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Gym vs Outdoors

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

I have always had the dilemma on fitness on which is best.

A workout in the gym/gym classes, or running/biking/walking outdoors.

I cycle 8 miles to the gym and do a weights workout or swim, to try and cover all the bases

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By *roticGoddessXXWoman
over a year ago

Richmond

And here I thought this was related to sex......(have never had sex in the gym, by the way. Yet).

I like gyms for weights, but walking (not running, god forbid) on a treadmill for ages bores the heck out of me.

Oh, let's be real. I don't exercise at all.

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By *ellowbabesCouple
over a year ago

newport/cwmbran


" let's be real. I don't exercise at all. "

This!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ok so in my opinion a treadmill, rowing machine or static bike are artificial almost. Running on the road is much more demanding than running on a treadmill for example.

That being said years of road running will break down your body more than running on a treadmill would.

If that helps

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By *edangel_2013Woman
over a year ago

southend

I run and cycle outside. Gym is for weights.

Occasionally in the summer I'll do Bootcamp on the beach but generally my exercise is split as above.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I can't se why the two should be mutually exclusive, out poor weather makes it hard to get motivated to go for a run when it's grey and drizzling, so better to run on a treadmill for 20 minutes rather than sit on the sofa consoling yourself that there was no way you could have gone for a run in this weather.

From a beginners point of view, how ever you decide to exercise, you must remove any potential excuses, before you start, I see no reason point in paying for a gym you won't use,

But if your going to start seriously working out outside, don't start on the first of January, you have three months worth of shit weather to derail your efforts.

Outdoor fitness is free, so do some of that, but use the gym when the weather is bad, and run outside when it's good, I think the key is to use both to keep you running.

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By *edangel_2013Woman
over a year ago

southend

The treadmill just bores the crap out of me. Although the ones at my new gym have screens on them which you can choose a run and it takes you through the scenery.

I'll run outdoors in the rain or the wind. But I won't run outdoors if it's raining and windy! I just use the gym for other cardio types of exercise then. Like high rep low weight and curcuits.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Well I am getting soft in me old age. Lol

I will admit to being a fair weather cyclist these days, but have done many many hundreds of miles in the coldest, wettest, foul weather for year's.

Was in fact going to go out this morning.

But opted for a warm gym session later.

But I do swim ow in the sea usually from may through to October.

Hate running on the treadmill tho.

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By *illwill69uMan
over a year ago

moston


"I have always had the dilemma on fitness on which is best.

A workout in the gym/gym classes, or running/biking/walking outdoors.

I cycle 8 miles to the gym and do a weights workout or swim, to try and cover all the bases "

It is great that you cycle to the gym, I find it very funny watching people pull up to gyms in their cars to then sit on an exercise bike watching a computer screen as they go for a virtual bike ride!

But in answer to your question I would say they both have their places in training. Gyms offer a controlled environment and equipment designed to target specific muscle groups and build power. However a well planned run or cycle with clever use of things along the way can achieve exactly the results and also build stamina, just not in a controlled environment.

The same is true when comparing swimming pools to open water swimming.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

When the weather's good I'm outdoors definitely walking and cycling! Otherwise weights indoors.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"When the weather's good I'm outdoors definitely walking and cycling! Otherwise weights indoors."

whether at work or home, normally outdoors (also good for the vitamin D)

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I love being outdoors , but I got a leg injury a few weeks ago. The treadmill in the gym has been better for it, as I can alter it to suit what I can manage. Plus it's on level ground. I agree with others that outside is much more demanding and probably a better work out in many ways.

I'm walking outside though and will cycle again when my leg is strong enough. We have an outdoor gym we can use too. Bit of both is probably the best OP and that sounds like what you do.

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By *alandNitaCouple
over a year ago

Scunthorpe


"Running on the road is much more demanding than running on a treadmill....

"

This isn't actually true..... There have been various studies into this and the conclusions are that (from a cardio point of view) there's little difference, although it pays to vary the incline a bit.

Cal

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Running on the road is much more demanding than running on a treadmill....

This isn't actually true..... There have been various studies into this and the conclusions are that (from a cardio point of view) there's little difference, although it pays to vary the incline a bit.

Cal"

That's good to read as I do intervals of incline walking at the moment to up my heart rate.

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By *al2001Man
over a year ago

kildare

No comparison to thread mill to outdoor running

You only have to lift ur legs on a thread mill and plant ur foot,thread mill moves ur foot back for you as opposed to driving yourself forward with every step out doors

Gym for weights. I find hill running easy on my ankles

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

Dilemma? Depends upon goals, free time etc.

