What's your workout?

[18IsTheMan]

With a full-time job 90 minutes from hom, a wife who works full time and 3 kids at home, my available time to work out has taken a nosedive in recent years. Where I used to be able to go 5 days a week for 90 minutes or more/day (easily 2 hours as a newlywed with no kids), it's become a struggle to make it just 3 days a week. Part of the issue is trying to hit every single muscle group plus do core and cardio. It's just not possible. When I try to do everything, it takes too long and I burn out b/c of the grind on the schedule and end up not going at all.

I've settled into a pretty decent routine of doing 3 miles on the treadmill, bench press, some type of curl, something for triceps and then some quick ab work. I'm able to knock this out in about an hour, which is about the max time I can get in with our family schedule and have been fairly consistent at getting there 3 days a week, sometimes 4. I'll probably mix it up at some point and substitute a back and shoulder lift for the biceps/triceps. The main thing is that the current regimen is sustainable. I can get the workout in after work without destroying the schedule for the rest of the evening.

I know it's not perfect, but I'm getting the legs some with cardio, upper body and arms and some core work. Will I ever be a physical specimen again? No. Long gone are the days of having a dedicated leg day, arm day, chest and back, shoulders etc. Just not close to feasible.

Curious what others on here do to get a workout in with a busy family/life schedule.

 

[Piscis]

No kids at home anymore but life seems to fill up the empty time. I swim laps three days a week and walk a couple miles the other days (very hilly neighborhood, good cardio workout). I'm looking more for being reasonably fit and in some semblance of shape than I am worried about being impressive to look at.

 

[18IsTheMan]

No kids at home anymore but life seems to fill up the empty time. I swim laps three days a week and walk a couple miles the other days (very hilly neighborhood, good cardio workout). I'm looking more for being reasonably fit and in some semblance of shape than I am worried about being impressive to look at.

Swimming's a great workout. Sadly, I never learned to be a very proficient swimmer.

 

[Piscis]

Swimming's a great workout. Sadly, I never learned to be a very proficient swimmer.

I was on the neighborhood swim team for years growing up so I'm a pretty good swimmer. I hate running (running is for fleeing and chasing in my opinion, not something to be done voluntarily) and weight lifting (years working construction as a teenager gave me all the lifting of heavy stuff I wanted), so swimming is a good workout and enjoyable for me. I enjoy walking, it is the best way to see the world and is low impact but good cardio.

Like I said, I'm not trying to be any sort of specimen. All I want is to be in decent shape and not look like a doughboy.

 

[JohnnySolo]

I remember when I was a newly wed and an older fella told me I'd go from 5 days a week to being lucky to make it a few times a week, if at all. Injuries in my late 30's and 40's derailed a lot. I'm almost 50 and go 1-3 times a week. My advice is to just do what you can and be happy with the time you do have. Don't over do it either. Before you know it you will be one of the older ones in the gym and things feel different.

 

[18IsTheMan]

I remember when I was a newly wed and an older fella told me I'd go from 5 days a week to being lucky to make it a few times a week, if at all. Injuries in my late 30's and 40's derailed a lot. I'm almost 50 and go 1-3 times a week. My advice is to just do what you can and be happy with the time you do have. Don't over do it either. Before you know it you will be one of the older ones in the gym and things feel different.

Ha, yup! I'm 47. I look at the younger bucks at the gym who are in their 20s, just taking their time, hitting every conceivable major and minor muscle group. I know they look at me and think "Poor old guy" and I just think "Just wait. Let's check back in 25 years."

 

[Viennacock]

With a full-time job 90 minutes from hom, a wife who works full time and 3 kids at home, my available time to work out has taken a nosedive in recent years. Where I used to be able to go 5 days a week for 90 minutes or more/day (easily 2 hours as a newlywed with no kids), it's become a struggle to make it just 3 days a week. Part of the issue is trying to hit every single muscle group plus do core and cardio. It's just not possible. When I try to do everything, it takes too long and I burn out b/c of the grind on the schedule and end up not going at all.

I've settled into a pretty decent routine of doing 3 miles on the treadmill, bench press, some type of curl, something for triceps and then some quick ab work. I'm able to knock this out in about an hour, which is about the max time I can get in with our family schedule and have been fairly consistent at getting there 3 days a week, sometimes 4. I'll probably mix it up at some point and substitute a back and shoulder lift for the biceps/triceps. The main thing is that the current regimen is sustainable. I can get the workout in after work without destroying the schedule for the rest of the evening.

