Winter indoor training has started

[Crankin]

That's exactly how I feel. When I go to the gym for a class, it's in and out in an hour, usually very early in the AM, unless it's yoga. I might do a spin class on the weekends or on one of my days off during the week, if I can't do an outdoor activity. But, I also have all of the gear, and being outside cures pretty much anything for me.

[ny biker]

I think if I had room for a good workout space at home, I would use it when the weather is really bad, like when there are severe storms or icy conditions. I typically walk to and from the gym for weight training and I used to do cardio there too during the winter, until that became boring and I started to make more of an effort to bundle up and go for walks around my neighborhood instead. But sometimes I end up stuck at home because conditions are not good for any amount of walking or driving. I would still want the variety of going to the gym or outside, but a third option of a good workout at home would be useful.

Of course I say that in theory -- there are enough days when I could ride the bike on the trainer but can't get motivated to change my clothes and set up the equipment in my living room. But if the equipment was always set up in its own space, that would definitely help get over the inertia.

This is making me think -- maybe I could come up with a bad-weather workout routine at home that could substitute for the weight training I do at the gym. I don't have room for much equipment and can't jump around and make noise in my apartment, but maybe I could do something with elastic bands, for example. I'll ask my trainer for suggestions.

[Helene2013]

Most of the weight training I do is "noiseless". Bands, free weights - although my trainer prefers bands as you work hard to control the return on the bands, exercice balls to do some of the abs/buttock works. Bosu is good for squats and stability stuff, and of course your own weight when doing planks, lunges, etc. So I think that you can get a good workout without heading to the gym when not feeling/able to do so.

Unless you must get to a gym to get some stimulation or interaction with other people. My employer reimburses me for sports activities (although taxable benefit - and not for purchasing own stuff - bummer!) but I barely use it. I used it 3x only to register to some organized bike rides. Good enough.

So I'm sure your trainer will be able to get you something for weight training. Just don't know for warm ups what you could do as I either cycle or run on treadmill for 15 minutes or so before weights.

[Helene2013]

Tonight was a Sufferfest - There is no try. faster and faster intervals. Hard! Cut the program in half as it is too hard right now for me. Did 40 minutes and then a 20 minutes of physiotherapy for my ankle and some muscle workout.

I did get a calf cramp mid-way into the Sufferfest as I was pushing so hard without thinking as I had so much fun. I just love training at home.

So hooked up on Sufferfest and cycling that during dinner (now) we are watching a new video they got out on style... 90 minutes of this training. hihi Can't wait to try that one out on a weekend.

[ny biker]

Sounds like you're having fun, Helene.

I finally got around to asking my trainer about workout equipment I could use at home given my limited space for exercise and storage. He recommended a TRX suspension trainer. I'm going to ask for one for Christmas (or gift cards to put towards the purchase, since $200 is a bit much to ask for a Christmas gift).

Meanwhile the weather here is still okay for outdoor activities, though I'm hearing that we're in for some cold weather soon.

[Helene2013]

Yep. Enjoying training at home a lot.

I can do most of the things I need to do with terra bands that were given to me by physiotherapist. They come in different colours for different strengths. I'm sure your PT could give you some or Amazon or places like this sell for cheap. Once I'm done through this program I'm sore all over. Add an excercie ball, a stability ball (I have the Bosu pro but some are way cheaper and do the trick), foam roller, and your own body weight can do the rest. You may had a few free weights but my trainer avoids them as bands forces you to control more the moves. And almost noiseless if you have to think about neighbours.

Bands take little room, you can attach them to anything of even make a knot and use a door passages, etc. Mine are on hooks when not in use so it takes no space at all.

Good luck and have fun if you get something like this for training at home.

[Catrin]

Sounds like you're having fun, Helene.

I finally got around to asking my trainer about workout equipment I could use at home given my limited space for exercise and storage. He recommended a TRX suspension trainer. I'm going to ask for one for Christmas (or gift cards to put towards the purchase, since $200 is a bit much to ask for a Christmas gift).

Meanwhile the weather here is still okay for outdoor activities, though I'm hearing that we're in for some cold weather soon.

You might want to consider a suspension system very comparable to the TRX but at literally half the cost, the Jungle Gym XT. It is also possible to find it on sale (especially at Perform Better) for even less. I've used both systems extensively and I prefer the Jungle Gym. I like the straps better, and it does have a very different foot cradle. Right now Perform Better has it on sale for $85 and free shipping. I sprang for the wall anchor as well, but the straps comes with a door anchor. They also sell an extension strap but I've not found a need for that personally. I also use bands for my PT exercises, but I prefer my suspension system for other types of work.

[kernowcyclist]

Hi all, I've just had my very first training ride on our new indoor trainer set up in the lounge, as we're tight on space here. It's a Graber Mag (made by Cyclops I think). Although it took a little while to get the resistance settings right for me, I did an hour and got a decent sweaty workout. I much prefer whizzing along in scenery, but this will be adequate when the weather caves in and I put the TV on which helped.