I hate commercial gyms. But I have always done powerlifting/Olympic lifting/bodybuilding which takes me to a very specific fringe type gym.
I have my own gym now so I don’t worry
I have my own gym now so I don’t worry
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Anybody else hate the gym?
- Thread starter kthomas
- Start date
I belonged to a Gold's gym about 30 years ago and found most of the members to be dingle-berries.
It was also a PITA to go there after work when my time was short.
Since then, I purchased each piece of equipment that I needed and have been working out in my basement.
Safety cage for squats, chin ups and unassisted bench, a lat machine and seated calf raise machine.
I have a glute-ham-raise machine that I bought from York Barbell a while back along with my prized made-in-USA olympic weight set.
(York used to make their stuff in PA until the EPA forced them to finally close operations.)
I even have a treadmill and a refurbed Life Fitness stationary bike for warming up and family use.
We do belong to the local YMCA to motivate the family to work out more since my set-up is a little hardcore for them but I only go there to use their sauna.
And it looks as though the Y also has a large population of douche bags just like Gold's.
It was also a PITA to go there after work when my time was short.
Since then, I purchased each piece of equipment that I needed and have been working out in my basement.
Safety cage for squats, chin ups and unassisted bench, a lat machine and seated calf raise machine.
I have a glute-ham-raise machine that I bought from York Barbell a while back along with my prized made-in-USA olympic weight set.
(York used to make their stuff in PA until the EPA forced them to finally close operations.)
I even have a treadmill and a refurbed Life Fitness stationary bike for warming up and family use.
We do belong to the local YMCA to motivate the family to work out more since my set-up is a little hardcore for them but I only go there to use their sauna.
And it looks as though the Y also has a large population of douche bags just like Gold's.
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Truthfully, I love the gym and having it closed is the only hard part for me during quarantine. It’s where I met all my buddies and they have drop-in childcare for my kids.
Mostly I do body weight exercises now, which I find to be tedious and repetitious. Normally I like to lift heavy, and if I can do a lift 5 reps, I raise the weights.
Instead I am doing 40+ of the same exercise and the numbers keep getting higher and more boring.
Mostly I do body weight exercises now, which I find to be tedious and repetitious. Normally I like to lift heavy, and if I can do a lift 5 reps, I raise the weights.
Instead I am doing 40+ of the same exercise and the numbers keep getting higher and more boring.
I never liked going to the gym partly due to the atmosphere and I just get bored lifting weights. Luckily, I was introduced to a bouldering gym with a full gym/yoga/HIIT classes included with the membership. I find myself motivated to workout to gain strength/endurance to complete climbs. Also, bouldering is hard and you have to problem solve so it's engaging mentally. I added kettlebell 5 days a week( 8 week kettlebell program ) and a 5k run 1-2 x week. Looking to add a steep hike in place of a run.
From past failures of not keeping with my regimens, I had to find thing I enjoy and not feel like I'm doing a chore.
From past failures of not keeping with my regimens, I had to find thing I enjoy and not feel like I'm doing a chore.
I find if you go at the same time every day you will make some buds who make exercising a lot more fun. Plus they give you shit if you miss a day.
I get my group workouts when I climb so we can talk beta for problems and push each other. Over the years I enjoy running/training alone and fitting it into my schedule. I communicate a lot at work so any chance I can just do something alone is nice.
- Nov 3, 2010
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I guess I kinda hate all the equipment as well...I come from a powerlifting background and do not understand all the machines.
People could accomplish a lot more and get way bigger if they ditched all bullshit variety...adaptions is key....you do not adapt when you do not persist.
bench
People could accomplish a lot more and get way bigger if they ditched all bullshit variety...adaptions is key....you do not adapt when you do not persist.
bench
Of the times you went to the gym, what’s the longest amount of time in months that you went consistently 2-3 times a week?
I do Mark Rippetoe’s strength training. In my teens and 20s I did all the machine bullshit and got injured every couple of months. Now I squat, bench, deadlift, and chin ups with some stabilizer lifts thrown in and haven’t had a lifting injury in at least 5 years.
Machines are a waste of space.
Several articles have come out the last week saying that bike sales are through the roof, and I've seen way more people out enjoying trails on both bike and foot, and hitting the water in kayaks. These are all good trends. I don't know how it will carry over to traditional indoor gyms, so we'll have to wait and see. I'm hopeful that people build some healthy outdoor habits while the weather is good and that momentum carries over to the gym as winter hits.
