Tracking Strength Training

Bakerchk

Hello Everyone:

I am curious as to how everyone tracks their exercises. I know how to track my cardio, such as the elliptical and the stationary bike, but I am not sure how to track my strength training. My daily routine looks like this:

-10 minutes of stretching/warm ups
- 10 reps of 15/20 leg exercises using the resistance bands (it's kind of hard to explain what I do but it's similar to pilates with the resistance bands for extra strength)
- 10 reps of 15/20 pilates core exercises. This consists of about 5 different core exercises
- 10 reps of 15/20 arm exercises using the resistance bands.
-5 reps of 10 push-ups
- 5 reps of 10 lunges (with no weights for now)
-20/30 minutes on the elliptical or bike (1 minute and normal pace, 30 seconds at fast pace, repeated until the 20/30 minutes is over)

I cannot run or jump so my exercises do not include any of that. I had surgery on my foot about a year ago and I am still limited to the exercises I can do.

If anyone has advice on how I should input my strength training, I would appreciate it. I know that I am burning calories because I am breaking a sweat before I start my cardio.

Also, I feel like I need some guidance in my daily routine. Right now, I work out Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. But when the semester is over (in May) I want to start going to the gym everyday, focusing on different areas on alternating days (since I know you shouldn't work out the same area two days in a row, to allow the muscles time to heal). I don't want to bulk up (hence my 1200 cal. diet) I want to tone done and work on my stomach.

Any suggestions are helpful. Thanks!

odownz

I have not tracked any exercises in MFP, but I heard someone saying that the only way to input the strength training is to create it as a cardio workout. Then that will add some calories burned to your day.

mgmlap

First off..as a woman..you don't produce enough testosterone..to "bulk up". Staying at 1200 calories for the amount you are exercising..will eventually catch up to you. I eat between 1600-2000 calories a day..and I lift 3 days a week...I don't know how you can work out so much and not want to eat more..unless you are suppressing it..which isn't good.

I suggest you up your calories...and hit the weights..it will help tone you..Check out the group on here called New Rules of Lifting For Women

addmorecloud

The easiest and most accurate way is to buy a heart rate monitor.