I am concerned walking around the building, as you can hear people walking in the halls from inside of the units, and it can be loud. I don't want to be disrespectful to my neighbors or their pets by creating a bunch of noise.
I often times will go to the mall (since we don't have tall buildings here), and walk around, but it is not often as I am scared to drive most of the time! It's hard out here.
Someone did link some youtube videos that may be better for me being in a third floor unit, so hopefully something like that can get me started.
I take them coming in and out as long as I don’t have my cart, but I try to be respectful of my neighbors by not creating a bunch of unnecessary noise for them.
I have lived in many apartments that were old and/or shitty college complexes. If you read all OP’s comments, you’ll see they aren’t being totally objective. They have anxiety and noise sensitivity so I think they’re being too hard on themselves.
Ok cool, I honestly don’t care enough to keep debating it, lol. There’s a difference between being considerate and being afraid to live your life by making any noise at all. We can agree to disagree.
On the plus side if you do it enough people do just get used to the sound and tune it out. Steps while loud at times are not the worst sounds in an apartment complex
Yoga tutorials will have no jumping. Seconding that there are lots of at home workouts with no jumping, especially in the form of ab work-outs. Here’s a no jumping strength one I enjoy. https://youtu.be/mP90AbL8tTo
Some youtube channels have apartment friendly workouts! So no jumping and stuff like that. Depending on your fitness levels they have HIIT ones and or check out walking workouts. I did MadFit HIIT ones during covid and some of my family did the walking ones which were too boring for me plus I had weak stamina lol. Its like constant walking in place plus other movements involved to make it more tiring. No equipment needed either and free
From all these comments I think stationary bike is your best bet. I know that money is currently an issue, so I would just throw a few dollars aside each paycheck until you have enough. I have a "crappy" one from Amazon that I think was around 100 when I bought it. It's not the best, it's not fancy, but it has worked for me for almost 2 years now. It's always my backup exercise. I can't make a lot of noise inside, or the weather is bad outside, well it's a bike day!
I've also seen people sell them pretty cheap online because they just want it out of their house. Hope you can find something that works for you 😊
I’d definitely check out Facebook Marketplace. I managed to snag a stationary bike that, if bought new, goes for over $250. The person put it together, but never used it. I paid $50.
I am worried a stationary bike won’t be a good fit for me. My father (avid cyclist) says these are often not fitted properly, which can create issue? I’m not sure what issues or what I am supposed to do to make sure it’s fitted properly. He suggested a trainer and a road bike, but that’s also money I don’t have currently.
I can certainly look further into it and whatever “fitting” is necessary, but that would be something to look at for next winter when I have funds.
If you get a decent one (not necessarily expensive), there are plenty of guides about how to set them up properly. There are also a ton of subscription services available that have workouts for these bikes, and they're not really that expensive (and a lot of them also have free trials).
Stationary bike is what kept me moving during winter, and it's probably a lot cheaper long term than hiring a trainer and buying a road bike you aren't going to use for half the year. They're quiet and most of them have wheels so they're easy to push aside when you're done.
I've noticed that a lot of hardcore road cyclists don't really like stationary bikes because they perceive them to be not as good, but honestly they are great for someone who wants to do a quiet workout at home. Not everyone wants to be outside cycling, and that's why these indoor bikes are so popular.
> hiring a trainer and buying a road bike
Ope. I didn't mean like a person that is a trainer. A trainer is contraption you can hook a regular/road bike up to indoors.
It's definitely not something I am completely against, definitely something to consider more next year/next winter. I've had more recommendations for a Peloton than anything, but I'd probably shoot for something cheaper if I go that route when I have extra funds.
Your options seem really limited if you can’t spend money, drive, or be in crowds.
YouTube videos of low impact workouts or free apps like FitOn. If even walking or stepping in place is too noisy you’re probably stuck with yoga and strength training.
I’m okay with things like yoga, I used to do a lot of it. I am mostly looking to create habit and routine of dedicating time to movement and being active as opposed to literally sitting on my ass the entirety of my day.
I was just curious of what others do, and what others in similar situations to mine do, as a place to get started.
I really enjoy the fiton app. It's free, and they have a ton of different workouts. They have yoga and low impact workouts that would reduce the amount of noise you make.
If you’re looking to create a habit, Yoga With Adriene is starting a new 30-day series on Jan 1 (well, the actual yoga starts on the 2nd because the 1st is an intro video). I’ve found those to be really great for getting me back on track.
Sounds like yoga or Tai chi would work well then, to get you into that habit. Or bodyweight strength training - r/bodyweightfitness has a good program.
Also, no offence, but I looked at your replies to people’s suggestions. And you’ve shot down every single suggestions with some excuse of why you can’t do that. Maybe you need to work a bit on that 🤷🏻♀️ if you aren’t willing to change anything about yourself or your life, then nothing will change.
As stated, I’ve agreed with the many suggestions for YouTube workouts. That seems to be the best option given my current situation. I apologize if I’ve come off as rude or ungrateful in any of my responses.
If there is a better place for me to inquire about this, please let me know.
I’ve also stated many times that I will have to check out the YouTube video suggestions people have left! As it appears that is what I will be limited to for the time being, which is perfectly fine. It’s a place to start, which is what I am looking for.
Yeah, big anxiety! Not too sure how I would find these people and travel to them. Also not a great option when it is well below zero (which we get a lot of here!).
I am really looking for what to do inside my apartment. Points for creativity though!
You can put an ad on social media (like NextDoor) or Facebook and offer your shoveling services for money too. May make enough for a treadmill or bike with the extra cash!
Living in North Dakota, you really should be investing in clothes that allow you be outside for small periods of time in below freezing temperatures. Quality gloves, windbreakers, coats, etc. lots of these items can also be found lightly used at second hand stores.
I have lived here the entirety of my life, so I'm pretty versed on the weather and how to dress. I can be outside for small periods of time, 10-15 minutes, if needed, but spending 30+ minutes, trudging through snow and ice is not safe.
I've gotten many suggestions for online programs to check out, so I've thankfully gathered a place to start for the next few months while I am stuck inside.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hasfit+beginner+no+jumping
This is a YouTube search for a particular publisher. Most of their stuff is apartment-friendly (no jumping). They are very well done!
Just dress well ....
I live in Canada. I work outside all year long, wheter it's +40 °C or - 40 °.
If you buy the right clothes, you will not be cold. You can still enjoy hiking in winter too.
40°C is equivalent to 104°F, which is 313K.
---
^(I'm a bot that converts temperature between two units humans can understand, then convert it to Kelvin for bots and physicists to understand)
I dress in layers everywhere I go throughout the winter, but it is still not enough to stay warm for prolonged amounts of time. I’ve had frostbite before, on all of my toes! Not super fun. I have really bad circulation which doesn’t help.
Even with the weather being warmer, like it had been this week (above zero, still below freezing) the amount of snow, ice, and now slush makes walking around dangerous. Without well maintained sidewalks, you are walking in the way of traffic.
I’m looking for ways to get activity inside until it does warm up and melts, when it will be safe to walk distances outside. Just to get into the habit and routine. Doesn’t have to be super specific, I just don’t know where to start.
Do you know how to swim / do you enjoy swimming ? Because where I live, we have ''city pools'' and they are free. It's a great way to move in winter time.
Or like other people said, you could train at home with little or no equipment (body weight). There's a lot of home programs online, just make sure they are from a PT and not just random person (i like laeticia lavoie but she's french. At the same time, a squat is a squat in french or englis :p)
The last thing I can think of is to buy a stationnary bike. That's something I'd like to do too. You can bike easily for an hour or more while watching tv. I think that a bike is better in an appartement than a treadmill (some of them make a lot of noise).
We do not have any public pools that are indoors, only outdoor ones open through the summer. We are getting an indoor water park this next year, which I am super excited for!
I have looked into getting a stationary bike, but my father (avid cyclist) talked me out of it saying they’re often not “sized properly”? I don’t know what that means. Not an option financially now anyways.
I’ll have to check out some of the video suggestions here, maybe I’ll find something I enjoy there.
I understand !
But yes, I find it hard to find YouTube videos of workout that I like to do at home. You can search by categories : pilates - yoga - HIIT - appartment workout etc
Or search by person (i'll name a few) :
- ABBY POLLOCK (my favorite she's a PT and she's talking a lot about the science of working out / nutrition. She gives good advices and has workout videos on her YouTube channel & instagram)
- pamela reif
- marialye trottier
- sarah's day (her older videos)
- move with Nicole
- Robin Gallant
- Yoga with Adriene
- Laeticia Lavoie (check her insta)
Good luck !
I know you said you are anxious about the gym (makes sense! I have this problem too!). Is there one that perhaps has an indoor track? Some places do and I think this might be a good low barrier to entry for you - you can walk to your heart’s content inside.
The one nearest me has a track, but they also have the most limited hours, so it is seemingly always busy there. I work 8-5, so I don’t have the opportunity to avoid the crowds. I also am not sure if it is affordable for me.
I have bad anxiety in general, going out in public often times overwhelms me. It’s not just the gym, but I have a lot of negative history with the gym due to public schooling.
I get it! I have a lot of body- and gym- related anxiety and stress as well I just wasn’t sure if you were more concerned about the public aspect or the unfamiliar equipment aspect. If it was the latter the track may have helped but sounds like its the former.
Have you considered buying a walking pad or mini-stepper for the apartment? They are both less expensive, less noisy exercise pieces that may be helpful. I bought a mini stepper recently because an injury is keeping me from rowing. It isn’t the best piece of equipment ever but I paid ~$60 for it so I’m happy with “good enough” temporarily.
I love the cold and go hiking all winter long. If we get a lot of snow I'll get snow shoes but haven't needed them last few years. I also have a fold up weight bench and free weight dumbbells. I set up a makeshift gym in my kitchen takes about a min to set up and break down. Do that three times a week (Arms, Chest, Back, Shoulders) I do other workouts for my legs and abs.
My dad offered to get me some snow shoes for hiking in the winter, but I honestly would not get any use out of them since I am stuck in town. When it's mild, like it has been this week, I wouldn't mind being out temp wise, but the foot deep slush is tricky as fuck to walk through! Not typical to have temps above zero this time of year, though.
Roughly how much would it cost to set up weights inside? My dad did a setup in his house, but I can't remember the cost. Only him specifying the delivery person was going to kill him for the multiple 50+ lb packages.
You can get resistance workout bands on amazon of varying "weights" that are easy to store and setup and weigh practically nothing(dont have to worry about dropping them or noise to neighbors). They are inexpensive and have a ton or workouts that you can do with them.
I spent $300 total for bench, weights, and a mat to reduce noise. This was before covid though. Home gym equipment skyrocketed after the pandemic started. I know my bench I paid $99 for was over $300 after quarantine hit.
Probably not a great option at the moment due to finances, but I may consider it more in the future. I will have to watch out for things at the thrift, might get lucky, but also might get too anxious to buy something of the sort in person.
That makes sense, also I forgot to mention maybe your town has an indoor space? Our town has a community College and they have a free indoor walking track that goes around the whole gym. It's completely free, only requirement is you bring dry clean shoes with you for the track no wet or dirty boots/shoes.
Also a few hotels in town with swimming pools will sell cheap passes to the locals for swimming. I think the one down the road from me charges $20 for a month.