Certainly, better health is a valuable tool to combat whatever the world might throw at us next, and I'd like to see more attention placed on this instead of holding out for some wonderdrug or other miracle cure.
Rippetoe is a little too basic for me...but I have totaled elite several times in several weight classes too.
when people hear me say that about “starting strength” they always get the impression that I’m against it. I’m not.
when a new guy ask me about getting into powerlifting I always tell them to start with starting strength to get the basics...if they are already a casual lifter or bodybuilder, I have them jump straight into Sheiko
bench
Yeah, I don’t do anything competitive. I’m not even close to the strongest guy in my gym on a pound for pound basis. Still I’m real happy with Rippetoe. No injuries and I am enjoying the lifts.
In the winter I tend to get a fair amount of gains, but as the snow melts I usually start training for backcountry mountain hunts and shed 20-30 lbs in the process.
I used to box competitively as a Super Heavyweight in the Open Division. My boxing career ended in ‘97 w/ a work related injury. Before the injury, I had quit lifting weights because I felt it slowed me down as a fighter; it takes a lot of oxygen to feed muscle. Punching power comes from body mechanics & muscle has little to do w/ this aspect.
Over the years I spent a lot of time running. Now that I’ve developed arthritis in my knees, I’ve updated some of my boxing equipment. Recently I’ve been getting some quality time on a heavy bag & free-standing heavy bag. I’ve yet to hang my double-end bag in the garage. The free standing bag (w/ flex base) will humble you as it will let you know that your footwork & timing suck. However, my timing & footwork has improved rapidly. A little time & hard work goes a long way. I also have my wife tape me occasionally so I can critique my footwork, etc.
I’ve been teaching my fifteen year old son how to work a bag & we’ll hit the mitts as well as doing abs, etc. I tell him that this is a life skill that I guarantee he’ll need to learn in life. I’m forty-seven years old & I still attack the workout like somebody stole something from my elderly grandmother. Hopefully this will sink in w/ him at some point. At forty-seven, I don’t recover as well as I did in my teens. I’m a bigger puncher so I have to use gel knuckle pads because my front two knuckles get really sore after 2-3 days. Also, I can still skip rope like a champ but my knees really feel it for days afterwards. Maybe I need to up the collagen? Since I’ve changed up my program, I’ve lost 10 lbs in the last 5-6 weeks. Admittedly, my diet is the weakest link.
Before beginning my PT session I spend 15-20 minutes warming up & stretching. I’m super flexible & I feel that lack of stretching will lead to injuries.
Over the years I spent a lot of time running. Now that I’ve developed arthritis in my knees, I’ve updated some of my boxing equipment. Recently I’ve been getting some quality time on a heavy bag & free-standing heavy bag. I’ve yet to hang my double-end bag in the garage. The free standing bag (w/ flex base) will humble you as it will let you know that your footwork & timing suck. However, my timing & footwork has improved rapidly. A little time & hard work goes a long way. I also have my wife tape me occasionally so I can critique my footwork, etc.
I’ve been teaching my fifteen year old son how to work a bag & we’ll hit the mitts as well as doing abs, etc. I tell him that this is a life skill that I guarantee he’ll need to learn in life. I’m forty-seven years old & I still attack the workout like somebody stole something from my elderly grandmother. Hopefully this will sink in w/ him at some point. At forty-seven, I don’t recover as well as I did in my teens. I’m a bigger puncher so I have to use gel knuckle pads because my front two knuckles get really sore after 2-3 days. Also, I can still skip rope like a champ but my knees really feel it for days afterwards. Maybe I need to up the collagen? Since I’ve changed up my program, I’ve lost 10 lbs in the last 5-6 weeks. Admittedly, my diet is the weakest link.
Before beginning my PT session I spend 15-20 minutes warming up & stretching. I’m super flexible & I feel that lack of stretching will lead to injuries.
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see, I usually end up getting in better shape during the winter. I do NOT do cardio when it gets cold and end up working out an hour or two more and adjust my diet.
I usually get a little smaller during the summer, but its not a fat thing
BENCH
Bent the ever living shit out of my safety squat bar last week...just got my new one today! The new one is beefy as shit....I will try to destroy it but don't see that happening
Bench
Bench
Been pretty miserable lately getting back into it after being out for over 2 months. I also have to rotate running in again in preparation for an elk hunt in NM in October. Sore everywhere.
Im with you. Despise gyms for a multitude of reasons. Luckily I found a trainer here local to me that allows me to rent his garage gym out (Im the only one in there when working out). He has a bench, squat rack, and an oly platform.
