Year: 2024

Reduce Barriers to Entry

Back in late 2018, my daily gym routine involved a 4:00 AM wake-up call and a brisk, mile-long walk to the gym. Once there, I’d find the one and only squat rack already occupied, which, for the amount I was paying, was not the ideal situation. While I enjoyed the early morning walk, its distance and lack of available equipment became significant deterrents.

In 2020, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I invested my annual gym budget in a squat rack and weights. Living in a snug two-bedroom semi-detached home in Leicester, my only viable training space was the small, partially covered carport outside. Not long after acquiring the squat rack, I invested in myself and signed up for Barbell Logic Online Coaching, logging over 700 workouts under the tutelage of Mac McGregor.

The global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns presented a silver lining. Optimal training conditions emerged as I lifted four times a week, with nothing but rest and eating in between, complemented by seemingly mandatory, at the time, Zoom meetings. Despite a lack of focus on ‘proper’ nutrition, my physical transformation during this period was enough for someone to comment, "Most people got fat and lazy over lockdown, but you managed to get jacked." While not entirely true, I was pleased with the compliment.

Stubborn Belligerence

Training outdoors in the UK, especially during the cold and wet winter months, is a unique challenge. Mental preparation became my ally, with a solid routine serving as the catalyst to kick-start motivation. If I could get my kit bag out and slip into my lifting shoes, I knew I’d find myself outside, ready to embrace the extra hard, voluntary hardship.

Facing snow, rain, and darkness at 6:30 AM on a Monday in mid-December after a Sunday retail shift was undeniably difficult. Tarps were enlisted after heavy rainfall, and black coffee became my warming companion on frosty mornings. The mantra of becoming "a little bit better" propelled me forward, even when the weather seemed insurmountable.

Cold therapy seems to be all the rage at the moment. This practice has gained popularity for its ability to reduce inflammation, alleviate muscle soreness, and promote overall recovery. Add to this doing exercise in the cold, and you are boosting your immune system, improving mood, and burning more calories.

As for tips for getting out there when you’d rather be in bed…

• Discipline is better than motivation.
• Preparation is key. Have your kit ready to go the evening before.
• Break things down into smaller steps.
  • Get up.
  • Get dressed.
  • Get my lifting shoes on.
  • Make coffee.
  • Unlock the door… you get the idea.
• Have some lighting. I have 2x30W LED floodlights which make it a lot easier to see what I’m doing.
• If it’s super cold, trousers are better than shorts. This has the added benefit of sneaking in a push press or two, rather than strict, without your coach noticing if the trousers are baggy enough.
• Take extra warm-up sets. I often double up my warm-up sets if it’s cold out.
• Be a little bit sadistic. If you revel in misery, then the whole winter training experience is already up your street.
• Remember why you started in the first place… Only you know why you’re doing it.

The main thing for me here is that I don’t want to skip training. I’ve made a financial investment in myself and feel that if I don’t use what I’ve got, then I’ve wasted an opportunity.

Maintenance

Maintaining an outdoor gym in the UK comes with its challenges. Aware that leaving metal outside leads to rust, I became liberal with WD40 and diligent about wiping down equipment when wet. Accepting the inevitable rust, I recognized that occasional maintenance, involving a wire brush and a coat of Hammerite, was a small price to pay for the freedom of outdoor workouts.

I also managed to get hold of ‘extra-curricular’ equipment that doesn’t mind the weather. A 100kg tractor tire has been my most interesting find. An old beer keg filled to 40kg and a selection of sandbags ranging from 20 to 100kg require little to no maintenance and make conditioning sessions more interesting for me and, I assume, for Mac as he programs more and more sadistic workouts.

Top tips for outdoor gym maintenance:

• Keep an eye on your kit. Check for loose bolts, nuts, etc., then touch up the rusty spots with Hammerite. This will also keep them looking good for longer.
• Occasionally treat everything to a good squirt of WD40. This keeps water at bay and allows things that need to be moving to keep moving.
• If you can, keep things dry. I have a couple of 3×3 tarps covering the carport and a little off the back to keep the majority of the rain off. Things will still get wet, but not nearly as bad.
• Keep your good stuff in the house! My main ATX bar lives in the kitchen when it’s not in use. This keeps it dry and also stops my hand from freezing to it if it’s cold enough.
• Stay tidy. The wind can pick up a fair bit where I live, and there are always leaves blowing about. I sweep out my lifting area before every session, sometimes even during.
• Finally, like most gyms, "wipe down the equipment after use."

Voluntary Hardship

In the realm of fitness, where routines often falter, my journey with outdoor workouts stands as a testament to resilience and adaptability. Shifting from the gym to a carport was a game-changer both mentally and physically.

The embrace of voluntary hardship against the elements is a shared experience for those who’ve faced the temptation to stay indoors on tough mornings. Discipline over motivation, mental preparation, and a solid routine became my allies in overcoming reluctance. Then, when it’s really hammering it down, go out and get wet! Once you’re done, you’ll feel better for it.

May we all find inspiration in the unwavering dedication to thrive amidst the elements, not just in fitness but in the broader context of life.