Questions re: Gym membership and/or excercise in general... [Archive] - SV650.org

Baph

19-12-08, 11:02 PM

Right then, due to things going off in my personal life that I'd really rather not get into, I've taken the decision to do something about the way I've been feeling.

Basically, my emotions and thoughts are one that I would associate with someone that has mild-severe depression. I'm not a fan of anti-depressants etc, so if possible, I'd like to start sorting my head out myself (call it male pride if you like), before any problems develop (unless they already have & I'm denying it to myself, but anyway).

The thought that randomly popped into my head was an increase of endorphins would help, and that means exercise. This was shortly followed by the "but that takes effort" type thoughts that accompany depression, but from talking to a friend, he's keen to start going to a gym too for his own reasons not that dissimilar to mine.

So, to the questions... I'm aware some of the .Org work in gym's etc, so what type of exercise would folks recommend? What am I looking for in a "good gym?" Anything else you can recommend?

Please note, my main reason for wanting exercise is to alleviate mental issues, but should I bulk up a little, that's a bonus - though nothing I'm going to actively seek as yet.

I'm aware I could go for a run down the road etc, but realistically, that'd last about an hour before I jacked it in as being too much effort. I'm thinking if I can jump in & get committed to something like gym membership soon, I've more of a chance of sticking at it.

As always, constructive comments welcome, mickey taking expected (we are the .Org afterall :D ).

EDIT: Could a mod please sort the title for me, commas are supposed to be 'm's and drop the c in "excercise" please. TYVM. :D

slark01

19-12-08, 11:08 PM

I've always done the martial arts route, rather than the gym.
In a decent club you get the exercise and get to hit something :-)

DarrenSV650S

19-12-08, 11:10 PM

I'm in a similar position to you- depression etc. and have decided to get fit and get rid of the belly. But the gym is too expensive for me, so I've decided to start running. But due to money/loosing my job etc it's been put on hold for now.

Sally

19-12-08, 11:29 PM

Go to a boxing gym..
Preferibly get someone to go with you..
Great exercise, relieves fustration, will get you in excellent shape quite quickly.
You dont have to spar/start doing fights if you dont want to, alot of the guys i used to box with do it only for the training.
May not bulk you up as much as going to the gym, but will get you very toned and physically fit.
If you do choose to go in the ring for some sparring-Warning: Its Very addictive.. :)

dizzyblonde

19-12-08, 11:33 PM

I'm thinking of getting a wii fit after xmas, being the mad depressive at the mo. Gym membership not for me, running down the road defo not me with all the dodgy limbs, even walking the dogs at the moment is an effort and it doesn't alleviate anything. So after laughing my head off at my mates house the other week, after embarrassing myself doing the hoolahoop thing on her wii fit, I decided it would be good for me. Being a little on the agorophobic side it would be perfect.

No making a fool of myself in a gym, and it would be good for Im Indoors to get a little gentle balancing excersises in for his hip too. And the little lad would love it of course

markmoto

19-12-08, 11:57 PM

has this only started with the onset of winter? never underestimate the importance of nutrition, seriously get some good quality vitamin D3 most people are defficient all year round as they dont get exposure to sun with working indoors etc, and when it comes to winter the body just doesnt have enough of the stuff hence why people get winter blues and become more subceptible to colds/flue.. Definately something to try baph can only help things, obviously exercise helps but you dont need expensive gyms for that walking/biking outdoors is better as its fresh air... Hope you feel better soon mate...

Baph

20-12-08, 12:23 AM

I've always done the martial arts route, rather than the gym.
In a decent club you get the exercise and get to hit something :-)
Good thought, something I hadn't really considered. I've done martial arts in the past & feel the focus side of things may help.

One of the guys in the office teaches karate when he's not working, so thats an avenue to explore.

But the gym is too expensive for me, so I've decided to start running.
The expense side of things is touch & go with me too, but I'm fortunate that I get decent discounts on all sorts of random things due to work. This includes gym memberships. :)

Go to a boxing gym..
Preferibly get someone to go with you..
Great exercise, relieves fustration, will get you in excellent shape quite quickly.
You dont have to spar/start doing fights if you dont want to, alot of the guys i used to box with do it only for the training.
May not bulk you up as much as going to the gym, but will get you very toned and physically fit.
If you do choose to go in the ring for some sparring-Warning: Its Very addictive.. :)
Another good thought, and something I know nothing about (so can take my mind off things by researching). Sparing/fighting may not be good for the root cause of all of this, but as you said, thats an option not mandatory.

has this only started with the onset of winter? never underestimate the importance of nutrition, seriously get some good quality vitamin D3

Tablets mean remembering to take them. :( As for the length of time I've been feeling like this, my immediate thoughts are that it's only been very recently. But if I'm being honest it's been a downward spiral for probably the last few years now. It's only today that I realised what's been going on in my head, so decided to act.