Before this, I did some crossfit, some globo-gym setups. Really disliked it. They all had a heavy flavor of "bro science", "paying for shitty friends" or straight up assholes like this:
Before this, I did some crossfit, some globo-gym setups. Really disliked it. They all had a heavy flavor of "bro science", "paying for shitty friends" or straight up assholes like this:
I have to play psychological games with myself and convince myself I'm training for something important and also find someone who is a real doucebag tool and say I don't want to let myself be in worse fitness than that person lol.
I've always enjoyed training for sports when I played but always hated exercising just for the sake of exercising lol .
I've always enjoyed training for sports when I played but always hated exercising just for the sake of exercising lol .
I started CrossFit a couple of years ago. I like the group setting, the support and motivation, and having someone else program so all I have to do is show up and do the work. No thinking required.
I also ride a gravel bike and a mountain bike. Lots of lunch hours are spent on the bike. It's a good break in the middle of the day.
I put together a garage gym during Rona time. I squat, deadlift, Oly lift, and do bodyweight/minimal equipment workouts. There's some Instagram pages I follow that have pretty good programming. Again, no thinking required; just do the work.
And I have a subscription to ROMWOD. I try to spend at least 20 minutes a day working on mobility. It seems to help.
I also ride a gravel bike and a mountain bike. Lots of lunch hours are spent on the bike. It's a good break in the middle of the day.
I put together a garage gym during Rona time. I squat, deadlift, Oly lift, and do bodyweight/minimal equipment workouts. There's some Instagram pages I follow that have pretty good programming. Again, no thinking required; just do the work.
And I have a subscription to ROMWOD. I try to spend at least 20 minutes a day working on mobility. It seems to help.
Try getting a few kettlebells and start doing stuff around the house.
Only time I go to the gym is to do combatives (kind of exercise as well). I do some work with KBs around the house- shoulder shrugs, squats, curls, leanbacks, farmer carries, etc. We run a couple times a week as a family and my son and I carry 25 and 30lb. KBs farmer carry the first 300 yards then ditch them, do our runs and pick them back up on the way back. I think the farmer carries have helped with shoulder longevity as I've aged. It's not easy on the body fighting early 20 Marines as a late 40's something LOL.
Only time I go to the gym is to do combatives (kind of exercise as well). I do some work with KBs around the house- shoulder shrugs, squats, curls, leanbacks, farmer carries, etc. We run a couple times a week as a family and my son and I carry 25 and 30lb. KBs farmer carry the first 300 yards then ditch them, do our runs and pick them back up on the way back. I think the farmer carries have helped with shoulder longevity as I've aged. It's not easy on the body fighting early 20 Marines as a late 40's something LOL.
"Anybody else hate the gym?" Yes and No. I hate the "global gyms", the 24-hr fitness and the gyms with nothing but rows of machines to isolate one body part. I hate the gyms where you can get yelled at for dropping a deadlift on a platform. But....I do love the weightlifting gyms with weightlifting platforms, squat racks and jerk blocks 
I like CrossFit gyms, but since every crossfit box is ran differently, finding a good one with a good community feel to it can be tough. My personal preference is my garage. All you need is a squat rack and some bumper plates. Been a long time Olympic weightlifter. Snatch, 110kg and C&J, 130kgs.
I like CrossFit gyms, but since every crossfit box is ran differently, finding a good one with a good community feel to it can be tough. My personal preference is my garage. All you need is a squat rack and some bumper plates. Been a long time Olympic weightlifter. Snatch, 110kg and C&J, 130kgs.
Alot of Betas here complaining about a gym and other people. People making excuses to not workout. Just do it . Stop bitching, suck it up and do it.
Step 1- Find Heavy Shit.
Step 2 - Pick up Heavy Shit
Step 3 - Move with Heavy Shit
Step 4- Put down heavy Shit
One of the best workout you can do at home is load up a wheelbarrel and walk around with it for about 30 minutes.
Step 1- Find Heavy Shit.
Step 2 - Pick up Heavy Shit
Step 3 - Move with Heavy Shit
Step 4- Put down heavy Shit
One of the best workout you can do at home is load up a wheelbarrel and walk around with it for about 30 minutes.
Dump the wheelbarrow out (preferably into a deep hole, not just on the ground) and re-fill it every couple of minutes, and then I might start to agree that's a decent use of your half-hour.
