(no subject)

[bzarcher]

One of the nicest things about the new place, I have decided, is the excercise room, which Alex and I used whilst doing laundry last night.

First, there's an outdoor pool. The pool's a bit small, but 15 minutes of backstroke, sidestroke, and racing laps still felt good.

Second, the weight room itself not only has a lovely collection of free weights, it has some very nice adjustable machines that Alex really likes. This is excellent, because I want to turn him into an 'exercise buddy'. He needs the workout, and it's a good way to get him into regular excercise.

Third, there are some Nautilus bike and walking machines that are just awesome. No, make that awesome. You start pedaling or walking to turn it on, then start inputting data on your weight, desired workout time, and workout level as you warm yourself up. Then you select a course, and it starts applying variable resistance for you according to the mock 'terrain' that the course generates! It runs constant data for you to help keep your eyes busy, and shows you your progress on the course.

I was actually really satisfied that even though I had to work a bit harder on the uphills (I selected a rolling hills course), I was able to bike at an average speed of 12.2 mph the entire 30 minute workout.

This is going to be a very good thing, especially since I'm going to have a regular and reliable workout partner.

Comments

[flying-landon.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry, but I've always found the idea of a machine, that imitates bike riding and imitates the terrain that you'd run into on said ride of said bike and costs probably 3-4 times as much as a bike (that's a very uneducated guess, cause I'm sure they cost a fortune), to be utterly hilarious.

And in my experience on these things was always the same. "I really wish I was out on my bike right now."

[bzarcher.livejournal.com]

Well, sure, in some ways. But since it's free, hey, why not?

Besides, it beats the hell out of actually driving out to Pike's Peak or a really good rolling bike course and riding out there.

It's a personal preference kinda thing, I guess. I do enjoy bike riding, but this was comfortable and fun to use, so I liked it.

[flying-landon.livejournal.com]

Free is good.

I guess I'm just spoiled cause I live less than a mile from a large farm/park that has a couple of miles of hiking/biking trails in the woods plus a 10k paved path.

Regardless, I do see your point on how the machine would be a lot more fun than say...the classic bike machine that's just a funky bike on a stand with a fan for a front wheel for resistance. :D

[buschap.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I use them on alternate days at the gym. It's too hard to find a hardcore amount of safe riding around here.

I tend to do 30 minutes of level 10 aerobic training (which may or may not be the same course as what you use, Matt). The one tricky thing is that downhills are a little unnatural, as the bike has no gravity, so you really have to tear at the pedals to keep 20 mph :)

[bzarcher.livejournal.com]

*nods* I think I'm gonna balance these with walking and weight machines, 2 days/2 days/2 days and one day off.

I was using the basic program, with Rolling hills/Park Riding set to level 5. For me, as long as I kept myself pumping, I didn't find it bad at all, but I may end up jacking the level up a bit as I go on.

[bzarcher.livejournal.com]

If I had a good park within easy distance and a new bike, I'd probably do that too, but this is a nice compromise, and it really does beat the hell out of a standard bike. :D

[gigerlicious.livejournal.com]

I own a treadmill. Personally I agree - the experience plodding along in my house is pathetic compared to actually being outside, hitting the track or trail. However, I live in Michigan. Inclement weather is practically a daily event. On certain occasions its too icy, too cold, too wet or even too dark to continue running safely. The treadmill is a poor substitute, but better than nothing at all.

[narel.livejournal.com]

This, my friend, is why you are an inspiration. You are amazing. You've worked hard and are succeeding at building yourself an awesome life. Your woman, your health, your place. You rock.

[bzarcher.livejournal.com]

*blush*

Thank you.