I know it's not perfect, but I'm getting the legs some with cardio, upper body and arms and some core work. Will I ever be a physical specimen again? No. Long gone are the days of having a dedicated leg day, arm day, chest and back, shoulders etc. Just not close to feasible.

Curious what others on here do to get a workout in with a busy family/life schedule.

I play tennis at least 4 times per week in the off-season. I coach a high school sport so I work out and play with the boys 3-6 days per week in-season. In addition, i do a long walk with my dog in the morning. My place of employment has a gym so I do weights 3 days per week.

I get more than my share of cardio but it's wearing down my legs.

If you have kids, I highly recommend coaching and/or working out with them. Don't use your job or kids as an excuse not to get out. I started playing tennis with my boys when they were 5. Still playing with them 15 years later. Prior to 5, I pushed them around in a stroller while I golfed or when I did a daily run.

 

[18IsTheMan]

I play tennis at least 4 times per week in the off-season. I coach a high school sport so I work out and play with the boys 3-6 days per week in-season. In addition, i do a long walk with my dog in the morning. My place of employment has a gym so I do weights 3 days per week.

I get more than my share of cardio but it's wearing down my legs.

If you have kids, I highly recommend coaching and/or working out with them. Don't use your job or kids as an excuse not to get out. I started playing tennis with my boys when they were 5. Still playing with them 15 years later. Prior to 5, I pushed them around in a stroller while I golfed or when I did a daily run.

Wow...that sounds great! Good tips. I used to love playing tennis.....extremely amateurishly. We are fixing move to a lower cost of living area so my wife can work part time. I'd definitely like to pick up tennis again. Also used to really love racquetball.

I had kids on the late side, but one benefit (I think) is that they keep me active.

 

[Viennacock]

Wow...that sounds great! Good tips. I used to love playing tennis.....extremely amateurishly. We are fixing move to a lower cost of living area so my wife can work part time. I'd definitely like to pick up tennis again. Also used to really love racquetball.

I had kids on the late side, but one benefit (I think) is that they keep me active.

Same here. I had my kids late. I am in my 50's and have several kids still in school. Certainly keeps me active. I am a 4.0-4.5 tennis player. It has taken every bit of 15 years to get there. I have peaked and am on my way down.

Tennis is a very underrated sport for adults and kids. I told each of my kids they had to take up one life-long sport. They all choose tennis but only one plays it as their #1 sport. All three have passed me : )

 

[Piscis]

Ha, yup! I'm 47. I look at the younger bucks at the gym who are in their 20s, just taking their time, hitting every conceivable major and minor muscle group. I know they look at me and think "Poor old guy" and I just think "Just wait. Let's check back in 25 years."

Wait until you are 64. The young guys don't even look at you. I guess being "invisible" is a benefit.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Wait until you are 64. The young guys don't even look at you. I guess being "invisible" is a benefit.

Well, I don't have moobs yet, so that's a plus.

 

[Sweetwatergolf]

With a full-time job 90 minutes from hom, a wife who works full time and 3 kids at home, my available time to work out has taken a nosedive in recent years. Where I used to be able to go 5 days a week for 90 minutes or more/day (easily 2 hours as a newlywed with no kids), it's become a struggle to make it just 3 days a week. Part of the issue is trying to hit every single muscle group plus do core and cardio. It's just not possible. When I try to do everything, it takes too long and I burn out b/c of the grind on the schedule and end up not going at all.

I've settled into a pretty decent routine of doing 3 miles on the treadmill, bench press, some type of curl, something for triceps and then some quick ab work. I'm able to knock this out in about an hour, which is about the max time I can get in with our family schedule and have been fairly consistent at getting there 3 days a week, sometimes 4. I'll probably mix it up at some point and substitute a back and shoulder lift for the biceps/triceps. The main thing is that the current regimen is sustainable. I can get the workout in after work without destroying the schedule for the rest of the evening.

I know it's not perfect, but I'm getting the legs some with cardio, upper body and arms and some core work. Will I ever be a physical specimen again? No. Long gone are the days of having a dedicated leg day, arm day, chest and back, shoulders etc. Just not close to feasible.

Curious what others on here do to get a workout in with a busy family/life schedule.

That's impressive. Don't know how you have time for all that and post on here as much as I see. I do what I can in between other things in life I have to deal with.

 

[Anon1742573506]

I have developed a pretty good routine when I can stick to it. Don't go to the gym but have about 200 lb of weight at home. Monday-bulgarian split squats/ calf raises/bent rows and something for abs. Tues- incline curls/tricep extensions/floor flys/overhead press. Wed- run 2 or 3 miles. Then repeat. Sunday off. Only 2 sets of each but they're intense. 2 minute rest between. Usually takes 30-40 minutes. Google AthleanX. He had tons of great workouts and not the typical meathead.

