what's the best non-running exercise for stamina building?

[TC2]

Heavy bag all the way.

 

[bettyboop]

I would say stick to cardio that is non-impact on your joints/knees. This could be one of the many types of elliptical machines,stairmasters, stepmill, bikes, or rowing machines. If you are having problems with shin splints then make sure you are streching out your calves before and after cardio. )

 

[Timanator]

Spinning classes are good - but they often don't last more than an hour - most are 30 mins right? But it's a start.

Here in Houston, almost all the Spinning classes are an hour. And they are excellent. Swimming is also a good way to improve endurence. And if you can do it in adverse conditions outdoors, it's even more challenging and beneficial.

 

[canadian4]

Spinning is a great workout.

 

[OMEGA]

use the Eliptical but put in on a harder setting

its much like Cross country Skiing

 

[sigweed]

hey guys im really sorry I totally forgot about this... but im still in the same predicament. During rugby camp in the fall we did a week solid of hardcore running, hills, sprinting, regular gameplay... shin splints were totally killing me, but now season is over and i still need to find something to do while its snowing and i cant run (ive been doing one big run a week and the splints are definitly still there, just not as bad) But since im at school now, i have access to a good pool. Would that be a good plan?
Also, I used to race mountain bikes and I know how amazing a cardio workout that is, but if i try and go hard enough on a stationary bike that i start huffing and puffing, my legs are going way too hard to keep up so I dont feel like its really effective...

thanks for all the replys guys, ill go through soem more right now

 

[sigweed]

sounds like spinning classes are a definite option. Thats good becausae my gym always has that crazy cardio programs going on and they're filled to the BRIM with hot uni chicks

right now my ideal cardio plan is just a 2 day a week thing... right now ive been running on sundays and playing raquetball on thursdays and although im not sure how i'd hold up in a real rugby game right now, my bodyfat has stayed really low so I know it is definitly working somehow

 

[Assertive Guy]

elliptical? bike? rowing machine? swimming?

my gym doesn't have a pool and my shin splints are coming back a little, so i need to find another way to train rather than running

For me, it is *without a doubt*, the rowing machine. You excercise just about every muscle in your body - and you KNOW that's just gotta work!

 

[London2ATL]

hey guys im really sorry I totally forgot about this... but im still in the same predicament. During rugby camp in the fall we did a week solid of hardcore running, hills, sprinting, regular gameplay... shin splints were totally killing me

I remember when I used to run a lot and I was getting shin splints, I was told to buy a proper pair of running shoes, and also not to run on concrete.

I can't remember what I did, I think I just stopped running all together, you might wanna try new shoes, also could it be the technique? I'm no running expert but just somethig to throw in the air.

 

[andyjb]

well i used to love running but ive developed varicose veins, so i think im going to invest in a good racing bike in the spring as ive heard cycling is the ultimate cardio exercise, behind running of course.