How to Transition From Outdoor to Indoor Workouts

If you live in a climate that is prone to extremes (searing summers or icy winters) you may need to periodically take your workout indoors. Here are some pointers on making that transition from outdoor to indoor easier.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. You may have to work a little harder to get the same workout. Outdoor workouts are typically harder because of varied terrain and wind and weather conditions. On the flip side, treadmills will be easier on your knees than the road.

2. When cycling outside you are more likely to stay in a proper position with both hands on the handlebars. Indoors you may relax your arms, sit up, read a magazine or watch TV. If you don’t watch your alignment, you could injure yourself.

3. If you belong to a gym, it will be especially easy to get a strength workout in because all the equipment and gear is ready and waiting. If you haven’t been lifting weights or doing outdoor strength training, start slowly and build up gradually.

4. An at-home workout can be effective too, but requires more planning. The easiest options are doing push-ups, sit-ups and lunges in the comfort of your living room.

5. Don’t get too comfortable at home. For a true workout, set a time and stick with it, just as you would keep an appointment with a personal trainer. Find a babysitter for the kids and put the dog in another room. In other words, minimize distractions and try to replicate the gym experience at home.

6. To help keep home workouts fresh and inspiring, rent or buy various exercise videos. Mix it up with cardio, yoga and strength training.

7. Gyms give you a convenient way to do brick workouts (back-to-back run/bike workouts that are popular with triathletes). You can do them at the gym with a stationary bike and treadmill. Try it at home as well: start with a bicycle trainer and either hit the treadmill or run sprints around your neighborhood. (See Resources below for a link to eHow's article on brick workouts).

8. Boredom and monotony can be a problem with indoor workouts. Keep things interesting by trying something new like a spinning class, cardio kickboxing or circuit training.

9. Sign up with an online personal training program. Many of these programs ask you to complete a comprehensive questionnaire that is used to help create a customized exercise program for you. Every month you receive an updated program so that you can reach your described fitness goals.

10. Even though you might not be sweating as much in an air-conditioned room, don’t forget to drink water before, during and after your workout. Hydration is important no matter where you exercise!

Resources

• How to Do a Brick Workout

[Susanh]

on 7/25/2008 Excellent ideas. Motivational too!