Winter indoor training has started

[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.

[ny biker]

Outdoor rides definitely are better, but I try to remind myself that the indoor riding makes it easier to ride outside again when the weather improves.

Thanks for the tip on the Jungle Gym XT, Catrin. It's on my Christmas list.

[Catrin]

NY Biker, I think you will like it. The foot cradle is quite different and takes some getting used to but still.

My favorite gym contacted me today and offered me the opportunity to re-join without the re-joining fee. They usually only do that in January and July, but there is a full service HUGE YMCA opening that is quite close and they appear to be in direct competition with NIFS, at least as far as equipment goes. They can't, however, compete in the education level of the staff and in a few other areas. I also have quite a quite nice discount through my employer's wellness program and as winter settles in I won't be hiking much, so it is back to the gym until at least spring. I will still do most of my work at home but it will be nice to have access to more indoor options.

Friday I get the FMS and more information on my knee/gait problem. Crossing my fingers that it isn't permanent...

[Blueberry]

Catrin-

Might be worth asking if they will match the rates you would get at the new gym. Lots of fees are negotiable - particularly gyms in my experience.