Cross Training with the AMT
On Tuesday, I posted about cross-training using the AMT. Something I struggle with (both in real life and internet life) is assuming people know precisely what I know.
First, what is the AMT? AMT stands for Adaption Motion Trainer (AMT) and it’s from the brand Precor (an Amer Sports Brand). I’m not sponsored by Precor or AMT machines, I just like the product. If you’re injured from running, it can help to cross-train and keep some fitness there.
A visual reference of my cross-training on the AMT (watching grimy reality TV with no nose):
What is the AMT?
Cliff notes: The AMT is another cross-training tool similar to an elliptical.
Before I ran, I would use cardio machines in the gym during the swimming offseason. I also used the elliptical to supplement miles when I was injured from running and coming back from injury.
I’ve used many different cardio machines, including:
- Standard Elliptical
- Stationary Bike
- The Arc Trainer
- And now the AMT
So why the AMT for Cross-Training?
The AMT stands for Adaption Motion Trainer (AMT) from Precor (an Amer Sports Brand). If you’re injured from running, it can help to cross-train and keep some fitness there. The AMT is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment in the gym. It’s a mix of a stair stepper and elliptical with a huge variety to hit multiple different muscle groups.
Since the AMT for cross-training is so versatile, there are several different workouts you can do. When cross-training, the AMT is a total body workout. You can use your arms, legs, and even engage your core. It’s a piece of cardio equipment in the gym with a vast variety to get your heart rate up and calorie burn.
Like a treadmill, there are many programs on the AMT but you can always design your own. The AMT measures your stride length and reacts accordingly. There are several different ways you use it from an open stride to a short stride to a long stride.
On any elliptical, I like to do one of the pre-programmed workouts. I don’t like to mess with the buttons once I begin my workout. There are several different programs from cardio to weight loss to hill workouts. Personally, my favorite is to do the cardio setting. I usually click the program and then work out an hour.
Honestly, a lot of people make cross-training a lot harder than it has to be. Yes, it stinks being cooped up inside, but most have a TV, music, or something to keep you entertained. It isn’t as if you are staring into a blank wall. If anything, you can buy a relatively inexpensive music player to bring for yourself if your gym only provides a wall to stare at.
You cannot expect to cross-train for 10 minutes and think it’s equal and going to preserve the fitness of a 7-mile run. It won’t. You must put in the effort. I’m not saying go crazy and pretend you are running your fastest mile ever, but you do have to commit to putting in the time and effort. Otherwise, like anything without effort, you won’t see results.
Cross-training does work if you put in the time. If you dedicate the time that you normally would be running (or doing whatever), it will work. If you half-ass it or dedicate less time…it will work for the effort you put in. The AMT is the closest piece of fitness equipment to running, without running. If you spend time on the AMT and put the effort in like you would for running, you’ll be able to maintain fitness.
Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. There are often giveaways as well as discount codes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried an AMT before? What is your favorite type of elliptical?
On another note, I’ll be writing an “all about me” post soon if you have any random questions (about anything in life, favorite movie, color, college, high school, did I collect pokemon cards (yes)…feel free to ask.
Hahaha you and your drawings lol 🙂 I typically just go with the standard elliptical during cross training but you’ve my interest peeked in the AMT trainer
No AMT at my gym but I used to use the arc training to crosstrain when injured and I liked it much better than the elliptical. I could never get used to the motion of the elip it just felt weird. AMT sounds interesting though. But blah to gym machines in general!
My favorite sentence “you just have to out in the time!” I so agree – and while I’m not injured right now, I know that if I can just put in the same time on an elliptical (I prefer the ARC trainer because it’s easier on my knees) I won’t lose significant amounts of fitness and may even recover! That being said, we have have these machines at the gym, so I definitely want to give them a try!
And I love your art!
I like the arc trainer best, but I don’t think we have the AMT at my gym. I’ll have to look. Anywho… I would like to know who your celebrity crush was in 7th grade and what was the first concert you ever went to.
