Expanding fitness
January 30, 2015 10:28 PM Subscribe
I started running last year, and I really enjoy it! I've stayed relatively dedicated to the routine and genuinely look forward to it. However, I think I've pushed myself about as far as I need to with running and I'd love to expand my regiment with other activities, but I honestly don't really know anything about fitness and don't really have any friends to ask about it.
I'm a 25 year old full time student without much of a social life, and last year a happy convergence of finding a bunch of cool podcasts and figuring out that I really enjoy running to challenge myself has gotten me to a point where I feel like I don't really need to press myself much harder on running to feel reasonably content with my baseline fitness (every other day, 6 miles or one hour, whichever comes first). But now I have this excess energy that leaves me with a nagging feeling when I spend an off day truly doing nothing besides schoolwork, and I think I'd like to look into other kinds of exercise routines to see if I enjoy them, like uh, calisthenics or something? I really don't know much about this sort of thing, I just kind of arbitrarily chose running because it seemed holistically healthy, but I guess I'd like to know what's out there. I do have access to my school's rec center which is has a lot of equipment, which is a boon. For context I'm a male, 5'10, 140lbs; I'm not interested in getting bulked out or anything, but I'm certainly not averse to building strength. Thanks!
I'm a 25 year old full time student without much of a social life, and last year a happy convergence of finding a bunch of cool podcasts and figuring out that I really enjoy running to challenge myself has gotten me to a point where I feel like I don't really need to press myself much harder on running to feel reasonably content with my baseline fitness (every other day, 6 miles or one hour, whichever comes first). But now I have this excess energy that leaves me with a nagging feeling when I spend an off day truly doing nothing besides schoolwork, and I think I'd like to look into other kinds of exercise routines to see if I enjoy them, like uh, calisthenics or something? I really don't know much about this sort of thing, I just kind of arbitrarily chose running because it seemed holistically healthy, but I guess I'd like to know what's out there. I do have access to my school's rec center which is has a lot of equipment, which is a boon. For context I'm a male, 5'10, 140lbs; I'm not interested in getting bulked out or anything, but I'm certainly not averse to building strength. Thanks!
Rock climbing is an awesome fitness activity. It builds so much strength all over the body, especially the core; and it is an extremely technique-oriented sport, so you will have many years worth of fun and learning. There is also a very substantial mental aspect to the sport which requires lots of thinking and problem solving to be able to complete higher rated climbs.
The exact same things above can be said about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I do both sports and love everything they provide!
posted by incolorinred at 11:11 PM on January 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
The exact same things above can be said about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I do both sports and love everything they provide!
posted by incolorinred at 11:11 PM on January 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Swim laps! A lifelong activity with so many good reasons including no weight-bearing stress on your knees and ankles.
posted by lois1950 at 11:16 PM on January 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by lois1950 at 11:16 PM on January 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I know a lot of runners who supplement with yoga. It keeps you limber and helps build muscle, both which will also help protect you against injuries. If you want, you can do a more athletic style like ashtanga or vinyasa.
posted by lunasol at 12:00 AM on January 31, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by lunasol at 12:00 AM on January 31, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: There's lots of things you can do to keep getting fitter with running, and keep it more interesting!
* Are you running trails? Trail running gives your legs a whole different workout, and keeps your brain a little more active since you have to concentrate on footwork
* Fartlek / Interval work where you alternate running at different speeds, or throw some sprints into your runs can really boost your speed and cardiovascular ability
* If you're running in a park or other more urban environment, you can add some bodyweight exercises and core work to your runs. Run for a bit, then stop and do some pushups, or box jumps onto a bench, or burpees, or planks. If you do this with another person you look more like a tiny boot camp, and less like a random nutbar - but don't be afraid of being a random nutbar!
posted by Jon Mitchell at 12:20 AM on January 31, 2015
* Are you running trails? Trail running gives your legs a whole different workout, and keeps your brain a little more active since you have to concentrate on footwork
* Fartlek / Interval work where you alternate running at different speeds, or throw some sprints into your runs can really boost your speed and cardiovascular ability
* If you're running in a park or other more urban environment, you can add some bodyweight exercises and core work to your runs. Run for a bit, then stop and do some pushups, or box jumps onto a bench, or burpees, or planks. If you do this with another person you look more like a tiny boot camp, and less like a random nutbar - but don't be afraid of being a random nutbar!
posted by Jon Mitchell at 12:20 AM on January 31, 2015
You might find getting into group exercise classes is fun, if that's your thing. Not sure if your rec centre would offer any?
There's something about the classes being set to music that just get me going and make them feel - oddly enough -fun. I also find that the group environment encourages me to really push it, whereas on my own in the gym it's hard to find the motivation. I started when I was relatively new to the whole fitness thing with spin classes, then moved onto body balance (a yoga/tai chi/pilates blend - better than it sounds!) and pump (weights).
Even just doing some weights across big muscle groups will get rid of that excess energy and give you the "I'm completely stuffed, but in a good way" feel.
