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Ask HN: How do you stay physically active?

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11–20 of 42 posts

Re: Ask HN: How do you stay physically active?

#11
Also in software.

During work, a habit I've picked up is always going for a 20-30 minute walk. I usually go over lunch or in the afternoon (when I tend to drag a bit). Honestly, the break and moving around usually means that I have a more productive afternoon than if I didn't go for the walk.

After work, it depends. If the weather is nice, I like running.

When the weather is not great, I used to go to the gym. With Covid, I've purchased... 1. A cheap Schwinn 1980s exercise bike on Craigslist 2. Two 25 pound dumbbells 3. A pull-up bar

Between that equipment and pushups+planks+bodyweight squats I can get pretty good workouts at home.

I've also found that, personally, alcohol is really not conducive with a healthy life-style. I have trouble moderating my drinking (starts off without much, but I slowly drink more and more frequently over the course of a few weeks). When I'm drinking, I usually feel worse, struggle to workout, and eat worse. So for me any weight-loss and long stretches of adherence to an exercise regime have usually been accompanied by tee-totaling.

My weight had gone up to 250, down to 215 over the course of ~6 months, and here I am at 230 a year later. Put on a bit of weight over the holidays + drinking again. But haven't drank for the last month and getting back running with this warm weather.

Re: Ask HN: How do you stay physically active?

#12
I run and then mix it up with TRX, kettlebells and a pull up bar. We have a pretty decent home gym from about 10 years worth of slowly adding to it, but those are the three most common bits I use, although I have started doing more on the rower with the apple fitness rowing workouts.

Our home gym is between my office and the rest of the house, so I do things like 3 pull ups on my way to make espresso in the morning, or 10 kb swings after a boring meeting.

Re: Ask HN: How do you stay physically active?

#13
I especially love hiking in state parks during the weekends. In addition, I try to do 15-30 minutes of workouts every day usually by following some Youtube videos. A year back, I tried doing 5 minutes of workouts in regular intervals during the day. It was fun but I lacked discipline to sustain it.

Re: Ask HN: How do you stay physically active?

#14
post #13

I especially love hiking in state parks during the weekends. In addition, I try to do 15-30 minutes of workouts every day usually by following some Youtube videos. A year back, I tried doing 5 minutes of workouts in regular intervals during the day. It was fun but I lacked discipline to sustain it.

Any recommendations?

Re: Ask HN: How do you stay physically active?

#15
* Stand up desk.

* Set goals that require being active (summer backpacking, winter xc skiing)

* Organize activities with friends. Instead of meeting for a beer, go for a walk or hike.

* Try to set and forget it (add recurring event to cal).

* Buy home gym stuff. You don't need to go big, just a few dumbbells can be the start.

* Walk/exercise for a break in the day.

Re: Ask HN: How do you stay physically active?

#16
Football (soccer), both indoor and outdoor - and mountain biking. I've worked remotely for several years now and it definitely helps to be able to get out of the office and talk to other people, especially those not in the web / tech fields. Not just for mental health but for making new friends too.

I realise team sports aren't for everyone but they can be great motivators especially when the weather isn't great or you aren't in the mood, and you always end up feeling better for it at the end. I find it's easier to slack off when you're the only one accountable.

Re: Ask HN: How do you stay physically active?

#19

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. BJJ in particular attracts nerds (especially security people, for some reason).

It's because BJJ is a game. You power up by learning new moves, then have to fight against new stronger opponents. Then you have to learn more moves. The game design of other martial arts isn't as deep and complex. Security people like fighting against an opponent, instead of creating something.

Re: Ask HN: How do you stay physically active?

#20
I got a Peloton a few years ago, and it was the best purchase ever. I always hated exercising, but the Peloton is convenient enough that it doesn't bother me, and I actually enjoy it. I'm on a 100 weeks streak, and try to do at minimum 20min every day.

I normally put one of the classes in the background, and then use the time to watch videos on YT or listen to audiobooks on my phone, so in theory any spinning bike would do it. But I think the Peloton UI, app, metrics, etc, helps keep you going.

I also do a 30min walk with the family. Good as a warm-up before cycling.

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