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ditching weights?

Matilda_Swan
Matilda_Swan Posts: 3,342 Member
edited February 21 in Fitness and Exercise
i may have to ditch weight lifting at the gym for the summer and start next winter :) it is too nice out to NOT walk my dog, jog my fav paths, hike a mtn, go for a walk or a bike ride, and SWIM in a LAKE (soon) :) I just cant force myself to the gym when all this fresh air and sunshine is going on :) Anyone else feel/do the same?

I do continue to do some push ups/situps/crunches/squats at home with free weights but it is quick and not like what i was doing at the gym to get my fitness in during the winter?
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Replies

  • wolfsbayne
    wolfsbayne Posts: 3,116 Member
    Why not do both?
  • neandermagnon
    neandermagnon Posts: 7,436 Member
    what's the rainfall like where you live? Can you do weights outdoors? Do you have somewhere to keep the weights where they won't get wet/rusty?

    I've seen outdoor home gyms, generally in places that are hot without too much rainfall. Somehow I don't think it'd work in the UK but a temporary outdoor gym with something to protect them from the rain might.
  • sfbaumgarten
    sfbaumgarten Posts: 912 Member
    I've sort of fallen into the same mentality... Aside from a few fitness videos here and there, I haven't really lifted any weights in over a month. I've been on a running kick since the weather has warmed up. I'm trying to just go with the flow and do the exercises that keep me entertained at the time. For me, there's no sense in making it seem like work.
  • BlueBombers
    BlueBombers Posts: 4,064 Member
    Why would you have to ditch weights? A workout doesn't have to take all day.
  • Timshel_
    Timshel_ Posts: 22,834 Member
    I have no love for sitting around lifting. I can do so much outside I rarely go. There are tons of fitness folks who never do traditional lifting and maintain excellent results.
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  • Timshel_
    Timshel_ Posts: 22,834 Member
    And enjoying what you are doing helps create compliance.
  • wolfsbayne
    wolfsbayne Posts: 3,116 Member
    I only spend about 45-60 minutes for my lifting routine. That's my "me" time. Then, I would go for a walk or whatever with the fam or not with the fam. That's all I'm saying.
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  • martinel2099
    martinel2099 Posts: 899 Member
    The company I work for recently completed a project adding outside fitness equipment in a park in DC. It's certainly an interesting idea for any of those who are outside lovers like you, maybe we'll see more of these in the future.

    Fitness Zone in Anacostia Park in Washington DC

    "This new “adult playground” provides cardio, flexibility, and strength training equipment for those who want a workout. Open dawn to dusk, the equipment costs nothing to use—but might not be free. The equipment is already so popular. “You should see how busy it gets in the evenings!” said Anacostia Park manager Julie Kutruff."
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    nope as a matter of fact I am looking forward to actually being in an air conditioned gym this summer (have a trial membership) to lift weights...

    It's an hour 3x a week..and I absolutely love lifting...but I will be doing all the other stuff too...

    pool/lake/walking/biking outside.
  • db34fit69
    db34fit69 Posts: 182 Member
    How about a monkey bar / playground / park bench workout? That's free and you just need your own body weight.
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  • soxobsessed
    soxobsessed Posts: 130 Member
    I take a boot camp class which, when it is finally warm here, will be outside
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  • db34fit69
    db34fit69 Posts: 182 Member
    How about a monkey bar / playground / park bench workout? That's free and you just need your own body weight.

    I like this!

    I am going to look into this :)

    THanks!

    i just cant get my butt to the gym :)

    Unless it rains then I will go :)

    For example:

    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2012/04/12/playground-workout/
    http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/outdoor-workout-tone-every-inch-park-bench
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  • Elsie_Brownraisin
    Elsie_Brownraisin Posts: 786 Member
    My husband would agree, though he also climbs/runs/bikes/paddles in all kinds of weather. The thought of lifting weights or being inside a gym would drive him nuts.

