Help- indoor, 2nd floor exercising

[comabri]

I need some creative minds on this one. I live in a 2nd floor apartment and want to exercise to burn fat. I can do "quiet" aerobics but the only time I have to exercise is at 5:00 in the morning. And going outside, right now, is off-limits - it was 104 degrees yesterday - without the heat index.

Any ideas?

[lorilei]

How about looking for a stationary bike?

You can get some fairly nice models nowadays without spending a fortune, and it's an activity you can do even in a 2nd floor apartment at 3am.

(my husband and I use ours in a 2nd floor apt)

[comabri]

I can't believe I didn't think of that! That's exactly what I need! Thank you thank you thank you!

[LIsaP]

Hi!
To follow up on the stationary bike idea, if you already own a bike, you can buy a stand that will allow you to basically turn your bike into a stationary bike. It costs about $100 and can be bought at a bike store-I got one this winter and loved it!

Also, there are alot of exercises you can do with free weights-all you need are a few sets depending on your strength.

Good luck!

[Kerri]

Wow, 104! You must live in Dallas too! I excercise at about 5:30 am and currently at that time the temp is around 80-ish. If you are going to excercise at that time in the morning, it isn't too bad to go out for a run then. Just drink a lot of water during your normal routine. Also, if you live in an apartment, do they have an excercise closet? Although they usually don't have a lot of stuff, they sometimes have a treadmill/bike/stairmaster and at 5 in the morning you won't have to worry about crowds!

[Angela]

I have the same problem. I decided exercising in the evening was best for me. I get home at 5 and noticed that the people below me are not home from work yet. I don't know if this time is convenient for you, but you might want to investigate. You might want to ask the people below you when they get up in the morning and if they wouldn't mind you possibly making noise above them. It's worth a shot...

[This message has been edited by Angela (edited 07-21-2000).]

[lisad]

Hey, folks--I'm Lisa Delaney, CookingLight.com's editor and Healthy Living editor at the magazine. One tip people who work out on stationary bikes, or any other indoor aerobic equipment, for that matter: get a fan and have it blow on you during your workout. Studies show that because the fan keeps you cooler, you'll be able to work harder without feeling like you are ... so you get more out of your workout. I'm one of those early-morning runners, but have used a stationary bike many times, and love my "trainer," which is what most people call the contraption that allows you to convert your road bike into a stationary bike. They're great because they allow you to use a bike you're already comfortable with, instead of shopping around and trying to find something that fits you right. Anyway, good luck! Lisa D

[MCJiGS]

Have you thought about joining a gym? Most are open by 5:00 and you can do many things instead of only a bike? I love the tread mill. But I know it is very loud so I do alot of walking outside. But, as you said it's to hot where you are. Not here in the Pacific Northwest. It's been a average 75-80 with no humity! So hope the gym idea helps. Good luck.

[comabri]

I actually do belong to a gym. I'm a single mom. In a new town, no family within 1200 miles...

thanks for the suggestion though. But that gets me thinking... why do I have that gym membership anyway???

Thanks.

[imagine]

I've come to this discussion a little late, but have some ideas for you. I, too, live in a 2nd floor apartment and it's been 100-105 for weeks. Ugh.

Exercise videos are a lifesaver for me. I'm not sure what your fitness level or interests might be, but here's what I've had good results with. (Cooking Light's Gin Miller also has had some good routines this year in the magazine.)

I use Kathy Smith's New Yoga, Karen Voight YogaSculpt and Karen Voight Streamline Fitness (weights and strength work) when I have about 40-60 minutes. I work up a sweat and work out so many muscle groups!

As for the bounce factor, I tried Crunch Boot Camp for a quick 30-minute cardio/strength session. It's a good workout without a lot of jumping around.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

[Natasha]

If you are familiar with free weights, or wouldn't mind taking a couple of lessons at the gym, these could be a good supplement to your cardio training. The reason I mention the lessons or being familiar with them is because free weights can be so dangerous if used improperly! (I'm sure you know this already...I'm just paranoid about things like that!) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Good luck with whatever you choose.

[mightyh]

Does anyone have any recommendations on indoor bike trainers. Do you get a workout comparable to a stationary bike? Are there any good brands to consider or good internet sites where I might find those brands? Thanks for any input.

[jd]

Lots of good comments on this thread! For variety from free weights, I like to use resistance tubing and/or a medicine ball. Both are nice and quiet! Good luck!