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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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