Moving to a flat in W1 a month ago has seen me inherit many of the challenges my clients face in getting fit when there are less than optimal facilities available. It would be easy if I worked in a gym, but I made the decision over two years ago to turn my back on mainstream gyms. So my recent comments on applying exercise economy to training programmes has proven timely as I make a few changes to my own training.
My postcode has little public green space that isn’t small and lacking privacy. A run can be frustrating along streets teeming with workers and tourists. Plus, I have given up a concrete yard in which I could weight train to my hearts content for downstairs neighbours that require a quieter time of it.
On top of all this, on some days my work schedule won’t permit me to travel outside the local area to an outdoors gym.
So, I have scoured the West End for street furniture I can use with a bodyweight programme and out-of-the-way steps and inclines that make a run more challenging. As I now live on the 4th floor, with no lift, my stairs have become an essential part of my cardio training. And, because I think I’d get a little self-conscious doing hamstring stretches on Oxford Street, I’ve brought my flexibility programme indoors into the front room.
Finally, when I can get to an outdoor gym, I make best use of the occasion. I use every piece of equipment I find to supplement my new, ‘urban’ workout. The key is programming home workouts that complement outdoor training in order to keep seeing results.