Stig

20-12-08, 12:45 AM

neillfergie

20-12-08, 10:03 AM

go to a lap dancing club, it gets your heart rate going but its not all that much effort. . . . and its cheaper than a gym membership

Davido

20-12-08, 10:07 AM

Whatever you do, if you do join a gym don't lose your membership card.

I went twice in my first month (7 month contract) lost my card and haven't gone back yet.

Yes I'm lazy.

pookie

20-12-08, 10:19 AM

What about riding a mountain bike. I find running slow and boring. You never seem to get anywhere quick. Riding a push bike with some music can be therapeutic and has some exercise chucked in. I have a wii fit from santa this christmas so looking forward to having a laugh whilst burning calories

Biker Biggles

20-12-08, 11:11 AM

So many people join a gym with all the best of intentions,go a few times then stop,but have to keep paying for it under the contract terms.Its how gyms make their money.Theres some pretty sharp practice goes on around extracting money when you try to cancel your membership too.
If you just need activity to generate endorphins Id not touch a gym at all.Get out for a run,or even just a bit of hill walking(got a dog?)would do just as well and cost considerably less than a gym.

-Ralph-

20-12-08, 12:23 PM

Anything you enjoy. Don't force yourself to do anything you find a chore, like the gym or running, or you just give up.

Road running I can't stand, but cross country I quite enjoy, especially if it requires concentration underfoot.

I quite like swimming. I like exploring country lanes and off road tracks by mountain bike too.

Hill walking is great exercise too and you have loads of opportunity to do that in Snowdonia. Good sense of achievement when you reach the summit and if you like being high up and having a good view, thats a reward too, I can spend an hour sitting at the top with a pair of binoculars a camera and a packed lunch. Then running back down can be a good laugh too, especially if you are racing somebody who took a different route. Dog loves it too.

All of the above (except perhaps the swimming) engage the brain in some way, I guess that might also be good for depression and feeling like you have got out and enjoyed yourself. Even swimming though it requires no thought, I still come out saying "well I enjoyed that", but thats just me.

sarah

20-12-08, 02:34 PM

Run. Either town or countryside. Watching the world go by running in town or watching the seasons change in the countryside. Can't beat it.

I agree with the ape man about listening to music whilst running. It's almost like a form of meditation.

yorkie_chris

20-12-08, 02:55 PM

Hillwalking or a martial art.

Baph

20-12-08, 05:38 PM

I'm posting this from work, so unable to really quote people unfortunately.

I fully appreciate what people are saying about the out-doors etc, that in itself could help. The only problem I see there is the weather at the moment would be something that would put me off.

I'm trying to give myself the best shot at doing something positive about my situation. The first thought is that I need to get out of the house, for which any of the suggestions in this thread would accomplish. It also needs to be something I can stick to pretty easily, and as Ralph rightly said, something I don't find a chore.

I've had a pretty long sit down & talk things through with my boss, mainly as I feel it's only right that they be informed of anything that could potentially affect performance in the office. I was aware before that the company will fund certain actions, for example part of the cost of gym membership.

I've now found out that despite the fact I haven't been to the doctors about these issues, work are happy to write off a couple of things as "medical expenses" without the need for a letter from the doc's. Essentially, they're happy to take my word for it.

Since I'm going to be given expenses, that gives a few options:
- I can arrange with HR for a cheque of up to £2k. This is for use in Halfords, to buy any bike I like, they just need to know the exact cost of the bike first, and Halfords also apply a discount of 20% to the ticket price due to the arrangement. The only caveat here, is that I have to pay the money back, by installments, without interest. That said, so long as I use the bike for 50% of my annual commute, I only pay back 75% of the cost of the bike. My commute is 6 miles, but I'm still very unsure about this option.
- As stated above, work will subsidise gym membership. This depends on which gym I go to as to how much they are willing to pay. It ranges from me paying nothing towards it, through to paying 50% of the cost of membership. As work pay part of it, work take the responsbility of cancelling the contract etc, so there's no problems there.

Due to the fact that it's winter, I can see the weather being a big factor in my motivation. That means I'm looking at something in-doors for now at least.

That, to my mind, leaves swimming, gym, or martial arts (this also falls under the blanket of being a "gym" by work definition, so the same rules apply there). I'm still undecided amognst them, but the gym is looking the favourite.

I'm also aware that as I'm trying to sort myself out without intervention of any medical professional, the situation will need some sort of objective review periodically. To that end, I've added a repeating event into a calendar which will prompt me to re-read this thread. Hopefully that'll help fulfil the objective review.

