Tips on easing into Cardio?

[SNS3530]

I'm trying to change my weight, more muscle less fat. I'm doing an alright job of building muscle tone with yoga and other similar activities.  I just really struggle with at-home no-equipment cardio. I hate running but am willing to try most anything else. Already taking at least one 15-20 minute walk a day. Any pointers to help me build up my tolerance for cardio activities? I just feel like I don't have much stamina. Also, when to keep pushing yourself and when to stop would be helpful. 

[WendyB]

Walk faster when you can

Go more the 20 minutes build up

Find something you like

"Also, when to keep pushing yourself and when to stop would be helpful. "

Only you can help here. Listen to your body

[WendyB]

"Also, when to keep pushing yourself and when to stop would be helpful. "

Only you can help here. Listen to your body

[emili]

I would for sure increase walking before moving to jogging and eventually running. You need to build up stamina before you take on more. You don't have to, you can start with running, but it will be easier and less shocking if you work your way up. You can walk, ride a bike, use an elliptical, anything that gets your HR up into consistent fat burn and higher. 

[AmericanJackal]

Have you tried cycling at all? A good recumbent stationary bike can be purchased for around $200 and help supplement your cardio activity. Alternatively, simply upping the length of your walk (or adding a second walk to your routine) would help ease you into cardio as well.

Personally I start with a lower step goal and add 250 - 500 steps to it if I'm hitting the goal or above it for over a week straight. From that I build my way up to 10k and will be supplementing with more cardio once I get there...

[Baltoscott · Accepted solution]

How about adding stairs/hills to your walks. (I’ve been know to climb stair in parking garages I’ve walked by as a sort of detour — look around).  It gets your heart rate up like running does, but it is a bit easier on the joints.

As to when to cut back, gradually increase time by 10% a day until you get up to 30 minute a walk, and then try to increase the distance or amount of steps you take in the 30 minutes.  Try staying at a pace that you could have a ‘breathy’ conversation at for a while and see how it goes.  If you are comfortable at that pace after a few weeks keep try pushing a bit more.