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Old 11-07-2007, 03:51 PM
BreakfastBurrito BreakfastBurrito is offline
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Join Date: May 2005
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Default Re: Terrible VO2Max, any suggestions?

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Don't do endurance stuff, do HIIT.

HIIT basically = VO2max training

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Another recommendation for a completely out of shape beginner to start with HIIT. I wouldn't try it. HIIT programs require a base level of aerobic fitness and muscular endurance that it appears OP is sorely lacking.

Spend a few months building up your aerobic conditioning. Focus on working at a moderate intensity level and going longer and longer. By moderate intensity, I mean you should still be able to keep a conversation going, and feel 'comfortably tired' at the end. Your standard session might start at around 20-25 minutes in length, but try to get in a long effort once a week. Maybe start by trying to go for 40 minutes, and increase that distance by 5-10% each week. If running is as tough for you as you say, you might want to start with the stationary bike or elliptical machine, but eventually you should move towards running, swimming, or the rowing machine.

After about 3 months you should feel a significant improvement in your aerobic capabilities, and moving into an HIIT period for about 6-8 weeks can really sharpen you up and take you to the next level.

OP, do you have any guesses as to why your conditioning is currently so poor? Did you grow up playing any sports, and what has your exercise level been for the past few years? Is the struggle to run for even a few minutes a new development for you?
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