I'm exercising,....but....

[12345 80]

I'm 4 months post-op. So far I have lost 103 pounds. I have also lost a lot of muscle.

I have been using an exercise bike for about 6 weeks. I started doing strength training at a gym 3 weeks ago.

I bike 20 minutes a day. With the strength training, I use ten different machines - five that work on the arms and five for the legs. So far, I do two sets of ten at each machine.

​I should mention that I have neuropathy in my feet and walking/running is difficult.

My question is this: My heart rate isn't increased at either activity. Is this a problem? Do I need to sweat to experience a benefit from this exercise?

[Butterthebean 8,146]

Sweat isn't necessarily a requirement, and neither is doing sustained cardio. But if you aren't breathing heavy during the resistance training you're not using enough weight. You should have difficulty finishing the last set. If not, add more resistance, or add another set but it should still be difficult to finish it. Same with the exercise bike. Here's where your heart rate should definitely be up. You should be able to talk but not sing....that's the old saying. If your heart rate isn't up you need to increase the resistance, the speed, the duration or all 3.

But the fact that you're exercising is great. Keep it up.

[Richard Foor 655]

Another important thing is to make sure you are getting enough Protein. Without enough protein you will loose muscle mass regardless of your exercise habits.

[Amanda626 153]

Great job on the amazing loss! Make sure your Protein is high and u may need to increase the weight. The last set should be tough.