Who is all for ditching the gym?

2016-06-11T21:56:03-04:00

For the better part of a 6 years, I have used my local gym as a training ground for passing my APFT. Don't get me wrong, I feel like I have seen some really good results from all the strength training and pretty cool cardio machines my gym has to offer, but I always felt like my running time was lacking. So, for the past month I have dedicated myself to running at least 2 miles every morning outside before work. Not only has this made me feel more physically fit, but it has improved my runtime exponentially. For the question I ask you all is, should I be leaving the gym altogether and just run outside, or should I just use the gym sporadically? I'm not much of a weightlifter at all, I'm mainly all about cardio.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2016 10:02 PM

2016-06-11T22:02:46-04:00

It's all about what works for you. I personally can't run on cardio equipment and improve my run time, I have to pound pavement. There is utility in doing various leg exercises in the gym (deadlift, squat, calf raises) to build muscular strength and endurance, in my opinion. But again, it's all about what works for you.

Response by SPC James Foster made Jun 11 at 2016 10:03 PM

2016-06-11T22:03:09-04:00

There's nothing wrong with going to the Gym and running outside. From my former unit, it was suggested that if that day your unit is cardio, then goto the gym to do other exercises.

Unit non-cardio, do cardio outside unit hours.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2016 10:04 PM

2016-06-11T22:04:19-04:00

You don't need the gym but you do need some resistance training. To improve my sit-up score while in, I'd do them on a decline bench without going below parallel. For pushups, do them with your kit on and focus on form. Leave the sloppy grinding reps for the APFT.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Jun 11 at 2016 10:11 PM

2016-06-11T22:11:47-04:00

I highly prefer to run outside of a gym since I get bored very quickly just looking at the same scenery throughout a run (such as the wall in front of a treadmill), but the gym is still useful. If nothing else it allows you to work out and run inside while inclement weather (I'm talking lightning as opposed to rainfall) is going on.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2016 10:14 PM

2016-06-11T22:14:47-04:00

running outside is definitely crucial, as that's the humidity and temperature you'll likely encounter on your PFT. however, I have found that the treadmill is fantastic for developing a consistent and fast pace. It's more work on your lungs, and less work on your legs. I like this because it means I can focus heavier on leg day than I would running outdoors.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jun 11 at 2016 10:22 PM

2016-06-11T22:22:30-04:00

It sounds in yr case like you are getting better results running outside. I would stick with what works and save the gym for days the weather does not cooperate, esp extremely hot or cold days. Running outside in Austin is a challenge tho because we are the allergy capitol of the world and there is never a lack of various pollens year around.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2016 10:36 PM

2016-06-11T22:36:01-04:00

Workouts like the deadlift and squat are crucial to improved run times. don't neglect the gym. That being said, I always do my running outdoors and my upper body/core improvement in the gym. I stay away from the cardio machines always.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2016 10:46 PM

2016-06-11T22:46:05-04:00

Work on what you need to improve. I could stand to improve my pushups, but it's the 2-mile run that kicks my butt every other APFT. It doesn't help me much to do a couple dozen situps, so when I have to train up, I make myself go running.

Response by SGT Robert George made Jun 11 at 2016 11:21 PM

2016-06-11T23:21:26-04:00

In a way I think you answered your own question run in the morning and maybe some of Sgt Jacqueems advice then the gym if conditions dont allow....

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2016 11:40 PM

2016-06-11T23:40:50-04:00

As many have said here, focus on what you need to focus and do what works best for you. Me, I have always equaled out my running and gym time. But like ive said and everyone else has said, it all depends on what works for you. I can say this, with most workouts, having a strong core helps out tremendously. Also try and focus on certain muscle groups. Defintly don't leave the gym all together though, because just push ups and sit ups alone will on sustain you, I saw it in a previous post, but resistance training in the gym, even using resistance bands at home when you don't have the time at the gym can help improve your performance.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2016 12:06 AM

2016-06-12T00:06:41-04:00

you can run and do 160 pushup and situps and avoid the gym.

Response by CW2 Stephen Pate made Jun 12 at 2016 12:18 AM

2016-06-12T00:18:34-04:00

I like to run a lot and do a bunch of body weight exercises. It'll never get me "buff", but I can still smoke myself anytime I want in the comfort of my living room or while running around my neighborhood. Gyms these days are too crowded with people taking selfies or just generally hanging out on machines and such. I have pretty much given up on them.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2016 12:21 AM

2016-06-12T00:21:37-04:00

There's no need to ditch the gym. Muscular strength and endurance is important to overall fitness. If you want to improve your cardio, just add that on top of your strength training. If you really want to crush your APFT and get 300+, go find one of those "crossfit" style rooms and do calisthenics. Youtube "Frank Medrano" if you need some motivation for doing calisthenics.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jun 12 at 2016 5:20 AM

2016-06-12T05:20:05-04:00

I ditched Gold's Gym in Mountain View CA and setup a home gym with Bowflex, Universal equipment and a Proform exercise bike. But I'm old school and think if you are able to run a few miles every day you don't need to spend countless hours in a gym every week and can workout at home instead.

