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Fitness Weekly Discussion
What have you been doing lately for your own fitness? Try out any new programs or exercises? Have any questions for others about your training? Want to vent about poor behavior in the gym? Started a new diet or have a new recipe you want to share? Anything else health and wellness related?
I’ve finally been going back to the office, which means I have access to the 8 floor stairwell in the building. Stairs are one of my favorite, simple workouts, and it’s easy to weave them into schedule gaps during the day.
I've been weightlifting the past couple of months, usually four days a week. It's been much more enjoyable than I expected it to be, especially now that I've been doing it long enough to see changes in my ability and in my physical appearance, even if those changes aren't very big just yet. Especially as someone who was very used to being low-energy and lethargic (and overweight), having a couple of people I know see me and ask "Have you been working out?" feels nice.
I’ve been biking a lot more. I’m trying to drastically reduce my driving tendencies and up my mileage for an upcoming two-day bike camping trip on the Virginia Creeper Trail.
One of my Apple Watch apps added sensor support, so I’m also able to use my cadence sensor again with my indoor bike. I was previously using it with the Peloton Digital subscription before switching to Apple Fitness+ when that was released.
I hit up the community garden last night and shoveled a bunch of mulch, which was a fun way to mix up my regular routine. Love me some boring, repetitive, and laborious tasks now and again.
How many miles are you biking on your trip? How much gear will you be carrying?
66 miles over two days. First day is up the mountains (~2,000ft of elevation, 1-2% grade average), and the second day is back down the same way. Route with elevation map.
I'll be carrying my full hammock setup, a small camp chair, a full set of camp clothes, a pair of cycling bibs for the ride back, toiletries, and water bottles. We're stopping halfway through for lunch both days, and there will be places to eat dinner as well, so I'll likely only be bringing my own (cold) breakfast for both mornings. I'll probably bring a small camp coffee setup, too.
Thanks for the info. Looks fun!
Are you going for panniers? I’ve always gone with a backpack but after a long day of cycling that can cause back strain.
I've got double rear panniers, a front rack, and a front basket, so I can distribute the weight pretty evenly. The last time I rode with a backpack (maybe 10 miles?) was years ago, and my neck/shoulders hurt so bad I vowed never to ride with one again, hah! I do also ride with a waxed-canvas bum bag, which doubles as my everyday bag. One of the best impulse purchases I've ever made, as it was a limited edition!
Welp, I got Covid so that ended my gym streak for a little bit. Instead I've been taking my dog out for longer walks over lunch, and using "Aerial straps" that my partner has for some bodyweight exercises instead. I can almost get a full leg extension "L-Hang" on that, so the work on improving my core strength and stability continues! I've also felt like my hands were a little weak so I've been doing dead hangs for 3 sets of ~30 seconds as well. Only a couple times and I feel like I can already tell improvements are happening!