What do you do for upper body workouts?
09-03-08, 10:27 PM
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What do you do for upper body workouts?
Cyclocommuting is making my legs sek-c 
It gets me thinking about that other half of my body that could use work. I've read that a lot of commuters here save money on, among other things, gym memberships. If you're not going to the gym, what do y'all do about arms/abs/chest/back exercise? I'm leaning toward crunches and free weights myself but that sounds... well, boring...
It gets me thinking about that other half of my body that could use work. I've read that a lot of commuters here save money on, among other things, gym memberships. If you're not going to the gym, what do y'all do about arms/abs/chest/back exercise? I'm leaning toward crunches and free weights myself but that sounds... well, boring...
09-03-08, 10:43 PM
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Pushups. Seriously. I used to do freeweights and machines and I was big back in my 20s but reaching the end of my 30s and I really want to just be fit and toned.
I do martials, too...eskrima and TKD. That helps.
I do martials, too...eskrima and TKD. That helps.
09-04-08, 04:44 AM
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I started strength training. You don't have to bulk up with strength training if that is not what you want to do. I intend to bulk up a tiny bit and mostly tone. My one free weight is a dumbbell and I plan on acquiring more as time passes. The buffed legs and scrawny torso isn't what I would call balanced fitness.
09-04-08, 05:57 AM
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Take up mountain biking, great upper body workout....or just go to the gym
09-04-08, 06:09 AM
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I can't recommend this highly enough for cyclists: yoga. Not the meditative kind, the workout kind. It builds nice muscles all over and keeps you loose after all that exercise in one position. It's like having chain lube in all your joints. A great compliment to bike riding. I did the gym for a long time but cycling plus lifting is too stationary and cycling plus running or swimming is too cardio. Yoga's right in the middle. Plus it's cheaper and faster than the gym once you've had some instruction and can stretch on your own at home.
A backpack and a forward riding position also helps. Between the yoga and the pack I've improved my upper body noticeably since becoming a bike commuter. People ask all the time if I've been working out.
A backpack and a forward riding position also helps. Between the yoga and the pack I've improved my upper body noticeably since becoming a bike commuter. People ask all the time if I've been working out.
09-04-08, 06:55 AM
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+1 ... My commute starts with a 3 mile trip to the gym. I'm up to 30 laps and I use a set of fitness gloves which increase the resistance. Great for the shoulders, arms, and chest.
09-04-08, 07:01 AM
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Upper body muscle is just extra weight to hold you down...
I get a bit of a core workout because my riding position is more aggressive and less upright, but really I don't worry about it much.
I get a bit of a core workout because my riding position is more aggressive and less upright, but really I don't worry about it much.
09-04-08, 07:04 AM
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09-04-08, 07:21 AM
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Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Since my job isn't as physical as it used to be I've taken to doing push ups and crunches, sometimes I do get a decent workout at the shop, and mountain biking is excellent.
Will probably start swimming over the winter too as I have to stay in shape to keep up with these girls.
Will probably start swimming over the winter too as I have to stay in shape to keep up with these girls.
09-04-08, 07:35 AM
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09-04-08, 07:36 AM
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Plus, you can tone your upper body without gaining too much muscle. I think the benefits of all over strength training for your average cyclist are vastly understated. My 2 cents.
09-04-08, 07:40 AM
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Probably should be in the "fitness" area... I'd be most commuters are more concerned with clothing than what it covers up.
09-04-08, 07:47 AM
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09-04-08, 07:50 AM
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09-04-08, 07:56 AM
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All my life, my legs have been far behind my upper body. Even when I was religious about lifting weights, I'd pretty much ignore my legs.
So, I'm still balancing my physique. Strengthening and building the legs while burning off some fat. I plan to get back to weight lifting soon, but it's so hard to do alone in the garage. It's so much more motivating when you're standing in a gym surrounded by competition.
Though if I come into some money, I'd love to take some Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes. Or Krav Maga if a decent studio opens up near me.
So, I'm still balancing my physique. Strengthening and building the legs while burning off some fat. I plan to get back to weight lifting soon, but it's so hard to do alone in the garage. It's so much more motivating when you're standing in a gym surrounded by competition.
Though if I come into some money, I'd love to take some Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes. Or Krav Maga if a decent studio opens up near me.