cardio indoors - why?

DeeMac71

Who cares where they work out? I mean, at least they ARE working out. There is an obesity epidemic in this country and more than HALF of our citizens don't do ANY kind of exercise. They can exercise while standing in a litter box for all I care. At least they are doing it.

jae28

well if you come to georgia and try that during the months of april - nov, you will have heat stroke so i go to a gym or at home and on freaky days when its not so humid and hot i go outside i love being outside i like to bike walk sports anything but i have not been able to live as i want for a year of living here my daughter has asthma and 10 min outside here she needs her rescue inhaler and she is very controlled some people go inside because outside isnt an option at certain times and in certain places im from ohio and i would trade that humidity and heat for this anyday

debussyschild

105 here yesterday, and we have this thing called a heat index that put it at 112. They actually tell people to stay inside when it's like that. I know it's hard for northerners to understand, but people in the US actually die from the heat sometimes.

I feel ya girl!! Try running outside when it's 110 degrees---and that's not even the heat index! There are news stories every summer about somebody dying of a heat stroke here (I'm in Central TX), not worth the risk to me.

and don't forget to add that it's over 100 degrees at 10pm here in TX.

^^ All of this. It's really not that difficult to find yourself face down on the asphalt after even a brief jog/walk in this type of heat. Heat exhaustion is something to take seriously... I've had my own bouts with it and I'd rather just wait until the weather cools down rather than putting my health at risk solely to run outside.

IamBlackMamba

Where I live is not runner friendly. Plus I like to work off the days aggression on the Tmill or elliptical where I don't have to worry about bikes or cars.

If I lived out of the city I might have a different mindset.

NovemberJune

I always did indoor workouts after my kids went to bed because I couldn't just leave them home alone My husband works 2nd shift. I would go out sometimes in the morning but that usually isn't possible. I have to leave for work at 7 and my kids get up before 6 anyway so ....

Then my home workouts started bothering my hips too much, and it got to where I cannot jog outside. I can rollerblade so I still do that. But the elliptical does not bother my hips at all. So I joined the gym and go on my lunch breaks. The bonus of that is that I also get to use the heavy weights there now.

On the weekends, I go for walks and hikes with my kids WHEN the weather cooperates. lol.

Anyway there could be any number of reasons people are working out indoors. Kids, injuries, weather, etc.

nwhitley

105 here yesterday, and we have this thing called a heat index that put it at 112. They actually tell people to stay inside when it's like that. I know it's hard for northerners to understand, but people in the US actually die from the heat sometimes.

I feel ya girl!! Try running outside when it's 110 degrees---and that's not even the heat index! There are news stories every summer about somebody dying of a heat stroke here (I'm in Central TX), not worth the risk to me.

Yep!! I'm in South Carolina and it's the same. The heat and humidity make it a serious health concern. Unless, I make it out at 5am in the morning than there's no way I'm going out. And, they will tell you on the news not to go outside unless it's absolutely necessary. People with night jobs, like road construction, actually work at 9 and 10 at night b/c of the heat.

MrsLeyva11

I attempt going jogging outdoors when I can.

But I'm a stay at home mom with a husband who works out of town 6 out of 7 days a week, every week, and has since our daughter was 2 months old. With one income we can't afford a day care center or a baby sitter, and our daughter is still extremely sensitive to the elements so even early morning is too hot for her.

If I don't do cardio indoors or do a work out video, it doesn't get done. On the days when my husband IS home and working in town, I have to get up at 4 AM in order to get my cardio in and get back in time for him to leave for work.

It's only temporary, and I'd much rather be outdoors than in. But with our situation it's just not possible.

knk1553

If its not 105 with a heat index of 115 and 100% humdity, I will run outside, but speaking I walk out of my house and feel like someone is suffocating me with a blanket and look like I just ran a marathon when I walk to class, I stick to indoor cardio. In the spring/late fall, I'll run outside. I do sometimes in the winter but I have a condition where my lungs and bronchioles freak out and start spasming similar to an asthma attack when I bring cold air into my lungs rapidly. I also weight train 3x a week and can't exactly do that without a gym.

I also enjoy cardio classes as they allow me to switch things up and I tend to push myself harder during them because there are other people around and someone is motivating me.

ChaseAlder

Personally, I hate cardio in the gym. I hate that there are dozens of people who can potentially watch your entire workout while you stay in one spot. When I run outside, I pass people... they see me for a very short time and then I'm gone. I also don't believe the treadmill gives me the same workout as running outside. The "ground" is moving underneath me on the treadmill... all I have to do is keep my legs moving fast enough to keep up. When I run outside, I feel like I'm using more power to propel myself forward. The treadmill just doesn't do it for me at all.... I can run so much faster on the treadmill which makes me think it isn't nearly as challenging as running outside.

And don't even get me started on the elliptical. I hate the unnatural way it makes your legs move and there's no flexibility there... you don't have a choice! Forwards or backwards, but the same weird motion. Blech. It doesn't challenge me cardiovascularly, it just makes my legs tired and pisses me off.