On a side note, I was digging a trench for a new gas line earlier this summer, and was doing a bit of math on the effort to keep my brain occupied. IIRC, average calculated power was in the neighborhood of 10 watts, and my measured heart rate was about what I'd expect if I was churning out 150-175 watts on the bicycle or rowing machine.
Love lifting. Love it. In a gym,fine. At home, fine. At my shop - way best. Lots of room and full of heavy metal and my weights. I can always change it up.
Here lately I have increased my reps but really slowed the pace down (not a crawl, but not running through the set) and as a result have found myself “tuning in” to the muscle groups I’m working. That mental connection wasn’t intentional but it’s has been a game changer. Both my strength and lifts have improved. Had I not been sticking with it all this time I would have missed this aspect of it. I have also found that through slowing down I have become more "meditative" during it all as a result. Way better workouts, more aware of what's being used and what needs to be adjusted. Sounds a bit woo-woo, but learning this beats the hell out of trying to sling weights to get stronger and only getting hurt. I think it’s the cumulative time in any type of gym that gets you those sorts of lessons. If I hadn't kept going into ANY available gym to get the reps in who knows if I ever would have learned anything.
Here lately I have increased my reps but really slowed the pace down (not a crawl, but not running through the set) and as a result have found myself “tuning in” to the muscle groups I’m working. That mental connection wasn’t intentional but it’s has been a game changer. Both my strength and lifts have improved. Had I not been sticking with it all this time I would have missed this aspect of it. I have also found that through slowing down I have become more "meditative" during it all as a result. Way better workouts, more aware of what's being used and what needs to be adjusted. Sounds a bit woo-woo, but learning this beats the hell out of trying to sling weights to get stronger and only getting hurt. I think it’s the cumulative time in any type of gym that gets you those sorts of lessons. If I hadn't kept going into ANY available gym to get the reps in who knows if I ever would have learned anything.
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Louie Simmons who is the top powerlifting trainer in the world is basically the godfather of the sport, has his guys do this exact same thing.
It forces you to maintain balance while moving heavy loads which is a better exercise of the muscle groups, and will increase overall strength.
At the end of the day, its about moving heavy shit and you can use just about anything to train hard.
Hell yea Metal for life.
I recently got a Reverse Hyper and its one of the best investments we have made. Works glutes and hamstrings while decomressing lower back and removing all back pain and stiffness.
Last night's "workout" was cutting and placing the poles for my kids' new playhouse. Not sure what the bottom 8' of a standard creosote-soaked utility pole weighs, but it felt somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 lbs. Tipping those upright before picking them up and dropping then into the hole felt like a decent workout. Wrestling an entire 35' pole into position to buck it with the chainsaw was also a tidy piece of work that felt just a bit more challenging than the typical Pendlay row. Overall, I don't believe that I missed too many muscle groups.
The strongest man I ever met, never spent 1 day in a gym. He could lift a full sized Nitrogen tank out of a manhole by himself, usually with 1 hand. He stands 6 ft tall and weighs about 230 lbs. He has a beard almost as long as your arm.
He was brought up on a family farm. He is that man you hear of who is built like an ox.
He was brought up on a family farm. He is that man you hear of who is built like an ox.
Farm Strength is no joke. Good ol boys getting first class workouts and even paid to do it... can't beat that.
Try jui jItsu.
I got into cycling too, but its kinda boring IMO, doesn’t really transform the body, and ends up being worse of a gear obsessive money pit that shooting.
Jui jitsu is a super fun way to get HIT excercise, strength training, and flexibility all at once. Not to mention Knowing how to handle yourself without firearm is pretty good to know, and you’ll make awesome friends.
I got into cycling too, but its kinda boring IMO, doesn’t really transform the body, and ends up being worse of a gear obsessive money pit that shooting.
Jui jitsu is a super fun way to get HIT excercise, strength training, and flexibility all at once. Not to mention Knowing how to handle yourself without firearm is pretty good to know, and you’ll make awesome friends.
I didn't like exercising when I was young and dumb. I believe I'm in better condition now than before I retired from the Navy. I know I weigh less. I still work for the Navy and I still travel. With C-19 shutting down the gyms and making outside exercise difficult I bought a set of the elastic exercise bands. I've been using them most every day since June. At 49 I'm not trying to bulk up. I just don't want to hurt anymore. If I skip a few sessions, I hurt more. I need to get me a bench, some dumb bells and a kettle bell. Range of motion exercises for muscles/joints and my bicycle for cardio. I did just buy a jump rope - haven't tried using it yet.
