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Thread: Gym vs Cycling

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
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    238

    Gym vs Cycling

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    Cycling wins, every time! However, today's weather was pretty grim looking, so I decided to go to the gym instead. I haven't been there in ages, but keep my membership since it's only $10/month.

    I did the elliptical for a while, and then the recumbent bike. (I find their regular upright bikes very uncomfortable.)

    I left feeling very unsatisfied...like I hadn't really pushed myself the way I do on a long weekend ride.

    What exercise/equipment do you use when you can't get on the bike?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Posts
    4,516
    I do elliptical and weights (mostly functional exercises) usually. I gauge the elliptical by heart rate. Sometimes I swim (depending on how crowded things are).
    Most days in life don't stand out, But life's about those days that will...

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Concord, MA
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    I take a boot camp/functional fitness training class twice a week. Otherwise, I'm outside.
    In the dead of winter, I might take a spin class or go to yoga class. I decide between spin class or my own bike on the trainer at home by the needs of my schedule. I also have a treadmill at home, so no need for the gym there. I'm also outside most of the time in the winter, whether it's snow shoeing, nordic skiing, or running.
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  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
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    10,889
    I take a functional fitness/metabolic training class twice a week all year, if the weather is bad I will work out on my own for a third session during the week or take a Bosu class.

    In the winter I will use my bike trainer at home, but I don't use the cardio equipment at the gym. I am just not a fan of machines - and I ride outside in the winter as often as the weather will allow. I plan to do a bit more walking/jogging at the gym this winter as my body allows. Cold air is an asthma trigger for me so I have to be careful.
    Last edited by Catrin; 07-21-2012 at 02:44 PM.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    West MI
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    4,259
    I'll run in just about anything, as long as it's not super icy. I've even biked as cold as 18º with a bit of snow and ice and slop with studded tires. But most of my Winter rides have been on the indoor trainer. I definitely don't push myself hard unless I'm doing a Sufferfest workout.

    This Winter I hope to have a mountain bike with disc brakes. I assume I can get studded tires for that. I'd ride my CX bike in the Winter, more, but I do NOT like the almost complete lack of braking ability once my rims ice up. With disc brakes that wouldn't be an issue.
    Kirsten
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  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    329
    ROW!!!! it will kick your tail and uses the opposing muscle groups from cycling (:

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Chicago suburbs
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    1,222
    I'm a gym rat...always have been, always will be. My riding days are Sat, Sun, & Mon. The rest of the week, I'm at the gym doing cardio and weights. At the gym, I use the Stairmaster, treadmill, 2 kinds of elliptical machines, and 2 kinds of stationary upright bikes. I also take a spin class 1x a week (I'd do more, but I don't care for any of the other instructors). And on Fridays, I swim laps at a local outdoor pool in the summer months (I loathe swimming in indoor pools!).

    Linda
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  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Tucson, AZ
    Posts
    4,632
    I hate the gym. I get bored easily.

    If I can't ride, I hit the trainer, but not so much in summer. I do some yoga and I should consider adding other stuff.
    At least I don't leave slime trails.
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  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    NY, NY
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    397
    stair mill (the one that's like a mini escalator that you have to keep up with)--either long and steady or intervals for a shorter time. ouch
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  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Central Indiana
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    I run inside and out during from late fall to early spring. I also have a home spin bike. I have practiced yoga for about 6 years and do resistance and core work with a trainer twice each week. I love to ride, but I tend to think that it needs to be balanced out with other activities. There are a number of muscle groups that get underworked or not worked at all on the bike. Plus, it's not weight bearing. Cycling just doesn't check all the necessary boxes for me, nor does just cardio.
    Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.

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  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2002
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    Quote Originally Posted by maryellen View Post
    stair mill (the one that's like a mini escalator that you have to keep up with)--either long and steady or intervals for a shorter time. ouch
    +1

    I'm a bit of a gym rat also & regularly visit to lift weights. That way, when the weather is nasty, I'm not feeling out of my element in the gym.
    To train a dog, you must be more interesting than dirt.

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  12. #12
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Concord, MA
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    13,394
    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.
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    2011 Guru Praemio
    Specialized Oura
    2017 Specialized Ariel Sport

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    2,698
    Quote Originally Posted by indysteel View Post
    Cycling just doesn't check all the necessary boxes for me, nor does just cardio.
    +1. For me, it's yoga once a week, swimming once a week, year-round, in addition to cycling. During the winter, I'll add a weights class and add more swimming or yoga as needed. I'd like to attempt running again, but I'm not sure where I'll fit it in.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Denver, CO
    Posts
    575
    I, too, participate in functional fitness classes twice a week in addition to my summer riding. I began taking fitness classes last January to help rehab weak muscles after breaking my ankle. I've been amazed at how the fitness classes have contributed to my riding. For instance, my mountain biking benefits from a strong core and upper body strength but riding does little to build these muscles. I'm riding better than ever after 7 months of fitness classes.
    LORI
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  15. #15
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    238
    Quote Originally Posted by Crankin View Post
    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.
    This used to be me...that is, until I found cycling

 

 

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