I can’t imagine what it’s like being an every day blogger, once a week is enough for me. For the record, I am classifying myself as a, “guest writer on my wife’s blog,” rather than a “blogger.” Sure blogging is something I never saw myself doing, but I believe in the purpose here. I still feel like it’s helping motivate me to exercise and keeping me accountable.
This past week was decent in terms of meeting my hopes for working out. Friday I played racquetball with another friend, and although we didn’t have enough time for a full hour, it was good to get on the court for a second time in the week. Monday I got in a good hour or more on the court. It looks like I can count on 2 days a week now; any more might be pushing my luck with my wife– she’s already doing a lot taking care of the boys for longer days.
Right now I like my balance of sports– racquetball requires quickness and you get a good aerobic workout; and it’s fun playing with someone else. Mountain biking is really a full-body workout, especially on the more technical trails where you have to jump over rocks and fallen trees.
The weather is up and down lately, which in southern New England means that one day it’s 1 degree and windy, the next brings freezing rain, and the next it feels like spring outside. I have the right combination of gear to mountain bike in any temps, so I got in a good hour-long ride on Sunday.
There’s something about mountain biking and skiing (woods-skiing at least), that just puts me in a great place. You’re out in the “wilderness,” and when you’re moving you are focused 100% on the task at hand: conquer the trail. No other thoughts enter your mind as you negotiate a technical line, other than how to get through safely. It’s almost like meditation in some ways.
I mentioned balance before, in terms of the type of exercise I do. I think it’s important for me to mix up the activities. OK, I guarantee I’d never get bored skiing every day of my life, but most other workouts might get a little tiring if you never changed it up.
I’m sure this has physical benefits too, not just mental– different sports work different muscles. I’m still doing my lunges, although I’d like to be more consistent with them– say, 3 times a week. Last week I had what I thought was a great idea: simple home exercises with my wife, after the kids are in bed (no, not that type, what kind of a blog do you think this is?)!
I was talking with someone at my son’s lacrosse practice last week and he’s been doing the “plank a day” challenge with his wife. Sounds good to me– it only takes a few minutes…perfect! Then I got more ambitious with my next idea: yoga. I’ve tried it a few times with my wife and a DVD at home.
Core strength is great for everything, especially skiing and mountain biking. Flexibility is huge too…so now the only problem is motivating ourselves to carve out the time at night. If we can get the kids to bed earlier (something that will reap many other rewards, seeing as we’re lucky these days to get them in bed by 8:30), maybe it’s a realistic proposition.
Have you tried the Plank a Day challenge?
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