fitness - I need help

[nickb]

The Concept is a great machine, but it's a bit crap in the house unless you've got the space for a permanent gym. It will fold up, but it's not that convenient. It's also quite noisy, so expect others in the house to get shirty if they're trying to watch Eastenders

My ideal home rowing machine is the Waterrower. It's as close to the real experience as the Concept and it's beautifully crafted from wood. The real advantage for home use is that it stands on its end when you're done with it and it's very quiet.

Ergos are a very good workout, but like others have said you can get fit without spending almost a grand, although spending it on one of these would be better than pissing it away on a joining fee for a poncy gym.

My option would be a decent second-hand bike, an off-road version is great if you've got somewhere nearby to make the most of it, but a proper road bike is hard to beat for good cardiovascular exercise. Just lay off the lycra shorts until you've developed those buns of steel

[A. Berk]

Some good advice all-round from people here. Some 'moons' ago when I was daft enough to compete in Triathlons I used to practice the 'transition' from cycle to run (allways a drama with co-ordination after long bike rides) by riding fairly hard for 10-15 minutes then jumping off and running for as long as I felt comfortable with (pushing the bike along by the saddle). This routine has now become a favourite work-out, you run till you've had enough then take a 'breather' on the bike. How much effort you apply is up to you.

Stay safe,

A. Berk

[Mrs F]

Hey Barnes,

There are loads of ways to improve fitness, if motivation is the key thing - is there anything you particularly like doing or would like doing?? It might help your motivation if you can find something you enjoy doing.

I go dancing as it's a passion of mine (as well as diving...lol!) and it keeps me fit.

Swimming is good, walking/running, martial arts (don't have to go for belts, just go to learn self defence and improve fitness), yoga (not many men would do it, but probably help strengthen your back too!)

You probably need to look at how fit you are now, if you would struggle running around the block, don't set a target to run a marathon in 4 weeks time! Set realistic goals - don't necessarily go on your weight, as muscle weighs more than fat, go on your endurance for the tasks your doing (each week or so you can probably feel an improvement) and the loosening of your clothes!!

If you don't fancy a fitness regime as such, then vigorous house cleaning might do the trick - well thats what I tell my husband anyway!! Ha!

Good luck
Rachael

[Scuttler]

The easiest way to find motivation in addition to that suggested by Mrs F is to either find someone who has the same goal as you and make sure that you push each other to keep your routine

or

join a local team (football/rugby/hockey/athletics club) and try and play for them or train with them. As Mrs F says it's easy to get fit if you are enjoying the activity (the getting fit is just a byproduct).

The biggest problem I have is that I cannot commit to a routine because of my job. Then the only way is through motivation or a love of exercise!

[Mrs F]

As an alternative, this looks like a good fitness video to follow, covering a wide range of movements!!!!

[Okeanos]

Concept 2 is an excellent machine.

If you have a belly on you you won't be able to keep your legs lined up straight and will injure your knees.

Buy a good pair of trainers and take up running.

[NotDeadYet]

You can rent Concept II's rather than making a big investment and there are places that re-sell kit from commercial gyms and ex-hire stuff if you look around.

I used to enjoy rowing when I was a gym member but I did find it hard to keep motivated as I found it even duller than treadmills, I also found it hard to do more than 10min in one go which isn't terribly good if that's your only exercise source.

Running/walking is probably your best bet but it is the easiest activity to get an injury from, especially if you're going at it from a long period of inactivity. If you haven't been a regular runner then go to a decent specialist running shop (i.e. not JJB) and get your gait assessed.

Originally Posted by Mrs F

It might help your motivation if you can find something you enjoy doing.

It also makes exercise less noticeable. It becomes secondary to what you're actually doing so it's less of a mental leap to get up and do something. I do field archery, you don't really notice that you've just spent two hours walking round a forest but at the end you're absolutely knackered without realising.

martial arts (don't have to go for belts, just go to learn self defence and improve fitness), yoga (not many men would do it, but probably help strengthen your back too!)

I do yoga for flexibility but the first time I did a proper 2hr session with an instructor I thought I was going to die, one of the hardest bits of exercise I've ever done. Martial arts really are a good way to keep fit it's also surprisingly good mentally too.

Cheers,

Stuart

[scp]

I agree with Stuart, Yoga, a proper session is definately a good work-out.

I found it really helped my diving and footie playing.

Stan

[NeilP]

There are a few of those Concept 2's at my local gym, they are really good. I tend to use it as a warm up before a weights session.

If you want to get fit it will take more than just a rowing machine, a combination really.

Best thing is to join a local fitness centre and speak to the instructors there.

[markbsac]

i mix it up......my fav is cycle 10 mins then power walk for 10 mins do this for an hour outward bound then wherever you get to do a cycle back as a warm down...but i also do this along with gym work and swimming im lucky living in loughborough as the uni has a great pool......but i do 10 mins lane swimming couple of mins rest then 10 mins again...for an hour..alternating between styles........low impact excercise is better for the joints but still gives a decent cardio workout.previous neck and back injusrys prevent me from rowing machines.........but try what ive said you will enjoy it i do.