[rfc3092]

Gym is important to set a body routine and get it used to “flush” emotions out with sweat. Daily exercise when in vulnerable state is non-negotiable imo (but hard). Not everyone can afford to bike every day. Hence why I recommend gym first.

[Nursie]

> Not everyone can afford to bike every day. Hence why I recommend gym first.

Err....

Are we talking about affording in time? Because from where I'm sitting once you have a bike it's free, where gyms need an ongoing subscription.

Plus if someone (like OP) works from home, getting on their bike is likely easier and lower-friction.

[rfc3092]

> Are we talking about affording in time?

Mostly weather. There are very few locations where “bike every day” is a reasonable statement. Consistency is key.

[akie]

If the people in the Netherlands can do it - where it's flat, windy, and rainy most of the time - then most people in the US can also do it. If it's too hot, go in the mornings.

[lotsofpulp]

Does the Netherlands have huge roads where everyone travels at 50mph+ in huge pickup trucks and SUVs with high hoods and drivers looking at their phones while driving?

Because that is what the majority of Americans deal with. Not to mention a significant majority deal with colder and or hotter and more humid weather. Obviously, it can be done, but the Netherlands is not the standard for low quality bicycling environments.

[Nursie]

That’s a matter of clothing and determination IMHO :)

But sure, I get it. Personally I can’t keep up gym habits because the boredom is just overwhelming. I find other forms of exercise easier to stick at. Each to their own.

[rfc3092]

There are many kinds of gyms and I’m sure you’d like some. But since we’re talking loneliness here I’d particularly recommend to check out (and hang for a while):

- bouldering gyms - circus - bodybuilding gyms - dancing studio - aikido/wrestling - boxing

If your idea of gym is 24Fitness, then yeah, it is very boring.