Except for PT for my knee replacement in July, I haven't seen the inside of a gym in decades. I ride off road motorcycles, surf, hike, and off road bicycle. Also have a recumbent exercise cycle.
At 59, this still works for me. No way I could get myself to voluntarily work hard enough in a gym to maintain a 170 heart rate for an hour, but that's the norm for my dirt bike.
Lost muscle during knee recovery, but still happy with the results at my age and no hormone replacement. Forgive me in advance for what must be a severe rule violation.
At 59, this still works for me. No way I could get myself to voluntarily work hard enough in a gym to maintain a 170 heart rate for an hour, but that's the norm for my dirt bike.
Lost muscle during knee recovery, but still happy with the results at my age and no hormone replacement. Forgive me in advance for what must be a severe rule violation.
I also can't get my heart rate very high during most weight movements. That's OK; this is to be expected for someone in good cardiovascular health, and it's not why I lift. Rather, I find that the strength and flexibility helps me do more on the mountain bike, and maybe more importantly, it makes me more useful around the house and when trying to keep up with my boys.
Simply stated, cycling and lifting provide different benefits, and I wouldn't want to give up one for the other.
Now, if my mountain bike weighed 280 lbs instead of 28 lbs, I would probably not need to spend as much time in the gym
Simply stated, cycling and lifting provide different benefits, and I wouldn't want to give up one for the other.
Now, if my mountain bike weighed 280 lbs instead of 28 lbs, I would probably not need to spend as much time in the gym
I've always found exercise so difficult to get into and home workouts seem so boring, my gym membership is like $150 a month and the amount i spend on it is the only thing keeping me going there. i preordered this exercise gaming product on kickstarter last year which is due to be releasd in december this year, think that's the only way ill actually enjoy exercise lol - so if anyone is looking for some fun exercise check them out (@quell.tech on instagram)
I spent hours a day in the gym. I was a power lifter and went to the Georgia Games. I took a gold medal in my weight class.
This was 15+ years ago and I quit when my daughter was born so I could spend time with her and my wife, Plus I was facing guys that were juicing and I wont compete with that.
Ive tried to return a few times but just cant do it. I find more interest in staying busy outside with hobbbies and projects. I keep moving and I in better shape than most guys I know that are 20 years younger than my soon to be 54. I have had some genetic heart issues the last couple of years but they were just taken care of. Once Im healed I plan on putting in an out door work out cicuit on my property. Maybe a station to chop or split wood, run to the station to climb a large boulder in the hollow, run to my 50 yard range and shoot an air rifle to slow me down, then on to an out door bench for some presses.
I hate indoor cardio equipment with a passion.
This was 15+ years ago and I quit when my daughter was born so I could spend time with her and my wife, Plus I was facing guys that were juicing and I wont compete with that.
Ive tried to return a few times but just cant do it. I find more interest in staying busy outside with hobbbies and projects. I keep moving and I in better shape than most guys I know that are 20 years younger than my soon to be 54. I have had some genetic heart issues the last couple of years but they were just taken care of. Once Im healed I plan on putting in an out door work out cicuit on my property. Maybe a station to chop or split wood, run to the station to climb a large boulder in the hollow, run to my 50 yard range and shoot an air rifle to slow me down, then on to an out door bench for some presses.
I hate indoor cardio equipment with a passion.
I use to love the gym. I started working out on a more consistent basis when I got out of Basic. Worked out, for 1.5 to 2.0 hrs. a day, for 4-6 days a week. When I was stateside, I still did a little MX/Desert racing, so, I tried to stay in shape as best I could, plus still had my yearly A.F. Standards to keep up with. When I went overseas, I played football, so, there was that. When you were a half-assed broke G.I., nothing more cost effective/cheaper than running to the gym, working out, then running back to the barracks. Did this for most of my Active duty career(habit by then, not because I was broke) and some of my Reserve duty. When I came back stateside, got stationed in Ca., got a membership at Golds, what a mistake. Seemed like most of the people there, just wanted to sit at the benches/machines, take up space and yak. Was hard to get thru a routine and it took for ever. So, started to lose interest. Then, you get married, responsibilities take over, life happens, and so goes the story. Miss it some (just miss being young), but, I can't imagine what it would be like in a gym nowadays, so, hard pass for me now. Mac
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I've been a gym rat for a very long time. I love the gym. But I grow weary of the idiots that don't have any manners or understand gym etiquette.
And this time of year sucks. 2-3 more weeks it'll be back to normal.
And this time of year sucks. 2-3 more weeks it'll be back to normal.
Depends on the gym really.
