Let’s Get (Back to) Physical

Since the pandemic began back in March, I have woken up every single morning with one burning question on my mind…….

WHAT’S MY WORKOUT?

For almost 40 years I have taught multiple types of classes daily, and trained with multiple individuals, weekly.  I never really had to think about getting my workout in (although admittedly I often did my own weight training, swimming and running as well).  When the pandemic sent me home from work on March 14, I literally went immediately in the pool (and it was cold!).  Swimming laps, I found myself thinking about what I would do to stay fit for the following 2 weeks (little did I know how 2 weeks would turn to what is now 6 months).

(never said it was pretty, but it’s all there)

I decided to challenge myself and try and not repeat the same workout twice during the two weeks to come and journal them as I went along.  None of us had a clue how long this could go on for.  Luckily there were a lot of tools in my box, and I am fortunate to have my own pool, no doubt.  That said, even when I am training myself, I am always thinking about others so I would like to share some random ideas with you…

• Explore your neighborhood.  If possible, find a park.  Walk it.  Run it. Mix up the two.  Do walking lunges.  Hold a weight (or even your phone) up high overhead while you do.  Use the curbs and benches for step ups and also for squats.  Of course bringing weights/bands and a mat will allow you to add a lot more in while there, but that’s a different workout!

• Turn on music.  YouTube.  Pandora.  A CD.  Your favorite dance station.  Turn it up and dance like no one is watching, because they probably aren’t!

• Set up a circuit.  If you have a set or two of weights, that’s a bonus, but all you need is you. You can do pushups (off a counter top if the floor doesn’t work for you), alternating lunges, squats, crunches, jumping jacks, burpees…just to name a few.  You can make the circuits as easy or difficult (or a mix) as you like.  Pick about 5 exercises, do a set (8, 10, 12, 15, 20 –YOU DECIDE) –rest a bit between exercises and repeat the circuit 3 times, or 4 or 5 or more.  You can make it all about strength, all about cardio, or all about flexibility.

• Grab a deck of cards and assign an exercise to each suit.  (Ex.  Spades=squats, Hearts=push-ups, Diamonds=dips, Clubs=crunches.  Assign the aces  and deuces some cardio and make jokers wild)  Let the cards be your trainer.

• Pull out an old video if you have one. If you don’t, pull up ANYTHING on the net.  I have taken a few ballet classes online as well as a bunch of drum fit and drumming classes, some high intensity cardio circuits  and also lots of yoga and meditation.

These are just a few ideas to get you started this week.  6 months in, and I am still mixing it up.  I have taken two falls, (one running my unemployment info to the post office back in April and a little slip in some slime a couple of weeks ago at the park).  So when one body part is injured, we work what we can. Do be extra careful outside!

If motivation is challenging you, remember the 5 minute tip.  Commit to 5 minutes and see where it takes you.  I did this yesterday and got in a great 30 minute swim.  If you need any help, just ask.  As always, try to mix some fitness into your peace and some peace into your fitness.  Thanks for stopping in.  Much love.