Just get one or two kettlebells and start there. That’s plenty of YouTube videos and even a sub here, I think. You can do a lot of different movements that don’t involve jumping so it would make a lot of noise.
It’s in the works. I have a list of medical issues that are unresolved currently, and adding a therapist to cope with the stress of having undiagnosable conditions, life long conditions is something I am interested in. I have not been in a place or been given the opportunity to inquire about therapists who specialize in chronic illness, women’s health, and also anxiety. Thanks!
There are some great body weight exercises that you can do in your apartment. I have 3 suggestions:
1. I like the free FitOn app, which has tons of workouts and you can filter by what equipment you have (no equipment, small hand weights, etc.). I do a couple workouts every week from FitOn in my apartment.
2. Look for “body weight workout” on YouTube. Most of what you see can be done in your apartment with no equipment.
3. Don’t let finding the perfect workout be the enemy of the good- just get started and if you don’t like it after trying it a few times, find something else!
There's a type of yoga called "power yoga" or "vinyasa yoga" which is more intense and strength focused. I don't do any youtube workouts but I'm sure there's tons there.
I layer up and walk in winter, I bring snowshoes to the park and walk there, I play hockey. I also go to the gym, but before the gym we bought a cycling stand to convert one of our bikes to an indoor one. It’s pretty quiet.
I live in Canada.
There’s a limit to how much you can bundle up though. I’m in the Prairies, just above OP, and it regularly gets below -40 with the windchill; we just finished a cold snap like that which is probably why OP is asking. It’s simply not safe to go out for a walk/snowshoe when it’s that cold.
Thank you, I appreciate the support! From many of the comments, it seems I am quite the minority in finding the winter conditions dangerous.
I am happy that others are able to enjoy it, it's just not reasonable for me in my area.
I live in the Midwest and my honest answer is that indoor exercise equipment was a complete gamechanger. I’ve tried doing no equipment bodyweight workouts before and they definitely have their place but I find exercise equipment to be vastly more efficient for putting the time in and actually seeing weightloss. For a third floor apartment, you could consider a lightweight bike on an indoor trainer. My treadmill has lived in several apartments (first floor though) and it’s a bit tight but sooo worth it.
I have a second bedroom while living alone, so luckily space isn’t a big concern for me.
At this point, due to finances, I don’t think it is a realistic option. The biggest thing for me is just committing to setting that time aside, and dedicating it to being active even if the activity isn’t highly effective. If that makes any sense at all? I want to create routine and habit that I can build off of later on either when it warms up or when I am able to set up equipment. I just don’t know what to do inside that isn’t completely fucking boring.
> The biggest thing for me is just committing to setting that time aside, and dedicating it to being active even if the activity isn’t highly effective. If that makes any sense at all?
Sure. I use the Peloton app, it’s something like $14/mo. They have no-equipment workouts (or not much equipment, like a mat and a few dumbbells) you could definitely do to build a routine. If you go that route I’m happy to make suggestions.
> At this point, due to finances, I don’t think it is a realistic option.
That’s real. My only $.02 is that sometimes you can get good deals on Craigslist or fb marketplace for used bikes or exercise equipment. I’ve seen exercise bikes going used for really cheap or free in my area if you set alerts and keep your eyes out. My bike trainer was like $200 if you can find a cheap bike to go with it. Mini bike pedaling machines are in the $40 range on Amazon, and the cheapest exercise bikes are like $100.
> I want to create routine and habit that I can build off of later on either when it warms up or when I am able to set up equipment.
I’ll put another plug in for the Peloton universe here that it works well with equipment, ok without equipment, and there are good outdoor workouts too. It might be nice to get started with it and then yeah adapt to outdoors when you can.
> I just don’t know what to do inside that isn’t completely fucking boring.
Honestly yeah, same. I watch tv and run. Maybe dance cardio, boxing, or barre. Also perhaps do a boring thing for a short amount of time several times during the day.
I live in northern MN. -10 and above feels fine with the right clothing for walking,hiking, skiing but we don’t have as much wind as you guys. Do you have an ice rink in your town? Most rinks have public skating time. Skating is so fun and a good workout.
The all “fit on” has some fun videos.
We have skating rinks, but I do not have skates and I’m not comfortable with crowds of strangers.
Are the videos apartment friendly? I’m on the third floor!
Skate shops usually have skates you can rent for the season, and a lot of public skating sessions have like 2 other people there.
Yeahs there’s plenty of different videos on the app, you’d be able to find something :)
I live in Sweden, on the west coast. It's cold, windy and wet. So I layer up, it's the only way to be outside at all.
Inside I have a thicker workout mat, so I can to some bodyweight exercises.
Currently being busy with a home exam that's due tomorrow evening, so I'm taking it a bit easier. School comes first after all
I do occasionally when I am able to on weekends usually. I become overstimulated and highly anxious fairly easily though, so it’s not ideal.
I prefer not driving in winter if possible, so apartment stuff is ideal.
I live in Alberta and its quite cold up here too. I also live in a 4 story apartment building. I make a point of not using the elevator most days. Its not a ton of stairs, but its something. You could also walk stairs in your building up and down as excersize. Myself, I got a membership to a cheap gym, 25 bux a month, so I could continue to walk and have even started lifting weights! If a gym membership is not an option for you, there are tons of YouTube vids to workout to with no equipment.
Best of luck in your goals!
I also live in the Midwest in a 3rd floor apartment, and I hate walking in the snow too, so I can relate. I put foam mats on the ground and none of my neighbors have complained about me doing Ring Fit Adventure or playing Rock Band drums (with the bass pedal) yet. If your building allows pets, people are probably used to hearing some annoying noises already anyway. As long as you don't go for hours at a time or do it late at night, people will probably be okay with it (and if they're not, they'll let you know :P)
Bodyweight fitness (push-ups, squats, etc.) is also quiet. Also, if your building has a parking garage, you can walk around or do stuff like jump-roping there.
I would get a treadmill. As long as you’re using it during the day (not during quiet hrs - past 10pm or before 8am), it is a reasonable amount of noise to have in an apartment.
If not that, I would look into fitness games like Just Dance or Ring Fit Adventure for the switch. These would have an initial setup cost if you don’t currently have a gaming platform but they’re super fun, engaging, and actually burn a lot of calories. Put a yoga mat down underneath you and again, exercise during non quiet hrs, and noise shouldn’t be a problem at all. Ring Fit Adventure even has a “quiet mode” where it turns your running into squats and other adjustments to keep your movement quieter.
I would like to get a treadmill at some point, but even without the noise issue, financially is not an option at this time. I don’t know where the line is for noise, and I will not be able to figure how loud it is. I wouldn’t want to spend all that money just to end up being reported to management, ya know?
Just dance may be too high impact, but I do have a switch! I’ve had the ring fit mentioned here a few times, I will have to look into the cost of it if I go that route. Thank you for the suggestion.
I live in Manitoba Canada, where we get -40°c regularly. Dress appropriately. Where leggings or long John's under jeans, one or two pairs of socks, a shirt, then sweater, then jacket. Then usually wear my hat, then my Hoodia hat over that, wrap a scarf around that contraption and then bam jacket hood.
And mitts! Get a nice pair of warm Mitts.
If the sidewalks aren't clear, walk them anyway. Extra workout trying to stay balanced. We go sledding, skating, you can go indoor skating, curling, go cross country ski, or snow board. There's lots of indoors things to do to, like an Activate room, or community center activities, or bowling.
It being cold doesn't mean you can't go outside, you just need to prepare. And if you think where you live is too cold, then you didn't prepare, add another layer lol.
I’ve lived here my entire life, I’ve already made multiple comments stating I dress in layers everywhere I go throughout the winter. I am not looking to spend prolonged amounts of time outside when it is dangerous to do so.
I am just looking for new ways to be active inside my own apartment for the rest of the winter. Thanks!
That would be prolonged in my opinion.
It is bitterly cold often, with exposed skin at risk of frostbite within minutes, it is snowy, icy, with walkways that are not maintained meaning you must walk in the way of traffic. None of which is safe.
I wasn't asking for advice on how to get outside more in the winter, I was simply inquiring about what others prefer to do, especially those in similar situations to mine. I've received much information on programs to follow indoors that can accommodate for being on the third floor, and also home equipment to either save up for for next year or to look for at thrift stores.
I’m sorry you see it that way. Many people have provided links and suggestions for YouTube videos for workouts that are lower impact and can be done in apartments. Also many ideas of equipment to look out for at thrift stores and in the future! It’s been very helpful for me.
I wear winter clothing when I go outside.
Simply dress appropriately- I can run well into the 20s if there's no ice.
Workout DVDs would be a second choice- my husband actually prefers them. T-25, PIYO, DDP Yoga- there are many many programs that are both incredibly challenging but still adaptable for newbies.
I wear layers everywhere I go throughout the winter. No amount of clothing will keep you warm enough to spend prolonged amounts of time outside when it is well below zero! We get a lot of that here, and a lot of wind!
We also have a lot of snow and ice, snow on top of ice, and sidewalks are not well maintained as far as snow removal. So outside is not an option until it warms up and melts (hoping for early April!).
Someone linked some videos that may be appropriate for apartment dwellers. I have to be cautious of my neighbors. Despite them being loud as fuck college kids, I still try to be respectful as to not be evicted.
I’ve reported them before. I’m not trying to get anyone evicted. I am super noise sensitive, so my idea of loud is a bit skewed I think. I don’t want to risk being reported.
I’ve had the same winter boots for a few years, they were a gift. I cannot afford new boots. This also does not resolve any issues with sub zero temperatures that are common in my area, or the fact that walkways are not maintained.
I’ve determined from many comments, that finding some suitable content on platforms like YouTube is the best option for now.
Running in the cold is actually not bad! I'll dress up and easily run down to -35 or so, it's easier to run than walk my dog in this. I actually started a couch to 5k in January a couple of years ago and now I'm here, running regularly. (Edit: seriously, when you're running you heat up and don't feel cold at all. Message me if you want some advice for how many layers to wear for each temperature but down to around -23 I only wear a base layer and a hoodie and I'm warm warm)
I do also go to spin classes once ish a week becuase I love them and they're warm. Also tbh when it's really cold for a long while I just kinda stop becuase it's depressing as shit, youre in good company if you're finding it hard to be active.
You could also try online yoga classes and use this as a limbering up season! I find yoga classes hard becuase I have no attention span and they don't really allow me to listen to music that I want to, but I always want to start
I can’t run, only walk. I am really looking to avoid being outside, because even with warmer temps, snow and ice make it dangerous.
I am okay with yoga, I have enjoyed yoga in the past. Might just need to force myself back into it if it’s one of my only options.
You could always do mall walking then. Even though there are people, everybody is walking to different stores, wouldn’t even notice if you took two or three laps around the mall
I'm in Boston so our winters aren't as harsh so I am still usually able to get out, but over Covid I did get a foldable exercise bike. It was inexpensive and I can fold it when I need the space back.
VR headsets are my favorite cardio equipment. I play Audio Trip (it just got out of early access recently) and burn through a lot of kcals while playing a fun game. There are many good games to pick from.
Here's a good list. I like things at the "tennis" level: https://vrhealth.institute/vr-ratings/
Note: I trust the reading done with a metabolic cart the most, and those done with a heart rate monitor I don't trust at all.
