Getting and Keeping in Trim

[Roaring Girl]

Months aboard on the hook or on passage really aren't that good for muscle strength outside a few upper body parts, and unless you're really dsciplined about rowing etc, it doens't do much for cardio either.

So we'd quite like a workout routine on the boat we can design for this summer's sailing. We can do quite a lot in terms of situps and so on, though we're a bit restricted for space. And the foredeck accommodates some pilates/conditioning type work.

Any thoughts on good routines/exercises that help to keep up condition and fitness when power walks etc aren't that easy to reach/

[mikeandrebecca]

This is what we like to use to keep in shape, on and off our boat:

YouTube - TRX at Sea

We also have some other ideas posted on our Blog...

Shipshape | Zero to Cruising!

Mike

[Roaring Girl]

Awesome! Truly.

I was thinking about a TRX - something I've only just met but amazingly versatile. I think I'm not going to reach your levels as there's not really 20 years in which I'm likely to be running a gym - but I've got in much better shape recently and want to keep it up.

We don't have the trampoline, not having two hulls, but reckon we could a lot on the foredeck. There's also room for quite a bit of Pilates which we've found really good for conditioning and balance.

Thanks for that.

[mikeandrebecca]

It can definitely be used on a monohull. Here is a pic of Rebecca doing a morning workout on a Hunter last year:



The somewhat unstable platform of a boat does make it even more challenging, and more fun.

Mike

[GordMay]

Swimming, or any of the various hydro-therapy or aqua-fit routines. Running & walking ashore?

[HHNTR111]

yoga...

[s/v Beth]

Interesting thread. I had originally planned on a dumbell on board. Now I am doing bunches of core exercises and thinking they may be the ticket for strength, with cardio either swimming or biking. In keeping with my KISS, I have a generator and wondering what a hour of biking to a generator would do for my power maintenance on my boat.
Hmmm....

[hummingway]

I looked into that idea a bit. Consensus seems to be about the best you can do is 50 watts on a properly designed pedal generator. Don't know if it would be worth it or not?

[Dockhead]

This conversation amazes me. You all are iron people, I guess. Just being on board is the best exercise I get. Running up and down the companionway a hundred times a day, handling lines (even though electric winches do the really heavy lifting), lifting and carrying around countless things, jumping in and out of the dink, hanging by my heels upside down into the engine space -- then in warm weather an hour or two of swimming, when on the hook -- I can't imagine that not being enough exercise for ANYONE, but I guess those are my low standards . . .

[Joli]

You guys are hard core. We keep in shape witih BEER!

[michaelmrc]

when im out achored out somewhere i always bring my little necky kayak love to paddle around exploring plus its a good workout.

[ViribusUnitis]

After all, ROUND is a shape!

[Livia]

Originally Posted by hummingway

I looked into that idea a bit. Consensus seems to be about the best you can do is 50 watts on a properly designed pedal generator. Don't know if it would be worth it or not?

If I may piggyback on your research, did you ever see a compact one?

[hummingway]

Human Power Generator -- Generate electricity yourself

[ConradG]

If you get into a few google searches on the topic you will see that they are pretty easy to build with 12 volt motors and diodes. They won't add all that much to a battery bank in an hour or two a day of cycling, but the leg workout can be there and there's a little more juice for the music! Or whatever...