New trainer?

ambee0803

I had my first workout with a new pt today. She wanted to spend the entire hour on my legs and hips. I feel like my legs were overworked and the rest of my body was neglected. Besides if I am trying to lose 50 pounds shouldn't I be more focused on cardio than toning. I usually do some toning and strength training but i spend about an hour doing cardio when I go to the gym. Is she clueless or am I?

Celo24

How about working out with her more than once and seeing what she has in store over the long term?

waverly9876

We have a free personal trainer in our apt complex. She sometimes spends one day focusing on legs and the other on arms, etc. I know she doesnt do cardio with us (she says we can do that on our own). Her job is to get our body more toned. Maybe thats what your trainer was doing.

nokittyno

Well, any workout is going to burn calories and tone really. If I wear my HRM(ignoring the HRM and strength controversy for a moment here) I burn between 500-700 in an hour and a half - just doing strength training. Yeah, I am not running on a treadmill but I am still getting my heart rate up, and expending calories (you can hear it too.. Squats.. ugh.. tired thinking of it.. LOL Painful fun - good pain.. not real.. but..ANYWAY)

I lost alot of weight when I was 15/17 from running ONLY, but I had trouble keeping it off. I had no muscle and my knees took a hell of a beating. So, in my opinion working your legs is a good way to start. Good to condition your body for cardio, for life and muscles burn calories too.

I think i'd go with the other poster and try the PT out again(if you can) ask why it's only your legs, if he/she(forgot the gender..LOL) focuses on Split Body routines(upper/lower) or Full body. Ask, doesn't hurt to?

Good luck!

pandafoo

each trainer is different - some will focus on pure toning and using the machines, while others will do a combo of cardio-based moves and toning. i agree that you can do cardio on your own, so the PT can be an awesome resource for you in learning how to do strength training moves safely and properly.

both cardio and strength training are very important to weight loss. one huge benefit of strength training is that having more muscle will increase your body's ability to burn fat at rest.

jenthestrawberry

Strength training is incredibly important for losing fat and keeping your body strong and healthy. Just some of the benefits include:

* Increased after burn - High intensity strength training can actually help you burn extra calories for hours after your workout
* Prevents loss of lean body mass that happens from dieting and/or aging
* Burning calories - While strength training doesn't burn as many calories in one sitting as cardio, it does contribute to your overall calorie expenditure
* Changes your body composition, which helps shape your body and keep you healthy
* Strengthens bones and connective tissue along with muscles
* Keeps you strong and active as you get older
* Improves coordination, balance and may help prevent injuries

The bottom line is, strength training is important for almost any fitness goal, whether you want to lose fat, gain muscle or just get in better condition.

http://exercise.about.com/od/exerciseworkouts/f/muscle.htm

alliecore

How about working out with her more than once and seeing what she has in store over the long term?

Yep. Agree!
Doesn't sound like she's neglecting a thing. If you stick with her, it sounds to me like she is going to teach you to focus on training specific muscle groups on specific days. This is a fabulous way to obtain overall fitness, because muscles need rest days; and while cardio is VERY important, strength training is equally important.

Without knowing any more details it's impossible to know for certain, but from what you said it sounds to me like she is doing a great job. That being said, it is also important that you "click" with your trainer, because you will be more motivated by someone that you can be totally comfortable with. Good luck!

brityn

are you basing this off only one workout?