College gyms always sucked because of all the idiots, so I went at like 7am before they got out of bed.
Now I am back working in my small home town and the gym is only a few doors down from the office. I love the gym now for that reason because I can get a workout in before work and have time in the evening for other stuff. Its not huge but has what you need and at 7am its just a the same group of us.
I will also say if you hate the gym do other stuff that's "exerciser". Biking is great, I surf when I get the chance and thats a hell of a workout, running requires nothing more than shoes, if all else fails just walk.
Lastly I'll echo the home gym comments if its really the people that you hate. Despite paying and using a gym membership I have been building a home gym because my wife's gym shut down because of Covid and I am concerned about the possibility of another shut down that would affect mine. So far the owner of mine has said screw the rules and stayed open but I don't want to get caught. With limited space I added a rack, and some sandbags as well as a bike for cardio and I can get a solid workout in at home if need be. While I want more equipment you can get by with very little of you are creative/willing to adapt your workouts.
Fitness/Health is one of your most important weapons/tools in almost all aspects of life so don't let a few idiots get i the way of it.
College gyms always sucked because of all the idiots, so I went at like 7am before they got out of bed.
Now I am back working in my small home town and the gym is only a few doors down from the office. I love the gym now for that reason because I can get a workout in before work and have time in the evening for other stuff. Its not huge but has what you need and at 7am its just a the same group of us.
I will also say if you hate the gym do other stuff that's "exerciser". Biking is great, I surf when I get the chance and thats a hell of a workout, running requires nothing more than shoes, if all else fails just walk.
Lastly I'll echo the home gym comments if its really the people that you hate. Despite paying and using a gym membership I have been building a home gym because my wife's gym shut down because of Covid and I am concerned about the possibility of another shut down that would affect mine. So far the owner of mine has said screw the rules and stayed open but I don't want to get caught. With limited space I added a rack, and some sandbags as well as a bike for cardio and I can get a solid workout in at home if need be. While I want more equipment you can get by with very little of you are creative/willing to adapt your workouts.
Fitness/Health is one of your most important weapons/tools in almost all aspects of life so don't let a few idiots get i the way of it.
It does depend on the gym. My college gym is filled with beautiful women who are in the best shape they will likely ever be in. Not a bad place to workout, especially as a old creepy alumnus.
I forgot about that part of the college gyms, so I'll revise there are some positives.It does depend on the gym. My college gym is filled with beautiful women who are in the best shape they will likely ever be in. Not a bad place to workout, especially as a old creepy alumnus.
Same here. Last time I went I was doing crunches. During a rest period I was just laying there and a young co ed came over and stood over my head with here legs wide apart. Just gym shorts, no panties. I had to roll over quickly as my gym shorts got a funny bulge.It does depend on the gym. My college gym is filled with beautiful women who are in the best shape they will likely ever be in. Not a bad place to workout, especially as a old creepy alumnus.
Now that the hip is healed I just go and swim a mile a couple times a week. Swimming is the best exercise you can get.
Been at this since beginning of Covid. At 100 now. Still hurts, but can push through. Combine this with rowing. Don't need gym.
I was a gym rat from my mid-teens(started as football workouts) until mid-thirties(when we had our first kid) so I absolutely love being in the free weight area of a gym. The most important thing is finding a relatively strenuous activity that you enjoy doing so you don’t get bored after a month and quit
If you can't get your cardio up by lifting, you aren't lifting heavy enough for your current capabilities. I don't know how much you squat, for example, but I am in pretty good shape, and did a top set of 16 recently at 355 and I was about to fucking die. I imagine that would be true for anybody, though guys stronger than I would obviously need to lift higher weights.If you are lifting within your comfort zone. Even a true one rep or three rep max should have you fighting for o2.I also can't get my heart rate very high during most weight movements. That's OK; this is to be expected for someone in good cardiovascular health, and it's not why I lift. Rather, I find that the strength and flexibility helps me do more on the mountain bike, and maybe more importantly, it makes me more useful around the house and when trying to keep up with my boys.
Simply stated, cycling and lifting provide different benefits, and I wouldn't want to give up one for the other.
Now, if my mountain bike weighed 280 lbs instead of 28 lbs, I would probably not need to spend as much time in the gym
good old PT ,jumping jacks ,pushups, squats ,lunges ,i add to that biking ,dumbbells power bands and walking .i dont do pull ups or running anymore due to injuries .i did like going to the gym late at night (always empty) for the machines especially for core but covid put the kibosh on that
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