Thanks for all the input so far folks. Also thank you to the people that have sent me messages by means other than this thread - it's truly appreciated. :)

fizzwheel

20-12-08, 05:59 PM

I can arrange with HR for a cheque of up to £2k. This is for use in Halfords, to buy any bike I like, they just need to know the exact cost of the bike first, and Halfords also apply a discount of 20% to the ticket price due to the arrangement. The only caveat here, is that I have to pay the money back, by installments, without interest. That said, so long as I use the bike for 50% of my annual commute, I only pay back 75% of the cost of the bike. My commute is 6 miles, but I'm still very unsure about this option.

2K buys an awful lot of pushbike and in my experience, if your halfords is just that and not a proper "bikehut" you're are going to struggle to spend all that. Also TBH as much of a gear snob as I am you dont need to spend all that money.

for your sort of commute I'd recommend you go with something road orientated, i.e. not an MTB, You've got two choices flat bars or drops, both will do what you want is just whether you feel like you'll get on with drop bars and only you will know that.

£500 ish is going to get something you can commute on and then take for longer rides at weekends should you get into cycling.

You want to factor in a helmet, pedals, shoes ( SPD is what I'd recommend to start with ) you'll want some kit, shorts, a top, a waterproof jacket, gloves that kind of stuff to.

I love cycling, I find by the time I've got home if I've had a bad day my black cloud is gone. Had a really bad day, just cycle further :-D sometimes I'll do a 20 mile route on the way home.

I'm outdoors, it appeals to my sense of speed, I'm getting fitter so that helps cope with stress / pressures of work. I cycle solo alot of the time so I have time to think. I cycle alot with two other guys, one guy is really really easy to talk to and we quite often cycle along talking about stuff and having a natter about thinigs on our minds.

I've even got so I dont mind the wind and rain, and I was commuting the other week in -4 or temperatures, was lovely and warm and when I got to work I had steam coming off me !!! 6 miles wont take you to long either, but you'll need to factor in getting changed or what you do about being sweaty when you get to work.

PM me or post back in this thread if you want more specifics on bikes, my mate bought a Carrera Gryphon from Halfords and was really pleased with it, So have a look at those for a starter bike, he ugpraded a few bits on his and ended up riding a few sportives on it and outpaced alot of guys on better / more bling bikes, IIRC they've replaced with the Gryphon II which has disk brakes on it now... but still a good place to start from I'd think.

zunkus

20-12-08, 07:35 PM

I always used to find running was a good way of clearing my head...

It's nice to know you guys fight the bad weather and go out and run. Some people here (Malta) are so afraid to even go out if it's raining let alone run. It's incredible what pussies we are over here. I'm commuting on bike in winter and get such, "is he mad" looks; then I think of you guys riding in such horrid weather and laugh at their glances. Our winter is close to your summer. Good on you BigApe.

I've been going to the Gym for about 8years now. 3 times a week, an hour or so in the morning. I'm lucky that I can go right before work as everything is close by. It makes a big difference to how ou start the day. Even the fact that you talk to different people on different subjects is enough to clear the 'normal' thought out of your mind and in such a way it relaxes you. Totally recommend going to a public training place, whatever the sport, as it's good to socialize. I had similar depression problems, it's seems to be a mid life thing, but also I have some sinus problems as well and I feel a lot better after a 20 minute run. Clears my system. All gain IMO.

-Ralph-

20-12-08, 08:51 PM

You would be amazed how good some of the technical sports clothing is now in terms of making you pretty much impervious to the weather.

I have a Trespass 3 in 1 gore-tex style jacket that bought for hill climbing for £50 quid in a factory retail outlet. I have worn it pretty much every day for 5 years now, it has been in some monsoons including heavy driving sideways rain last week walking the dog that soaked my legs and feet, and it has never leaked once, and it's warm too. Makes you feel like the weather can do what it wants 'cos it can't bother you (and I'm quite a wuss when it comes to personal comfort!)

Also get good stuff for cycling and 'cos you generate heat you don't suffer from the cold. A 6 mile commute sounds a lot, but you'll cover that in just under 1/2 hour. Even if you only ride to work on the dry days, you could average twice a week.

The thought of outdoor activity in winter is much worse than the reality if you are properly equipped. Once you've done it you'll decide it wasn't so bad after all. Much like riding motorbikes in comfort thru winter with a good set of textiles, but my next door neighbour, who is a fair weather biker, thinks I'm mad for riding in winter!