I'll stick with road running. So much more effective, IMO. I can run for 90 minutes outside and never get bored, whereas 10 minutes on a gym machine and I'm ready to quit out of sheer boredom.

WickedSpinSistr

I typically don't have a chance to workout until the afternoon. If I were to go out running in the afternoon here this summer I'd likely die of heat poisoning.

I'd like to own a road bike by next summer, though. Our summers typically aren't as hot as this one, at least not for these extended periods of time.

Jezebel_Barbie

Stupid questions - why?

Jay_Jay_

Stupid questions - why?

Stupid people.

jacksonpt

Stupid questions - why?

Some might say "Why?" is the best question.

whiteheaddg

I kept coming in earlier and earlier to beat the heat, but at 0600 it is still 80 degrees and 100% humidity. Switched to a treadmill and ran over .5 mph faster, one mile further, at a slight incline. I'll be back outside in the fall and cruising like a rocket sled (an old broken one.)

lizziebeth1028

Because the heat in Chicago has been horrible this summer!!! I'm not gonna get heat stroke trying to run on the trail when I can get a good workout at home or the gym.

nickhuffman74

One day a week is legs and back and after running I like to work on legs with weights. So it is easier to hit the dreadmill on that day.

hamncheese67

I do both. And like others, weather is a big factor as to when I stay inside. I live in Florida and I just can't run as long or enjoy it when it's 80-90 degrees out with humidity or if there is a thunder shower. Also, depending on schedule, it's often night or early morning when I work out and it's dark. Also, before I lost weight, I felt self-conscious trying to move my big self around in public. Videos were a good way to get me started in regular exercise.

I have to add that I don't like machines, but will reluctantly use a treadmill in order to keep up some training if the weather isn't cooperative.

yoovie

Um, the humidity is super uncomfortable and the heat on top of it doesn't make for a GOOD workout. Why NOT get fit INSIDE in the AC with a fan blowing on me and get in shape just as well as those who go outside to work out?

The answer to that choice is CLEAR to me!

Because some of us LOVE to sweat.

porcelain_doll

Because I get a more effective workout inside.

yoovie

also I cannot reach full wingspan on the treadmill.

not even close.

emily356

I have terrible allergies and can't run outside.:( Plus, it is 100 degrees here with around 80% humidity every day and there is NO WAY I can hack that!!!

melb2003

I like doing indoor cardio for a couple of reasons. 1. I live in Western NY and this summer we've had sweltering hot days compared to what we're use to. I already have a hard time breathing when I do cardio (because I'm so heavy), when I've tried to do cardio outside, I seriously almost passed out. I had to sit down and really rest. Indoors I don't have to worry about it because of the air conditioning. I mean I sweat A LOT, but the air I'm breathing, feels good. 2. I like doing intervals on the treadmill, where I sprint for 1 minute and then I speed walk on a incline for 2 minutes. Working with those intervals on a treadmill, it is so much easier to manage and keep track of when I need to switch back and forth. It fits me much better. But believe me, when I drop down another 40 lbs and feel better with my breathing when I try to run, I will be outdoors.

robinhardysmall

Because EPILEPSY SUCKS!! and to be honest~ if I have a seizure at the gym while exercising I have a much better chance of getting help~ if I have a seizure outside by myself exercising I don't have as great a chance. There- that's my reason!

Jezebel_Barbie

Stupid questions - why?

Some might say "Why?" is the best question.

If it makes you less weirdly judgemental of people who choose a different method to you, then sure.

Did you get the answers you were looking for? Did you really need to ask to get those answers? Is it really so hard to understand different people like different things?

Sharyn913

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Many may be moms with small children they can not bring.
2. May be a mom with a sick child
3. May not have a car
4. May have allergies outside
5. May be TOO HOT in the MIDDLE OF THE SUMMER for some people
6. Bad neighborhoods

determined2lose89

On any given day in my city it seems be 35c+ outside. Not exactly adequate running conditions. I prefer to workout in my home with the AC and a fan so I don't pass out from heat (like previous incidents)

redhousecat

even our running club takes precaution in the Texas heat. WEe shorten our runs and don't run if it is above a certain temp.

That being said, I'm sure safety is a big reason for many women. I certainly won't run alone where I live. Carrying a firearm is rather burdensome.

I don't really like the gym either, but when I can't run with someone, I have to hit the treadmill.

PlunderBunneh

Throwing another vote into stay at home mom pool. I try to get out early on weekends for a run outside, but with the little ones being 5 and 3, it's either home or gym (which has childcare) for me.

gjulie

I agree with you wholeheartedly but if you live in Ireland where it rains inbetween the showers the roads are so dangerous I live in the country no footpaths you would be glad of the gym,it hasnt stopped raining here since June I jest not I would go mad if I couldnt go to the gym,we would love to see even one week of not just sunshine just dry weather,you are so lucky

jacksonpt

Because I get a more effective workout inside.