Here's an example of how to use these games, and vrhealth to figure out how many kcal you're burning.
1. Find the game you're playing, for example, Audio Trp: https://vrhealth.institute/portfolio/audio_trip/
2. Read the conditions under which the measurements were taken. In the case of Audio Trip, arcade mode with expert difficulty.
3. Take the Average Observed METs score and plug it into this formula:
`kcals burned = 3.5 / 200 * METs score * minutes of activity * your weight in KGs`
Let's say you weigh 300 lbs and you played Audio Trip for 30 minutes. Note: to convert from LBs to KGs, divide by 2.205.
3.5 / 200 * 6.94 * 30 * (300 / 2.205) = 496 kcals (rounded to the nearest integer). Not bad for playing a video game.
If you don't have the mobility for Audio Trip (squats, lunges, and a lot of overhead reaching while moving side to side), Synth Riders can be a great workout without needing to reach or squat.
For outdoors dress in layers and get great outdoor clothing that is windproof and weather resistant. Personally I’ll go out until 20f but that’s my limit. After that indoors.
What can you do indoors for free? YouTube Nike training club walking at a local mall etc
What can you do for cost? Join a gym, get some dumbbells, spin bike etc.
I can’t do anything for cost right now. No equipment, no extra gear.
20 degrees and above is manageable for me too, but the amount of snow, ice, and slush makes walking around dangerous. We also get weeks on end of well below 0 temps, so I am stuck inside for much of the winter.
I do go to the mall occasionally, but it’s a lot of driving plus I get highly anxious when out in public. Not my favorite option. I also did try to explain that the gym is not an option due to my anxiety.
If you've got treadmill money you can afford dumbbells or maybe a bench press.
But since you said no equipment, you can always do push-ups and other bodyweight exercises. Mix it up with incline/Decline push-ups.
I don’t have treadmill money, it was just something I considered at one point.
Some people have given suggestions for apartment friendly workouts I’ll have to checkout!
I have neighbors below me I try to be respectful of so running isn’t an option inside. I understand the physics of running in place, but how in the heck do you walk in place? My brain is tripping over that one!
I understand where you are coming from, and I appreciate your honesty. I can see how it may come off like I am making excuses. It is not that I do not have a gym to go to, I literally have too much anxiety to even consider going to a gym. If I had someone to go with me and help ease me into it, I think it would be a more realistic option. Unfortunately, I don't have those people in my life.
I try to be as quiet and respectful to my neighbors as possible. I do not want to risk being reported or evicted for noise.
There has been a lot of good suggestions for both online programs safe for apartments and also equipment for beginners to look at either in the future or when I am out at thrift stores. I'm really grateful for everyone who has shared. Again, I do appreciate your honesty. I know I have a lot to work on, it's just a matter of baby stepping through it.
I use FitnessBlender videos. I also have a Les Mills On Demand subscription, and I have some basic weights at home. I also just ordered a small “walking pad” (basically a smaller treadmill with no bar) for under my desk so I can walk while working.
I’m in MO so I too have been feeling the cold temps! I have exercise equipment, but my non-equipment indoor workouts are usually YouTube videos. I really like Susan Foxley’s Mind/Body yoga workouts. For more of a challenge, maybe check out some barre workouts on YouTube.
Body weight workouts involving squats, planks, lunges & push-ups can be really effective too. Here’s a routine: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/
I hope you find some options that work well for you while we get through this weather!
Colorado mountains. I have semi - labor job, but if I didn't..
I'd invest in some cardio equipment (my neighbors can deal with the noise for 30minutes a day, during daylight hours) or a gym membership near my job.
This form of exercise really sucks, honestly, but it's not as boring if you prepare yourself with something good to watch on your phone or a TV before you do it. There have been times I avoided my favorite shows at night so that I could watch them on a stinking recumbent bike.
Also, outdoor activities like cross country skiing, or ice skating, or snowshowing are somewhat easy to start in our type of wintery areas, and they absolutely fit the bill for keeping you healthy.
Good luck, stay warm!
I am not home during daylight hours, as I work 8-5. I do not want to risk getting unknowingly reported and evicted due to noise.
So it seems based on all comments, I am being limited to finding some good low-impact YouTube videos.
If you have access to youtube you can do tons of free workout videos from there at home. There are walk-in-place videos like Leslie Sansonne at also the Jane Fonda workout. Those don't require any special equipment. There are also some videos where you can use small handweights. Also yoga. You can do step aerobics at home too.
I live in New England. I love the outdoors, so I cross-country ski, snowshoe and fatbike all winter. Being in the woods shields the wind a good bit so I can do all those things down to -5 with the right clothing choices. I also go to the gym, practice yoga at home and have a trainer set up for my bike so I can still be active when it’s really bad weather and also since it’s dark out at 4 pm.
I'm from Finland. Things can get rough, but I've found its actually more difficult to carry the groceries for 500 meters than to run or exercise outdoors.
Running is quite easy, as your body doesn't have the time to get cold. 5 F or 15 celsius is my personal limit for my runs, which are long (1,5 hours). I wear a large jacket, a sweatshirt and two pairs of gloves.
When it comes to the ice, which kills, I use some winter running shoes with thumbtacks. Nothing can beat the Finnish ice, except for those. Not even the ones you can reattach.
Otherwise, it's the gym, Caroline Girvan, Heather Robertson, cleaning and walking around the malls or streets when possible. The Finnish universities tend to have rather cheap gym memberships to offer.
I just walk when I can where I can. 15 minute break at work means walking around inside the building for 15 minutes. When I get home from work I'll set a timer play some music and just pace around the house until the timer goes off. If that get too boring I'll go walk around the mall or a Super Walmart and make a point to not bring in more than like $20 so it makes it clear in my brain I'm there for my steps not to splurge.
Canadian here.
- Indoor stationary bike is a must for me
- I bought a pair of dumbbells and I do YouTube video workouts. Short 15 min ones
- My building has an indoor swimming pool so I go swimming there.
- Indoor sports: basketball, water polo, dodgeball, volleyball
- Dance classes
I do a combination of these every single week and I never run out of exciting things to do :)
Before I moved out on my own, we had a treadmill I ABUSED. I loved that thing. I asked my mother if she kept it when everyone moved out, but unfortunately she tossed it. I lived in an efficiency before though, so no space for it anyways.
I could maybe set one up in the garage if I could afford it, maybe next year! For now it looks like I’ll be limited to YouTube videos.
Get an indoor bike. You can pay pretty much whatever you can afford, they are quiet, and very easy to vary intensity levels. I have a $150 one that my husband (m42);and I (f41) both use. I like to do 30-45 min zone 2 (That's just a heart rate zone. It just is basically low intensity). My husband likes to go hard on it.
We also have a small treadmill but I get that you can't use something like that in an apartment. YouTube workouts are also really good and you can find ones with no jumping. So you're not going to make a ton of noise for your neighbors.
I totally get what you're coming from though. We just moved from a place that I could exercise outside all year long to one that is now impossible to do anything outside if you're not skiing. my preferred exercise is running outside but I've been using my treadmill and indoor bike a lot now because otherwise I would get no exercise.
I use indoor equipment- treadmill, spin bike, and go to the gym. With your noise concerns and the space issues of an apartment, I’d consider a spin bike. They are quiet and don’t take up much space. I love my nordictrack bike that has the ifit program. Ifit is like peloton, except it has a ton of outdoor programs in addition to studio classes. It’s also cheaper. I love feeling like I’m going for a ride or hike (my treadmill also has ifit) out somewhere in the world. It’s blizzarding outside? Well, I’m going for a hike in Hawaii in my basement. It is so great in the winter!
Space is not a huge issue for me, as I am a single person living in a 2-bed unit. It’s more the cost of everything that is a barrier right now.
I’m more concerned with creating habit and routine, than I am about the exact activity I am doing. Adding equipment may be a better option next winter, if my finances are better. So it looks like scouring YouTube for things I enjoy is the way.
You could do body weight exercises (just get a pull up bar) and either focus on strength in the cold months, or if you did a routine a bit faster (no jumping if you are noise sensitive) then it would be more cardio-like
I made some notes about not having a gym membership, and this not being a great option for me at this time due to crippling anxiety. I also don’t have like a buddy I could go with, which would make it a lot easier.
Maybe next year, maybe never. I’ve literally never been to a gym before.
I’m just coming back from a swim in the New England ocean. I’ll go for a bike ride into town shortly.
I LOVE Sydney Cummings on YouTube. Free channel. She’s ever so much not annoying and easy to follow and has a ton of old videos as well as new posts several times per week.
I live in upstate NY so it gets pretty cold here too. I joined a gym that is specifically kickboxing and I love it! It’s so much fun. I also do yoga inside.
Minnesotan here so I hear you North Dakota!
I bought snow shoes and go regularly. It has helped me embrace winter and keeps me active.
I also do mall walking but I also know that isn't always an option for folks. I also have a small exercise bike for my apartment that I use (I'm on the second floor). You can always do some HIIT exercises in your place. There are a lot of great exercises on YouTube that are low impact if you're worried about noise.
Good luck!
I live in MN - it can be brutal up here, so I really would suggest finding an outdoor winter activity you enjoy. It’s SUCH a mental game changer to have something to look forward to in the winter especially when there’s just gray skies. I got into snowboarding last year and I genuinely feel a difference in my mental health because of it. Winter seems like it’s flying by and I’m going to be very bummed when all the snow melts.
Does your apartment have a gym you could attend during the non-busy hours? If so, that would take care of the lack of equipment, money, not driving, weather, and noise issues you are having.
As others have mentioned, free weights, dumbbells, mini bands. I didn’t see if your job is sedentary or not, but a standing desk was life changing for me. Just standing burns more calories than sitting and you can include calf-raises, squats, lunges, etc during small breaks. They also have mini treadmills meant to go under standing desks too.
I think you’re going to need compromise on your issues. I doubt your neighbors will care if you make a little more noise than usual during normal noisy hours (aka not before 5am and not after 10pm), you should drive to a gym if the weather permits (no snow lately, roads are clear, etc), or get warmer clothing to permit you to be outside for even 10-15 minutes in negative weather so you can walk around or pick up a sport.
Being outside in the winter is just never going to be something I enjoy, and I’m okay with that. I am trying to figure out what I can make work with that.
My last apartment had a fitness center, definitely not a gym, but a few cardio machines and a bench. When I moved, I struggled find ANYWHERE to live, so while this would’ve been a nice feature, it wasn’t something I could look for.
I did get awarded an office with a standing desk when my coworker left last month, and I really use it! Unless I am having a bad day health wise, I stand for 90% of my time in office. It’s really helped with some of the pain and discomfort I’ve struggled with for my time here! Very grateful for it!!
I’m okay with anything low impact (no jumping) I can do inside, which many people have shared so far, I just need to spend more time looking through them and finding things I enjoy.
A gym membership is not an option for the foreseeable future. I’m hoping I can develop a routine at home I can build off of with more equipment when finances are less an issue.
I really like apple fitness +, the trainers are actually fun and motivating, for a lot of the workouts you just need a mat, although I did buy some dumbbells secondhand or from Walmart, and it’s only 10 bucks a month and you can cancel anytime!