 

[JohnnySolo]

Low weight-high rep. That seems to be what keeps me from being in pain. Bad pain, not good pain. I love a good sore.
I coached my kids from 3-12 in baseball. The last thing I did that I'm proud of was get my kids involved in the gym. My oldest is a Jr in HS and already stronger than I ever was. No one will ever give me credit, but I laid the ground work and showed him how to do everything properly and how to have a plan. I'm now working on my youngest son. So I agree with getting involved with your kids. Could be the last thing you do that has a positive effect on their lives.

 

[LazyIslander]

I bought a Tonal 4 years ago... absolute game changer having this machine in the house. Best $ I ever spent.
www.tonal.com

 

[Viennacock]

Low weight-high rep. That seems to be what keeps me from being in pain. Bad pain, not good pain. I love a good sore.
I coached my kids from 3-12 in baseball. The last thing I did that I'm proud of was get my kids involved in the gym. My oldest is a Jr in HS and already stronger than I ever was. No one will ever give me credit, but I laid the ground work and showed him how to do everything properly and how to have a plan. I'm now working on my youngest son. So I agree with getting involved with your kids. Could be the last thing you do that has a positive effect on their lives.

Same here. Kids never give dad credit. Maybe one day...

Certainly won't be the last thing you do to have a positive impact. Give yourself some credit.

 

[Skuddy]

Same here. I had my kids late. I am in my 50's and have several kids still in school. Certainly keeps me active. I am a 4.0-4.5 tennis player. It has taken every bit of 15 years to get there. I have peaked and am on my way down.

Tennis is a very underrated sport for adults and kids. I told each of my kids they had to take up one life-long sport. They all choose tennis but only one plays it as their #1 sport. All three have passed me : )

Tennis is definitely an underrated sport. I wish I had learned at some point, but I do have around 250k invested in tennis lessons, tournaments, etc for my kids. One of them did become an NCAA All American so there is something to show for all that money.

 

[Lurker123]

Swimming. Im in my 50's, and I intend to keep it up for decades more. Low impact, Great workout.

Only downside are the sharks.

 

[Viennacock]

Tennis is definitely an underrated sport. I wish I had learned at some point, but I do have around 250k invested in tennis lessons, tournaments, etc for my kids. One of them did become an NCAA All American so there is something to show for all that money.

Wow! Impressive. Tennis opens a lot of doors.

My entire family plays. My boys are all very good players. My oldest was a top junior tennis player and golfer but decided individual sports weren't for him. He is playing baseball in college. My middle son will play tennis in college. The level he plays will be determined over the next year. My youngest was the #2 ranked player in SC for his age group as of last year. Like my oldest, he decided he doesn't want to play in college. He is trying to follow in his older brothers footsteps. He is a much better tennis player than baseball player. I would give my left nut to play a college sport. Drives me crazy but I let them make their own decisions. Maybe he'll change his mind.

As you know, Jr tennis is brutal. Expensive, individual, cut-throat are three words that come to mind.

 

[Skuddy]

Wow! Impressive. Tennis opens a lot of doors.

My entire family plays. My boys are all very good players. My oldest was a top junior tennis player and golfer but decided individual sports weren't for him. He is playing baseball in college. My middle son will play tennis in college. The level he plays will be determined over the next year. My youngest was the #2 ranked player in SC for his age group as of last year. Like my oldest, he decided he doesn't want to play in college. He is trying to follow in his older brothers footsteps. He is a much better tennis player than baseball player. I would give my left nut to play a college sport. Drives me crazy but I let them make their own decisions. Maybe he'll change his mind.

As you know, Jr tennis is brutal. Expensive, individual, cut-throat are three words that come to mind.

Junior tennis is absolutely brutal from so many angles. I miss seeing them play as kids, etc but all of the other BS that goes along with it, I wouldn't want to do that again.

And the parents......OMG!! That was probably the worst part.

Good luck to you and your kids!

 

[Viennacock]

Junior tennis is absolutely brutal from so many angles. I miss seeing them play as kids, etc but all of the other BS that goes along with it, I wouldn't want to do that again.

And the parents......OMG!! That was probably the worst part.

Good luck to you and your kids!

Yes. Lot's of brats and cheaters. When you see the way their parents act, you understand why they act that way.

I walk away when my kids play one of these boys. Hard to bite my tongue.

