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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

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Original poster

Does anyone read at the gym?

12 replies

Shaxx · 15/05/2011 15:23

Can you get a good workout if you read whilst doing the bike or crosstrainer (can you read and crosstrain?)
I enjoy classes but can't always make them and gym equipment bores me a bit. I thought reading my book might be the answer.
I know its better than sitting at home and reading but can you get a good workout?

OP posts:

kid · 15/05/2011 15:28

I've seen people at the gym reading while they use the exercise bike, but they are riding at a slow pace so probably not getting the most out of their workout.
At my gym, they have 2 TV screens on. One is a music channel, the other is a programme with subtitles on. I often watch Friends and read the subtitles while jogging on the treadmill. I just have to be careful that I don't run too fast and got off the front or too slow and fall off the back!

How about etting some audio books recorded onto an ipod or something? Its easier to listen than it is to read.

Original poster

Shaxx · 15/05/2011 15:40

Excellent idea Kid!
I find gym equipment boring even if I have good music and the tv screens only have the regular channels plus sport. Its fine if there's something decent on but often there isn't.

OP posts:

kid · 15/05/2011 16:05

I am finding the classes very good at the moment, much better than just using the gym. I did do a gym session today and the difference between my ability now to when I started a couple of months ago is amazing. I can even jog now (well I jog/walk at intervals of 2 minutes each for 20 minutes) which is so much better than when I started. I could only jog for maximum of 30 seconds before having to stop altogether

I tried aerobics last week, it was hilarious and I'm going back next week.

foreverondiet · 15/05/2011 16:16

IMO if you can read whilst on the bike or crosstrainer you aren't really training, so not really any point.

Original poster

Shaxx · 15/05/2011 16:29

Kid Thats great that you're enjoying it and improving!
I really prefer classes too. I'm so uncoordinated though that I can never follow the aerobic, dance or step classes!
I regularly do spinning and circuits but spinning gets booked up so quickly so sometimes I find myself having to use the gym.

Forever I'm sure you're right!

OP posts:

kid · 15/05/2011 16:43

I'm scared of the spin class, it looks so difficult and fast.
I have been doing the bootcamp class for the last 7 weeks though which is hard work. Its meant to get easier but I think the trainer is making it harder on purpose!

The classes at my gym get booked up quickly too. You can only book them 1 week in advance. The best way to get a space is to get up early the day after the class and book it for the following week. It works every time

melliebobs · 15/05/2011 17:34

There's always a lady at the gym when i'm there who reads a magazine on the treadmill?! I wonder how that is even possible?! But yerr if you can read and exercise at the same time your probs not working that efficiently.

Kid don't be scared of the spinning. It's really effective especially if it's just a quick 30 min blast like they are at my gym. And although it looks a bonkers pace you only have to work at your level.

kid · 15/05/2011 19:26

But it's right in the doorway so everyone who enters can see you!
They offer a 30 minute intense one and a 45 minute one suitable for all levels.

bigTillyMint · 15/05/2011 19:28

I have no idea how anyone manages to read in the gym - even with large print I couldn't focus while moving!

Aren't there any TV's?

melliebobs · 15/05/2011 19:32

that's rubbish kid at my gym its in it's own studio which is good. What's not good is they do it it in the dark (apparantly people feel self conscious if other people can see them sweating?!) and instead have these UV lights which after 60 mins give me a headache. And today the lady infront of me was wearing grey leggings with bad white knickers on underneath and that's all you could see! lol

I know what people mean about CV kit being boring. At my gym they have TV's but it's all linked up to the jukebox and plays music vidoes and the only ones with TV's in them are the bikes and 6 of the x-trainers.

Original poster

Shaxx · 15/05/2011 19:50

Thats terrible Kid about it being in the doorway.
I've just got back from a spinning class and it was brilliant. We have it in the studio and the lights on. There's a good sound system and the instructor is excellent. Its by far my fave exercise session. You should def try it if you can. You just do it at your own pace.

OP posts:

kid · 15/05/2011 21:01

I think there are about 20 bikes, some of them can be seen at the entrance but not all. Knowing my luck, I'd get right by the door view!

I might give it a go but i always like someone to be new there too. My plan is that I'm not the only one who can't hack the pace lol

They do classes from 7am until late into the evening. Such a good priced gym too (£15 pm) so I can't moan about minor things like the location of the spin class!

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