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Comment by rorykoehler | Hacker News Reader

Try riding a bike if you're too heavy to run. I am naturally built for sprinting but I get huge satisfaction out of middle distance running. Over 5k and I start to feel as you described. I also enjoy lifting but it requires a partner, costs money to do and is inside, usually in a brightly lit artificial environment, so I only do it in the winter if at all. The bike on the other hand I can do for 6-8 hours no problem as long as I have enough food on board. I usually only do about 1-2 hours but I could really go for ever and always feel great afterwards. It just takes a little while to get used to sitting in the saddle. The first few rides might result in saddle soreness but after you get used it and buy a good set of shorts you'll never look back.

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Why does lifting require a partner? I've been lifting for ages now, and aside from requesting spots for bench (which most people are happy to do) I've always lifted alone.

Of course, it's different if you're constantly doing 1RMs, but I doubt your workout consists solely of that.

The most benefit comes from pushing the last almost impossible rep regardless of how many reps you are doing. I just don't feel safe without a spotter.

Just switch to bench press using dumbbells. It's safer, doesn't require a spotter, and encompasses a wider range of motion making it, arguably, a better all around exercise than bar bench press.

Off the top of my head I can't think of any other major exercises that require a spotter. Squats maybe? But for those you can just use a smith machine.

I used to only go to the gym when I had a friend to go with (this was back in college so it wasn't a huge pain). Starting to go by myself was the best change I ever made. Not being beholden to another's schedule for your own wellbeing is a glorious thing indeed.

Don't use a smith machine. Find a gym with (or buy) a proper squat rack with safety bars that you can adjust to the proper height if you do have to bail out of a squat.

With a smith machine, you don't get the full range of motion you have with real barbell squats - it's straight-line up and down. I also am not a fan of the twisting motion you need to perform to get the bar locked in.

I was a competitive swimmer growing up so I usually hit the pool when I feel like cardio.

Have also done a good amount of biking but haven't lived in an area that's safe for it in a while.

Putting your head beneath water also has a calming effect. And just listening to air bubbles while you're focusing in swimming technique is a great stress reliever (for me).

Lifting in a gym is not necessary. I get a fantastic workout by doing body weight training and lifting weighted sacks that I made with materials costing ~5$.

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