 

[Uscg1984]

My philosophy on workouts kind follows the old advice about jobs that said if you find a job you enjoy, then you never work a day in your life. At 52 years old, I would much rather go on a hike, walk 9 holes of golf, play some pick-up basketball, or enjoy some other activity that requires movement and athleticism than actually "work out" in a gym. Of course, if you actually enjoy working out in a gym, then you've got it made.

Having said that, sometimes, especially during the winter, "workouts" are a necessary evil. My fitness calendar year mostly revolves around elk hunting, with the goal of being in my peak physical shape by the start of archery season in September. I don't think there is any workout regime that can adequately prepare you for a multi-mile packout of an elk from the backcountry (especially at my age), but you can at least get yourself in good enough shape that you aren't already exhausted by the time you get to where the elk are (and then come back to that same spot or an even more remote spot the next day, and the next, and so forth). In the winter, if I can't get out and do some snowshoe hiking or something like that, my workouts typically involve 2-3 miles on the elyptical with a little bit of curls, benchpresses, pull-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups along with going several "rounds" with a heavy bag. I do this 4 - 5 times a week, mixing up the frequency and amounts of each activity. I'm not trying to work every muscle group with this workout, gain a body-builder's body, or train for a marathon - it's just to keep my body from turning into flab during the winter months.

As it gets warmer and I can get outside more, that's when the fun starts. I have the luxury of having several nice hiking trails along my commute home from work, so a couple of times a week, I'll throw on a pack filled with different amounts of weight and get 3-4 miles under my boots on the way home, usually with 500 - 1000 feet of elevation gain. I'm also a member of an archery club that has an excellent 3D range over a 1.7 mile loop with about 300 feet of elevation gain. I try to do this loop at least once a week through the summer, at various speeds and while carrying various weight. It makes for a decent workout but is also excellent archery practice, especially for simulating shots while breathing hard. Finally, I try to walk 9 holes of golf at least twice a week during the summer. This usually works out to about 3.4 miles at my local course. As the summer goes on, I tend to spend more and more time in the woods scouting for elk, especially on the weekend, which can amount to 8 - 15 miles of hiking over a couple of days, usually with 20 - 30 lbs on my back.

Nobody is going to mistake me for a Navy Seal, but I think staying active in this way keeps me better fit than the vast majority of guys my age. More importantly, it puts me in the best possible place physically to undertake one of my favorite activites. Unfortunately, I have to do most of my hunting solo, but when I do grab a hunting partner, it's almost always somebody about 20 years younger than me because the guys my age can't keep up.

 

[3USC1801]

My philosophy on workouts kind follows the old advice about jobs that said if you find a job you enjoy, then you never work a day in your life. At 52 years old, I would much rather go on a hike, walk 9 holes of golf, play some pick-up basketball, or enjoy some other activity that requires movement and athleticism than actually "work out" in a gym. Of course, if you actually enjoy working out in a gym, then you've got it made.

Having said that, sometimes, especially during the winter, "workouts" are a necessary evil. My fitness calendar year mostly revolves around elk hunting, with the goal of being in my peak physical shape by the start of archery season in September. I don't think there is any workout regime that can adequately prepare you for a multi-mile packout of an elk from the backcountry (especially at my age), but you can at least get yourself in good enough shape that you aren't already exhausted by the time you get to where the elk are (and then come back to that same spot or an even more remote spot the next day, and the next, and so forth). In the winter, if I can't get out and do some snowshoe hiking or something like that, my workouts typically involve 2-3 miles on the elyptical with a little bit of curls, benchpresses, pull-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups along with going several "rounds" with a heavy bag. I do this 4 - 5 times a week, mixing up the frequency and amounts of each activity. I'm not trying to work every muscle group with this workout, gain a body-builder's body, or train for a marathon - it's just to keep my body from turning into flab during the winter months.

As it gets warmer and I can get outside more, that's when the fun starts. I have the luxury of having several nice hiking trails along my commute home from work, so a couple of times a week, I'll throw on a pack filled with different amounts of weight and get 3-4 miles under my boots on the way home, usually with 500 - 1000 feet of elevation gain. I'm also a member of an archery club that has an excellent 3D range over a 1.7 mile loop with about 300 feet of elevation gain. I try to do this loop at least once a week through the summer, at various speeds and while carrying various weight. It makes for a decent workout but is also excellent archery practice, especially for simulating shots while breathing hard. Finally, I try to walk 9 holes of golf at least twice a week during the summer. This usually works out to about 3.4 miles at my local course. As the summer goes on, I tend to spend more and more time in the woods scouting for elk, especially on the weekend, which can amount to 8 - 15 miles of hiking over a couple of days, usually with 20 - 30 lbs on my back.