Other than that, trail running. Amazing fun and a completely different ballgame to road running. Only works if you are somewhere where this is feasible, but I find this much more enjoyable long term.
posted by mrme at 1:23 AM on January 31, 2015
There's something about the classes being set to music that just get me going and make them feel - oddly enough -fun. I also find that the group environment encourages me to really push it, whereas on my own in the gym it's hard to find the motivation. I started when I was relatively new to the whole fitness thing with spin classes, then moved onto body balance (a yoga/tai chi/pilates blend - better than it sounds!) and pump (weights).
Even just doing some weights across big muscle groups will get rid of that excess energy and give you the "I'm completely stuffed, but in a good way" feel.
Other than that, trail running. Amazing fun and a completely different ballgame to road running. Only works if you are somewhere where this is feasible, but I find this much more enjoyable long term.
posted by mrme at 1:23 AM on January 31, 2015
What about playing a sport that involves running, like racquet sports or soccer/football? It might be too late to register for intramurals at your university, but they (or your city/community) might have drop-ins. You could meet people that way, too.
posted by cotton dress sock at 7:55 AM on January 31, 2015
posted by cotton dress sock at 7:55 AM on January 31, 2015
Yeah, pick up a casual team sport like volleyball or ultimate frisbee. Human connections are an important part of the overall health picture! If you don't have much of a social life and can't ask your friends this question because you don't have many friends, it would be good to do a social sort of sports activity.
posted by drlith at 8:21 AM on January 31, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by drlith at 8:21 AM on January 31, 2015 [1 favorite]
+1 for team sports. Soccer is basically organized running, Ultimate Frisbee isn't much different, and the skill and equipment requirements for both are minimal. Basketball needs more skill but would work too.
Or, +1 for individual sports. Some of the best workouts of my life have been racquetball. Tennis works too, and it'll never be cheaper to do these things than at school.
posted by Dilligas at 8:23 AM on January 31, 2015 [1 favorite]
Or, +1 for individual sports. Some of the best workouts of my life have been racquetball. Tennis works too, and it'll never be cheaper to do these things than at school.
posted by Dilligas at 8:23 AM on January 31, 2015 [1 favorite]
If you live somewhere snowy, cross country skiing can be pretty amazing. I never did get the runners high when I ran but I sure got it skiing. Out in the mountains with the pines and pristine snow around it was pretty much a spiritual experience. You get into this stride/glide rhythm that is downright meditative. Also a great workout. The place that I learned (Devils Thumb in Winter Park, Colorado) let you rent skis and have a lesson in the morning and then go off on your own in the afternoon. This was track skiing, though back country has its own charms.
posted by BoscosMom at 9:40 AM on January 31, 2015
posted by BoscosMom at 9:40 AM on January 31, 2015
Frisbee is So. Much. Fun. I'm pretty sad that I can't play anymore: it's too hard on my feet, which are prone to plantar fasciitis.
Rock climbing is also awesome, although it costs more to do. OTOH, it's something you can do all your life, and if you get really into it, will inspire fabulous trips to beautiful places around the world.
If you love the outdoors, I second the trail running thing. There are trail running groups in many places, which would also meet your social needs.
posted by suelac at 10:30 AM on January 31, 2015 [1 favorite]
Rock climbing is also awesome, although it costs more to do. OTOH, it's something you can do all your life, and if you get really into it, will inspire fabulous trips to beautiful places around the world.
If you love the outdoors, I second the trail running thing. There are trail running groups in many places, which would also meet your social needs.
posted by suelac at 10:30 AM on January 31, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I agree with the other posters - finding an additional activity or sport that you enjoy, whether rock climbing or tennis or frisbee, is probably the path to the most long-term motivation and satisfaction.
On the other hand, you've already started running and found that you like it. I'd like to suggest that there's much more you can do than regular six mile jogs. I always enjoy running most when I'm training for a race, both because it's motivating to know that there's a single goal with a definite deadline, and because I like the visible progress from week to week. Training for a 10k (about six miles), however, doesn't mean running six miles regularly until you get faster. A good training regimen will have you running shorter distances at faster speeds, longer (8-12 miles) runs at lower speeds, and doing other types of interval or hill workouts. After I did a couple 5ks I started training for a half marathon (using one of Hal Hidgon's plans, FWIW) and that's when I really started getting satisfaction from running. Like any other activity, running is best for overall fitness when you're continually changing your routine and challenging your body.
posted by exutima at 6:01 PM on January 31, 2015
On the other hand, you've already started running and found that you like it. I'd like to suggest that there's much more you can do than regular six mile jogs. I always enjoy running most when I'm training for a race, both because it's motivating to know that there's a single goal with a definite deadline, and because I like the visible progress from week to week. Training for a 10k (about six miles), however, doesn't mean running six miles regularly until you get faster. A good training regimen will have you running shorter distances at faster speeds, longer (8-12 miles) runs at lower speeds, and doing other types of interval or hill workouts. After I did a couple 5ks I started training for a half marathon (using one of Hal Hidgon's plans, FWIW) and that's when I really started getting satisfaction from running. Like any other activity, running is best for overall fitness when you're continually changing your routine and challenging your body.
posted by exutima at 6:01 PM on January 31, 2015
X-country skiing us a great work out.