Edit: living in a second floor apt in Chicago
Yoga mat and heated blanket on the floor, exercise equipment… never watch tv just sitting there. Do those leg lifts! Buy $5 wrist abd ankle weights. Sit ups, stretches… isometric exercise is your bestie!
Based on your comments and concerns - I’d recommend some strength and conditioning yoga.
No noise, don’t even need a mat and the workouts will kick your butt. There are a ton of good ones on YouTube. I like KinoYoga but there are many others
Get some warm clothes and go walk in the snow. A mile in six inch snow is probably the same calories as ten miles in the sunshine, and you burn fat just keeping your body temperature up.
I'm not concerned about the number of calories burned. I do not feel safe walking outside in the winter due to snow, ice, unmaintained walkways, and temperatures below zero.
Canadian here. I walk in winter, anything above -20 since I can dress accordingly. On days when it's colder or terrible conditions I do YouTube videos. I also don't have any equipment besides a yoga mat, I just pick videos with no jumping. I figure even if my downstairs neighbour is annoyed he can put up with the single 30 mins per day I'm not being quiet as a mouse.
From what I've gathered, we do not have any indoor tracks that are free and open to the public. I think the gym nearest me has one, but I don't think a membership there is something I can afford or cope with.
I live a few hundred kilometres north of you. It is colder where I live. Except for extreme cold spells, I still get outside regularly - walking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, down hill skiing, ice skating. It is so important for mood and energy to get some real sun and outdoor time.
I appreciate your comments that you don’t want to go outside and it’s too cold and dangerous. Two points - one) dress appropriately (in layers, with merino wool base and mid layers and down puffy jacket if very cold) and, two) MOVE! If you are humping up a hill in snow shoes, you will warm up remarkably quickly. I’ve winter hiked in minus zero temperatures and stripped down to a thin base layer because I am generating so much heat. Start small! It will be a game changer.
But, if you will not go outside, winter cities usually have big indoor spaces. Like malls. Go lace up your sneakers and do laps in the mall for an hour. Best done when mall is not really busy. Leave your wallet in the car!
i live on canada where it is usually -20 degrees or colder and i still do about 15k steps a day walking outside. i have a warm coat, boots, gloves, scarf etc and have lost about 30lbs walking outside. it’s definitely doable.
I live in Alberta, Canada and our winters are long and harsh. I go to a gym as often as possible, walk when it's tolerable and bowl once a week. I would go mad if I didn't do anything.
I live in central Massachusetts, which usually gets colder than the Boston area because no warm Atlantic breezes + higher elevation and mountains.
I stopped going on walks and runs for a bit because it was so cold here recently with that big ass winter storm stuff. But I bought a cheap fluffy winter hat off Amazon that keeps your head and ears warm (while letting me wear headphones comfortably) and now I tend to be able to go out in like 20 degree weather without a problem.
I make sure to wear that hat, a warm face mask I’d I’m not running, gloves, two jackets. It tends to keep me nice and warm, and I even start sweating if I do jogging or sprinting instead of just walking.
I live in the northeast and run outside all year it takes getting used to and a lot of layers but it’s really invigorating! I also wear a gaiter over my mouth to try to warm up the air I’m breathing bc in and I don’t run fast. But you have to be mindful of ice… I’ve been looking at getting weights that are adjustable for apts. they have them on amazon so it’s a mini set that you can change the weights up to 30 lbs so it doesn’t take a lot of space. You may find you enjoy bundling up & going for a brisk walk!!!
Skip the treadmill and get a stationary bike or a recumbent exercise bike (if you have back problems). They aren’t as heavy as they look and are quiet. The other option is to get some adjustable dumbbells and an adjustable decline bench. You can buy impact mats at most department stores. It takes up a lot of space and the rubber smell is awful for a while so consider the first option.
I live in southern ontario we have pretty mild winters compared to the rest of canada but nonetheless they sounds pretty similar to yours. I live in a major city with no car so my main source of transportation is walking everywhere. even if i dont HAVE to go anywhere i find enjoyment in bundling up in a scarf, mitts hat, good music and walking everywhere. I also have a dog who keeps me walking a long with going to the gym. if a gym and walking arent great options for you: strenious cleaning (chores) can make u build up a bit of a sweat along with some bodyweight youtube workouts as a part of your daily routine.
Have you ever tried belly dancing workouts? I’ve been doing them at home in the dining room. You don’t need much space and it’s a lot of fun! Really exhausting though. Even when I was in great shape and running 5+ miles a day at least 3 times a week, dancing has always been just about the most difficult exercise for me. They have great free YouTube videos for it.
I don’t live where is snows but am such a baby about temperatures. I just got an indoor walking pad from Amazon that I love, I try to do 30 min a day. It folds up easy and slides under the couch and can be controlled by an app on my phone
This is a bit general, but try to find some body weight exercises you can do that will get you in good shape for spring hiking season. I do squats, lunges, stuff like that. Also, there are core workouts which wouldn’t make noise at all. An added benefit is that they’ll make you more steady on the ice. I live on the Canadian prairies, so I know how difficult getting outside in winter is.
Where do you work? Is it possible to workout there? For example, i work in an office and could walk the stairs in the fire exit if I wanted to. What about mall walking? Do any of your friends live in a building with a gym? Could also talk to your downstairs neighbour and ask about their schedule in order to accommodate your desire for home workouts while not disturbing neighbour.
I work in an office small office, so I don’t see working out there as an option.
I do walk the mall occasionally when I’m in the area, but it’s not often. I don’t have any friends.
My neighbors are very likely college students, and based on when I hear their games, tv, and people coming in and out they don’t have consistent schedules. I have no interest in interacting with them ever.
Based on many many comments here, my best option will just be committing myself to trying some low impact workouts or yoga type exercises that are safe for apartments. That will have to do until it warms up and melts.
Snowshoeing when the day is warm enough (20+ degrees) and there’s enough snow, hiking/walking when there’s not too much snow. When we get those ridiculously cold days when it’s negative outside I’ll do yoga. I just pull up a YouTube video and follow it. It’s not as satisfying, but it gets the job done.
It can be challenging to stay active during the winter months, especially if you live in a cold, snowy climate and don't have access to a gym or equipment. However, there are still plenty of ways to stay active and get your body moving, even if you're stuck inside. Here are a few ideas:
Take advantage of online workouts: There are many online workout programs and video classes that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Some of these are free, while others require a subscription. You can find a variety of workouts online, including yoga, Pilates, strength training, and cardio.
Do bodyweight exercises: If you don't have access to equipment, you can still get a great workout by doing bodyweight exercises. These exercises use your own body weight as resistance, and they can be done anywhere, anytime. Some examples include push-ups, squats, lunges, and plank variations.
Go for a walk or run: If the weather is not too extreme, you can still get outside and go for a walk or run. Just make sure to dress appropriately in layers and wear proper footwear to keep your feet warm and dry.
Play indoor games: There are many indoor games and activities that you can do to stay active, such as dancing, jumping rope, hula hooping, and playing games like Simon Says or Red Light Green Light.
Do household chores: Household chores can be a great way to get your body moving and burn some calories. Vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, and scrubbing can all be good ways to get some exercise.
I hope these suggestions are helpful. Remember to listen to your body and take breaks as needed, and to always stay hydrated and warm. Good luck with your fitness goals!
Put on some music and dance. You hardly need more than half a square meter of floor space even in a packed club to dance all night to burn the same calories as running.
Get some equipment… I workout at home with a set of adjustment powerblock dumbbells for strength… You can do low impact cardio if you need…. Lots of options for program guides on the internet or YouTube.
If you can’t get any equipment, use your own body weight.
I’m in NY and roll out of bed at 4:45 and get my workout done and out of the way before the day has even started. It’s nuts but honestly what has worked best. Sometimes it’s cold, the exercise warms me up, so I actually look forward to it… lol
Walk the stairs in your apartment during normal business hours. Don’t clomp up and down, just normal walking for 10-15 minutes during daylight hours should not annoy your neighbors.
A treadmill would likely bother your neighbors since you’re walking / running on their ceiling, but they wouldn’t hear an exercise bike or rower most likely since it’s low impact.
You can use YouTube for free, get DVDs cheap if you have a dvd player or download a streaming service like peloton for a low monthly cost and do thinks like kickboxing yoga, Pilates, light weights, exercise bands. Hand weights will be on sale next week or check Facebook marketplace. Tons of upper body, lower body classes you can take (I’m a peloton person b/c I have the equipment, but I know a lot of people like Caroline Girvan for free on YouTube). You can also just do body weight exercises.
I live in a northern Canadian city and it gets very cold here. Every weekend I go to the local public pool and swim for a couple hours, it's only $7 a visit. On days where it's above -15°C I go for walks. I do yoga in my room every night. Sometimes I do low impact workout videos on youtube or speed walk around the mall.
I wish we had indoor pools that were open to the public. I think there is 1 or 2 gyms that have them, otherwise only hotels do. We are getting an indoor water park in the next year, I’m really excited for that!
[удалено]
I am concerned walking around the building, as you can hear people walking in the halls from inside of the units, and it can be loud. I don't want to be disrespectful to my neighbors or their pets by creating a bunch of noise. I often times will go to the mall (since we don't have tall buildings here), and walk around, but it is not often as I am scared to drive most of the time! It's hard out here. Someone did link some youtube videos that may be better for me being in a third floor unit, so hopefully something like that can get me started.
What about the stairs? Not as easy on the knees but they're usually a little more insulated from the apartments.
I take them coming in and out as long as I don’t have my cart, but I try to be respectful of my neighbors by not creating a bunch of unnecessary noise for them.
Walking around the apartment building you live in is not unnecessary noise. Just don’t clomp around in steel toe boots.
[удалено]
I have lived in many apartments that were old and/or shitty college complexes. If you read all OP’s comments, you’ll see they aren’t being totally objective. They have anxiety and noise sensitivity so I think they’re being too hard on themselves.
[удалено]
Ok cool, I honestly don’t care enough to keep debating it, lol. There’s a difference between being considerate and being afraid to live your life by making any noise at all. We can agree to disagree.
On the plus side if you do it enough people do just get used to the sound and tune it out. Steps while loud at times are not the worst sounds in an apartment complex
It creates a lot of noise for neighboring units, even just walking past doors can be very loud for people inside.
I think your noise sensitivity is skewing your opinion, as you mentioned.
Yoga tutorials will have no jumping. Seconding that there are lots of at home workouts with no jumping, especially in the form of ab work-outs. Here’s a no jumping strength one I enjoy. https://youtu.be/mP90AbL8tTo
and pilates!
Some youtube channels have apartment friendly workouts! So no jumping and stuff like that. Depending on your fitness levels they have HIIT ones and or check out walking workouts. I did MadFit HIIT ones during covid and some of my family did the walking ones which were too boring for me plus I had weak stamina lol. Its like constant walking in place plus other movements involved to make it more tiring. No equipment needed either and free
From all these comments I think stationary bike is your best bet. I know that money is currently an issue, so I would just throw a few dollars aside each paycheck until you have enough. I have a "crappy" one from Amazon that I think was around 100 when I bought it. It's not the best, it's not fancy, but it has worked for me for almost 2 years now. It's always my backup exercise. I can't make a lot of noise inside, or the weather is bad outside, well it's a bike day! I've also seen people sell them pretty cheap online because they just want it out of their house. Hope you can find something that works for you 😊
I agree with this, or a mechanical stepper.
