Recently joined a gym so many questions

[amypatterson78]

Hi,

This may sound silly but i recently joined a gym since the weather here has made it pretty difficult to go for walks with my kids. However, I am afraid to lose steps.  Does anyone here know if the eliptical machine counts as steps with the flex or should i just stick to the treadmill for my Cardio.  And I also do t-25 videos at home but am wondering if i should continue, i really want to get into shape but i do not want to overdo it either. Help!!

[Heybales]

Oh, don't limit yourself to exercise merely to hit a step goal.

That would prevent you from some of the best workouts with weight lifting, to truly transform your body.

Elliptical will NOT log accurately steps, perhaps half the steps if you put it on ankle.

But the calorie burn for those 1/2 steps is based on walking - which you aren't doing - so you'll miss out on calorie burn too.

So need to manually log the workout - just as you would weight lifting.

You got the T-25 for the cardio with some strength included, use the gym for true strength training - most bang for your buck in many ways - time and results, money for gym and equipment available and benefit, ect.

[Tayo · Accepted solution]

Yes I definitely agree with the previous person's comment, don't just stick to the step machines!

You should find a workout routine that works best for you, for example: 15 mins of weight training, 15 mins of toning exercises (squats, lunges, etc), and 30 minutes of cardio. The stair master machine is my personal fav for cardio, I can get steps and tone my glutes at the same time hehe. 

Good luck and most importantly, have fun! 🙂

[slysam]

My One (worn on my bra) counts steps fine on the elliptical though maybe not as well as it does on the treadmill. But I agree your choice in workout should not be just about steps. I see best results doing some activities that really don't help with my step count (yoga, pilates, barre, weights, calisthenics, swimming, etc). For a while I cut back on non-step activity because I was attached to the step count. I now use my fitbit to encourage me to move outside of my workouts, but feel it is better to make exercise choices based on what is most effective for you and what you enjoy doing. Since you just joined a gym, it can be fun to try the different options it offers (the different machines, classes, etc). Some new memberships include a trainer session or orientation--if so take advantage. You can always log non-step activities to get a more accurate calorie burn and activity minutes.

[Hjane26]

I agree with all of the above not to limit yourself to a step goal, and miss out on other great workouts!  I have found that the elliptical does track it as steps, and is pretty accurate.  I have the Flex too.  However, I do not leave my arms stationary...I keep them by my side, like I would if I'm walking/running.  

Set a goal for cardio/strength training for so many days per week, and not worry about steps in particular on days where the workouts do not help you hit a step goal.  I always mix up my workouts between DVDs and the gym equipment.  The key is not to let yourself get bored by always doing the same thing.  Mix it up!  Good luck!