cardio indoors - why?

jacksonpt
jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
edited December 26 in Fitness and Exercise
I see all these posts about people doing various at home cardio DVDs (Jillian, insanity, whatever), or spending all this time on machines at the gym. I work at a gym and watch people line up for the cardio equipment on days when if FREAKING BEAUTIFUL outside.

Why?

If you're one of those people, why would you rather be inside in front of a TV or on an eliptical rather than being outside, getting some sun and fresh air? Why would you rather be on a treadmill than out running? Why would you rather be on an eliptical or a stepper rather than hiking? Why would you rather be on an exercise bike rather than an actual bike?

I'm not criticizing, just something I have never understood. I live in upstate NY where we have a pretty cold/snowy winter (yes, not as cold and snowy as some of you, but...) and I'd rather be outside running or biking in February than be inside on a treadmill or my trainer.
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Replies

  • DaniKenmir
    DaniKenmir Posts: 387 Member
    I have a scary neighbourhood and my car died.... Only choice till we move, then I'll be running around beautiful lakes in canberra!
  • piesbd
    piesbd Posts: 196 Member
    I wonder if it may be that they just have never really thought about it? Or it is hot, or it could be that some feel safer working out inside. (I personally have only stepped foot in the gym this summer to swim.... other than that, it has been bike/run outside:smile: )
  • pittskaa
    pittskaa Posts: 319 Member
    This isn't me personally, but I have alot of friends who get self conscious if they go on a jog, they feel like people who see them will make fun of them. I feel the same way though, if it's nice out why not get some fresh air and sun?
  • Determinednoob
    Determinednoob Posts: 2,001 Member
    They like doing it differently than you. Gasp?
  • dr3wman
    dr3wman Posts: 205
    I like indoor cardio because I can burn in 5 minutes what takes some people an hour to do. Quick and easy...of course Im not running on the treadmill watching tv, but it still counts as indoors lol
  • terrappyn
    terrappyn Posts: 324 Member
    Some of us that are larger choose the gym because it gives us a sense of security. We know everyone else is there for the same reason as us and no one, at least I hope, is going to be making fun or pointing, ect. It's just a sense of security. I usally look like Im watching the tv when Im there but most times its just me staring but not really watching.
  • DaniKenmir
    DaniKenmir Posts: 387 Member
    I know a lot of people who are self concious and want to lose a bit of weight before they work out outside
  • JoolieW68
    JoolieW68 Posts: 1,879 Member
    One word: Allergies. Some days are better than others for me outside, but right now ragweed is about to go haywire in my area, so it's better on my lungs to stay inside. Plus the humidity does a number on me too, if it's too high.

    I do run outside about once a week though, just for something different.
  • Gail3260
    Gail3260 Posts: 354 Member
    The roads aren't safe to ride a bike on...... the weather is rubbish most of the time (UK)..... bad knee means I can't run..... the gym has a sauna and a pool...each to their own!
  • ErB56
    ErB56 Posts: 71 Member
    It could also be that some people don't have the knowledge or experience to go it 'alone'. The DVD or instructor gives them the structure and/or confidence to go through an entire routine.
  • weeblex
    weeblex Posts: 412 Member
    I see all these posts about people doing various at home cardio DVDs (Jillian, insanity, whatever), or spending all this time on machines at the gym. I work at a gym and watch people line up for the cardio equipment on days when if FREAKING BEAUTIFUL outside.

    Why?

    If you're one of those people, why would you rather be inside in front of a TV or on an eliptical rather than being outside, getting some sun and fresh air? Why would you rather be on a treadmill than out running? Why would you rather be on an eliptical or a stepper rather than hiking? Why would you rather be on an exercise bike rather than an actual bike?

    I'm not criticizing, just something I have never understood. I live in upstate NY where we have a pretty cold/snowy winter (yes, not as cold and snowy as some of you, but...) and I'd rather be outside running or biking in February than be inside on a treadmill or my trainer.

    At the moment it is because the humidity is so thick it feels like you are drinking the air not breathing it. Not to mention the issue of a safe place outside to do this. I'm hoping that fall and spring bring some good, get outside weather.
  • Hayleighs_mom
    Hayleighs_mom Posts: 48
    I dont know about everyone else, but I personally work from home. I babysit multiple children from 5am-7pm. I usually run on a treadmil and/or do my jillian dvds while the kids are napping. Also, I'm extremely self conscious.
  • sho3girl
    sho3girl Posts: 10,799 Member
    got to get fit inside so I can be fit outside .. down to a confidence thing
  • betsygw
    betsygw Posts: 43 Member
    Well....I am a stay at home mom with 4 kids, and I have to go to the gym, so I can use the child watch (childcare). If I don't go to the gym, I don't get to exercise. I need someone to watch my kids (a bike ride with 4 kids all 6 and under does not do it, LOL!!!)! I do run at night though a few nights a week after my hubby finally comes home and my kids go to bed. But my strength training and elliptical etc...has to be done in the gym....
  • AMHouse85
    AMHouse85 Posts: 285 Member
    I sweat like a pig and the last thing I want to do is be out in my neighborhood looking like I pissed myself. Also I don't live in the greatest of areas and there tend to be a lot of loose dogs running around, I don't want to get attacked just trying to get some fitness in my life. Someday I hope to not be quite so big and maybe the sweating won't be so bad, or maybe I just need to find better gear to wear. Those are just my reasons.
  • jwcomputergirl
    jwcomputergirl Posts: 126 Member
    Cuz it's around 98 degrees these days and humidity is sky high!
  • 3LittleMonkeyMom
    3LittleMonkeyMom Posts: 259
    I have 3 small kids who love exercising with me. It's Alabama = blistering heat even in "fall". I would KILL for a winter. I would be outside all of the time.
  • PinkHippieGirl
    PinkHippieGirl Posts: 6 Member
    I have child care at the gym! If I'm working out at home it's because my kids are asleep and I'm the only adult home. I much prefer running outside but that doesn't always get to happen right now.
  • weeblex
    weeblex Posts: 412 Member
    I dont know about everyone else, but I personally work from home. I babysit multiple children from 5am-7pm. I usually run on a treadmil and/or do my jillian dvds while the kids are napping. Also, I'm extremely self conscious.