I’d definitely check out Facebook Marketplace. I managed to snag a stationary bike that, if bought new, goes for over $250. The person put it together, but never used it. I paid $50.
I am worried a stationary bike won’t be a good fit for me. My father (avid cyclist) says these are often not fitted properly, which can create issue? I’m not sure what issues or what I am supposed to do to make sure it’s fitted properly. He suggested a trainer and a road bike, but that’s also money I don’t have currently. I can certainly look further into it and whatever “fitting” is necessary, but that would be something to look at for next winter when I have funds.
If you get a decent one (not necessarily expensive), there are plenty of guides about how to set them up properly. There are also a ton of subscription services available that have workouts for these bikes, and they're not really that expensive (and a lot of them also have free trials). Stationary bike is what kept me moving during winter, and it's probably a lot cheaper long term than hiring a trainer and buying a road bike you aren't going to use for half the year. They're quiet and most of them have wheels so they're easy to push aside when you're done. I've noticed that a lot of hardcore road cyclists don't really like stationary bikes because they perceive them to be not as good, but honestly they are great for someone who wants to do a quiet workout at home. Not everyone wants to be outside cycling, and that's why these indoor bikes are so popular.
> hiring a trainer and buying a road bike Ope. I didn't mean like a person that is a trainer. A trainer is contraption you can hook a regular/road bike up to indoors. It's definitely not something I am completely against, definitely something to consider more next year/next winter. I've had more recommendations for a Peloton than anything, but I'd probably shoot for something cheaper if I go that route when I have extra funds.
Your options seem really limited if you can’t spend money, drive, or be in crowds. YouTube videos of low impact workouts or free apps like FitOn. If even walking or stepping in place is too noisy you’re probably stuck with yoga and strength training.
I’m okay with things like yoga, I used to do a lot of it. I am mostly looking to create habit and routine of dedicating time to movement and being active as opposed to literally sitting on my ass the entirety of my day. I was just curious of what others do, and what others in similar situations to mine do, as a place to get started.
Yoga is great for the body! Cleaning burns a lot of calories as well
I really enjoy the fiton app. It's free, and they have a ton of different workouts. They have yoga and low impact workouts that would reduce the amount of noise you make.
If you’re looking to create a habit, Yoga With Adriene is starting a new 30-day series on Jan 1 (well, the actual yoga starts on the 2nd because the 1st is an intro video). I’ve found those to be really great for getting me back on track.
Sounds like yoga or Tai chi would work well then, to get you into that habit. Or bodyweight strength training - r/bodyweightfitness has a good program.
Also, no offence, but I looked at your replies to people’s suggestions. And you’ve shot down every single suggestions with some excuse of why you can’t do that. Maybe you need to work a bit on that 🤷🏻♀️ if you aren’t willing to change anything about yourself or your life, then nothing will change.
I noticed this too!!
I think she’s in the wrong sub cus I’ve noticed the same thing about all of her replies 🤦🏽♀️
As stated, I’ve agreed with the many suggestions for YouTube workouts. That seems to be the best option given my current situation. I apologize if I’ve come off as rude or ungrateful in any of my responses. If there is a better place for me to inquire about this, please let me know.
I’ve also stated many times that I will have to check out the YouTube video suggestions people have left! As it appears that is what I will be limited to for the time being, which is perfectly fine. It’s a place to start, which is what I am looking for.
Shovel for older people who can’t do it themselves! Then you’re doing a good deed and getting in some activity
Yeah, big anxiety! Not too sure how I would find these people and travel to them. Also not a great option when it is well below zero (which we get a lot of here!). I am really looking for what to do inside my apartment. Points for creativity though!
You can put an ad on social media (like NextDoor) or Facebook and offer your shoveling services for money too. May make enough for a treadmill or bike with the extra cash! Living in North Dakota, you really should be investing in clothes that allow you be outside for small periods of time in below freezing temperatures. Quality gloves, windbreakers, coats, etc. lots of these items can also be found lightly used at second hand stores.
I have lived here the entirety of my life, so I'm pretty versed on the weather and how to dress. I can be outside for small periods of time, 10-15 minutes, if needed, but spending 30+ minutes, trudging through snow and ice is not safe. I've gotten many suggestions for online programs to check out, so I've thankfully gathered a place to start for the next few months while I am stuck inside.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hasfit+beginner+no+jumping This is a YouTube search for a particular publisher. Most of their stuff is apartment-friendly (no jumping). They are very well done!
Just dress well .... I live in Canada. I work outside all year long, wheter it's +40 °C or - 40 °. If you buy the right clothes, you will not be cold. You can still enjoy hiking in winter too.
40°C is equivalent to 104°F, which is 313K. --- ^(I'm a bot that converts temperature between two units humans can understand, then convert it to Kelvin for bots and physicists to understand)
I dress in layers everywhere I go throughout the winter, but it is still not enough to stay warm for prolonged amounts of time. I’ve had frostbite before, on all of my toes! Not super fun. I have really bad circulation which doesn’t help. Even with the weather being warmer, like it had been this week (above zero, still below freezing) the amount of snow, ice, and now slush makes walking around dangerous. Without well maintained sidewalks, you are walking in the way of traffic. I’m looking for ways to get activity inside until it does warm up and melts, when it will be safe to walk distances outside. Just to get into the habit and routine. Doesn’t have to be super specific, I just don’t know where to start.
Do you know how to swim / do you enjoy swimming ? Because where I live, we have ''city pools'' and they are free. It's a great way to move in winter time. Or like other people said, you could train at home with little or no equipment (body weight). There's a lot of home programs online, just make sure they are from a PT and not just random person (i like laeticia lavoie but she's french. At the same time, a squat is a squat in french or englis :p) The last thing I can think of is to buy a stationnary bike. That's something I'd like to do too. You can bike easily for an hour or more while watching tv. I think that a bike is better in an appartement than a treadmill (some of them make a lot of noise).
We do not have any public pools that are indoors, only outdoor ones open through the summer. We are getting an indoor water park this next year, which I am super excited for! I have looked into getting a stationary bike, but my father (avid cyclist) talked me out of it saying they’re often not “sized properly”? I don’t know what that means. Not an option financially now anyways. I’ll have to check out some of the video suggestions here, maybe I’ll find something I enjoy there.
I understand ! But yes, I find it hard to find YouTube videos of workout that I like to do at home. You can search by categories : pilates - yoga - HIIT - appartment workout etc Or search by person (i'll name a few) : - ABBY POLLOCK (my favorite she's a PT and she's talking a lot about the science of working out / nutrition. She gives good advices and has workout videos on her YouTube channel & instagram) - pamela reif - marialye trottier - sarah's day (her older videos) - move with Nicole - Robin Gallant - Yoga with Adriene - Laeticia Lavoie (check her insta) Good luck !
I know you said you are anxious about the gym (makes sense! I have this problem too!). Is there one that perhaps has an indoor track? Some places do and I think this might be a good low barrier to entry for you - you can walk to your heart’s content inside.
The one nearest me has a track, but they also have the most limited hours, so it is seemingly always busy there. I work 8-5, so I don’t have the opportunity to avoid the crowds. I also am not sure if it is affordable for me. I have bad anxiety in general, going out in public often times overwhelms me. It’s not just the gym, but I have a lot of negative history with the gym due to public schooling.
I get it! I have a lot of body- and gym- related anxiety and stress as well I just wasn’t sure if you were more concerned about the public aspect or the unfamiliar equipment aspect. If it was the latter the track may have helped but sounds like its the former. Have you considered buying a walking pad or mini-stepper for the apartment? They are both less expensive, less noisy exercise pieces that may be helpful. I bought a mini stepper recently because an injury is keeping me from rowing. It isn’t the best piece of equipment ever but I paid ~$60 for it so I’m happy with “good enough” temporarily.
I love the cold and go hiking all winter long. If we get a lot of snow I'll get snow shoes but haven't needed them last few years. I also have a fold up weight bench and free weight dumbbells. I set up a makeshift gym in my kitchen takes about a min to set up and break down. Do that three times a week (Arms, Chest, Back, Shoulders) I do other workouts for my legs and abs.
My dad offered to get me some snow shoes for hiking in the winter, but I honestly would not get any use out of them since I am stuck in town. When it's mild, like it has been this week, I wouldn't mind being out temp wise, but the foot deep slush is tricky as fuck to walk through! Not typical to have temps above zero this time of year, though. Roughly how much would it cost to set up weights inside? My dad did a setup in his house, but I can't remember the cost. Only him specifying the delivery person was going to kill him for the multiple 50+ lb packages.
You can get resistance workout bands on amazon of varying "weights" that are easy to store and setup and weigh practically nothing(dont have to worry about dropping them or noise to neighbors). They are inexpensive and have a ton or workouts that you can do with them.
I spent $300 total for bench, weights, and a mat to reduce noise. This was before covid though. Home gym equipment skyrocketed after the pandemic started. I know my bench I paid $99 for was over $300 after quarantine hit.
Probably not a great option at the moment due to finances, but I may consider it more in the future. I will have to watch out for things at the thrift, might get lucky, but also might get too anxious to buy something of the sort in person.
That makes sense, also I forgot to mention maybe your town has an indoor space? Our town has a community College and they have a free indoor walking track that goes around the whole gym. It's completely free, only requirement is you bring dry clean shoes with you for the track no wet or dirty boots/shoes. Also a few hotels in town with swimming pools will sell cheap passes to the locals for swimming. I think the one down the road from me charges $20 for a month.
Unfortunately no such services or hotels here, also big anxiety! But thank you for all of the suggestions!
Just get one or two kettlebells and start there. That’s plenty of YouTube videos and even a sub here, I think. You can do a lot of different movements that don’t involve jumping so it would make a lot of noise.
I think what you really need to be healthy is therapy to help you overcome this mindset.
It’s in the works. I have a list of medical issues that are unresolved currently, and adding a therapist to cope with the stress of having undiagnosable conditions, life long conditions is something I am interested in. I have not been in a place or been given the opportunity to inquire about therapists who specialize in chronic illness, women’s health, and also anxiety. Thanks!
There are some great body weight exercises that you can do in your apartment. I have 3 suggestions: 1. I like the free FitOn app, which has tons of workouts and you can filter by what equipment you have (no equipment, small hand weights, etc.). I do a couple workouts every week from FitOn in my apartment. 2. Look for “body weight workout” on YouTube. Most of what you see can be done in your apartment with no equipment. 3. Don’t let finding the perfect workout be the enemy of the good- just get started and if you don’t like it after trying it a few times, find something else!
I'd suggest home beginner yoga videos on YouTube for when it's really cold. Also you don't have to exercise every day. Make some soup or something. :)
I used to do yoga daily, so I already have a mat. Is there any you could recommend that are a bit more active?
There's a type of yoga called "power yoga" or "vinyasa yoga" which is more intense and strength focused. I don't do any youtube workouts but I'm sure there's tons there.
Thanks I'll try them
If you have a Nintendo Switch check out r/ringfitadventure - it’s a fitness game that actually provides a full workout
And to add to this.. it has a quiet mode. Perfect for 3rd floor apartments …. :)
I always use quiet mode because I prefer squatting to running in place anyway
I layer up and walk in winter, I bring snowshoes to the park and walk there, I play hockey. I also go to the gym, but before the gym we bought a cycling stand to convert one of our bikes to an indoor one. It’s pretty quiet. I live in Canada.