ArtyLady

20-12-08, 09:44 PM

Do you play an instrument? preferably drums or saxophone - something areobic - I feel so much less stressed and depressed since I took up Sax in April - my lungs get a good work out and also I tend to jig around a lot when I play too so getting fitter in the process! I get withdrawal symptoms if I dont play everyday too! If noise is a problem you can buy the electronic drums kits and wear headphones but the effort is the same - just a thought :cool:

northwind

21-12-08, 12:33 AM

I'd recommend cycling myself, especially if you have somewhere decent nearby for offroad riding... it's lower impact than running, not so dependant on decent fitness levels (even I can cycle for miles!) and frankly miiiiiiles more interesting than running etc, the pictures move faster. "melancholy is incompatible with bicycling". I don't mind road cycling but it lacks the impact of offroading, I just commute by bicycle to build up my fitness for proper cycling. (sorry to the roadies!)

£2K is, frankly, a gigantic amount to spend on a bike. You could easily do it but. If it's the "bike to work" scheme or similiar Halfords will order in other bikes, but it does work out expensive to do that, they also work with Merlin cycles which gets you all sorts of nice kit.

But there's no need to spend this much, my own carrera is £350 new just now, or the next model up is £450, that's really as much bike as you need for most riding. Spending more gets better forks, lighter weight, etc but you just don't need it. It's a bit like going out and buying an 1198R for your first bike, I suppose. There's a sweet spot at about £400-£800 for mountain bikes which gets you a lot of bike. Don't know about road bikes but my commuter would have been £300 new and it does the job brilliantly.

If they'll let you get accessories as well that'd be good, you can get by easily with a cheap bike but it's a bit harder with cheap kit. Decent breathable waterproofs etc are pretty much a requirement.

Does it genuinely help depression? Well, ironically enough I couldn't ride, so I don't know, I was largely depressed because I was a crippo :mrgreen: But I think it could, yes. It certainly improves my mood, people at my work probably thought I was high last monday after my sunday ride, which was awesome. Perhaps I was? :)

I hope you can find something to help, anyway. If you can, try and make it a bit more social too, any exercise is better done with a group.

zsv650

21-12-08, 12:50 AM

i have a £250 claud butler and think it's the bee's knee's tbh it takes royal hammering the finish is standing up to everything i throw at it including daily commuting never being washed and it's still rust free i think suzuki could learn a thing or two about paint finish from them hahaha you dont need to spend masses to get a good bike

krhall

21-12-08, 09:02 AM

I always used to find running was a good way of clearing my head. Put the stereo on a just pound the streets. Without the stereo I found my troubled thoughts just bounced around in my head whilst running and solved nothing. Although I was still getting fitter. Did the same this evening. Started to get depressed about 'stuff'. Went out for a 5 mile run. Felt much better by the time I was back in.

Baph - sorry to hear you are feeling like this.

I'm with BA on this one, for me running is the only one which gives me enough time to clear my thoughts and for want of a better phrase 'zone out'.....no matter the weather or time of day.

Feel crap, then just pull your shoes on and run, did it last night a 9pm. My back was hurting so went out and knocked out a 10k.

It will cost you about £60-£120 for some decent shoes and a few bits of kit.

Someone mentioned cross country, if you are even close to as juvenile as me then this is the way to go, pushing yourself to the limit whilst being covered in mud and running through puddles really appeals to the in child.

The concentration required in doing it too really focuses the mind and makes you feel great. I have done about 5 XC races this year of varying length each a challenge and they gives you such a high afterwards.

If I was closer to where you are I'd drag your **** out for a run and show you. From nothing to a reasonable distance can be achieved relatively quickly.

I always find the gym makes me feel pressure to push weights beyond my ability as others are, so I don't enjoy it.

I sometimes cycle to work, but just don't get the buzz or sense of achievement from it (13 miles each way).

Recently I have also been doing circuits once a week, I really enjoy this. It is quite social and a real good all round work out, couldn't do it more than once or twice a week though I should imagine.

Boxing might be a good idea as it really does work you out, I used to box in younger years and the bags will just let you get any aggression out too.

Good luck fella.

fizzwheel

21-12-08, 01:04 PM

There's a sweet spot at about £400-£800 for mountain bikes which gets you a lot of bike. Don't know about road bikes but my commuter would have been £300 new and it does the job brilliantly

Yep road bikes are in the same kind of zone, I wouldnt buy anything cheaper than £400, but you can get some right bargains if you go down the 2nd hand route.

grh1904

21-12-08, 02:06 PM

Nice to hear that you've recognised a potential problem and want to do something about it before it gets you sooooo far down there's almost no way back.

I've coached athletics/running before and when I was doing it there was always a large glut of people joining the running club every January, wanting to lose those Xmas pounds and get fitter/leaner etc for the summer.

Obviously what sport you choose is up to you and some peeps on here have given you there choice and what works for them, try a few and see what you think, don't just stick with one. By trying different ones you'll find what works for you, and as you try them all out you;ll get fitter in thr process too.