Nobody is going to mistake me for a Navy Seal, but I think staying active in this way keeps me better fit than the vast majority of guys my age. More importantly, it puts me in the best possible place physically to undertake one of my favorite activites. Unfortunately, I have to do most of my hunting solo, but when I do grab a hunting partner, it's almost always somebody about 20 years younger than me because the guys my age can't keep up.

I’m tired and out of breath just reading this! Kudos to you! And I envy your elk hunting. . . packing out the meat can be brutal, especially in “walk-in only” areas.

 

[Lurker123]

My philosophy on workouts kind follows the old advice about jobs that said if you find a job you enjoy, then you never work a day in your life. At 52 years old, I would much rather go on a hike, walk 9 holes of golf, play some pick-up basketball, or enjoy some other activity that requires movement and athleticism than actually "work out" in a gym. Of course, if you actually enjoy working out in a gym, then you've got it made.

Having said that, sometimes, especially during the winter, "workouts" are a necessary evil. My fitness calendar year mostly revolves around elk hunting, with the goal of being in my peak physical shape by the start of archery season in September. I don't think there is any workout regime that can adequately prepare you for a multi-mile packout of an elk from the backcountry (especially at my age), but you can at least get yourself in good enough shape that you aren't already exhausted by the time you get to where the elk are (and then come back to that same spot or an even more remote spot the next day, and the next, and so forth). In the winter, if I can't get out and do some snowshoe hiking or something like that, my workouts typically involve 2-3 miles on the elyptical with a little bit of curls, benchpresses, pull-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups along with going several "rounds" with a heavy bag. I do this 4 - 5 times a week, mixing up the frequency and amounts of each activity. I'm not trying to work every muscle group with this workout, gain a body-builder's body, or train for a marathon - it's just to keep my body from turning into flab during the winter months.

As it gets warmer and I can get outside more, that's when the fun starts. I have the luxury of having several nice hiking trails along my commute home from work, so a couple of times a week, I'll throw on a pack filled with different amounts of weight and get 3-4 miles under my boots on the way home, usually with 500 - 1000 feet of elevation gain. I'm also a member of an archery club that has an excellent 3D range over a 1.7 mile loop with about 300 feet of elevation gain. I try to do this loop at least once a week through the summer, at various speeds and while carrying various weight. It makes for a decent workout but is also excellent archery practice, especially for simulating shots while breathing hard. Finally, I try to walk 9 holes of golf at least twice a week during the summer. This usually works out to about 3.4 miles at my local course. As the summer goes on, I tend to spend more and more time in the woods scouting for elk, especially on the weekend, which can amount to 8 - 15 miles of hiking over a couple of days, usually with 20 - 30 lbs on my back.

Nobody is going to mistake me for a Navy Seal, but I think staying active in this way keeps me better fit than the vast majority of guys my age. More importantly, it puts me in the best possible place physically to undertake one of my favorite activites. Unfortunately, I have to do most of my hunting solo, but when I do grab a hunting partner, it's almost always somebody about 20 years younger than me because the guys my age can't keep up.

Strongly agree on finding something you enjoy. In my experience, when it becomes a chore, it doesnt last as long. When I'm enjoying a type of workout, i stick with it much better.

 

[Piscis]

Wow! Impressive. Tennis opens a lot of doors.

My entire family plays. My boys are all very good players. My oldest was a top junior tennis player and golfer but decided individual sports weren't for him. He is playing baseball in college. My middle son will play tennis in college. The level he plays will be determined over the next year. My youngest was the #2 ranked player in SC for his age group as of last year. Like my oldest, he decided he doesn't want to play in college. He is trying to follow in his older brothers footsteps. He is a much better tennis player than baseball player. I would give my left nut to play a college sport. Drives me crazy but I let them make their own decisions. Maybe he'll change his mind.

As you know, Jr tennis is brutal. Expensive, individual, cut-throat are three words that come to mind.

Best friend's daughter was a nationally ranked Jr. tennis player in Atlanta. She was so into tennis, she did the home school route so she would have more time for tennis. The mother was totally obsessed about her tennis career. There is no telling how much money was spent on coaches, equipment, travel, clothes, etc.. I think the mother was certain the girl was going to go on to a lucrative professional career.

The professional career never happened. She was a very good player but was short (around 5'4") and no part of her game was really overpowering. When she got to about age 16 and wasn't dominating opponents in every tournament, I knew a successful pro career probably wasn't in the cards. Of course, I never shared my thoughts with her parents.

She had several scholarship offers and ended up playing at Georgia tech on a full ride tennis scholarship. Her father and I laugh about the full ride at tech being the most expensive college education ever when you consider how much he spent on tennis for 10-15 years leading up to college.