    LMAO How do the Kids nap? when my wife does 30DS with all the jumping and running it sounds like a herd of elephants running through :bigsmile:
  • saramerrigan
    saramerrigan Posts: 555 Member
    becuase my ankle cannot take the impact. The elliptical enable me to build ou cardio endurance without messing up my joints!

    I do walk outside regulalry though, but for anything higher than that I'm all about low-impact
  • Cindy873
    Cindy873 Posts: 1,165
    The only time I am able to work out is at 5 am, and I live in the South. Translated: dark at that time, hot, humid, snakes. 'Nough said!
  • pittskaa
    pittskaa Posts: 319 Member
    I know its also hard for me because the roads around me are narrow and there are no nearby trails or anything.
  • shara85
    shara85 Posts: 70 Member
    Good question, in all honesty, here it is:
    A) I have a gym in my building, it is free and I don't have to worry about lugging my bike down 6 flights of stairs, wearing a helmet, bringing a lock, or worrying about a taxi hitting me on the street (has happened before).
    B) I consider myself to be out of shape, and me running on a street would be laughable, I feel much more confident in a gym that hardly anyone uses, then out in public.
    C) I know exactly how many calories I have burned on a machine, rather then guessing if I go out.

    Not to say fresh air isn't fantastic. I walk an hour a day outside to get to work, but these are my reasons why I prefer "working out" indoors.
  • Determinednoob
    Determinednoob Posts: 2,001 Member
    In before dude gets murdered for calling his wife an elephant!
  • ahlani
    ahlani Posts: 25 Member
    I see your point and I'd much rather be outside too! /stares longingly out the window from my office desk

    Several reasons here, not meaning for them to be excuses but these influence me to use my elliptical indoors:

    I live in Fl, high heat at the time of day that I can exercise creates exposure to heat stroke.

    Female, alone on the streets, is just asking for trouble (mate is local police, I know what happens and what/who is living nearby)

    I limit my activity outdoors to times when I have someone to share it with me or to short trips around my immediate trusted neighbors when they are home.
  • EmmiDahling
    EmmiDahling Posts: 104 Member
    I have bad asthma and allergies. In the summer I have trouble with the air quality and humidity. In the fall I'm allergic to the mold that grows on fallen leaves (I know, it sounds ridiculous). In the spring I'm allergic to grass. The the winter the air is too cold and causes my lungs to freeze up. Maybe if I can get this weight off, my asthma will improve to the point I can exercise outside. I can't stand the thought of spending sooooo much money every month on a gym membership right now, and if I have to drive to get to my workout I'm not as likely to do it.
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    I like variety. Plus it's usually raining here in Ireland. I managed a run outside last night, then did 30DS this morning, and was planning a cycle ride this evening. But it looks like the rain's on for the rest of the day.
  • ShazMc73
    ShazMc73 Posts: 106 Member
    Where I live there are few places to go outdoors to safely work out. Not to mention, it's rainy season - that makes it tough to get out there too! If I book a spin class or head to the gym, I'l get my workout in. Yesterday I tried to meet a friend for a hill walk but the weather did not cooperate.

    That's why.
  • weeblex
    weeblex Posts: 412 Member
    In before dude gets murdered for calling his wife an elephant!

    lol she hasn't read it...... yet :smile:
  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    For me, I need the structure. I'm not yet at the point where I can trust myself to work out independently so I stick to DVDs because I don't like the class selections at the nearby gyms. I'd work out outside if there were something organized (other than the boot camp programs which I tried but it was too intense for me and way too many people for the trainer so poor form was a huge issue for us beginners). I know that if I put a DVD on, I will finish it. If I set out to do 30min on machines, I get bored and pack it in. I also know that it's about 40 steps from my bed to my workout space. Rain, snow, ice...none of those impact my ability to walk those 40 steps so my routine doesn't need to change.

    With that said, I do get outside on nice days. I walk at lunch when I have time or walk to the store. I despise running so walking is the only easy outdoor exercise for me.
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