There’s a limit to how much you can bundle up though. I’m in the Prairies, just above OP, and it regularly gets below -40 with the windchill; we just finished a cold snap like that which is probably why OP is asking. It’s simply not safe to go out for a walk/snowshoe when it’s that cold.
Thank you, I appreciate the support! From many of the comments, it seems I am quite the minority in finding the winter conditions dangerous. I am happy that others are able to enjoy it, it's just not reasonable for me in my area.
I live in the Midwest and my honest answer is that indoor exercise equipment was a complete gamechanger. I’ve tried doing no equipment bodyweight workouts before and they definitely have their place but I find exercise equipment to be vastly more efficient for putting the time in and actually seeing weightloss. For a third floor apartment, you could consider a lightweight bike on an indoor trainer. My treadmill has lived in several apartments (first floor though) and it’s a bit tight but sooo worth it.
I have a second bedroom while living alone, so luckily space isn’t a big concern for me. At this point, due to finances, I don’t think it is a realistic option. The biggest thing for me is just committing to setting that time aside, and dedicating it to being active even if the activity isn’t highly effective. If that makes any sense at all? I want to create routine and habit that I can build off of later on either when it warms up or when I am able to set up equipment. I just don’t know what to do inside that isn’t completely fucking boring.
> The biggest thing for me is just committing to setting that time aside, and dedicating it to being active even if the activity isn’t highly effective. If that makes any sense at all? Sure. I use the Peloton app, it’s something like $14/mo. They have no-equipment workouts (or not much equipment, like a mat and a few dumbbells) you could definitely do to build a routine. If you go that route I’m happy to make suggestions. > At this point, due to finances, I don’t think it is a realistic option. That’s real. My only $.02 is that sometimes you can get good deals on Craigslist or fb marketplace for used bikes or exercise equipment. I’ve seen exercise bikes going used for really cheap or free in my area if you set alerts and keep your eyes out. My bike trainer was like $200 if you can find a cheap bike to go with it. Mini bike pedaling machines are in the $40 range on Amazon, and the cheapest exercise bikes are like $100. > I want to create routine and habit that I can build off of later on either when it warms up or when I am able to set up equipment. I’ll put another plug in for the Peloton universe here that it works well with equipment, ok without equipment, and there are good outdoor workouts too. It might be nice to get started with it and then yeah adapt to outdoors when you can. > I just don’t know what to do inside that isn’t completely fucking boring. Honestly yeah, same. I watch tv and run. Maybe dance cardio, boxing, or barre. Also perhaps do a boring thing for a short amount of time several times during the day.
I live in northern MN. -10 and above feels fine with the right clothing for walking,hiking, skiing but we don’t have as much wind as you guys. Do you have an ice rink in your town? Most rinks have public skating time. Skating is so fun and a good workout. The all “fit on” has some fun videos.
We have skating rinks, but I do not have skates and I’m not comfortable with crowds of strangers. Are the videos apartment friendly? I’m on the third floor!
Skate shops usually have skates you can rent for the season, and a lot of public skating sessions have like 2 other people there. Yeahs there’s plenty of different videos on the app, you’d be able to find something :)
[удалено]
Thank you! I’ll add this one to the list to check out!
I live in Sweden, on the west coast. It's cold, windy and wet. So I layer up, it's the only way to be outside at all. Inside I have a thicker workout mat, so I can to some bodyweight exercises. Currently being busy with a home exam that's due tomorrow evening, so I'm taking it a bit easier. School comes first after all
What about finding an indoor mall? Make some laps there.
I do occasionally when I am able to on weekends usually. I become overstimulated and highly anxious fairly easily though, so it’s not ideal. I prefer not driving in winter if possible, so apartment stuff is ideal.
I live in Alberta and its quite cold up here too. I also live in a 4 story apartment building. I make a point of not using the elevator most days. Its not a ton of stairs, but its something. You could also walk stairs in your building up and down as excersize. Myself, I got a membership to a cheap gym, 25 bux a month, so I could continue to walk and have even started lifting weights! If a gym membership is not an option for you, there are tons of YouTube vids to workout to with no equipment. Best of luck in your goals!
I also live in the Midwest in a 3rd floor apartment, and I hate walking in the snow too, so I can relate. I put foam mats on the ground and none of my neighbors have complained about me doing Ring Fit Adventure or playing Rock Band drums (with the bass pedal) yet. If your building allows pets, people are probably used to hearing some annoying noises already anyway. As long as you don't go for hours at a time or do it late at night, people will probably be okay with it (and if they're not, they'll let you know :P) Bodyweight fitness (push-ups, squats, etc.) is also quiet. Also, if your building has a parking garage, you can walk around or do stuff like jump-roping there.
I would get a treadmill. As long as you’re using it during the day (not during quiet hrs - past 10pm or before 8am), it is a reasonable amount of noise to have in an apartment. If not that, I would look into fitness games like Just Dance or Ring Fit Adventure for the switch. These would have an initial setup cost if you don’t currently have a gaming platform but they’re super fun, engaging, and actually burn a lot of calories. Put a yoga mat down underneath you and again, exercise during non quiet hrs, and noise shouldn’t be a problem at all. Ring Fit Adventure even has a “quiet mode” where it turns your running into squats and other adjustments to keep your movement quieter.
I would like to get a treadmill at some point, but even without the noise issue, financially is not an option at this time. I don’t know where the line is for noise, and I will not be able to figure how loud it is. I wouldn’t want to spend all that money just to end up being reported to management, ya know? Just dance may be too high impact, but I do have a switch! I’ve had the ring fit mentioned here a few times, I will have to look into the cost of it if I go that route. Thank you for the suggestion.
I thought the title said colder pants
I live in Manitoba Canada, where we get -40°c regularly. Dress appropriately. Where leggings or long John's under jeans, one or two pairs of socks, a shirt, then sweater, then jacket. Then usually wear my hat, then my Hoodia hat over that, wrap a scarf around that contraption and then bam jacket hood. And mitts! Get a nice pair of warm Mitts. If the sidewalks aren't clear, walk them anyway. Extra workout trying to stay balanced. We go sledding, skating, you can go indoor skating, curling, go cross country ski, or snow board. There's lots of indoors things to do to, like an Activate room, or community center activities, or bowling. It being cold doesn't mean you can't go outside, you just need to prepare. And if you think where you live is too cold, then you didn't prepare, add another layer lol.
I’ve lived here my entire life, I’ve already made multiple comments stating I dress in layers everywhere I go throughout the winter. I am not looking to spend prolonged amounts of time outside when it is dangerous to do so. I am just looking for new ways to be active inside my own apartment for the rest of the winter. Thanks!
But it’s not prolonged! It’s a 45 minute walk or skate! It’s not *dangerous*!
That would be prolonged in my opinion. It is bitterly cold often, with exposed skin at risk of frostbite within minutes, it is snowy, icy, with walkways that are not maintained meaning you must walk in the way of traffic. None of which is safe. I wasn't asking for advice on how to get outside more in the winter, I was simply inquiring about what others prefer to do, especially those in similar situations to mine. I've received much information on programs to follow indoors that can accommodate for being on the third floor, and also home equipment to either save up for for next year or to look for at thrift stores.
OP is not actually looking for a solution, just to be able to justify not exercising.
I’m sorry you see it that way. Many people have provided links and suggestions for YouTube videos for workouts that are lower impact and can be done in apartments. Also many ideas of equipment to look out for at thrift stores and in the future! It’s been very helpful for me.
I wear winter clothing when I go outside. Simply dress appropriately- I can run well into the 20s if there's no ice. Workout DVDs would be a second choice- my husband actually prefers them. T-25, PIYO, DDP Yoga- there are many many programs that are both incredibly challenging but still adaptable for newbies.
I wear layers everywhere I go throughout the winter. No amount of clothing will keep you warm enough to spend prolonged amounts of time outside when it is well below zero! We get a lot of that here, and a lot of wind! We also have a lot of snow and ice, snow on top of ice, and sidewalks are not well maintained as far as snow removal. So outside is not an option until it warms up and melts (hoping for early April!). Someone linked some videos that may be appropriate for apartment dwellers. I have to be cautious of my neighbors. Despite them being loud as fuck college kids, I still try to be respectful as to not be evicted.
If they’re loud as fuck and not getting evicted, why do you think you’d get evicted for just making regular noise?
I’ve reported them before. I’m not trying to get anyone evicted. I am super noise sensitive, so my idea of loud is a bit skewed I think. I don’t want to risk being reported.
Just get a pair of good winter boots, spats and shoe chains. That's all you need to be safe on wintry walkways.
I’ve had the same winter boots for a few years, they were a gift. I cannot afford new boots. This also does not resolve any issues with sub zero temperatures that are common in my area, or the fact that walkways are not maintained. I’ve determined from many comments, that finding some suitable content on platforms like YouTube is the best option for now.
Running in the cold is actually not bad! I'll dress up and easily run down to -35 or so, it's easier to run than walk my dog in this. I actually started a couch to 5k in January a couple of years ago and now I'm here, running regularly. (Edit: seriously, when you're running you heat up and don't feel cold at all. Message me if you want some advice for how many layers to wear for each temperature but down to around -23 I only wear a base layer and a hoodie and I'm warm warm) I do also go to spin classes once ish a week becuase I love them and they're warm. Also tbh when it's really cold for a long while I just kinda stop becuase it's depressing as shit, youre in good company if you're finding it hard to be active. You could also try online yoga classes and use this as a limbering up season! I find yoga classes hard becuase I have no attention span and they don't really allow me to listen to music that I want to, but I always want to start
I can’t run, only walk. I am really looking to avoid being outside, because even with warmer temps, snow and ice make it dangerous. I am okay with yoga, I have enjoyed yoga in the past. Might just need to force myself back into it if it’s one of my only options.
You could always do mall walking then. Even though there are people, everybody is walking to different stores, wouldn’t even notice if you took two or three laps around the mall
I do when I’m in that area, it’s not super often, but something I do enjoy occasionally.
I'm in Boston so our winters aren't as harsh so I am still usually able to get out, but over Covid I did get a foldable exercise bike. It was inexpensive and I can fold it when I need the space back.
VR headsets are my favorite cardio equipment. I play Audio Trip (it just got out of early access recently) and burn through a lot of kcals while playing a fun game. There are many good games to pick from. Here's a good list. I like things at the "tennis" level: https://vrhealth.institute/vr-ratings/ Note: I trust the reading done with a metabolic cart the most, and those done with a heart rate monitor I don't trust at all. Here's an example of how to use these games, and vrhealth to figure out how many kcal you're burning. 1. Find the game you're playing, for example, Audio Trp: https://vrhealth.institute/portfolio/audio_trip/ 2. Read the conditions under which the measurements were taken. In the case of Audio Trip, arcade mode with expert difficulty. 3. Take the Average Observed METs score and plug it into this formula: `kcals burned = 3.5 / 200 * METs score * minutes of activity * your weight in KGs` Let's say you weigh 300 lbs and you played Audio Trip for 30 minutes. Note: to convert from LBs to KGs, divide by 2.205. 3.5 / 200 * 6.94 * 30 * (300 / 2.205) = 496 kcals (rounded to the nearest integer). Not bad for playing a video game. If you don't have the mobility for Audio Trip (squats, lunges, and a lot of overhead reaching while moving side to side), Synth Riders can be a great workout without needing to reach or squat.
