Exercise Ideas ,,, WITHOUT Spending $$$ !

CADplans · Jan 1, 2020

I have been on an exercise "kick" almost all of 2019,,
what I am finding is that almost all exercise is boring,, so I try to keep changing what I am doing,,

My question is,, what do you do for exercise that is low cost? ,,, and most importantly, not the same old thing,,,

What I have done so far,,
The local "YMCA" had a free signup period, and I am using that,, machines and some weights,
I am trying to stick to machines right now, as I am not an experienced "weightlifter" , and at my age, I do not want to hurt something,

Walking,,, after 40 minutes, I am REALLY bored,,, less than an hour, I do not think it is helping,, much,,

Planking,, I am amazed I can even do that for 2 minutes,, I think planking is a good one,,

Work around the property,, I have done a LOT around my place,, by hand, rather than using the front end loader,,
I have spread tons of gravel, moved many tons of decorative stones, and cut a LOT of firewood for my neighbor,,

So, that is where I am at,,
and my question is,,, what can I add to the list, that is exercise, and is NOT boring!!??

Code54 · Jan 1, 2020

I personally run, but if you do trail running it is more interesting. Lots to see in the woods and I am often surprised how often I pass a deer 10' away and it just watches me jog on by. Kind of neat.

Splitting firewood is a good workout.

Cat_Driver · Jan 1, 2020

I had a guy working with me who had a handshake like putting your hand in a vice.

This guy was from Ethiopia and was working as a dishwasher at a hotel I worked at. He had zero money, I think he was a boat person or some sort of legal refugee.

This guy had arms like the calf of an average mand leg. I asked him how he got so strong. He went through a litany of devices he made.
He filled coffee cans with cement and used a pice as barbells. GE cut up inner tubes and used those as pulling exercises screwed to a wall.
He got free tractor loader tires and tossed those around. Used a rope and jumped rope.

I'm sure there were more but he was in better shape than all the guys that had gym memberships that were in management and worked with us.

Dftodd · Jan 1, 2020

Cat_Driver said:
I had a guy working with me who had a handshake like putting your hand in a vice.

This guy was from Ethiopia and was working as a dishwasher at a hotel I worked at. He had zero money, I think he was a boat person or some sort of legal refugee.

This guy had arms like the calf of an average mand leg. I asked him how he got so strong. He went through a litany of devices he made.
He filled coffee cans with cement and used a pice as barbells. GE cut up inner tubes and used those as pulling exercises screwed to a wall.
He got free tractor loader tires and tossed those around. Used a rope and jumped rope.

I'm sure there were more but he was in better shape than all the guys that had gym memberships that were in management and worked with us.

Ahh, so he did cross fit

A tv and good movie or show really cut down on the boardom while walking on a treadmill, stationary bike, or elliptical. I alternated between an elliptical and walking a brisk pace on the treadmill for my cardio. Then worked the machines at the gym. I try to keep it low impact. My knees can't handle running.

I alternated days, so my body couldn't get used to one routine. So machines first then cardio. Next day was cardio, then machines. Throw in a stair stepper on occasion just before the cardio as well for a little extra kick.

Never could spend much time on a stationary bike. Knees would cramp up within a few minutes.

Gee Ray · Jan 1, 2020

One of the best exercises it digging with a spade. So... put in a garden. I know that does help in the winter but get the planning done now so you can work in the spring. You can still work at get compost ready. Timbers for the edging etc. The reward will come all summer. Peas, potatoes, beans, corn, tomatoes are work to grow. If a small area does not keep you busy grow enough for some elderly poorer neighbors that could use the company and the food. It may not be exercise but it will keep you fit all summer.

Diggin It · Jan 1, 2020

I walk 2-3 miles a day weather permitting. I got a treadmill thinking I walk more indoors without the need to get 'public dressed', but haven't used it as much as planned. Do as much yard work by hand as I can. Use a push mower when possible instead of the riders.

Tried running a bit. Knees started acting up, so had to stop that.

Been slacking off too much lately and feel it. Need to get back into a routine. Four to six weeks laid up due to my hand didn't help at all.

MossRoad · Jan 1, 2020

I guess it depends where you walk. My wife and I walk a lot. Usually about 3.5 miles per hour. Lots of walking paths, parks, trails, etc... in our area. We try to walk at least an hour a day. Kinda hard in winter when it gets dark at 5:00pm. But I average 3-4 miles per day at work, she averaged 2.5 on her lunch hour, but also rides an elliptical machine for 45 minutes every morning at home. 3-4 hour walks on weekends are normal for us. I've held within 5 pounds of my weight for several years. I take the stairs at my job as often as possible, only using the elevator if I have to haul parts.

Swimming is another great exercise if you have access to water.

ruffdog · Jan 1, 2020

Digging stumps out by hand is great exercise too. You get to use all your muscles using shovels, pickax, hatchets/axes, post hole digger,....real fun too. Be sure to move the dirt with 5 gal pails and a wheelbarrow.