But I also want to put in a word for fencing. Your school may have a club. It is individual sport so not tied to team schedule, but can be quite social. It is good for flexibility, speed, and mental strategy.
posted by chapps at 11:00 PM on January 31, 2015
But I also want to put in a word for fencing. Your school may have a club. It is individual sport so not tied to team schedule, but can be quite social. It is good for flexibility, speed, and mental strategy.
posted by chapps at 11:00 PM on January 31, 2015
Best answer: Nth-ing climbing. If the word 'rock' in there is putting you off, just drop it. Indoor climbing walls don't involve rock, there's just lots of little plastic biscuits screwed in interesting patterns to make climbing routes/problems. It can be totally non-scary ('top-roping', climbing with a rope from above at all times) and inexpensive – you might eventually invest in a harness and climbing shoes (these can be hired), but they can be found cheaply on ebay, since lots of peoples' engagement with sporting activities these days seem to involve the early-acquisition of all of the gear, before they've discovered whether they like the activity enough to warrant owning the stuff. It involves balance and strength, but different people climb different climbing routes/problems differently : some are very quick, and for them it's an athletic and aerobic activity, while others are slower, and for them it probably involves more poise and stamina. It doesn't require huge muscles (being 'bulked out'), a general level of fitness will suffice – as you acquire greater technique, it's possible to climb harder routes or problems by judicious use of lots of interesting ways of contorting your body.
Bouldering is an even cheaper climbing discipline to look into, since no harness is ever required, and it's good for burning up energy in a way that isn't relentlessly repetitive (unlike, say, spinning), since it's possible to move between problems quickly, and to try each problem in a variety of ways. It also doesn't require you to have anyone on hand to hold the other end of a rope, since it's low-level, ropeless climbing above a crash mat, so it's a good solo/solitary activity. Look around for a nearby bouldering wall / centre / gym, and sign up for a taster session. Like running / cycling / swimming etc etc, neither activity needs to be considered as primarily competitive - some people do climb competitively, but I'd say most people down at a local wall don't.
Both activities are nicely complemented by yoga, which is another great way to burn energy and get more core strength and balance. None of these need compete with the time you spend running / swimming / cycling / cross country skiing; it's good to have aerobic activities alongside bouldering/climbing/yoga. But yes, in general I've found that the fitter I get, the more I feel like I have excess energy to burn, and things like yoga and bouldering leave me nicely exhausted. I've also added in some of the Nerd Fitness circuits to do on days when weather / work conspire against getting out - like this one - I'm not interested in bulking up or even losing weight, I just wanted a manageable way of maintaining fitness indoors, and ~20 mins just about matches my threshold for getting bored of calisthenic-type activities, so this one suits me pretty well.
posted by Joeruckus at 5:03 AM on February 1, 2015
Bouldering is an even cheaper climbing discipline to look into, since no harness is ever required, and it's good for burning up energy in a way that isn't relentlessly repetitive (unlike, say, spinning), since it's possible to move between problems quickly, and to try each problem in a variety of ways. It also doesn't require you to have anyone on hand to hold the other end of a rope, since it's low-level, ropeless climbing above a crash mat, so it's a good solo/solitary activity. Look around for a nearby bouldering wall / centre / gym, and sign up for a taster session. Like running / cycling / swimming etc etc, neither activity needs to be considered as primarily competitive - some people do climb competitively, but I'd say most people down at a local wall don't.
Both activities are nicely complemented by yoga, which is another great way to burn energy and get more core strength and balance. None of these need compete with the time you spend running / swimming / cycling / cross country skiing; it's good to have aerobic activities alongside bouldering/climbing/yoga. But yes, in general I've found that the fitter I get, the more I feel like I have excess energy to burn, and things like yoga and bouldering leave me nicely exhausted. I've also added in some of the Nerd Fitness circuits to do on days when weather / work conspire against getting out - like this one - I'm not interested in bulking up or even losing weight, I just wanted a manageable way of maintaining fitness indoors, and ~20 mins just about matches my threshold for getting bored of calisthenic-type activities, so this one suits me pretty well.
posted by Joeruckus at 5:03 AM on February 1, 2015
Response by poster: lots of good answers, thanks everyone; there's actually a climbing wall at the rec center i mentioned so i think i'll look into that; yoga is something i've considered in passing as well, i'll do some research!
posted by p3on at 1:21 PM on February 1, 2015
posted by p3on at 1:21 PM on February 1, 2015
Another vote for Ultimate Frisbee! Great fun.
posted by futureisunwritten at 2:08 PM on February 1, 2015
posted by futureisunwritten at 2:08 PM on February 1, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
Hiking
Working with a personal trainer on strength and mobility
posted by canine epigram at 10:45 PM on January 30, 2015