Now that I know what it is (awesome pic!), yes I have used that machine. I repeat myself a lot in my comments I realize… but I love all elliptical-like/stairmaster-like machines. My gym has a few of all the types – my favorite one is the Precor Elliptical with the arms that move. Not a fan of rowers/stationary bikes because I don’t like sitting.
We have an AMT at my gym, and it took me awhile to get the motion right. It’s a lot different than the elliptical. A great workout, though! I like what you said about the effort — it’s so true. I’m sometimes unmotivated to put in the time because I watch the seconds slowly tick by, but just mentally sticking to it will keep fitness intact.
New follower….and originally from S. Jersey – very close to the Vincentown diner 🙂 Never used an AMT, but the elliptical is my go-to for cross training….although I really ought to cross train more than I do.
AWE, I wish you lived there now and we could meet up. Thank you for stopping by!
Me too! And I was just in Brigantine with my parents for awhile…maybe next time!
Let me know! I’m always open for a diner meetup. 🙂
I’ve never tried the AMT nor do I use the elliptical. I have bad hips and the Chiro has advised me to stay away. Leaving me with cycling and swimming to cross-train.
Our gym doesn’t have this machine. We have lots of ellipticals, one star stepper, but no AMT. My last gym only had like 2 of em and one was always broken. I mostly stick with spin and BodyPump for cross training, but I do like the stair stepper. I think with ANY cross training, you have to do it longer for it to be the intensity of a run.
I think I used the AMT at one of the LA Fitnesses and I hated it. I also hate the stair steppers because I seriously can’t figure out how to use it. The machine keeps shutting off. I’m dumb. But I LOVE the elliptical! It’s definitely hard to stay on there for a long period of time and I work up a sweat. But I haven’t been on one in awhile now 🙂 Ooops!
There is another version of the AMT at a YMCA but in VA that is always shutting off. It’s so annoying.
I think the stair stepper is just totally different all together, right? The gym has a cool looking one that I think I could do (where the stairs are like real steps but just go in a circle and the machine is HUGE), but the regular old stair stepper (the one that is always available), I really can’t keep it on. Every step I take it goes off and I get so confused. So I’ve given up. I’ll just do squats to get a nice butt.
Yeah! The AMT is like a cross between an elliptical and stair stepper. You can do an elliptical motion or stair stepper motion. Whatever you are feeling!
Hahaha thank you for clarifying because I get all the different trainers confused and usually forget to ask which is which. I’ve used that before and like it a lot better than a regular elliptical. Good reminder for getting out of it what you put into it, too. I’m not a huge gym fan, but you’re right….it’s necessary for various reasons and it isn’t that bad if you go into it with the right attitude
Hahaha. There are just so many different ellipticals these days.
I have a lot of love for the AMT! And love your drawing. I was on that sucker for a 90 minute session this week for my cross training. I do find that I wish it had a higher resistance though like the Arc does (my other choice on a XT day).
I have tried the AMT before. I feel like the biggest dork on it because I can never get the motion right so I basically just use it like a regular elliptical. I usually go back to the stair climber.
Personally, I love the fact that their is a TV. I hate when people say you shouldn’t watch tv because you aren’t getting a good workout. If I’m still sweating and going hardcore, I’m burning calories. The fact that I’m watching GMA shouldn’t matter.
Exactly! I love watching TV while working out and don’t regret it.
Wait, you mean I don’t already know all about you already??? 🙂 I’ve not tried the AMT before, but the next time an Act of God, injury, or both force me inside to do my thing, then I’ll check it out.
Yessss, the drawings are back!
Everything about your last two paragraphs is so true! You really do just have to suck it up and put in the time, like it or not.
I have tried the AMT and honestly, I suck at it!
I like the armless elliptical and to put it on the 3-interval setting and then just up the resistance as I go. I agree that I definitely prefer not having to mess with buttons.
My gym just got rid of it (right when I got injured of course) but luckily, they have another location, even closer to me, who knew, that has plenty!
True story: I fell off of the AMT my first time LOL!