| I just returned
from the annual National Association of Newspaper Columnist’s
conference down in New Orleans. It inspired me and sent me home
with a renewed vigor for writing. One thing amongst many that
I took away from the experience is that I will always be a student
in writing as well as in other areas of my life. I am saying that
in a positive way, because if you consider yourself a student
you will never have the mind set that you know everything and
consequently block out the possibility of learning something new.
This concept also carries over into fitness—allow yourself to
stray from your idea of what a workout is in order to broaden
your horizons and expand your workouts. I have been guilty in
the past of holding myself to such strict ideals concerning workouts
that I limited myself to a lot of other modes of exercise. I have
since changed my philosophy quite a bit, and now allow myself
much more flexibility in this area. The following ideas tie in
with a previous column of mine that you may have read a few weeks
back.
First, lets focus on the cardio portions of the workout. Mine
used to consist of the standard high-intensity run, bike, or similar
exercise for 20-30 minutes about 3-4 days a week. Now, while I
sometimes continue that, other times I may do something totally
different both as far as the mode of exercise and the intensity
and time. It’s a shame to miss out on the more important things
in life like going for a walk with a loved one just because you
think it isn’t “hard” enough exercise. It’s alright to do an hour
walk at a slower than usual pace once in a while rather than always
exercising for shorter, high-intensity sessions.
While I’m not condoning complacency, I am promoting flexibility
and change. It’s good to vary from your routine from time to time.
The second component in resistance training, and the same holds
true for this. It’s okay to do other forms of resistance training
aside from lifting weights—like training your body using your
own body weight as resistance. Say that you find yourself behind
schedule and your daughter is asking you to take her to the park.
This is the perfect time to try doing some good old-fashioned
push-ups and pull-ups while she’s playing on the equipment. With
a little creativity, you can think up all kinds of things. Try
some step-ups to work your legs, or some walking lunges. It’s
possible to get some exercise in while watching your daughter
at the same time!
You get the idea I’m trying to get across to you. Exercise doesn’t
have to be that hard, the most important thing is that you just
get started and then stick with it. Believe it or not, it works
for all types of people, single and married, no matter what you
do for a career, no matter where you live or what you enjoy. Opportunities
to exercise exist everywhere, you just have to be able to see
them!
©Melissa Allen is a certified personal trainer, Blackbelt & fitness
consultant, as well as the owner of Optimum Condition— personal
fitness training and kickboxing instruction. She is a self-syndicated
columnist and a member of the San Diego Press Club and the National
Society of Newspaper Columnists. She welcomes input from her readers,
so please contact her with any questions or comments that you
may have by calling (619) 252-4993, email her at Opticondit@aol.com,
or visit her website at www.optimumcondition.com.
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