Does it count?

LucyAndDiamonds

I know you need both cardio and strength training for a toned body/weight loss but can you do both at the same time...For example when I use the ellipticals I do "hits" where I go at level ten for 5 minutes then level 20 for 1 minute...I can feel a definite burning/resistance in my legs. All the cardio I do is like this with set resistance (stair climbers, laterals, ellipticals, etc)...My question is does this also count as "strength training"? I find this to be much easier on my joints and frankly a lot more fun then just sitting and lifting.

taso42

No, not really. It counts as intense cardio or conditioning but not strength training.

if you follow a good program and keep making new PR's you may find it quite fun to start lifting. Not to mention all the wonder stuff it will do for your body.

RobynLB

It might build a little strength if you set the resistance high enough, but you're only doing your legs. If you really want the full benefits of strength training, you should do you legs, arms, back, abs, etc. if you think lifting is boring, try some kind of class that incorporates strength-- yoga, boot camp style classes, sport focused classes, etc. These will tend to use your own bodyweight rather than weights, but they will be full body workouts and incorporate a good bit of strength into cardio, flexibility and balance work.

funkycamper

As I understand it, what you're doing on the elliptical is building muscle endurance. Although, if you're a real newbie to exercise, you might be building a bit of strength due to newbie gains. But that will eventually taper off and it will become more endurance only. Which is a good thing, too. But, yeah, for body recomposition and other benefits, you should really to be doing weight training using progressive loads.

LucyAndDiamonds

I did start on the weights yesterday in addition to the elliptical. I got over the boringness of it but I am a little concerned with my back. I was in a car accident a little over a month ago that left my back injuried (someone rear ended me and pushed me into another car)...Does anyone have any tips on what to do so I can still get strength benefits without having to be concerned about reinjuring myself?

taso42

Good stuff. Regarding your back, that's a question for your doctor.

RobynLB

Good stuff. Regarding your back, that's a question for your doctor.

Yeah, doctor. Back injuries are nothing to mess with.

Jynus

Good stuff. Regarding your back, that's a question for your doctor.

nope. it's a question for a sports physiotherapist. docs are useless for this sort of thing most of the time.

taso42

Good stuff. Regarding your back, that's a question for your doctor.

nope. it's a question for a sports physiotherapist. docs are useless for this sort of thing most of the time.

ok even better.

Dave198lbs

All the cardio I do is like this with set resistance (stair climbers, laterals, ellipticals, etc)...My question is does this also count as "strength training"? I find this to be much easier on my joints and frankly a lot more fun then just sitting and lifting.

no

that is the reason so many use the elliptical

because as you said..."much easier"

learn to enjoy the "pump" of a good weight lifting session

Mighty_Rabite

Sounds to me more like interval type training, which is cardiovascular - not a bad thing because it will burn more calories, but it doesn't work the same as strength training.

FloyMcCaudie

Sounds to me more like interval type training, which is cardiovascular - not a bad thing because it will burn more calories, but it doesn't work the same as strength training.

dat