 

[Viennacock]

Best friend's daughter was a nationally ranked Jr. tennis player in Atlanta. She was so into tennis, she did the home school route so she would have more time for tennis. The mother was totally obsessed about her tennis career. There is no telling how much money was spent on coaches, equipment, travel, clothes, etc.. I think the mother was certain the girl was going to go on to a lucrative professional career.

The professional career never happened. She was a very good player but was short (around 5'4") and no part of her game was really overpowering. When she got to about age 16 and wasn't dominating opponents in every tournament, I knew a successful pro career probably wasn't in the cards. Of course, I never shared my thoughts with her parents.

She had several scholarship offers and ended up playing at Georgia tech on a full ride tennis scholarship. Her father and I laugh about the full ride at tech being the most expensive college education ever when you consider how much he spent on tennis for 10-15 years leading up to college.

For sure. I know several families that pay $40k+ per year for their 12 year olds to go to a full time academy, including room and board. It's crazy. They all think their kids will play pro one day.

Luckily my kids have no desire to go to an academy or spend 10's of thousands of dollars for travel baseball. If you have talent, good work ethics etc., there are far less expensive paths to play in college. My oldest played some low cost travel ball but hated it. He quit travel and only played high school and legion ball his last 4 years of high school. Colleges will find you.

 

[Go Gamecocks]

Low weight-high rep.

Yep, especially for older folks. I target 12-15 reps/set. Always warm up. Almost all of my first sets, my tendons scream (yes it hurts)....then they warm up. It sometimes takes 2 full sets before they warm up.

I'm 70, still go to the gym and lift, hike, & bike. I now have an e-bike due to so many hills where I live, but it still moves the blood.

I can only say this: Watch your weight and take care of your hips & knees. Avoid heavy squats....they will wear out your joints.
Way too many people 60+ are not mobile due to too being over weight or having worn out their joints.
Most my friends in my age group can barely walk.

 

[18IsTheMan]

For sure. I know several families that pay $25k+ per year for their 12 year olds to go to a full time academy, including room and board. It's crazy. They all think their kids will play pro one day.

Luckily my kids have no desire to go to an academy or spend 10's of thousands of dollars for travel baseball. If you have talent, good work ethics etc., there are far less expensive paths to play in college. My oldest played some low cost travel ball but hated it. He quit travel and only played high school and legion ball his last 4 years of high school. Colleges will find you.

It's insane that American parents will literally dump tens of thousands of dollars (or more) and give away YEARS of their lives hauling kids around for travel sports.

Meanwhile, kids growing in poverty in Latin America countries, playing baseball with cardboard gloves and no shoes, end up making it to the pros.

 

[Viennacock]

It's insane that American parents will literally dump tens of thousands of dollars (or more) and give away YEARS of their lives hauling kids around for travel sports.

Meanwhile, kids growing in poverty in Latin America countries, playing baseball with cardboard gloves and no shoes, end up making it to the pros.

My amount was incorrect. It's much higher for full time.

To me, these academies are even worse than travel. Parents rarely see their kids and they are growing up with non-family. Travel and academies are money grab. They now have academies for just about every sport.

 

[Go Gamecocks]

With a full-time job 90 minutes from hom

You can do lunges anywhere that there's padding on the floor. They are like 1 legged squats with less risk of hernia or causing hemmoroids (those are real).
I've done lunges in a motel room.
Also climbing stairs rocks! If you can 2 at a time that makes it a better workout.

 

[18IsTheMan]

You can do lunges anywhere that there's padding on the floor. They are like 1 legged squats with less risk of hernia or causing hemmoroids (those are real).
I've done lunges in a motel room.
Also climbing stairs rocks! If you can 2 at a time that makes it a better workout.

You're right about the stairs. My office is on the 5th floor, so I should do that more often.

I used to have a routine of doing 200 pushups a day and that's easy enough to do anywhere, but I fell out of that.

 

[18IsTheMan]

My amount was incorrect. It's much higher for full time.

To me, these academies are even worse than travel. Parents rarely see their kids and they are growing up with non-family. Travel and academies are money grab. They now have academies for just about every sport.

Good point on the academies. I don't care if my kid was the second coming of Babe Ruth and Shohei Ohtani rolled into one. Zero percent chance I'd ship him off to live somewhere else apart from us.

These vultures have succeeded in creating a totally unnecessary industry. Long before travel ball, kids grew up, stayed at home, played little league and high school baseball and went pro.

