WWTBAM Bored

After taking off Friday and Saturday, I went out yesterday evening. The first segment of my usual route is uphill. It was going surprisingly easy, and I thought I must have already gotten stronger.

I discovered the real reason when I turned around. Although downhill, the next segment was harder going because apparently I had been blessed with a strong tailwind on that first segment. Now, it was a strong headwind. It took me longer on the downhill stretch than it had on the uphill.

Even so, I rode for an hour.

Now, I'm looking for a gym to start doing some weight training.

Anybody have any opinions about 24 Hour Fitness?

TheCalvinator24 wrote:After taking off Friday and Saturday, I went out yesterday evening. The first segment of my usual route is uphill. It was going surprisingly easy, and I thought I must have already gotten stronger.

I discovered the real reason when I turned around. Although downhill, the next segment was harder going because apparently I had been blessed with a strong tailwind on that first segment. Now, it was a strong headwind. It took me longer on the downhill stretch than it had on the uphill.

Even so, I rode for an hour.

Now, I'm looking for a gym to start doing some weight training.

Anybody have any opinions about 24 Hour Fitness?

We really like Lifetime Fitness as a family. The kids have access to a Rock Climbing wall, an indoor pool and slides year-round, and there is a great childcare center.

TheCalvinator24 wrote:I discovered the real reason when I turned around. Although downhill, the next segment was harder going because apparently I had been blessed with a strong tailwind on that first segment. Now, it was a strong headwind. It took me longer on the downhill stretch than it had on the uphill.

You were riding in a wind so strong that the uphill leg was faster than the downhill?

Appa23 wrote:

TheCalvinator24 wrote:After taking off Friday and Saturday, I went out yesterday evening. The first segment of my usual route is uphill. It was going surprisingly easy, and I thought I must have already gotten stronger.

I discovered the real reason when I turned around. Although downhill, the next segment was harder going because apparently I had been blessed with a strong tailwind on that first segment. Now, it was a strong headwind. It took me longer on the downhill stretch than it had on the uphill.

Even so, I rode for an hour.

Now, I'm looking for a gym to start doing some weight training.

Anybody have any opinions about 24 Hour Fitness?

We really like Lifetime Fitness as a family. The kids have access to a Rock Climbing wall, an indoor pool and slides year-round, and there is a great childcare center.

Thanks for the input. Unfortunately, there isn't a Lifetime Fitness anywhere near me. There's a 24 Hour Fitness on the route home.

MarleysGh0st wrote:

TheCalvinator24 wrote:I discovered the real reason when I turned around. Although downhill, the next segment was harder going because apparently I had been blessed with a strong tailwind on that first segment. Now, it was a strong headwind. It took me longer on the downhill stretch than it had on the uphill.

You were riding in a wind so strong that the uphill leg was faster than the downhill?

Yep. It's not a terribly steep incline, but still. I normally do the downhill in 6th or 7th gear. Yesterday, I had to use 3rd. The uphill is normally 3rd or 4th. Yesterday I was able to use 5th.

I have no experience with large chain fitness places. I do have some advice about finding one that works for you.

- Make a list of what is important to you in a fitness center.

- Prioritize your list - use must haves, would be nice and will not stand for.

- Pay for a temporary membership or get one for a limited time for free.

- Go at the times that you think you would be going regularly.

- Speak with members and find out what works for them about the place and what doesn't.

There's part of me that thinks I might be better off just buying some quality weights.

Or maybe a Bowflex.

I prefer free weights, but there's a safety issue with them if one doesn't have a spotter.