU, and spike your heart rate. It seems like you could do HIIT with nearly anything - swimming (1 sprint lap, 2 rest), jump rope (30 seconds as fast as possible, 1 minute easy - although I dare you to try it), rollerblading...you get the idea.

I personally use the bike because 1) it's in my own home, so it's convenient, and 2) I have foot problems occasionally that running seems to exacerbate. I get a good workout on the bike. It's always nice to be soaked in sweat after 20 minutes.

GinaKina · 03-07-2008, 02:31 PM

I do it on a stationary bike and on the stairstepper.

I love to run outside, but I HATE running on treadmills for more than my 5 minute warmup, heh.

missjane · 03-07-2008, 02:35 PM

I hate doing an actual RUN on the treadmill.....hate it! BUT, I LOVE doing intervals on the treadmill....go figure!

beach_plums · 03-07-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GinaKina

I love to run outside, but I HATE running on treadmills for more than my 5 minute warmup, heh.

I'm the same way, love running outside. Can't and won't do it inside.

Amblus · 03-07-2008, 02:47 PM

I can't run so the treadmill isn't the best choice for me. You know what I love for HIIT? The StepMill. That thing is completely evil but it's so effective! One minute of running up stairs is a really, really long minute.

Emoore · 03-07-2008, 04:24 PM

I do my HIIT:
a) outside running
b) on an aerobic step
c) with a jumprope

Cynic · 03-07-2008, 06:17 PM

Keep in mind, HIIT is about effort and heartrate.

You could do cycling, running, eliptical, stairstepping, rowing, burpees, skipping, hopscotch...anything. It's all about effort and heartrate.

beach_plums · 03-07-2008, 07:15 PM

Did it on the bike today. It just about made me puke. And I wobbled a little when I walked away from the bike.

Cynic · 03-08-2008, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach_plums

Did it on the bike today. It just about made me puke. And I wobbled a little when I walked away from the bike.

Sounds to me you did it right.

Libellula · 03-08-2008, 11:31 AM

i do it on a treadmill because i've been running for nine years now.