Try it you just might like it..I was a Personal Trainer at Golds Gym for a lot of years and lost interest working with a bunch of MuscleHeads and Wannabe BodyBuilders . Most were on steroids and never met a mirror they didn't fall in love with.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2016 9:37 AM

2016-06-12T09:37:33-04:00

If you are just using the gym for cardio, then yes ditch it, running outside is much better. I believe resistance training, done with high enoug intensity can still help on your cardio as well

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2016 9:55 AM

2016-06-12T09:55:17-04:00

I personally love the gym. I love my back and bis day, my leg day, all those days. The cardio machine are great for learning how to pace. A treadmill can teach you pacing for the 2 mile time, but it's a controlled environment. The temperature, the incline or decline, even the stride of your run (the length of the belt) are controlled. Outside running has so many variables that it is known to improve cardiovascular strength and endurance. My wife runs 5-6 miles a day on a treadmill but outside she can only run 3. I say keep the gym training, and run outside

Response by SPC Allen DeMasi made Jun 12 at 2016 10:08 AM

2016-06-12T10:08:54-04:00

I honestly never liked the gym, however I just recently joined a class for martial arts, jeet kun do as, muy tia jujitsu and I have to admit its just like working out but for me its away for channeling anxiety it is great and I still get into shape

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2016 12:38 PM

2016-06-12T12:38:30-04:00

The only gym I hit is Jim Bean. That being said, I am a competitive runner so my running regime does more than enough to max my PT score. It isn't about hitting the gym, it is simply about maintaining some level of physical fitness be that from outdoor activity, crossfit, whatever it is that you enjoy and contributes to your overall health.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2016 9:10 PM

2016-06-12T21:10:29-04:00

APFT in truth proves nothing about a soldier. Push ups, sits ups, and a run... Passing that basically puts on paper that you are not a complete land mammoth in uniform.

Wanna max your APFT? Practice 2 minute drills as push ups and sit ups are just muscle memory anyway.

Run distance once a week (longer than 2miles... Like 5) the do short 30/60 sprints.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2016 9:15 PM

2016-06-12T21:15:42-04:00

Do both

Response by SGT Aaron Burks made Jun 12 at 2016 9:59 PM

2016-06-12T21:59:58-04:00

When I was able to run, I ran 3 miles a day on a treadmill. While I enjoyed running outside more, the advantage to going to the gym was that the treadmill offered a steady pace, it was all weather, so I never could use that as an excuse if I was feeling lazy, and I could control the grade. I always just felt (having run both outside and inside) that the treadmill offered much more regimented results. But in the end, everyone is different, so experiment and find what's best for you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 9:23 AM

2016-06-13T09:23:15-04:00

The best shape I was ever in was trying to lose weight to get into the Army. Using the knowledge I learned from that I now take a two-a-day approach. So if we run for PT in the mornings I lift weights in the gym in the afternoon. If we do some sort of push-up/sit-up drills I ride a stationary bike or run the roads after work when it cools down. My best running was low 13 minutes and my pushups suffered. I would say try to find a balance. But I am too tall if I don't lift I will turn into a spaghetti noodle.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Jun 13 at 2016 11:30 AM

2016-06-13T11:30:41-04:00

Ditching cardio at the gym, definitely. You should still be incorporating some strength training with your workouts, if you can do that effectively outside the gym, go for it. Just ensure you are getting well rounded workouts to increase your APFT efficency. Squats, deadlifts, and other leg workouts can help do wonders for increasing your run time, if you also have a solid cardiovascular workout regime. It really depends on your personal goals though, proper nutrition is essential regardless!

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 13 at 2016 1:38 PM

2016-06-13T13:38:53-04:00

I personally never use the gym for running. I physically can't do treadmills because I'm the guy that would trip over his own feet and fly backwards. I also prefer running distances. Running on a treadmill, I don't feel like I've ever accomplished anything. But if I run so many miles away from my house, I still have to run that distance to get back. Personally though, I always trained on the place I took the test. I don't know how it works in the Army, but in the Marines, I know exactly where we're taking the test, so I get used to the feel of the pullup bar on my trail. I measure how long it takes me to run specific intervals so I know whether to speed up or maintain my speed. I'll even do my crunches so I can get used to the feeling of the ground. There's always a mental component to these tests, so I train for the test to eliminate the mental component.