I just started a program called PACE. It is strength and conditioning designed to increase lung capacity, improve heart strength, and boost metabolism. The basic premise is short duration, high intensity exercise. It is designed by a doctor. He claims that long duration, low intensity (jogging, aerobics, etc.) actually causes your lungs and heart to get smaller, so they can handle the long endurance demand.
The program is about 160 pages long, so obviously there is more to it than that, but in the short time I have been at it, I have lost three pounds and feel much better. I'm 55, so my high intensity workout is a lot different than it would be for you young pups, but eventually mine should get pretty intense. My major handicap is a prosthetic knee that precludes some exercises.
My goal is to bow hunt elk in the Rockies the year I retire. I'll be 59. Right now I am too fat and out of shape, but I plan to be lean and mean by then.
I watched some of the videos on the crossfit site. Someone would have to call 911 if I tried that right now! It looks like a similar high intensity workout though once one reaches the level of the athletes on the videos. I had to stop watching the nasty girls one. I was worn out just watching them!
You guys have the right idea though. Thanks for the post.
Russ