Originally Posted by
daihard
Okay! The potential issue is the weather. Autumn/winter in Seattle is notorious for rain. While I do plan on keeping riding as much as I can during the rainy season, I'm afraid there will be days that I won't be able to. I was hoping that there are ways to make up for it at the gym.
You can walk on rain days. Rowan and I headed out for long, brisk walks several times a week during this past winter, even in the rain. Walking is good for the calves and bones, and if you get up a good pace and include some hills etc., it can be good for the cardio too.
Also +1 to the spinning classes suggestion. In addition to cycling outside and getting in lots of walking, if you join an intermediate to advanced 1-1.5 hour class 2x a week, you may improve your fitness level over the winter.
And when you go to the gym, ask them to take you through an introductory orientation session. Rather than us telling you to do this exercise and that exercise, have the staff at the gym walk you through what's possible with the equipment they have available.