Skipping, walking, running, pushups and more can be easily done outside.

Huge muscle gains are probably more suited to a gym providing the equipment.

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By *andybeachWoman
over a year ago

In the middle

I can't bring myself to join a gym, I much prefer to walk/ride outside, you have the natural inclines and declines and places to stop and catch your breath, and generally be in a lovely bit of countryside

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

a decent playlist is all i need to get me through a cardio session at the gym

prefer walking along beaches

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I always do the weights indoors at the gym, then the cardio at home. I got a exercise bike I cycle on and watch the tv the same time. Makes it go quicker too

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By *ardleedsMan
over a year ago

Leeds

Outdoors as much as possible mainly running. Gym if I'm away with work and have to use hotel.

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By *ullbackbuttMan
over a year ago

Purton


"I run and cycle outside. Gym is for weights.

Occasionally in the summer I'll do Bootcamp on the beach but generally my exercise is split as above. "

Why only bootcamp in the summer. It is great during the winter. I have been going for nearly two years and only stop for holiday or injury. Outdoors is much better than gym. Also the atmosphere is much better.

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By *edangel_2013Woman
over a year ago

southend


"I run and cycle outside. Gym is for weights.

Occasionally in the summer I'll do Bootcamp on the beach but generally my exercise is split as above.

Why only bootcamp in the summer. It is great during the winter. I have been going for nearly two years and only stop for holiday or injury. Outdoors is much better than gym. Also the atmosphere is much better."

Mainly because the PTs around here are quite fair weather. The last outdoor bootcamp I signed up for was in November and it was cancelled due to bad weather!

To be honest I don't generally like classes full stop. I'm a loner when it comes to training. At best I'll ask someone to spot me when I'm trying to push my 1 rep max, but I'm best left alone when training.

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By *ullbackbuttMan
over a year ago

Purton


"

Mainly because the PTs around here are quite fair weather. The last outdoor bootcamp I signed up for was in November and it was cancelled due to bad weather!

To be honest I don't generally like classes full stop. I'm a loner when it comes to training. At best I'll ask someone to spot me when I'm trying to push my 1 rep max, but I'm best left alone when training."

Thats cool. My bootcamp is a nationwide one and the instructors are all ex military and will work you all weathers.

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By *etitesaraTV/TS
over a year ago

rochdale

Never been in a gym in my life!

I aim to do a minimum of 100 miles a week on the bike during the summer months, but winter evenings mean turbo in the garage.

43 miles this morning then decorating ..

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I prefer to get out into the fresh air and do some walking or hiking...

I tried the gym and it wasn't for me

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By *evaquitCouple
over a year ago

Catthorpe

I prefer indoor (gym) cardio stuff, watch a bit of telly with the headset in and ignore everything else for an hour and racing against the clock. Mrs N prefers outdoors, the terrain and overall body workout though.

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

I'd like a friend to go to the gym with.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I'd like a friend to go to the gym with. "

Can't you find someone you work with ??or just go and get chatting? You tend to find others are friendly there.

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By *ensualtouch15Man
over a year ago

ashby de la zouch


"I have always had the dilemma on fitness on which is best.

A workout in the gym/gym classes, or running/biking/walking outdoors.

I cycle 8 miles to the gym and do a weights workout or swim, to try and cover all the bases "

I don't like the word vs

I'd suggest a healthy mixture of both , with some yoga and swimming thrown in , maybe some dancing

Variety is our friend xxx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I have always had the dilemma on fitness on which is best.

A workout in the gym/gym classes, or running/biking/walking outdoors.

I cycle 8 miles to the gym and do a weights workout or swim, to try and cover all the bases "

I prefer competitive sport so outdoor wise tennis but indoor badminton and squash although I cycle everywhere to

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!


"I'd like a friend to go to the gym with.

Can't you find someone you work with ??or just go and get chatting? You tend to find others are friendly there.

"

I guess so. They all seem so keen and committed. Just wanted someone of a normal average build like me to encourage each other on. I don't want to spend even more time with work colleagues than I already do.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Depends on circumstances and free time. I cycle to work five days a week anyway, but if the weather is nice and I have the free time, I do like to get out for a longer ride for a few hours. Obviously, living in England, a day when I'm not in work and it's also not pissing down doesn't come along all that often, so I'll generally just do an hour in the gym instead!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I mostly workout at home.

And fuck outdoors.

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