calisthenics and calories...

[murry]

how much time do you need to spend on calisthenics, generally, to have a decent workout? it's getting cold, and i hate running in the cold, but i hate treadmills and the gym even more. so i do my exercises inside.. jumping jacks, squats, crunches, etc. sometimes, though, i just feel like they're not going to make a difference. does anyone know how long/how many of these exercises i'd have to do to get a decent mini workout? i'm not athletic, just need this for weight control/general health. anyone else do calisthenics?

[ottabox]

Good question. I'd like to find some alternative to winter outdoor running. I'm not opposed to a treadmill, but I don't yet have one.

[asp3]

I'm afraid I don't know the answer to your question, but have you considered using a jump rope for one of your exercises? I would think that would be a relatively good exercise that you could do for a somewhat extended period of time that would provide at least some of the benefits of running.

[murry]

yeah, my living space is cluttered though so a jump rope would probably knock stuff over off my desk and such, haha.

i guess this is a tough question. i imagine that if i do enough jumping jacks and crunches and just keeping hopping around for a half hour or so, it'll be a sufficient workout. maybe before and after bed. i dont know, brrr i went jogging this morning and it was windy and cold and my ears still hurt!

[vegstrength]

Well, what are your goals?

If you said weight loss, you need cardio and you need strength training.

I would get in the habit of seperating the two in your mind and trying not to lump them together in a workout (that is... if you want it to be most effective)

Try this circuit every other day

15 forward lunges each leg (holding dumbells or even 5 to 10 lb cans or objects in each hand)
20 squats (holding 10 lb dumbells or objects in each hand)
25 sit-ups
12 - 15 pushups

Do this circuit four times through

THEN, make it a goal to do at least 30 minutes of cardio 4 to 5 times a week for 30 minutes. This could be fast walking, dancing around your house non-stop, treadmill, whatever, as long as it is continuous.

This is a great workout routine that will get you toned and trim (provided you are following a proper diet)