Adaptive Motion Trainer and Strength training?

jenniator

Hey everyone!

I'm 5'6 and I'm currently 194 pounds. I use a machine called the Adaptive Motion Trainer which I think is very similar to the elliptical. Let me know if anyone knows if it is practically the same thing as a elliptical or what the difference is. I'm guessing the calorie burn rate is also not very accurate on the Adaptive Motion Trainer too right? When I enter my age and weight, it says I burn 730 calories in 1 hour which would be awesome if it's true! But I always estimate it burns 450-500 calories since I'm not 100% sure if it's accurate.

I use the Adaptive Motion Trainer 4-5 times a week for 1 hour at a time. I really love the it and have fun using it. Right now I use the aerobic setting and push up the resistance a bit. So every minute, the resistance switches between 6, 7, 8, and 10. The incline is always on 2. Does anyone know if this is a good setting for now? Anyways, I've been using the Adaptive Motion Trainer for a month now. Afterwards, my shirt is covered with sweat, I'm exhausted, and become very sore later in my legs and thighs. A lot of times I'm pretty sore the next day, but still manageable, so I take a advil before going back to the gym. So I think that means it's a really good work out for me since it's pushing my limits. I did think the machine would become easier the more I use it, but it still kicks my butt so hard! Is this because I'm obese or it's just a demanding machine? Also because I'm always exhausted and sore shortly after, I'm not able to do much for the day.

I've been trying to incorporate strength training 3 days a week into my gym time for 30 minutes. But if I do even a small amount of strength training with my legs, I feel like I pushed my body way over the limit and can barely move the next day. Because of this, I haven't been strength training much and only once a week. So I was wondering if anyone has any opinion on what I should do. My arms are a bit sore after using the Adaptive Motion Trainer, but they are still able to strength train a bit without becoming too painful the next day. Yesterday I spend 20 minutes strength training my upper body and I feel alright. Should I just focus on strength training my upper body 3 times a week for 20 minutes? Does the Adaptive Motion Trainer work out your lower body a lot and is it enough? I'm wondering since my lower body is always sore after the workout and I can't push it further. Strength training is important for me so I can reduce the risk of loose skin and hold onto my muscles as I lose weight. But the Adaptive Motion Trainer is equally as important for me so I can eat more calories and build my fitness up.

jenniator

anyone?

randomtai

TL;DR

Less cardio, more lifting.

ninerbuff

Your legs are tired because of the weight you're carrying. Weight loss has more to do with calorie deficit than what type of exercise you're doing. So are you eating in a calorie deficit?
As for resistance training, do at least one exercise per body part and try to make that exercise a compound one.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

jenniator

randomtai wrote: »

TL;DR

Less cardio, more lifting.

Thank you for the suggestion I really love doing cardio though because it allows me to eat more and build up my fitness. The thing with weigh lifting and training is that honestly I don't enjoy it at all The only reason I'm doing it is to hopefully lessen the loose skin I will get. But I get pretty bored of it within 5 minutes.

jenniator

ninerbuff wrote: »

Your legs are tired because of the weight you're carrying. Weight loss has more to do with calorie deficit than what type of exercise you're doing. So are you eating in a calorie deficit?
As for resistance training, do at least one exercise per body part and try to make that exercise a compound one.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Thank you! It makes sense my body is exhausted easier because it has to carry such a large amount of weight. It does make sense, but I still thought it would get a little easier if I've been doing this for over a month. Yes I am eating at a calorie deficit!! Around 1,600-1,800 calories per day. So far I've lost 46 pounds in almost a year I know that's a bit high, but I'm still losing weight and I'm not absolutely starving. It's also something I'm able to stick too. I have a pretty big appetite so I love doing cardio since it allows me to eat more and it keeps me in pretty good shape. I don't really like strength training though and find it boring. But I try to keep at it because I don't want a lot of loose skin.