The bike funded by work sounds quite good, even if cycling turns out not to be your thing. If it's only a 6 mile commute then a £300 bike sounds just fine, and think how positive you'll feel about your new found "green" credentials AND how much monet you still have in your bank account at the end of the month with all that petrol you haven't bought!!!!!!!!!

If you do consider running then try this out first.........

Instead of running try brisk walkin (almost like power walking). I've seen loads of peaople take it up with the intention of getting fit/losing weight, only for them to give up after a week or so. They try to "RUN" straight away, can't understand why after only 2/3 weeks they're still out of breath and totally b*ggered after 500yds. Because they try too hard and when we tell em to slow down and ease themselves into it they look at you as if daft.

I've seen people join my club and for the first month all they do is a brisk walk 4 times per week. They'll do 4/5 miles at a time but they're walking very briskly and getting they're heart rate up to about 120 BPM. That's right in the middle of the fat burning zone, so after about a month of exercising 4 times per week for about an hour a time they can actually start to see the difference, and when they do start to jog for 2/3 miles at a time it's actually quite easy for them and they can build up the miles and interval training much quicker than the ones who say pah to the walking, look at it as cissy etc.

I just have one word of warning about a gym. I joined one a good few years back. It was winter, I spent most of my time at the running club coaching and not a lot of training, and fitting in my own training around my shifts was quite difficult especially on nights week. I was getting out about 3 times per week for my steady 6 miler and thought that if I could get to the gym once per week and use the treadmill for a 3 mile fast run it would help, coupled with what it would cost to join would be the motivation I needed.

I HAD to do an induction thingy and got some lad about 18/19 years showing me around. After a discussion I told him that I was just outside 40mins for a 10k and wanted to use the gym for spped work to get me under the 40min barrier, yet despite all this he wanted to do a program where I did 10 mins on each machine with a 2 min rest period, setting them all to an easy level!!!!!!!. When I started to discuss interval training he looked at me blankly, paused for a moment and then said "like I said just start nice n easy and build it up". What was obvious was that I knew more than him.

Most gyms do classes such as spinning, boxercise etc, again by giving them a try you'll find out what you like and get fit in the process.

Moffatt666

21-12-08, 04:27 PM

If you still want to go to a gym then try classes such as circuit training as spinning. It's hard graft but it works and you feel great afterwards!

21-12-08, 05:38 PM

Hi Baph. There's no shame in going to see the doc y'know. I did - I didn't really want pills but he gave me amitryptyline (sp?) nonetheless, but they helped me through a rather nasty time.

Otherwise - running. I wouldn't dream of going to a gym now, I used to go but didn't really enjoy it. Running, especially outside the Shrewsbury urban area, is fantastic. You see things that most people are too busy to see. Like the Apester and Kev, I often run late at night, often at 10pm, that has to be in the town cos the street lighting ends just down the road from me - and I get back feeling oh so much better.

sarah

21-12-08, 06:29 PM

Otherwise - running. I wouldn't dream of going to a gym now, I used to go but didn't really enjoy it. Running, especially outside the Shrewsbury urban area, is fantastic. You see things that most people are too busy to see. Like the Apester and Kev, I often run late at night, often at 10pm, that has to be in the town cos the street lighting ends just down the road from me - and I get back feeling oh so much better.

I used to love running in the evenings in Cardiff. I especially used to enjoy seeing people wrapped up in coats and scarfs and gloves etc and I would be out there in my little shorts and top :-D

Now I've moved back to the countryside where there aren't many street lights I have to run in the morning instead at this time of year, it is so beautiful though.

-Ralph-

21-12-08, 08:06 PM

I would be out there in my little shorts and top

This thread is useless without pictures :mrgreen:

andywilson460

21-12-08, 10:58 PM

I can thoroughly recommend the cycling. I commute to London on the train everyday. I used to get off at Victoria and spend a further c.40mins on the tube. It was horrendous - boiling hot all the summer, always in someone's armpit and no control of your time to work/home due to delays - I did the journey for 3 years before realising I was becoming unfit (from being v.v. fit), and generally dreaded the journey home every night. This made me into a bit of a clock watcher - which I really hate.

I decided to take the plunge and by a folding bike to take on the train, then cycle (avoiding the tube). The bike was £600 but saved me that in tube fares in the first year. I have now refine my route to not go into a mainline station, and cycle further - I am now almost back to my original fitness levels (this is 5 years on) and have saved another £500 by not going into London Victoria.

I know that cycling isn't for everyone - and I was knocked off my bike 20 months ago with the bike going under the car, and me over the top - but it was an old codger, and it's all sorted now. It has really helped me to get fit, and there is such a community of cyclists it's amazing - a really friendly bunch of people - and free exercise.