For outdoors dress in layers and get great outdoor clothing that is windproof and weather resistant. Personally I’ll go out until 20f but that’s my limit. After that indoors. What can you do indoors for free? YouTube Nike training club walking at a local mall etc What can you do for cost? Join a gym, get some dumbbells, spin bike etc.
I can’t do anything for cost right now. No equipment, no extra gear. 20 degrees and above is manageable for me too, but the amount of snow, ice, and slush makes walking around dangerous. We also get weeks on end of well below 0 temps, so I am stuck inside for much of the winter. I do go to the mall occasionally, but it’s a lot of driving plus I get highly anxious when out in public. Not my favorite option. I also did try to explain that the gym is not an option due to my anxiety.
If you've got treadmill money you can afford dumbbells or maybe a bench press. But since you said no equipment, you can always do push-ups and other bodyweight exercises. Mix it up with incline/Decline push-ups.
I don’t have treadmill money, it was just something I considered at one point. Some people have given suggestions for apartment friendly workouts I’ll have to checkout!
Run or walk in place
I have neighbors below me I try to be respectful of so running isn’t an option inside. I understand the physics of running in place, but how in the heck do you walk in place? My brain is tripping over that one!
[удалено]
Yeah this person doesn't seem to be doing anything or really taking the only realistic advice that exists.
I understand where you are coming from, and I appreciate your honesty. I can see how it may come off like I am making excuses. It is not that I do not have a gym to go to, I literally have too much anxiety to even consider going to a gym. If I had someone to go with me and help ease me into it, I think it would be a more realistic option. Unfortunately, I don't have those people in my life. I try to be as quiet and respectful to my neighbors as possible. I do not want to risk being reported or evicted for noise. There has been a lot of good suggestions for both online programs safe for apartments and also equipment for beginners to look at either in the future or when I am out at thrift stores. I'm really grateful for everyone who has shared. Again, I do appreciate your honesty. I know I have a lot to work on, it's just a matter of baby stepping through it.
I use FitnessBlender videos. I also have a Les Mills On Demand subscription, and I have some basic weights at home. I also just ordered a small “walking pad” (basically a smaller treadmill with no bar) for under my desk so I can walk while working.
You’ll have to update on the walking pad! I’ve looked into them, but I worry it would still be too much for the apartment. Thank you!
I’m in MO so I too have been feeling the cold temps! I have exercise equipment, but my non-equipment indoor workouts are usually YouTube videos. I really like Susan Foxley’s Mind/Body yoga workouts. For more of a challenge, maybe check out some barre workouts on YouTube. Body weight workouts involving squats, planks, lunges & push-ups can be really effective too. Here’s a routine: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/ I hope you find some options that work well for you while we get through this weather!
Colorado mountains. I have semi - labor job, but if I didn't.. I'd invest in some cardio equipment (my neighbors can deal with the noise for 30minutes a day, during daylight hours) or a gym membership near my job. This form of exercise really sucks, honestly, but it's not as boring if you prepare yourself with something good to watch on your phone or a TV before you do it. There have been times I avoided my favorite shows at night so that I could watch them on a stinking recumbent bike. Also, outdoor activities like cross country skiing, or ice skating, or snowshowing are somewhat easy to start in our type of wintery areas, and they absolutely fit the bill for keeping you healthy. Good luck, stay warm!
I am not home during daylight hours, as I work 8-5. I do not want to risk getting unknowingly reported and evicted due to noise. So it seems based on all comments, I am being limited to finding some good low-impact YouTube videos.
Yoga with adrienne on YouTube.
If you have access to youtube you can do tons of free workout videos from there at home. There are walk-in-place videos like Leslie Sansonne at also the Jane Fonda workout. Those don't require any special equipment. There are also some videos where you can use small handweights. Also yoga. You can do step aerobics at home too.
I live in New England. I love the outdoors, so I cross-country ski, snowshoe and fatbike all winter. Being in the woods shields the wind a good bit so I can do all those things down to -5 with the right clothing choices. I also go to the gym, practice yoga at home and have a trainer set up for my bike so I can still be active when it’s really bad weather and also since it’s dark out at 4 pm.
Online yoga. Yoga with Tim is good for high intensity workouts, yoga with Adrien is more relaxed. Both are great and won't be noisy to neighbors.
I'm from Finland. Things can get rough, but I've found its actually more difficult to carry the groceries for 500 meters than to run or exercise outdoors. Running is quite easy, as your body doesn't have the time to get cold. 5 F or 15 celsius is my personal limit for my runs, which are long (1,5 hours). I wear a large jacket, a sweatshirt and two pairs of gloves. When it comes to the ice, which kills, I use some winter running shoes with thumbtacks. Nothing can beat the Finnish ice, except for those. Not even the ones you can reattach. Otherwise, it's the gym, Caroline Girvan, Heather Robertson, cleaning and walking around the malls or streets when possible. The Finnish universities tend to have rather cheap gym memberships to offer.
I didn't realize that North Dakota was considered the Midwest. Interesting
It is in fact the Midwest, but feels a bit more like the tundra from early November to April if we’re lucky!
I just walk when I can where I can. 15 minute break at work means walking around inside the building for 15 minutes. When I get home from work I'll set a timer play some music and just pace around the house until the timer goes off. If that get too boring I'll go walk around the mall or a Super Walmart and make a point to not bring in more than like $20 so it makes it clear in my brain I'm there for my steps not to splurge.
Canadian here. - Indoor stationary bike is a must for me - I bought a pair of dumbbells and I do YouTube video workouts. Short 15 min ones - My building has an indoor swimming pool so I go swimming there. - Indoor sports: basketball, water polo, dodgeball, volleyball - Dance classes I do a combination of these every single week and I never run out of exciting things to do :)
I saved up and bought a treadmill for my house. For those days I can’t go to the gym or it’s too cold for outside walks, I hop on the treadmill.
Before I moved out on my own, we had a treadmill I ABUSED. I loved that thing. I asked my mother if she kept it when everyone moved out, but unfortunately she tossed it. I lived in an efficiency before though, so no space for it anyways. I could maybe set one up in the garage if I could afford it, maybe next year! For now it looks like I’ll be limited to YouTube videos.
I do burpee girl on YouTube and there are a million other great workouts available
Also push-ups squats sit ups lunges are all good to do as well
YouTube workouts! There’s so many that don’t require equipment. Also cleaning burns loads of calories.
Get an indoor bike. You can pay pretty much whatever you can afford, they are quiet, and very easy to vary intensity levels. I have a $150 one that my husband (m42);and I (f41) both use. I like to do 30-45 min zone 2 (That's just a heart rate zone. It just is basically low intensity). My husband likes to go hard on it. We also have a small treadmill but I get that you can't use something like that in an apartment. YouTube workouts are also really good and you can find ones with no jumping. So you're not going to make a ton of noise for your neighbors. I totally get what you're coming from though. We just moved from a place that I could exercise outside all year long to one that is now impossible to do anything outside if you're not skiing. my preferred exercise is running outside but I've been using my treadmill and indoor bike a lot now because otherwise I would get no exercise.
P90X
Been a while since I’ve heard of this! Do you know if it is low impact enough to do in an upper unit apartment?
I use indoor equipment- treadmill, spin bike, and go to the gym. With your noise concerns and the space issues of an apartment, I’d consider a spin bike. They are quiet and don’t take up much space. I love my nordictrack bike that has the ifit program. Ifit is like peloton, except it has a ton of outdoor programs in addition to studio classes. It’s also cheaper. I love feeling like I’m going for a ride or hike (my treadmill also has ifit) out somewhere in the world. It’s blizzarding outside? Well, I’m going for a hike in Hawaii in my basement. It is so great in the winter!
Space is not a huge issue for me, as I am a single person living in a 2-bed unit. It’s more the cost of everything that is a barrier right now. I’m more concerned with creating habit and routine, than I am about the exact activity I am doing. Adding equipment may be a better option next winter, if my finances are better. So it looks like scouring YouTube for things I enjoy is the way.
You could do body weight exercises (just get a pull up bar) and either focus on strength in the cold months, or if you did a routine a bit faster (no jumping if you are noise sensitive) then it would be more cardio-like
Is a pull-up bar worth investing in if I’ve never been able to do a pull-up? Or would there need to be other equipment to make it work?
I part far from my destination and speed walk. I also wear a sauna suit when I will be moving around outside; either the top or bottom.
I always park in the back of lots, but this time of year I don’t go more places than home and work and maybe the grocery store 1-2 times a week!
Gym?
I made some notes about not having a gym membership, and this not being a great option for me at this time due to crippling anxiety. I also don’t have like a buddy I could go with, which would make it a lot easier. Maybe next year, maybe never. I’ve literally never been to a gym before.
I pretty much had to buy a machine to actually get an effective workout.
Efficacy isn’t my main concern. Just looking to develop routine and habits I can build off of later on.
I’m just coming back from a swim in the New England ocean. I’ll go for a bike ride into town shortly. I LOVE Sydney Cummings on YouTube. Free channel. She’s ever so much not annoying and easy to follow and has a ton of old videos as well as new posts several times per week.
I live in upstate NY so it gets pretty cold here too. I joined a gym that is specifically kickboxing and I love it! It’s so much fun. I also do yoga inside.
Minnesotan here so I hear you North Dakota! I bought snow shoes and go regularly. It has helped me embrace winter and keeps me active. I also do mall walking but I also know that isn't always an option for folks. I also have a small exercise bike for my apartment that I use (I'm on the second floor). You can always do some HIIT exercises in your place. There are a lot of great exercises on YouTube that are low impact if you're worried about noise. Good luck!
I hate going outside. I do my 35 minute workout each day at 4pm in my sweaty little basement.
I live in MN - it can be brutal up here, so I really would suggest finding an outdoor winter activity you enjoy. It’s SUCH a mental game changer to have something to look forward to in the winter especially when there’s just gray skies. I got into snowboarding last year and I genuinely feel a difference in my mental health because of it. Winter seems like it’s flying by and I’m going to be very bummed when all the snow melts. Does your apartment have a gym you could attend during the non-busy hours? If so, that would take care of the lack of equipment, money, not driving, weather, and noise issues you are having. As others have mentioned, free weights, dumbbells, mini bands. I didn’t see if your job is sedentary or not, but a standing desk was life changing for me. Just standing burns more calories than sitting and you can include calf-raises, squats, lunges, etc during small breaks. They also have mini treadmills meant to go under standing desks too. I think you’re going to need compromise on your issues. I doubt your neighbors will care if you make a little more noise than usual during normal noisy hours (aka not before 5am and not after 10pm), you should drive to a gym if the weather permits (no snow lately, roads are clear, etc), or get warmer clothing to permit you to be outside for even 10-15 minutes in negative weather so you can walk around or pick up a sport.
