Alternatives to the gym

[YorkieBen]

I was going to say that one - martial arts is a really tough workout, but you get the added bonus of learning martial arts! Can be fun, and is a lot more social than going to the gym. The social aspect makes you do it regularly too...

depends on what martial art you do. Do a martial art such as Judo or boxing which requires sparring against a resisting opponent then yes martial arts are a great workout. if you are doing kung fu, tae kwan do etc then most places just do kata/'kumite' style sparring which is like a poor form of dancing

ways of exercise minus the gym -

use the stairs instead of the lift, uses alot of calories and helps build leg strength.

at home do press ups and squats (working the legs is a great way of getting in shape, they are a big muscle so working them also burns more calories - working the legs is hard work though which is why I dont do it much )

stay away from bicep curls, they are mostly pointless for stength training etc (good for looking 'buff' if you like that sort of thing )

[Million]

Go to a gig or a club and dance like a madman for a couple of hours to your favourite misic - it's awesome exercise and great fun to boot. Might even meet a lady to have a bit of the old 'ladies and gentlemen' with!

[Twigman]

Go to a gig or a club and dance like a madman for a couple of hours to your favourite misic - it's awesome exercise and great fun to boot. Might even meet a lady to have a bit of the old 'ladies and gentlemen' with!

May try that tonight...lol...that'll make a change

[Lowe]

depends on what martial art you do. Do a martial art such as Judo or boxing which requires sparring against a resisting opponent then yes martial arts are a great workout. if you are doing kung fu, tae kwan do etc then most places just do kata/'kumite' style sparring which is like a poor form of dancing

Can't agree with that - form work and line work is just as intensive as sparring. Yes you're not getting chucked about/smacked in the chops, but you need to concentrate just as much, and the form must still be done with power.

In fact it's easier to hit someone than hit thin air at full pelt. When you hit someone or something, you have the natural resistance of what you've hit. With thin air you have to pull the punch - using muscle power again. It doesn't look hard work, but believe me it is.

[JK Ferret]

Go to a gig or a club and dance like a madman for a couple of hours to your favourite misic - it's awesome exercise and great fun to boot. Might even meet a lady to have a bit of the old 'ladies and gentlemen' with!

But what if you want a younger person? Or are a (straight) lady?

[Elmo]

Go to a gig or a club and dance like a madman for a couple of hours to your favourite misic - it's awesome exercise and great fun to boot. Might even meet a lady to have a bit of the old 'ladies and gentlemen' with!

thing is tho, most people need alcohol to get up and dance, and the amount of alcohol needed would just cancel out the dancing, so it wouldnt actually do anything

saying that, i'm off out (what a surprise) tonight for a bit of a boogy

[ipwiz]

I now cycle any journey under 6 miles - get rear panniers then can do all shopping etc

[roachcoach]

Personally I bike to work and do a small circuit in the attic, works a treat.

Debating running to work (4.5 miles) but I bloody hate running so I'm not usre I'll bother.


The real trick is to find something that doesnt drive you insane and is sustainable.

[stevecane]

Mountain Biking, going up is tough but going down is great!

[HSK]

Cycling, you should burning around 800-900 or so calories at a steady, brisk pace.

Edit* that is if you cycle for about an hour.

[mikemikemi]

I stopped going to the gym over a year ago after realising I didn't really enjoy it.

Now as an alternative, I climb; mainly bouldering indoors, great exercise and really good fun.

[Biscuit]

Go to a gig or a club and dance like a madman for a couple of hours to your favourite misic - it's awesome exercise and great fun to boot. Might even meet a lady to have a bit of the old 'ladies and gentlemen' with!

I used to do this... now i have moved to maidenhead where there is no real social scene and im putting on weight

[lancer12]

swimming and jogging on alternate days for a while, then swimming once a week after a few weeks (swimming is quite expensive unless you use the canal)

[roachcoach]

Housework is a great alternative to the gym!

I've heard this numerous times but I can imagine what on earth folks are doing for 'housework' that raises the heart rate, much less breaks a sweat.

Perhaps its just degrees of 'excercise'


/shrug

[superzab]

Skipping is a good way to stay in shape, its difficult at first but you get used to it.

[chimrod]

have you ever tried swimming seriously?
most tireing thing i think i have ever done, improves strength, and core stamina.