what exactly IS strength training?

okay so i always hear/read that its best to do a mix of cardio and "strength training" but im never sure what that really means..

right now i go to the gym 5 days a week, usually use the elliptical for at least 30 mins and then do 2 sets (15 reps each) on the "lat pulldown" machine and another 2 sets on this other machine that i dont remember the name of but is meant to work your abs (it twists). i also play basketball for about 30mins once a week and i take a low-impact fitness class once a week. and i do at least 50 sit-ups, 50 lunges and 50 squats everyday.

so is any of this strength training? if not, what kind of exercises should i add?

THANKS in advance

p.s. im 17, 5'3, 143lbs looking to lose a bit and tone a lot =)

strength training is anything that helps you build muscle. Examples would be anything from weight lifting, yoga/pilates, etc...

Strength training usually doesn't increase your heart rate (that's what cardio exercise does) but it instead focuses more on your muscles. Based on what you've posted, it seems like you get a lot of cardio which is great, but i would try to add more strength training exercises. Try 30 minutes a day, 5-6 times a week, but only focus on ONE muscle group each time (ex: monday is arms, tuesday legs, wednesday back, etc...)

The ab machine and lat pulldown and your squats, lunges and sit ups are strength training, however if you arent adding much weights to the machines you aren't doing much good after a while your body learns a routine and doens't work anymore- so start adding some weights to thos squats and lunges by holding some weights or using the squat rack for your squats.  and if you do add weights don't do them every day but give a day rest

yup. in a nutshell, strength training is weightlifting - or one of the hundreds of variations thereof.

 

http://www.stumptuous.com/cms/displaysection. php?sid=23

^ a good start to basic weightlifting moves. ditching the machines for free weights and learning proper form changed my views on fitness forever.

this is all very helpful...thanks!

what your doing really isn't strength training but will help increase your strength a little bit.  when you do higher reps in the "teens", you are working more with endurance.  Endurance exercises will help tone your body up and if you are looking to lose a little bit of weight and tone up then you should probably do 30 minutes to an hour of cardio a day plus your normal training. Do basic exercises with 4 to 6 sets per exercise with 8 to 14 reps with weight that you can do. Start with a lighter weight then work your way up to heavier weight that you can do at least 8 times.