Travel soccer is huge around here. I know families who basically never get a weekend. They're taking Fridays off work to travel down to NC or further or up to NJ or NY (we live in MD). One family I know does it all and the dad admits that his daughter is probably doing DII at best. I just don't see the benefit of it. Even though I'd never do it, I guess I could understand a parent being lured into it if their kid happened to be some king of generational talent. But to do it all knowing that the path is leading to DII at best and a partial scholarship? Bonkers.

 

[Viennacock]

Good point on the academies. I don't care if my kid was the second coming of Babe Ruth and Shohei Ohtani rolled into one. Zero percent chance I'd ship him off to live somewhere else apart from us.

These vultures have succeeded in creating a totally unnecessary industry. Long before travel ball, kids grew up, stayed at home, played little league and high school baseball and went pro.

Travel soccer is huge around here. I know families who basically never get a weekend. They're taking Fridays off work to travel down to NC or further or up to NJ or NY (we live in MD). One family I know does it all and the dad admits that his daughter is probably doing DII at best. I just don't see the benefit of it. Even though I'd never do it, I guess I could understand a parent being lured into it if their kid happened to be some king of generational talent. But to do it all knowing that the path is leading to DII at best and a partial scholarship? Bonkers.

I would consider travel / tournaments on the weekends if my kids wanted this, but they don't. I know a lot of boys that either play baseball or tennis every weekend. Traveling several hours minimum. Most of them hate it. It's for the parents, not them.


Some of these tennis players want to play high school tennis. Their pros, academies, or parents won't allow them. The academies dictate when they play and where. Let kids be kids. Let kids take the lead on what they want to do. We have never told our kids no, because it's not what they wanted. We would have certainly said no to academies but would have been open to local travel / tournaments. My boys have always embraced rec ball, high school ball and legion. Fortunately, not much travel or $$.

 

[JohnnySolo]

It's insane that American parents will literally dump tens of thousands of dollars (or more) and give away YEARS of their lives hauling kids around for travel sports.

Meanwhile, kids growing in poverty in Latin America countries, playing baseball with cardboard gloves and no shoes, end up making it to the pros.

Sure its insane when you compare it to sports of the 80's and 90's, but it is the norm now. I don't have to like it, but it is what it is. I just bought another bat for my son that plays HS baseball. Bats are anywhere from $350 - $450. Try telling your son who's been playing varsity baseball since 10th grade that you got his bat from Walmart. I'm sure I dumped loads of money at both my kids playing travel baseball for all those years, but we did enjoy some parts of it. We had good parents with us some of those years and some years we had terrible parents. That's life now. I wish my parents would have supported my sports journey as much as I support my kids.

 

[Jimcop]

I'M 69 and a retired teacher/coach. I walk 5-7 miles a day and do100 pushups a day. I'd rather be running but some lower back issues won't allow it anymore. I want to add swimming this summer but I think the real issue for me is diet.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Sure its insane when you compare it to sports of the 80's and 90's, but it is the norm now. I don't have to like it, but it is what it is. I just bought another bat for my son that plays HS baseball. Bats are anywhere from $350 - $450. Try telling your son who's been playing varsity baseball since 10th grade that you got his bat from Walmart. I'm sure I dumped loads of money at both my kids playing travel baseball for all those years, but we did enjoy some parts of it. We had good parents with us some of those years and some years we had terrible parents. That's life now. I wish my parents would have supported my sports journey as much as I support my kids.

It's all certainly a personal choice. If you do it simply b/c you enjoy it, then go for it.

It's the parents who do it b/c they think it gives their kids a shot at going pro or something who are fooling themselves. Fewer than 2% of high school baseball players end up on D1 scholarship. Of those, only 5.1% make it to MLB.

I guess it boils down to why you're doing it. It sounds like you just enjoy it, which is great if it's something y'all just enjoy doing as a family. But I know parents who are stressed and frazzled by all the travel ball stuff, but they feel compelled to do it, holding out for some pipe dream for their kid.

 

[JohnnySolo]

D1 isn't the end all be all. Juco and all other divisions give kids a chance to play baseball and get a degree. I'd say most kids that play 5A baseball in this state has the opportunity to play after HS.

There are several stories of MLB players that didn't hit their stride until after HS. I'll support my kids athletically until they decide it's time to stop.

I never want to look back and realize I didn't help my kids as much as I should or could have in their childhood dreams. Lord knows I wish my parents would have pushed a little more.

 

[Piscis]

D1 isn't the end all be all. Juco and all other divisions give kids a chance to play baseball and get a degree. I'd say most kids that play 5A baseball in this state has the opportunity to play after HS.