The cycle to work scheme is brilliant that you mention Baph. You can use the vouchers in other shops as well. i used mine in Condor cycles. Get someone to cycle to work with you, the community is great. I now used Nokia Sports Tracker on my N95 and with my cycling buddies (there are 4-5 of us a night) we race to the station - we have target times and track them via GPS - geeky? probably - definitely provides more of a challenge and focus to the ride (about 6 miles).

Not sure if that's of much use - I also try and spent time in the sea Kayaking at the weekends, so I can just forget about work, and focus on the bigger picture.

Whatever you choose to do, try to build it into your routine, so you have to do it - I bought a season ticket without the Tube, so I had to cycle - it's that forcing that makes it valuable - also remember that for something to become 'routine' you will need to do it consistantly for over 3 months before it becomes normal, so keep plugging away and it will pay off.

Baph

22-12-08, 09:57 AM

Do you play an instrument?
...
If noise is a problem you can buy the electronic drums kits and wear headphones but the effort is the same - just a thought :cool:
No, I don't play any instruments, but I've just bought my 4 year old an electrc drum kit. Might take the excuse to teach him how to pound it to within an inch of it's life, whilst annoying everyone else in the house. :D I used to play the drums many many years ago - so long ago I can barely remember what a drum looks like now!

I've also had some pretty good news, which has lifted a fairly hefty weight. Basically, it boils down to the fact that from Jan, my bank account isn't going to have £110/month taken out of it. So that opens options up considerably IMO.

If you still want to go to a gym then try classes such as circuit training as spinning. It's hard graft but it works and you feel great afterwards!

The gym I'm looking at going to (mainly) has pretty well advertised classes, and I'd already considered circuit training. At first though, it's probably just going to be a matter of pounding the treadmill. Can't say I'm that interested in weights, so if I end up going to the gym, at least at first, it's going to be treadmill, rowing machine & swimming.

Hi Baph. There's no shame in going to see the doc y'know. I did - I didn't really want pills but he gave me amitryptyline (sp?) nonetheless, but they helped me through a rather nasty time.

I don't really have a problem going to the docs about this subject (I've been & happily embarrassed the doc about personal problems in the last - love seeing that look on their face). It's mostly because of exactly what you describe that I don't want to. If the local doc was to try & force me to take pills, he'd probably have to have them surgically removed.

This thread is useless without pictures :mrgreen:
+1, C'mon, I need cheering up - well, I'll stick to that excuse if it'll work. :D

Whatever you choose to do, try to build it into your routine, so you have to do it - I bought a season ticket without the Tube, so I had to cycle - it's that forcing that makes it valuable - also remember that for something to become 'routine' you will need to do it consistantly for over 3 months before it becomes normal, so keep plugging away and it will pay off.

Whatever I end up doing, building it into any sort of routine will be very difficult. I work in a 24/7 IT support environment, and as BP'ers know, especially recently, the shifts have been random at best. There's really no pattern to it, and I think they use a random number generator to design the shifts.

From this thread, it seems that cycling/running has come out on top. I just don't see myself getting out for a run/ride when the weather is bad (like now, throwing it down outside).

For now, I reckon a couple of months down the gym, then maybe look at the cycling/running thing when the weather gets better. I won't be tied into a minimum monthly term if I get gym membership through work, and my bank account will still be approx £80 better off than it has been anyway. Some of that money will almost definitely get spent in the bar at the gym (genius idea that, putting a bar in a gym!!)

fizzwheel

22-12-08, 10:09 AM

Whatever I end up doing, building it into any sort of routine will be very difficult. I work in a 24/7 IT support environment

I know that feeling, I suspect thats probably some of the reason why you feel like you do, I know with working weird shifts with no notice or emergency work I used to feel terrible. I used to not sleep or have disrupted sleep and it used to leave me feeling completely drained and fedup.

From this thread, it seems that cycling/running has come out on top. I just don't see myself getting out for a run/ride when the weather is bad (like now, throwing it down outside).

You'd be surprised, I actually like riding in the rain, the splash of puddles and you try riding on 23mm wide road tyres on slippy winter roads, it takes a certain elemenet of bike handling skills to do it.

I think when you get into it you wont feel like that about gonig out in the wet. You dont get cold because you are working and if you wear the right kit, base layers for wicking sweat away, decent merino wool socks and proper cycling stuff with a decent jacket you wont get wet either, and if you do you wont feel cold.

Baph

22-12-08, 11:57 AM

I know that feeling, I suspect thats probably some of the reason why you feel like you do, I know with working weird shifts with no notice or emergency work I used to feel terrible. I used to not sleep or have disrupted sleep and it used to leave me feeling completely drained and fedup.

Surprisingly, work helps to lift my mood, depending on who's on shift. Some of the conversations definitely wouldn't be post-able on here, and now & then I laugh so much I'm trying to stop myself wee-ing.

