AND,,,,there's those rubber band kits,
the ones with handles. All kinds of ways to use those. They weigh, what, nothing.
the ones with handles. All kinds of ways to use those. They weigh, what, nothing.
Living aboard and working out
- Thread starter Franklin
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Be creative
Gotta agree with John S -- with all the lines, blocks, winches, etc. on board, there are countless possibilities for getting in a workout while on the boat. (And that's not even counting the cardio value of rowing or swimming.) Just think about it -- arm or shoulder exercises by raising the mainsail one pull of the halyard, and then letting it back down again. Three sets of 10-15 reps and you'll know you're getting a workout. Take a sail tie and make a foot or ankle strap to attach to a halyard or sheet and you can do leg exercises the same way. The key to it all, it seems to me, is being creative with the materials at hand. Think about which muscle group you want to focus on, figure out how to apply the resistance, and then hook up the necessary combination of lines, blocks, shackles, etc. Those gallon jugs of seawater are also great ways to improvise 8-lb dumbells. Want to see if you've really got the right stuff? Try the web site for the Texas A&M University-Galveston sailing team, which lays out an exercise program to make you "compete and feel comfortable with racing for four straight days in 20+ knots, emphasizing strength, endurance and flexibility..." Not all of the exercises are meant to be done aboard a cruising sailboat, but again, be creative with what's on hand. Most importantly, as a training partner of mine always says, "enjoy your workout." Pete 8-time marathoner s/v EmmieLou (ODay 322) Little Silver, NJ
Gotta agree with John S -- with all the lines, blocks, winches, etc. on board, there are countless possibilities for getting in a workout while on the boat. (And that's not even counting the cardio value of rowing or swimming.) Just think about it -- arm or shoulder exercises by raising the mainsail one pull of the halyard, and then letting it back down again. Three sets of 10-15 reps and you'll know you're getting a workout. Take a sail tie and make a foot or ankle strap to attach to a halyard or sheet and you can do leg exercises the same way. The key to it all, it seems to me, is being creative with the materials at hand. Think about which muscle group you want to focus on, figure out how to apply the resistance, and then hook up the necessary combination of lines, blocks, shackles, etc. Those gallon jugs of seawater are also great ways to improvise 8-lb dumbells. Want to see if you've really got the right stuff? Try the web site for the Texas A&M University-Galveston sailing team, which lays out an exercise program to make you "compete and feel comfortable with racing for four straight days in 20+ knots, emphasizing strength, endurance and flexibility..." Not all of the exercises are meant to be done aboard a cruising sailboat, but again, be creative with what's on hand. Most importantly, as a training partner of mine always says, "enjoy your workout." Pete 8-time marathoner s/v EmmieLou (ODay 322) Little Silver, NJ
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