Ask HN: I hate gym. How to stay in shape?

#1

Post by throwaway_43793 » Tue, Feb 07, 2023, 10:57 AM UTC

Inspired by this discussion[1], I want to start working out. I'm in my mid 30s, and my age starts to show it's signs. I do train in boxing once a week, but I feel like it's not enough. Most of the week I stay seated.

I have an on-and-off relationship with gym for multiple years. I came to a conclusion that I simply dislike the format of the gym. I don't like wasting time by getting to the gym, getting from the gym, and waiting for my turn for the equipment.

I don't want to invest a lot of time. 30 min max a day. I prefer to workout from my home, without being dependent on the weather.

What will be a good way to stay in shape, given the above constraints?

[1]https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34689709

Re: Ask HN: I hate gym. How to stay in shape?

#2

Post by dsq » Tue, Feb 07, 2023, 11:03 AM UTC

You can do pushups, pull-ups and chin-ups at home with only your floor and a bar.

These exercises may sound like something out of high school, but they are excellent for all upper body. Biceps, triceps, shoulders, back. Even abs get definition.

For legs do squats, walk and take the stairs.

Re: Ask HN: I hate gym. How to stay in shape?

#3

Post by mytailorisrich » Tue, Feb 07, 2023, 11:04 AM UTC

If the outdoor environment around your home is nice enough you could try running. Yes, it is dependent on the weather but I've found that the fresh air is a bonus even under the rain and a welcome break from being indoor all the time.

Re: Ask HN: I hate gym. How to stay in shape?

#4

Post by voytec » Tue, Feb 07, 2023, 11:09 AM UTC

Home is a good place for exercising, too. Pushups, crunches, Roman/Russian twists, squats, dumbbells lifting, triceps extensions, latteral raises, a whole bunch of core exercises don't require gym. Just self-discipline.

Also, go for a walk, jog or biking. Home or gym movement won't replace fresh air and some sun.

Re: Ask HN: I hate gym. How to stay in shape?

#5

Post by gadders » Tue, Feb 07, 2023, 11:11 AM UTC

Buy your own squat rack, barbells and weights. You won't get much done in 30 mins though. Decide whether this is a priority for you or not.

Re: Ask HN: I hate gym. How to stay in shape?

#6

Post by taneliv » Tue, Feb 07, 2023, 11:25 AM UTC

dsq wrote: post #2

You can do pushups, pull-ups and chin-ups at home with only your floor and a bar. These exercises may sound like something out of high school, but they are excellent for all upper body. Biceps, triceps, shoulders, back. Even abs get definition. For legs do squats, walk and take the stairs.

Some exercises beyond squats to target legs:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burpee_(exercise) lists a number of interesting variants, if you have the space at home for them.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calisthenics has some more ideas that might be amenable to the half hour time window.

They require little or no equipment and you could make your routine more interesting by doing some of them outdoors when weather allows.

Re: Ask HN: I hate gym. How to stay in shape?

#7

Post by xcubic » Tue, Feb 07, 2023, 11:36 AM UTC

Feels like you are talking about me. What happened after I was in that situation was:

I decided to forget gyms ever existed and during the first year of covid, got myself a remote personal trainer.

So now, 3x/week he calls me on zoom, and for 1h beats my ass into shape.

Best decision I've taken in a long while.

Re: Ask HN: I hate gym. How to stay in shape?

#8

Post by gardenhedge » Tue, Feb 07, 2023, 11:37 AM UTC

I would say Kettlebells. I would say some kettlebells exercises like swings would compliment your Boxing training while being different. They will also take up very little space in your home in terms of storage and working out.

Also, walking is outside and dependent on the weather but I would really recommend walking daily to counteract sitting.