Tuesday
Apr212009
How to Quit the Gym
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 12:11PM (Note - There are plenty of reasons NOT to quit the gym. Don't do this if you feel you should still be going.)
Quitting the gym is not something most people would admit to, but I'm proud of it. Mixing in some Crossfit style stuff with my running, I have gotten to a fitness level without the gym that most people are not getting even with it. If you are wondering how or why to do this yourself, here's some helpful info:
- Standing around and slowly lifting weights is not real fitness. Sure you'll get strong. Strong at lifting objects in a controlled environment. That isn't what usually happens in real life.
- Crossfit and P90x is much more of a real workout. Watch some of the Crossfit workouts on YouTube and/or a P90x video and you'll see some very fit folks. Not much equipment is being used, either.
- Rollers and trainers. A lot of the reason I was going was to ride a spin bike. First, I found that spin class wasn't challenging anymore, then I discovered rollers. Wow, what a workout right at home.
- Combining push ups, pull ups, squats, and running is an amazing workout. Aside from getting a pull up bar, the rest is free. Try doing some every ten minutes while running and prepare to get ripped.
- Test yourself. I can do twelve pull ups (hands forward) and who knows how many pushups when working out at home just a few times a week. Most gym rats have great single muscle strength, but not good group muscle strength. Give it a try yourself to see how many you can do. Are you really getting your money's worth?
Now, my gym does not have a pool. If it did, I would definitely still be there. But if you start applying some of the above methods and find yourself not going to the gym anymore, pull the plug. The thirty bucks a month you save ($360 a year!) could go a long ways towards a new bike or even some coaching.
Reader Comments (7)
Thank god I dont have to go to the gym! Its extremely boring! I shall take this article's advice my friend, thanks!
OH yeah...P90X is the real deal. I just started the program...wow...it really kicks your B@#t!
Yeah Burpees!!!
Here here I second this post!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah, if it weren't for the need for a pool I would not have any membership to anything. Now if only I can work in the endless pool into my Budget....new car? endless pool? :)
endless pools used to be a sponsor of RaceAthlete. Call them up and ask for a free pool and see what they say.
Not been inside a gym for the last two years! It's just the pool thing!