Gym vs Cycling

[Crankin]

Indy, I feel the same way, actually. Being outdoors riding or running, or doing winter stuff fills my need to be in nature and my need to exercise. That's why if I am short on time, I would rather walk the 2.2 mile loop in my neighborhood, where I can see nature and get my HR up going up the hill. In fact, I originally started mountain biking because I love being in the woods, since I was a kid, in fact. But, the actual mountain biking part didn't work out so well for me, so now hiking is my alternate activity in the woods, during warmer weather.

[indysteel]

It continues to amaze me that there a number of people at the gym who think exercise is something you do at the gym and would never, ever go outside for any activity. I've worked at and belonged to probably 6-7 gyms in 2 states as an adult, and it's been the same at all of them. I've actually had some (all women) tell me don't like getting sweaty outside, or that something outside (like wind, dirt, bugs) is too "gross" for them. It's good they are exercising, but it's like people have forgotten what's real.

I thought about your comment a bit last night. For me--and I am only speaking for myself--I don't do outdoor activities just to exercise. The time I spend outdoors feeds other emotional and spiritual needs that go beyond mere fitness. I don't mind working out indoors and I think my yoga practice also serves other non-fitness needs, but I get a huge benefit from experiencing nature and being engaged in the natural world that I don't think I could ever get from a treadmill.