Making time for fitness

Poasted by gekko at 9:55 AM and filed under "Blob - Fitness, Weight, and Nutrition"

With work, family, and other whiny-assed excuses -- I mean, responsibilities, I'm hearing too many peeps saying they can't manage to do the recommended 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity needed to maintain fitness or assist in a weight loss program. Tons (sorry) of folk imagine you have to change into your workout clothes, drive to the gym, and sweat on the stair climber for 30 minutes every day and that's what it takes.

Dude! You don't have to wear workout clothes (although there are some darling ones out there that you'll prolly want to buy just cuz they're too cute to pass up), you don't have to go to a stinky old gym, and you don't even have to do a 30-minute workout -- I mean, the way you may think of it.

So plan ahead and take three 10-minute walks during the day.
1. Get up a few minutes early, toss on yesterday's clothes and do a ten-minute walk outside before your morning shower. Be sure to take along a paper bag to cover up your bedhead and do NOT breathe on anyone you happen to meet. But, still. If you're early enough, the only other people you'll meet will look just like you so, like, who cares?
2. Next, take a walk break instead of a coffee break mid-day (specially if you're craving a package of vending machine cookies or one of those bear claws in the cafeteria).
3. Then in the evening, walk the perimeter of your daughter's la crosse field as she plays (or wotever).

Extra bonus points if you can make 40 minutes for your walk. Keep your stride fairly long and rapid to get your heart rate up so you can still talk easily. Just a little extra hard breathing. You can receive substantial health and fitness benefits from accumulating 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity physical activity most days of the week. If you're looking to kill two birds with one stone, get into the routine of combining family and fitness time. Okay, you're not actually going to try to kill the birdies. Unless, of course, you get pleasure out of that, but I digress.

Plan some activities that involve the entire family:

* Plan active vacations that involve hiking, skiing or water sports.
* Mopping floors! This is actually fun with littler kids. Dampen some rags, take off your shoes, and everyone take a pair of rags and step on them. Then slide around the floor, scooting from side to side, do the twist, etc. to some funky music. Change out the rags every now and then so you don't just swish the dirt around in mud swirls.
* Take regular walks. Walking is a great habit, and a good way to foster communication. Unless you can't stand each other -- I mean, then make sure you plan routes that do NOT take you through any secluded areas.
* Ice or roller-skating at a local rink. Yes, you, too can look like an idiot as you wobble around on blades or rollers!
* Play pickup games at a local field or playground. Call the neighbors to add to the fun.
* Plant a garden at home. Just don't use any hoes for implements, because if you call out to your son "Yo, get me the hoe" and Al Sharpton happens to be walking past, he'll have you fired.

The key is to try to make physical activity a fun diversion instead of another chore. Ya know?

Oh. And one more thing: I decided I want walking sticks. Those poles that you use like cross country skiiers use, only designed for walking. I hear they take the strain off of the back if you use them, and if you swing them correctly, then you get the added caloric burn benefit. Get me a pair for my birthday, please.

It's cold in here ... somebody warm me up, please!

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