Can I split my cardio workout?

[KAnn]

I am quite new to an exercise routine at the gym. I joined 24 Hour Fitness and am enjoying it. My goal is to complete at least 30 minutes of cardio five or six times a week. I cannot do high impact due to issues with my feet. I am good for about 20 minutes on the bikes before I am just bored. I am also not crazy about intense sweating so I have taken a five minute break or I go do my weights. etc and then return to the bike or the eliptical for another 10 to 15 minutes. Is this acceptable? (My trainer is out of town for two weeks but I will, of course, get her opinion, too. )

[PurplePotato]

It is just fine.

Another technique is to do 5 minutes, then a set of weights, then another 5 minutes, etc.

Breaking it up and doing something different everyday keeps your body from getting bored too.

[catharine]

Definitely! I say do what feels right for you. As long as you're not training for something specific (like a 5k), taking a break is fine.

One idea that comes to mind is interval work. It can help with the boredom. For example, do 1 minute of higher intensity work followed by a minute or two of recovery. It is similar to the concept as walk breaks on a run. That often helps me get through longer workouts.

Good luck!

[wallycat]

20 minutes is what it takes to get your body to the aerobic phase.
ANY amount of exercise is better than no exercise.
The additional minutes you tack on at the end will burn calories but will not really add the aerobic aspect, which is fine since you already did the first 20 minutes initially.

Exercise should be fun (to a degree) so changing things up is great. You mentioned your feet cannot do hard impact....does that mean walking is out? Walking is about the best thing you can do and enjoy nature at the same time.
Since you have just started, give yourself some time. When your body feels better and better, you will enjoy doing more.
Have fun and congrats!

[KAnn]

You mentioned your feet cannot do hard impact....does that mean walking is out? Walking is about the best thing you can do and enjoy nature at the same time.

Wlaking is definitely out! And that is why I joined the gym....walking would be much less boring! Thank you for the advice and input.

[Anne]

KAnn I don't know if swimming is an option for you - it helps me. I can put as much effort into swimming as my problematic spine can handle - on good days swimming is intense cardio and on bad days swimming is more about motion, exercise, and physical therapy. As Wallycat said, any exercise is better than none.