There are several stories of MLB players that didn't hit their stride until after HS. I'll support my kids athletically until they decide it's time to stop.

I never want to look back and realize I didn't help my kids as much as I should or could have in their childhood dreams. Lord knows I wish my parents would have pushed a little more.

Kids sports has become a huge industry in the past 30 years. The clinics, private coaches, camps, leagues and academies are raking in billions by selling parents the dream of their kid becoming a professional athlete. The parents are believing what they want to believe, not what their eyes are showing them and their mind is telling them.

Little Johnny goes to a sports camp put on by a private coach or kids league. All during the camp, the coach is in the parent's ear telling them their kid has the talent but "needs someone to work with him to get him to the next level". Guess what? That same coach is "willing to take Johnny on" as a private client. Now, Johnny is going to the private coach's facility a couple days a week and the coach is telling the parent how great Johnny is doing. Johnny is told how good he is and the parents do whatever it takes to get him on the best travel team in the area. Now, everyone involved is fully assimilated into the sport world. Johnny no longer has Summer vacation, Summer is for camps and travel ball. The school year is built around school sports, private coaching sessions and more travel ball. Johnny is a very good player but isn't anything special but the feedback loop of praise from the private coach, school coach and living in the travel ball/sport parent bubble convinces Johnny and his parents that he is MLB/NFL/NBA/PGA/USTA bound. When Johnny isn't the best player on the field/court and isn't playing full time, the fault lies with the coach and internal team politics. It certainly isn't because Johnny isn't as good as they have been told and have been telling themselves.

Parents are spending tens of thousands a year chasing THEIR dream of Johnny in whatever the big leagues are for his sport. Meanwhile, Johnny hasn't had any sort of normal childhood and his only "friends" are his travel ball teammates who all disperse after HS. When Johnny doesn't get drafted or go pro right out of HS and his college offers are all DII or lower, everyone suddenly has to face the reality of how the kids sport industry chewed them up, milked their bank accounts and spit them out.

 

[Piscis]

It's all certainly a personal choice. If you do it simply b/c you enjoy it, then go for it.

It's the parents who do it b/c they think it gives their kids a shot at going pro or something who are fooling themselves. Fewer than 2% of high school baseball players end up on D1 scholarship. Of those, only 5.1% make it to MLB.

I guess it boils down to why you're doing it. It sounds like you just enjoy it, which is great if it's something y'all just enjoy doing as a family. But I know parents who are stressed and frazzled by all the travel ball stuff, but they feel compelled to do it, holding out for some pipe dream for their kid.

Far too many parents, fathers especially, try and relive their youth sports through their kids. The parents I've seen who pushed the hardest and went deepest into kids sports were frustrated former athletes who weren't as good as they wanted to be and are trying to make up for their shortcoming in sports through their kids.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Kids sports has become a huge industry in the past 30 years. The clinics, private coaches, camps, leagues and academies are raking in billions by selling parents the dream of their kid becoming a professional athlete. The parents are believing what they want to believe, not what their eyes are showing them and their mind is telling them.

Little Johnny goes to a sports camp put on by a private coach or kids league. All during the camp, the coach is in the parent's ear telling them their kid has the talent but "needs someone to work with him to get him to the next level". Guess what? That same coach is "willing to take Johnny on" as a private client. Now, Johnny is going to the private coach's facility a couple days a week and the coach is telling the parent how great Johnny is doing. Johnny is told how good he is and the parents do whatever it takes to get him on the best travel team in the area. Now, everyone involved is fully assimilated into the sport world. Johnny no longer has Summer vacation, Summer is for camps and travel ball. The school year is built around school sports, private coaching sessions and more travel ball. Johnny is a very good player but isn't anything special but the feedback loop of praise from the private coach, school coach and living in the travel ball/sport parent bubble convinces Johnny and his parents that he is MLB/NFL/NBA/PGA/USTA bound. When Johnny isn't the best player on the field/court and isn't playing full time, the fault lies with the coach and internal team politics. It certainly isn't because Johnny isn't as good as they have been told and have been telling themselves.

Parents are spending tens of thousands a year chasing THEIR dream of Johnny in whatever the big leagues are for his sport. Meanwhile, Johnny hasn't had any sort of normal childhood and his only "friends" are his travel ball teammates who all disperse after HS. When Johnny doesn't get drafted or go pro right out of HS and his college offers are all DII or lower, everyone suddenly has to face the reality of how the kids sport industry chewed them up, milked their bank accounts and spit them out.

Back when shopping malls were a thing, there were people who'd set up tables and lure girls with the dream of being a model. "Just give us $500 for your headshots." This is no different. "Your kid has IT."