Think Outside Your Box

On a recent 9 day road trip our plan was to be active EVERY day by mountain biking and trail running while driving around sunny CA. We got thrown off on Christmas morning when we awoke to our very expensive mountain bikes having been stolen. What to do now??? We began by driving to the coast and ‘chasing’ waves. Great cardio! Good for the abs as well with all the laughing that comes with it. The next day, we replaced one of the bikes and continued our trip, my husband biking and I trail running alongside him. Because of our determination and commitment to having an active holiday season, we exercised in practical ways. Look at what’s around you and use it to keep you fit, rather than as the excuse. You will discover practical ways to keep active in your hectic lifestyle. I wouldn’t have thought I would spend Christmas afternoon being chased by waves (and burning a ton of calories). I guess my point here is when you skip your walk or run because it is raining outside, or you decide not to go to the gym because it is too cold to walk to your car and drive there, or you’re too busy to ‘workout’, there are ways other than the normal. Do chair squats at your desk if you are too busy to leave for a workout, do calf raises while preparing dinner, socialize in active ways - bowling, walking around the Sculpture Park or Green Lake while catching up with friends (way better for you then meeting for happy hour!), if you’ve been wanting to paint a room in your house - do it yourself (you’ll save money and get a great arm workout), take dance lessons, practice a sport you used to be good at, join the BodyWalk class, re-arrange your furniture (you’ll not only get a strength workout, but then you’ll have to clean under all that furniture;). Make a commitment to yourself to be active everyday…and be creative - it’s alot of fun!