Post by davesenesac on Dec 15, 2017 9:34:49 GMT -8
For those that don't usually work out at gyms, how do you maintain your fitness level at home during this time of year when getting outside may be unpleasant due to temperature and weather? And this includes those who are using home gym products. But like not including grabbing the handle then opening your refrigerator door.
First time I've read the gym etiquette thread thread, enlightening. Obviously I must be one of a minority that never have gym memberships. Signed up for memberships 3 times while in my 20/30s and each time barely used them because I found experiences unpleasant. Here in the SF Bay Area that was also the era of that movie Perfect with Curtis and Travolta when many gyms were often meat markets with a social scene dominated by aggressive individuals. There will always be something to be said positively about working out in a social environment like a gym especially for singles but one can get by otherwise.
What bothered me most was to me the strong locker room smell that I didn't want to experience. I spent nearly 4 years in military service so was familiar with living in close quarters with lots of others most of which were at humid and tropical locations where people sweat more. And also had 2 tours in third world countries where the first thing one notices getting off the plane is a really strong odor not all that different from being down wind of a garbage dump. Our brains however tend to get used to it so after a few weeks barely notices. There is a huge variation in body odors between individuals due to genetics, diet, lifestyle, and I seem to be at the extreme left on the bell curve while also having senses with low thresholds.
More practically, I've never had trouble keeping at a reasonable fitness level for my interests without going to gyms. And have never bought any home gym equipment but rather just stay fit the way people did before such was ever marketed. Mostly just getting outside and being active. As an example currently am in the winter ski season and as an old mogul skiing enthusiasts at home climb up and down my stairs carrying an old backpack full of water containers, maybe 50 pounds worth. Of course also do the same during summer backpacking season. Strengthens many body parts like the torso and the both uphill and downhill muscle groups. For arm and shoulder simply lift gallon milk plastic bottles partially refilled with water instead of usual commercial hand weights. Then there are sit-ups, usual stretching, and push-ups for which I prefer women's style from the knee. One muscle group more difficult to exercise at home was for thigh muscles for lifting up a leg. I duct taped 3 pound lead salmon fishing weights onto a pair of old ski boots so now just do standing left then right repeating high leg lifts.
I live in a urban shopping district with lots of vehicle traffic. Instead of driving my car minor distances, I often fast walk a quarter, half, mile, or two. What I have found personally that really helps motivation to do so is an excuse to put on my headsets (portable fold up model) and crank up some lively classic rock music while doing so.
First time I've read the gym etiquette thread thread, enlightening. Obviously I must be one of a minority that never have gym memberships. Signed up for memberships 3 times while in my 20/30s and each time barely used them because I found experiences unpleasant. Here in the SF Bay Area that was also the era of that movie Perfect with Curtis and Travolta when many gyms were often meat markets with a social scene dominated by aggressive individuals. There will always be something to be said positively about working out in a social environment like a gym especially for singles but one can get by otherwise.
What bothered me most was to me the strong locker room smell that I didn't want to experience. I spent nearly 4 years in military service so was familiar with living in close quarters with lots of others most of which were at humid and tropical locations where people sweat more. And also had 2 tours in third world countries where the first thing one notices getting off the plane is a really strong odor not all that different from being down wind of a garbage dump. Our brains however tend to get used to it so after a few weeks barely notices. There is a huge variation in body odors between individuals due to genetics, diet, lifestyle, and I seem to be at the extreme left on the bell curve while also having senses with low thresholds.
More practically, I've never had trouble keeping at a reasonable fitness level for my interests without going to gyms. And have never bought any home gym equipment but rather just stay fit the way people did before such was ever marketed. Mostly just getting outside and being active. As an example currently am in the winter ski season and as an old mogul skiing enthusiasts at home climb up and down my stairs carrying an old backpack full of water containers, maybe 50 pounds worth. Of course also do the same during summer backpacking season. Strengthens many body parts like the torso and the both uphill and downhill muscle groups. For arm and shoulder simply lift gallon milk plastic bottles partially refilled with water instead of usual commercial hand weights. Then there are sit-ups, usual stretching, and push-ups for which I prefer women's style from the knee. One muscle group more difficult to exercise at home was for thigh muscles for lifting up a leg. I duct taped 3 pound lead salmon fishing weights onto a pair of old ski boots so now just do standing left then right repeating high leg lifts.
I live in a urban shopping district with lots of vehicle traffic. Instead of driving my car minor distances, I often fast walk a quarter, half, mile, or two. What I have found personally that really helps motivation to do so is an excuse to put on my headsets (portable fold up model) and crank up some lively classic rock music while doing so.
Since I have the membership, I like to do the weight room stuff, too. I do find, oddly, that I'm more likely to do that if I have to go to the gym for it, maybe because then I have to schedule it. If I'm just going to use some weights or do some exercises at home, I keep saying "later," and then it's bed time.