    I'll continue with the gym, but I substitute beefcaking sessions for walking. Nothing better for the legs than mountains.

    And I'll only be swimming indoors (for my lessons) after this weekend. Then it's lovely frigid open water. Last year I swam with ducklings and another time with a pair of spaniels. Who can say that about the stinky pool?

    Do what makes you happy!
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  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    Why not do both?

    because time at the gym = time I am NOT outside living life :)

    And no I live in an apt so there is not outside gym options

    I really dont miss it much, I just love the results but if i workout out doors I can drag my fam and dog along so it also means ore time together :)

    I do understand this...which is why I've been lifting in the morning before everyone wakes up.
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  • RaspberryKeytoneBoondoggle
    RaspberryKeytoneBoondoggle Posts: 1,349 Member
    A book I like is 'You Are Your Own Gym'. You can use the book to design a program at the park.
  • CJ_Holmes
    CJ_Holmes Posts: 759 Member
    I can't stand being indoors when it's beautiful out, either! Don't fight it. I do park workouts.

    Handstands, headstands, push-ups, pull-ups, inverted rows, monkey bars, planks, walking lunges, bench jumps, sprints, burpees...

    You may not get the same specific gains as say, weighted squats, but I doubt you will lose much fitness or strength if you do this kind of routine. Bodyweight exercises can be extremely challenging. You'll also feel ready for any fun summer activities that require strength and agility.
  • VeganAmandaJ
    VeganAmandaJ Posts: 234 Member
    I thought of the same thing but this would be my first time being outside working out so I don't have regular spots or paths or hiking trails but hoping to do that soon. I really don't want to give up weights though.. I was thinking of doing weights inside and then going someplace outside but I work out at night right now due to my schedule so it may not happen right now but I definitely do need to get outside! I'm sure you'll be fine if you can do bodyweight exercises and the point is you'll be happier and have fun! Get in the gym on days it's too hot or too cold or raining etc..
  • Serah87
    Serah87 Posts: 5,481 Member
    Nope, will not give my weight lifting. :bigsmile:
  • LeanButNotMean44
    LeanButNotMean44 Posts: 852 Member
    I do understand this...which is why I've been lifting in the morning before everyone wakes up.

    THIS.
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    nope as a matter of fact I am looking forward to actually being in an air conditioned gym this summer (have a trial membership) to lift weights...

    It's an hour 3x a week..and I absolutely love lifting...but I will be doing all the other stuff too...

    pool/lake/walking/biking outside.

    This is me. I like being outside, but summer temps here get near (and over) 100 degrees F. To do the outside stuff, I have to be up and at it before 7, finished by 8 (except the swimming). And I really do love lifting, so 2-3 times a week for an hour each isn't bad when it's air conditioned.
  • willdob3
    willdob3 Posts: 640 Member
    I don't see what the weather has to do with doing weight training or not.

    When the weather is nice you can easily move cardio outside but that does not mean it is a good idea to skip weight training. I'd never give up my weight teaining. That is the frosting on the cake - what makes out bodies look great as we lose the fat w/good nutrition.
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  • 1911JR
    1911JR Posts: 276
    i may have to ditch weight lifting at the gym for the summer and start next winter :) it is too nice out to NOT walk my dog, jog my fav paths, hike a mtn, go for a walk or a bike ride, and SWIM in a LAKE (soon) :) I just cant force myself to the gym when all this fresh air and sunshine is going on :) Anyone else feel/do the same?

    I do continue to do some push ups/situps/crunches/squats at home with free weights but it is quick and not like what i was doing at the gym to get my fitness in during the winter?

    Never, I will stop lifting when I`m dead, or physically not able. Its all about priorities and what's important to you! But I also live in Florida and it nice out almost everyday.

    I suggest super sets of 2 or 3 exercises and don`t screw around taking rests. I did 16 sets of back work today while a young boy (and most everyone else) did 2 or 3 sets. But eeeewwwwww, I was sweating too! HA HA HA HA..
This discussion has been closed.