/pine · Jan 1, 2020

If you're serious...Get a reel type (manual, not powered) lawn mower...

Racenut · Jan 1, 2020

Does your YMCA have a racquetball court? That will get get you moving and also sharpens reflexes and it's lots of fun. Lots of clubs around but that can get spendy.

stuckmotor · Jan 1, 2020

You've already used my idea. Some of the most well developed muscles I saw in my youth were on a chain gang prisoner who was spreading dirt with a shovel.

Big Barn · Jan 1, 2020

You’re off to an awesome start with your good attitude. Variety is key.

Planks are very effective. Don’t worry so much about duration as proper form. I have to use a mirror to check I am not “cheating”. Make a conscious effort to engage your core throughout the day.

Pushups can be fun. Set up a chin-up /pull-up bar. Outdoors would be great and you could use it at random times. Otherwise buy one that fits in your door frame. They are inexpensive.

Wall squats can be done almost anywhere. Google for proper form if you are unsure.

Drink LOTS of water. Stretching is your friend. Have fun.

deserteagle71 · Jan 1, 2020

I'm having an awful time getting enough exercise this year. Used to be I had several cords of wood to split - the rounds were up to 3' in diameter and I used a 12 lb splitting maul and 3 big wedges. Doing that every day or so was wonderful aerobic exercise. But I went to a pellet stove this winter - too difficult to find firewood in this area. Lifting a bag of pellets once a day just isn't making it, and walking/hiking in snow is no fun and dangerous besides.

bigtiller · Jan 1, 2020

If your exercise is boring, concentrate on form. My old gym teacher used to shout out "CHIN UP, SHOULDERS BACK and SUCK IN THAT GUT". Feel the muscles contract and relax. The thing is, if you do it every day it will become a habit and you will actually look forward to exercising. But if you slough off for a few days the habit is over and you have to start over again.

A 15 minute stretch routine in the morning followed with some squats is a good way to start the day.
I really enjoy a 30 minute brisk walk every afternoon.

twes36 · Jan 2, 2020

Find a good running club in your area. Good exercise and easier with a group.

dragoneggs · Jan 2, 2020

Depends on if you like it but I like 'shootin' baskets. Stand up a hoop and backboard on your driveway. You get to chase errant shots so it gives you some motivation to concentrate on your accuracy. You can create all kinds of challenges so this mixes up your routine. You run, stretch, jump, and get some fresh air. I suppose you have to enjoy basketball but I find it more fun than most exercise.

My previous house we installed a sports court. That was great fun for the family. Besides hoopin' it, we played pickle ball and badminton. Easy and fun to play if you are not solo. I am missing our sports court.

oosik · Jan 2, 2020

For the first ten years - felling trees, stacking rounds in my trailer, splitting the rounds, stacking in the woodshed. But that is only seasonal. Since we moved down here, 38 years ago, walking out to get the mail. Mile out - mile back. Various projects around the property. It all adds up.

forgeblast · Jan 2, 2020

I have a spin bike I got for 100 dollars off craigslist I will normally use that for 10 mins to warm up, then on
day one bike 10, row for 2k meters about 10 mins, then use a streching app 10 mins.
Next day bike 10, heavy bag workout, abs, yoga stretch workout,
next day bike 10, row, strech
next day bike 10, 3 pull ups every 30 seconds until I can only do 2 then until I can only do one, abs, yoga strech.
Next day bike 10 row, kettle bell work out foam roll.
If i miss a day I just pick up on the next workout. I was running a lot, until I developed a patella tendinitis, spent 6 weeks in pt. Figured out I had my left hip week and the muscles not firing, so it was causing issues like itb band on the right and left kneed tendinitis.
The rower is awesome, such a great workout it was worth the $$. The heavy bag and stand was $50 from facebook marketplace. You can find or build a lot of equipment. There is a website DIY Corner Garage Gym with a lot of diy stuff.
Summer I will do these workouts but throw in a hike, walk the dog, go for a real bike ride, etc....Winter is here and its 30-60 mins to the nearest gym, so for us its better to have the equipment. There are also apps that will customize workouts based on the equipment you have.

NorTracNY · Jan 2, 2020

Here are several ideas. You certainly have a good start.

If you like planks, you can also add variety...
Go down on your forearms and back up on your hands.
Be on hands and tap something in front of you that is about a foot high. Alternate hands
Lift one arm straight out in front of you and raise the opposite leg
Swing your one knee under and through towards the opposite hip and touch it with the arm on that side
Be on your hands and your feet up on a wall so your body is parallel to the ground
Walk your feet up the wall and your hands back towards the wall and then back down so your body is parallel like you started

Work on your grip strength...
Carry weights when you walk
Hang from a pipe (both hands and then one hand)
Hang from a lip so it's just your fingers touching

I've found most of these ideas through "boot camp" classes that I've done or "obstacle course" gyms that I've gone to.