Weights or Indoor Trainer?
01-13-23, 05:27 PM
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Weights or Indoor Trainer?
Pretty much, I don’t have access to a gym for weight training, and my budget won’t allow for both. So, as someone who finds my muscles tire well before my lungs and heart rate. My budget will either allow for a set of dumbbells (I don’t want to use barbells as I don’t have money for a safety bar / squat rack and don’t have a spotter), the other option is to buy something like a Wahoo Kickr Snap and do high resistance indoor training. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
01-14-23, 07:49 AM
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Indoor training (Zwift) is my primary, because I enjoy it more and don't have to worry about hurting myself.
Dumbells can be expensive or very cheap. I have the cheap ones. I also use elastics because that is what my PT recommended, they are super cheap and no risk of injury. I can also throw them in my suitcase when I travel.
Dumbells can be expensive or very cheap. I have the cheap ones. I also use elastics because that is what my PT recommended, they are super cheap and no risk of injury. I can also throw them in my suitcase when I travel.
01-14-23, 10:19 AM
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Depends, I think, on what you are trying to achieve. An ideal routine would include both resistance work (dumbbells and bands) and cardio - indoor or outdoor bike, running, jumping rope, etc. If you're trying to get in shape for riding a bike, then the indoor trainer would be a good choice.
Also don't know your age. I'm 78 so have concerns about loss of bone density. Weights help with that. I have an inexpensive adjustable bench and dumbbells so weights 2-3 times a week and outdoor biking in between. I also have resistance bands as bblair recommends including a very heavy duty one called NT Band which can duplicate many machine-type exercises. I can maintain average heart rate over 100 bpm lifting weights so maintain some cardio fitness when weather keeps me off the bike.
Also don't know your age. I'm 78 so have concerns about loss of bone density. Weights help with that. I have an inexpensive adjustable bench and dumbbells so weights 2-3 times a week and outdoor biking in between. I also have resistance bands as bblair recommends including a very heavy duty one called NT Band which can duplicate many machine-type exercises. I can maintain average heart rate over 100 bpm lifting weights so maintain some cardio fitness when weather keeps me off the bike.
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01-14-23, 11:23 AM
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01-15-23, 11:13 AM
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01-15-23, 12:34 PM
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Bodyweight is the way to go. We have some light weights and kettle balls as well. Most people's cycling isn't going to improve because of expensive weights, but a trainer is very useful.
01-15-23, 07:56 PM
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Pretty much, I don’t have access to a gym for weight training, and my budget won’t allow for both. So, as someone who finds my muscles tire well before my lungs and heart rate. My budget will either allow for a set of dumbbells (I don’t want to use barbells as I don’t have money for a safety bar / squat rack and don’t have a spotter), the other option is to buy something like a Wahoo Kickr Snap and do high resistance indoor training. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
01-16-23, 08:07 AM
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A good set of bands can help with muscle endurance, and depending on your normal workout routine, can supplement some muscle gain. Also, try finding a set of adjustable dumbbells. Since you haven't talked about budget, a set of nordic track adjustable dumbbells is around $300, if you can swing it. The ones I have go from 5lbs to 55 lbs.
01-16-23, 08:48 AM
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I don't know about you geezers, but I can't lift much of anything without a good warmup first.
So, 10 or 15 minutes on the trainer. Get off and stretch and lift while still sweaty. Much more comfortable. Then back on for another 15 minutes. So in 45 minutes, I've done both.
Zwift event days, no lifting. Weight only days I end up sitting on my bench and watching Sports Center instead of working out.
So, 10 or 15 minutes on the trainer. Get off and stretch and lift while still sweaty. Much more comfortable. Then back on for another 15 minutes. So in 45 minutes, I've done both.
Zwift event days, no lifting. Weight only days I end up sitting on my bench and watching Sports Center instead of working out.
01-19-23, 12:44 PM
#11
Meet me at spin class!!!!
Ideally you should be doing both weight training and cardio.
01-19-23, 12:53 PM
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Floor exercises like squats, reverse lunges, Bulgarian squats and mountain climbers are the real deal and build muscle.
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