Wileyrat

This is our low cycling time of the year, especially if you are still employed, and I am. So because of the heat, basically I can ride on early morning weekend days, and do what I've done in the past, work out on my spinner, elliptical machine, and strength trainer.

The problem is like most of you know is working out at home does get boring after a while, so I'm going to throw in the towel this summer and join a club.

We'll see how this works out.

mapeiboy

Sorry to hear you are still employed . What I have done in the past is put on a pair of running shoes after work for a fast 30 minutes work out .

Wileyrat

During the time most of you are locked up inside all winter, I'm happily riding and walking after work. Now that it's going to hit 100+ for a few months, it doesn't work out so well, especially since I spend a good portion of my work day outside.

Rowan

Machka and I joined a very well-equipped gym at the beginning of this year. It has three pools, two spas, a huge gym workout area and a great atmosphere. We pick our times when there are fewer people about.

I think it has been a very worthwhile addition to our exercise regimens, particular the access to the pool for me, and generally access to high-quality aerobic and weights equipment. Plus we also can participate in group sessions without any additional payments, whether they be yoga, spin classes or any other aerobics.

freedomrider1

sounds like fun,change things up a little.

John E

My wife and I have been members of the local YMCA ever since we put the boys through progressive swim classes, and then the younger one through team sports (roller hockey, then basketball). (The elder one was a klutz, like his dad.) The Y is cheaper than most of the alternatives, the equipment is good enough for my needs, and the folks are friendly and non-competitive.

Dave Cutter

My off season here in the Midwest is winter. I tried swimming laps [winter before last], then last winter I tried winter-cycling on a gravel grinder of a mountain bike. I

swear I thought I was a better swimmer.... and found that indoor winter swimming was mostly locker room prep and dressing. A huge amount of hassle and effort for a minimal amount of swimming time. I found no joy in swimming.

I liked my gravel grinder! Sliding continuously on snow covered icy roads.... wasn't as much fun as I thought it might be. I also tried a like 20 minute weight training and calisthenics routine. I actually could SEE the muscle growth. I was able (in my 60's) to sculpt my upper body a bit. When spring sprang... I sold the winter bike.

I think you have the right idea about joining a gym! I want to find a place with group classes... something that would also help me keep the heart pumping and burn a few calories. PLUS use the weight training equipment. A spin class... followed by a cool-down walk and a half hour with weight or resistance training would make the trip both fun and feel worth the drive (and fees).

1loosemoose

I maintain a YMCA membership and like to go in the mornings(5am) when the open the doors. This is the only way I'm guaranteed to get my exercise in during the day. Then if I come home and wimp out going for a ride or a walk at least I already got my morning exercise in and the day is not a total loss.

Good luck, I hope you enjoy it and you get your money's worth.

Gerryattrick

In my experience I've usually found that I join a health club and then break down.

Indoor exercise is inherently boring so I end up trying too hard. I've been unable to ride for a couple of weeks and am fighting the urge to go to the gym as an exercise substitute.

Steve Sawyer

My advice is to take classes. The instructors at our local rec center (a beautiful and very well-equipped facility) are attentive to the differing needs of the class members - from the 60+ to the twenty-somethings, and from the whale-sized to the whippet-thin. You can also change things up - try different activities and you'll probably find something that is both challenging and enjoyable. I've gotten a lot out of beginner yoga, TRX suspension and "fit club" classes where you rotate rapidly through various activities with weights, big tractor tires (flipping them over repeatedly, beating on them with sledge hammers), ropes, calisthenics, etc.

The classes do several things - you're noticed when you're absent (keeps you "honest"), you get introduced to things that you might not try otherwise, you develop relationships with your fellow sufferers, er "students", and you have an instructor that goads you to push yourself a little harder than you might on your own.

Wileyrat

I did it....I signed up with Planet Fitness. They had the best price to features ratio of the clubs I looked at, and that was the hook.

They don't have any spinning bikes, which is ok because I have one at home if I want to ride a spinner, but they have normal gym exercise bikes with saddles as big as one of my dining room chairs. I spent some time on one yesterday, and I need to break in different parts of my backside to ride those contraptions.

Go figure, my butt is at least good for a metric century, but 20 mins on a fat saddle, not so much.

JoeMan

Good choice. I feel working out at the club makes me a stronger cyclist and in general fitter.
Two of my favorite exercises are pull ups to work my upper back and leg sleds to build strength in my legs.