"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:t_y0e.101078$Ze3.47168@attbi_s51...

All and all, not a bad day -- but too much salt and fat. Still, I just
finished 30 minutes of lifting with my son, so hopefully I've offset some
of it!
--

Hmmm, This needs a thread between anaerobic and aerobic exercises.
First off, any time the calorie output exceeds the calorie input the result
is a net loss in weight -- regardless of the type of exercise. So much for
that.
But the real answer to exercising to improve the cardiovascular system
lies in aerobic exercise. A minimum aerobic workout would be something
equivalent to walking at a pace that pushes your heart rate up to your
individual training range and sustaining that pulse rate for at least 20
minutes, followed by a gradual cool-down to prevent cramping.
The published minimum is three times a week, although I hear rumors that
both duration and frequency are being increased by the pundits. In any case,
start out at the minimums and increase gradually. What I discovered was
that, as I began to improve, I had to work harder and longer just to get the
pulse rate into the training range. I can't run because of a hip problem so
I had to keep extending the times, that works also.
You can do the same thing indoors with treadmills, stationary bikes,
elliptical trainers, stairstepper, etc., when the weather doesn't permit.
Personally, I like to see the sky and smell the flowers so I'm outside
whenever I can.
Anaerobic, free-weights, Nautilus, etc., are great for muscle
development. I do 3 days aerobic alternating with 2 days anaerobic.
I'm on a BP med and my doc just cut the dose in half. My BP, typically,
is 110/60, now.
In any case, DO NOT rely on exercise alone to improve your CV status.
Over a period of time, calories out has to exceed calories in if you are
going to reduce the weight. I'll bet though, that weight isn't your
problem, not working as an inn-keeper.