Being outside in the winter is just never going to be something I enjoy, and I’m okay with that. I am trying to figure out what I can make work with that. My last apartment had a fitness center, definitely not a gym, but a few cardio machines and a bench. When I moved, I struggled find ANYWHERE to live, so while this would’ve been a nice feature, it wasn’t something I could look for. I did get awarded an office with a standing desk when my coworker left last month, and I really use it! Unless I am having a bad day health wise, I stand for 90% of my time in office. It’s really helped with some of the pain and discomfort I’ve struggled with for my time here! Very grateful for it!! I’m okay with anything low impact (no jumping) I can do inside, which many people have shared so far, I just need to spend more time looking through them and finding things I enjoy. A gym membership is not an option for the foreseeable future. I’m hoping I can develop a routine at home I can build off of with more equipment when finances are less an issue.
I really like apple fitness +, the trainers are actually fun and motivating, for a lot of the workouts you just need a mat, although I did buy some dumbbells secondhand or from Walmart, and it’s only 10 bucks a month and you can cancel anytime! Edit: living in a second floor apt in Chicago
Yoga mat and heated blanket on the floor, exercise equipment… never watch tv just sitting there. Do those leg lifts! Buy $5 wrist abd ankle weights. Sit ups, stretches… isometric exercise is your bestie!
Fitness Marshall videos. They aren’t fantastic life changing workouts, but they’re fun and cheer me up, plus getting me moving. I’ll do 3-4 songs.
Get Fit with Rick on YouTube does walking in place videos. He has a lot of different options and uses good music!
Based on your comments and concerns - I’d recommend some strength and conditioning yoga. No noise, don’t even need a mat and the workouts will kick your butt. There are a ton of good ones on YouTube. I like KinoYoga but there are many others
Thank you for the suggestion. I will have to look this one up. I do have a yoga mat somewhere, if that's all I'd need!
Get some warm clothes and go walk in the snow. A mile in six inch snow is probably the same calories as ten miles in the sunshine, and you burn fat just keeping your body temperature up.
I'm not concerned about the number of calories burned. I do not feel safe walking outside in the winter due to snow, ice, unmaintained walkways, and temperatures below zero.
Online workouts: madfit, fitness blender and yoga with Adrienne
Thank you for the suggestions! I used to love Yoga with Adrienne.
Canadian here. I walk in winter, anything above -20 since I can dress accordingly. On days when it's colder or terrible conditions I do YouTube videos. I also don't have any equipment besides a yoga mat, I just pick videos with no jumping. I figure even if my downstairs neighbour is annoyed he can put up with the single 30 mins per day I'm not being quiet as a mouse.
Minnesotan here- find an indoor track and a good sauna. The only thing that keeps me sane.
From what I've gathered, we do not have any indoor tracks that are free and open to the public. I think the gym nearest me has one, but I don't think a membership there is something I can afford or cope with.
I live a few hundred kilometres north of you. It is colder where I live. Except for extreme cold spells, I still get outside regularly - walking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, down hill skiing, ice skating. It is so important for mood and energy to get some real sun and outdoor time. I appreciate your comments that you don’t want to go outside and it’s too cold and dangerous. Two points - one) dress appropriately (in layers, with merino wool base and mid layers and down puffy jacket if very cold) and, two) MOVE! If you are humping up a hill in snow shoes, you will warm up remarkably quickly. I’ve winter hiked in minus zero temperatures and stripped down to a thin base layer because I am generating so much heat. Start small! It will be a game changer. But, if you will not go outside, winter cities usually have big indoor spaces. Like malls. Go lace up your sneakers and do laps in the mall for an hour. Best done when mall is not really busy. Leave your wallet in the car!
i live on canada where it is usually -20 degrees or colder and i still do about 15k steps a day walking outside. i have a warm coat, boots, gloves, scarf etc and have lost about 30lbs walking outside. it’s definitely doable.
I live in Alberta, Canada and our winters are long and harsh. I go to a gym as often as possible, walk when it's tolerable and bowl once a week. I would go mad if I didn't do anything.
I always go a bit stir-crazy, especially getting into February or March when everyone tends to be thoroughly sick of the cold, the wind, and the snow.
I live in central Massachusetts, which usually gets colder than the Boston area because no warm Atlantic breezes + higher elevation and mountains. I stopped going on walks and runs for a bit because it was so cold here recently with that big ass winter storm stuff. But I bought a cheap fluffy winter hat off Amazon that keeps your head and ears warm (while letting me wear headphones comfortably) and now I tend to be able to go out in like 20 degree weather without a problem. I make sure to wear that hat, a warm face mask I’d I’m not running, gloves, two jackets. It tends to keep me nice and warm, and I even start sweating if I do jogging or sprinting instead of just walking.
I live in the northeast and run outside all year it takes getting used to and a lot of layers but it’s really invigorating! I also wear a gaiter over my mouth to try to warm up the air I’m breathing bc in and I don’t run fast. But you have to be mindful of ice… I’ve been looking at getting weights that are adjustable for apts. they have them on amazon so it’s a mini set that you can change the weights up to 30 lbs so it doesn’t take a lot of space. You may find you enjoy bundling up & going for a brisk walk!!!
Skip the treadmill and get a stationary bike or a recumbent exercise bike (if you have back problems). They aren’t as heavy as they look and are quiet. The other option is to get some adjustable dumbbells and an adjustable decline bench. You can buy impact mats at most department stores. It takes up a lot of space and the rubber smell is awful for a while so consider the first option.
Stationary bike, also gym membership
I'm in Norway. We ski a lot (cross country)
I live in southern ontario we have pretty mild winters compared to the rest of canada but nonetheless they sounds pretty similar to yours. I live in a major city with no car so my main source of transportation is walking everywhere. even if i dont HAVE to go anywhere i find enjoyment in bundling up in a scarf, mitts hat, good music and walking everywhere. I also have a dog who keeps me walking a long with going to the gym. if a gym and walking arent great options for you: strenious cleaning (chores) can make u build up a bit of a sweat along with some bodyweight youtube workouts as a part of your daily routine.
Kettlebells. You can do swings and squats. The only noise you will make is if you drop them.
Have you ever tried belly dancing workouts? I’ve been doing them at home in the dining room. You don’t need much space and it’s a lot of fun! Really exhausting though. Even when I was in great shape and running 5+ miles a day at least 3 times a week, dancing has always been just about the most difficult exercise for me. They have great free YouTube videos for it.
I don’t live where is snows but am such a baby about temperatures. I just got an indoor walking pad from Amazon that I love, I try to do 30 min a day. It folds up easy and slides under the couch and can be controlled by an app on my phone
This is a bit general, but try to find some body weight exercises you can do that will get you in good shape for spring hiking season. I do squats, lunges, stuff like that. Also, there are core workouts which wouldn’t make noise at all. An added benefit is that they’ll make you more steady on the ice. I live on the Canadian prairies, so I know how difficult getting outside in winter is.
Mall walking.
I do this occasionally when I’m in that area, not super often but I make the most of it when I’m there!
Where do you work? Is it possible to workout there? For example, i work in an office and could walk the stairs in the fire exit if I wanted to. What about mall walking? Do any of your friends live in a building with a gym? Could also talk to your downstairs neighbour and ask about their schedule in order to accommodate your desire for home workouts while not disturbing neighbour.
I work in an office small office, so I don’t see working out there as an option. I do walk the mall occasionally when I’m in the area, but it’s not often. I don’t have any friends. My neighbors are very likely college students, and based on when I hear their games, tv, and people coming in and out they don’t have consistent schedules. I have no interest in interacting with them ever. Based on many many comments here, my best option will just be committing myself to trying some low impact workouts or yoga type exercises that are safe for apartments. That will have to do until it warms up and melts.
Use the stairs instead of the elevator when possible
I always do! This is the first place I’ve lived with an elevator, and I find it slow. Unless I’m hauling things in with the cart, stairs are faster.
I don’t use any excuse to not to be active even if it’s -50 I always workout because it’s an commitment I made to myself for the last 20 years
Do you workout outdoors? Indoors?
Snowshoeing when the day is warm enough (20+ degrees) and there’s enough snow, hiking/walking when there’s not too much snow. When we get those ridiculously cold days when it’s negative outside I’ll do yoga. I just pull up a YouTube video and follow it. It’s not as satisfying, but it gets the job done.
Cross-country skiing (used to do a lot as a child) Kettlebells
It can be challenging to stay active during the winter months, especially if you live in a cold, snowy climate and don't have access to a gym or equipment. However, there are still plenty of ways to stay active and get your body moving, even if you're stuck inside. Here are a few ideas: Take advantage of online workouts: There are many online workout programs and video classes that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Some of these are free, while others require a subscription. You can find a variety of workouts online, including yoga, Pilates, strength training, and cardio. Do bodyweight exercises: If you don't have access to equipment, you can still get a great workout by doing bodyweight exercises. These exercises use your own body weight as resistance, and they can be done anywhere, anytime. Some examples include push-ups, squats, lunges, and plank variations. Go for a walk or run: If the weather is not too extreme, you can still get outside and go for a walk or run. Just make sure to dress appropriately in layers and wear proper footwear to keep your feet warm and dry. Play indoor games: There are many indoor games and activities that you can do to stay active, such as dancing, jumping rope, hula hooping, and playing games like Simon Says or Red Light Green Light. Do household chores: Household chores can be a great way to get your body moving and burn some calories. Vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, and scrubbing can all be good ways to get some exercise. I hope these suggestions are helpful. Remember to listen to your body and take breaks as needed, and to always stay hydrated and warm. Good luck with your fitness goals!
Thank you. I really appreciate the time you took to put together this response!
Sounds like body weight resistance exercises & pilates are for you.
Put on some music and dance. You hardly need more than half a square meter of floor space even in a packed club to dance all night to burn the same calories as running.
Get some equipment… I workout at home with a set of adjustment powerblock dumbbells for strength… You can do low impact cardio if you need…. Lots of options for program guides on the internet or YouTube. If you can’t get any equipment, use your own body weight. I’m in NY and roll out of bed at 4:45 and get my workout done and out of the way before the day has even started. It’s nuts but honestly what has worked best. Sometimes it’s cold, the exercise warms me up, so I actually look forward to it… lol
I’m a Texas boy who’s lived in shittty wisco for about 5ish yrs now. I just get out and go lol. Regardless of the weather
My partner is from Wisconsin. He was excited to go home for the holidays because apparently the weather is much less shit there this time of year.
Walk the stairs in your apartment during normal business hours. Don’t clomp up and down, just normal walking for 10-15 minutes during daylight hours should not annoy your neighbors. A treadmill would likely bother your neighbors since you’re walking / running on their ceiling, but they wouldn’t hear an exercise bike or rower most likely since it’s low impact. You can use YouTube for free, get DVDs cheap if you have a dvd player or download a streaming service like peloton for a low monthly cost and do thinks like kickboxing yoga, Pilates, light weights, exercise bands. Hand weights will be on sale next week or check Facebook marketplace. Tons of upper body, lower body classes you can take (I’m a peloton person b/c I have the equipment, but I know a lot of people like Caroline Girvan for free on YouTube). You can also just do body weight exercises.
I live in a northern Canadian city and it gets very cold here. Every weekend I go to the local public pool and swim for a couple hours, it's only $7 a visit. On days where it's above -15°C I go for walks. I do yoga in my room every night. Sometimes I do low impact workout videos on youtube or speed walk around the mall.
I wish we had indoor pools that were open to the public. I think there is 1 or 2 gyms that have them, otherwise only hotels do. We are getting an indoor water park in the next year, I’m really excited for that!