Unfortunately that's not consistent though, and there are also days like everyone else undoubtedly has, which are crap & stressful.

krhall

22-12-08, 12:02 PM

I'm with Fizz on this......running in the rain is perfect conditions (although only for short runs)..........splashing through the puddles with a blatant disregard for anything in the world.

You may still be £80 per month better of with a gym membership, but remember that the gym won't be open when the servers are back up again. Your running shoes or bike will be available whenever you feel a bit down or when you have time for a run........

and if like me you are carrying a few pounds extra round the waistline CV work will give you better results and faster than weights etc.

Baph

22-12-08, 12:10 PM

You may still be £80 per month better of with a gym membership, but remember that the gym won't be open when the servers are back up again. Your running shoes or bike will be available whenever you feel a bit down or when you have time for a run........

and if like me you are carrying a few pounds extra round the waistline CV work will give you better results and faster than weights etc.

I'm in the fortunate position at work where I turn up to do my shift, and go home when the clock says so. If there's a high priority job that comes in just as I'm leaving, tough. Just like if I'm working on a high priority issue & the clock says home time. I'm gone.

Only last week I was in the middle of an investigation involving 7 figure sums, our client was suspecting fraud, and details of the issue had gone as high as the board of directors for the company I work for. The clock said home time, so I had a 2 minute chat with someone to let them know what I'd found so far, and left.

As for CV work being better than weights etc, you've obviously missed the part I said above about treadmill/rowing machine/swimming. I'm not carrying any extra weight though, and I don't remember ever being over 65kgs in the last 10 years. That's been my weight constantly since around the time I left school, regardless of what I eat, or how much exercise I do.

krhall

22-12-08, 12:45 PM

Yep missed that, not sure how? should've gone to specsavers I guess.

northwind

22-12-08, 01:31 PM

I don't really have a problem going to the docs about this subject (I've been & happily embarrassed the doc about personal problems in the last - love seeing that look on their face). It's mostly because of exactly what you describe that I don't want to. If the local doc was to try & force me to take pills, he'd probably have to have them surgically removed.

From this thread, it seems that cycling/running has come out on top. I just don't see myself getting out for a run/ride when the weather is bad (like now, throwing it down outside).

For now, I reckon a couple of months down the gym, then maybe look at the cycling/running thing when the weather gets better.

That sounds like a plan to me, even I'd admit this isn't the best time of year for cycling, cold wet weather and dark nights. It's certainly cheaper to kit up for summer riding, good waterproofs, lights etc do add up (my 2 offroading lights set me back about £70 frinstance, that's actually more than I paid for my road bike!) Plus, I don't know what your fitness level is like now but it can't hurt to raise it a little now.

I'm not going to claim to have any real insight on the medication thing, because I did the same as you, but I think with hindsight I have to admit that my reasons for avoiding medication made no sense at all. Which isn't that shocking really considering. It worked out OK for me, but I think it was a wrong decision, it probably made things a lot harder

Nobbylad

22-12-08, 04:36 PM

Hi Baph...only skim read this thread, but I took up kick-boxing again last year after quite a few years of absence.

I wanted to work out and knew that I wouldn't keep up with the routine of running and I needed something that would challenge me as well as get me fit.

I go twice a week and the training is really great, there's a great bunch of people, all ages/abilities and the instructor is really helpful too. We do lots of stretching and warm up exercises to get the blood flowing and then there's pad work and sparring which give you a really good work out.

Although it's full contact, it's not as bad as it sounds and nobody goes mad!

I've found that when I get home after a session, I'm WAY more sociable and positive than before I went and I get a real sense of well-being afterwards.

Plus there's the challenge of perfecting your technique in terms of belts/gradings that gives you an aim or objective over and above just working out.

Might not be everyone's cup of tea but you never know...

johnnyrod

23-12-08, 07:14 PM

Hi Baph, there's a hell of a ot on here, but here's my 2p...

Martial arts, great idea, you can give it a go and if it doesn't work out then try something else. Many different types and styles, keeps your head engaged as well as your body. Training sessions are always at the same time so you can get into a routine.

Other types of exercies, really it has to be something you enjoy or you'll jack it in quickly. Don't be afraid to try something, odds are you'll want a change sooner or later anyway. Not sure how good the council leisure centres are round your way but i's a cheaper way to get involved than a private membership where you commit to 12 months up front and it's serious money.

If you can afford it, get a personal trainer. You can see them as little or often as you like. Their job is 50% technical know-how of making you fitter/stronger/whatever you goals are, and 50% motivation, this is the key bit. See www.nrpt.co.uk (http://www.nrpt.co.uk) Gym instructors (in general) aren't a patch on a good personal trainer.

Good luck buddy!

