Gymnasiums

[Accy cyclist]

There are two within a few minutes walking distance ( one minute by car if you're a lazy @%!!1) of me. One's council run one,the other's private run. I see quite a few people going to and coming away from these places. I sometimes think about joining one of them to pass the time of day. I suppose i'd spend more time on the static bikes than using the weights and stuff,but i have a static bike here,so what would be the point? I've been in both to have a look round. What puts me off is the thumping music they both have,which affects my ability to count reps and stuff,if i did decide to use the weights. Plus they both have mirrored walls,so the poseurs can look at themselves.
Are you a member of a gym' and if so why? If you aren't,a member of one,why not?

 

[gavroche]

No, like you said, mostly for poseurs. Also, why pay if you have a turbo at home and loads of roads/cycle paths to use for free outside?

 

[Markymark]

I hate gyms for so many reasons.

 

[fossyant]

As you get older it's useful to do some weights as cycling isn't load bearing. It's good for bone density. I'm a member but haven't been much since breaking my back. Just go and do your own stuff. I never use the static bikes as the riding position is terrible.

 

[Drago]

Real gyms have concrete floors and free weight stations. These places are fashionable haunts for the trendy, not real gyms.

If someone doesn't try to sell you growth hormones, its not a real gym

 

[Deleted member 35268]

I started gym membership in January with the objective of improving my all round fitness, as opposed to just my legs and cycling fitness.

It started well and I wen't twice a week for a few weeks, then I realised that my tiredness from being at the gym was spoiling my rides the next day, mixed with being in the gym stopping me from riding. I knew it would be a balancing act but it did not work out.

Membership of £30 a month was cancelled back in May sadly.

 

[Accy cyclist]

Real gyms have concrete floors and free weight stations. These places are fashionable haunts for the trendy, not real gyms.

If someone doesn't try to sell you growth hormones, its not a real gym

There's one near to where i used to live. It has a massive tractor tyre outside. This must be a sign that wimps and poseurs aren't welcome?
I went in one day. They have those atlas balls in there. I could just about move one (about 2 inches) by pushing it with my foot.

 

[classic33]

Nope. If I want to ride a bike, I'll be out on two wheels going somewhere.

Why do people drive to them?

Similar used to be on the wall at work.

 

[Fonze]

Most gyms where I live you need membership and if I can't be bothered to go for a few days then I've wasted my cash ..
I have a multi gym in my garage which is good enough for what I like to do ..
Gyms can be very intimidating places and I have no desire for any one-up-manship ..

 

[Accy cyclist]

As a former window cleaner i've seen plenty of gym equipment dumped in people's gardens,going rusty. Expensive stuff too! People spend thousands on this equipment then dump it when they get bored.

 

[vickster]

I've used a gym for rehabbing after injuries/surgery, i.e. When I can't cycle (or in the winter). Boring as hell through, esp anything that involves weights. Hoping to get through this winter with outdoor cycling and the TT

My local gym is actually very reasonable at £18 a month, basic but functional equipment. Still feel I need to go 2x a week to get my money's worth. The weights area (as it seems to in all gyms) smells pretty ripe of sweaty bloke, another reason to avoid and stick to the sweet smelling ladies area

My new office has a gym, just a fiver to join. Not checked it out but as I'll only be there a day or two a week, I doubt I'll bother

 

[KneesUp]

The university does a cheap 3 month gym membership every summer here (presumably because the gym is empty of students - I think it's £10/month on a 3 month contract) and every year I think I will join mainly so I can use the showers after cycling in (the uni gym is near work) and every year I never get around to taking the form in, which suggests that I'd be unlikely to go.

There are a few gyms around where I work, and I do sometimes think that they should do a 'shower only' membership for cycle commuter, but I can see why they don't.

 

[Accy cyclist]

They even have that thumping music in the swimming pool area,at the council run one. Why?! I suppose i should use it as it's one of only two pools in the borough. I used to use it before i took up cycling. I don't fancy wearing swimming trunks with a cyclists tan though. I wonder if it'd look daft wearing a wet suit to swim in?

 

[Saluki]

Gyms are boring. I have been a member of the UEA gym in the past as I had a work out buddy. It was fun but cut into riding time. I would rather ride. I have some free weights at home and use them plus a bit of ab work and that seems to do me rather well.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

As you get older it's useful to do some weights as cycling isn't load bearing. It's good for bone density. Just go and do your own stuff. I never use the static bikes as the riding position is terrible.

^This, pretty much. I like the concept II rowers.