Lou M

23-12-08, 07:28 PM

I unfortuantly suffer with depression, have had a lot of tablets in the past, but now know the warning signs.
So when the black cloud starts to descend, I pick up my camera and walk, walk, walk.
Last Christmas was my last bad bout, and Mr Lou and I walked from our house for miles, we ended up with some fantasic photo's, went early one morning down to a local mill and it was foggy, I apolgise for posting one of them, but was so pleased with it.

Exercise is a good answer, but as I've said before, depression is a chemical defiency of the brain, and sometimes you just need medication to put the chemical back (as advised by my doctor!)
Lou

23-12-08, 07:40 PM

Lou, that's a BRILLIANT photo:D

Baph

23-12-08, 07:48 PM

Exercise is a good answer, but as I've said before, depression is a chemical defiency of the brain, and sometimes you just need medication to put the chemical back (as advised by my doctor!)
Lou

Good pic, and no need to apologise for it either. :)

As for the chemical deficiency, you're right. But I disagree that medication is required (at least in all cases, for the majority of cases you may well be right).

From memory of my A-Level Psychology lessons...

Endorphin's act as analgesics, esentially that they reduce the perception of pain (especially when mixed with adrenaline). They also act as sedatives (which is counteracted by adrenaline). However, there's more to it than that.

Exercise brings confidence (via sense of achievement etc). There's also the perception of self improvement. It also serves as a distraction from issues, and gives social interactions (depending on the exercise performed). Depression can lead to isolation, which quickly leads to a lack of confidence, therefore further isolation, continuing until the cycle is broken.

Non of the above paragraph applies to medication of any sort (IMO). I've already picked up on a lack of confidence (compared to how I used to be a few years back), and despite the limited tests I've done, I don't think (or rather I hope), that my emotions don't fall into the severely depressed bracket.

I believe that anti-depressants are a useful tool to start you back on the road to recovery if things have gone too far, but by the very virtue of the fact that I want a crack at sorting myself out, I don't think things have got that far yet.

As an update as to what I'm going to do about it all, I've bought a 12 day trial gym membership, at a private (not council run) gym. There's no ties to this, so I'm going to see how often I'd be able to fit the gym in around work/family etc. I'm hoping to get down the gym for at least 2-3 times a week, and an hr each session minimum.

Lou M

24-12-08, 08:03 PM

Thanks for the comments chaps. I find I get the best pictures when I'm low. But I suppose that's because I get out more.

Fearg

24-12-08, 10:32 PM

How about indoor sports. I play 5-a-side football twice a week. Its fun stuff not serious at all. Keeps me fit(ish), its kind of social, its indoors and its cheapish. Another option is maybe badminton again its indoors and its social. I find it easier to commit via an e-mail early in the week then if I don't feel like it when the time comes, I don't want to let others down so just do it. I always feel better for it afterwards.

:)

Baph

13-01-09, 08:42 AM

Boing!

Well, to drag this old chestnut up again (some folks showed genuine concern, so figured I'd keep those poeple updated - t'is only fair afterall).

I went to the gym last night, first time in probably 8 years!

Why did non of you warn me it frigging hurts! I managed a mile on the treadmill in something around 11mins (completely pathetic compared to how fit I used to be!). Then hit the bikes, rowing machine, weights (twinge in my back due to spinal injury incurred years ago - stopped as soon as it twinged), then on the god-awful thing called the "tread-climber."

Hips/thighs were killing me yesterday, and I'd burnt too many calories, so off to the pub to put some of them back. :D Afterall, I'm in the gym for mental work, not really for fitness, and I don't need to loose weight.

In conclusion, it hurts (have I said that yet?), but it helped my head. A lot. So I shall be going again, and hopefully the pain will be slightly less each time. :)

Ceri JC

13-01-09, 09:30 AM

I've always done the martial arts route, rather than the gym.
In a decent club you get the exercise and get to hit something :-)

+1. If it's endorphins you want, fighting is very good, better than the gym IMO. A nice bonus is that tricking your body into thinking it's really fighting, which most contact martial arts will, makes your body heal more quickly (in anticipation of the injuries it will sustain).

Dappa D

13-01-09, 10:29 AM

missyburd

13-01-09, 10:35 AM

I went to the gym last night, first time in probably 8 years!

Why did non of you warn me it frigging hurts!

All those lovely new muscles that you never knew you had :p I was the same when I first went climbing on an indoor wall, having not used my arms in that way before, I was in agony the next day, but that was also accompanied with a sense of having achieved something. Now if you can keep at it you've cracked it!

I'm thinking of getting a wii fit after xmas,
That's actually not a bad idea, those things do actually work. My mate lost a stone after a fortnight of playing on it with his mate - they're both really competitive and needed to get the most points :rolleyes: Only to put it straight back on eating crap and drinking, students eh?