Thursday, July 24, 2008

My Apartment Isn't a Prison But ...

My point yesterday was that you can get in a workout almost anywhere -- the key is just throwing in a dose of creativity. And that's the same point of this post from Mark Sisson's blog about the prison workout.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Do the Best with What You Have

I was debating whether I'd go to the gym today. The debate sprung from the fact that I tore my foot up surfing Saturday. I suffered a deep puncture wound when one of the fins of my board hit my foot on a wipeout, and only today was it getting back to normal.

I planned a scaled-back workout, just upper body to let my foot continue healing.

But the debate was decided when I left work later than I wanted. So I went home, but I still wanted to at least do something. So using a loft that runs on two sides of my apartment, I did pullups followed by pushups -- six sets.

It was exactly what I needed -- a real, if short, workout. It proved again that you can work out just about anywhere.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

It's Summer, Get Outside

I love the gym, but in the past few weeks I've spent less time there. Why? It's simple. It's summer and I want to spend as much time as possible surfing while the water is warm.

So over the past two or three weeks I've gone to the gym twice during the week and surfed at least once, meaning I'm missing one regular gym session. Sure, I could try to work it in but I know that surfing is a workout itself and I also know my body needs to recover between workouts -- whatever form they take.

But here's the thing, I walk into the gym now feeling a little more refreshed than usual because I'm not there as much. And I think I'm attacking my workouts with a bit more vigor.

So see what you can find to do outside and mix it in with your regular workouts.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Setting an Example

Dara Torres' performance at the U.S. Olympic trials continues to generate a lot of interest, and what she did certainly does show all of us what can be accomplished. Can we make the Olympics? Doubtful. But we sure can do more than we often think.

My close friend Katie Hobson explored the issue of training as you age in her excellent blog over at U.S. News recently.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Age is Meaningless, Part 8

This one speaks for itself: At 41, Dara Torres is going to the Olympics, again.

I've written in the past about her training, and the Times recently wrote again about it and her quest.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

One Key for Success -- A Plan

I see so many people come into the gym and just wander from one piece of equipment to another, clearly with no plan in place for their workout. A little bit of this, some of that, and oh, that looks worthwhile.

The problem with this approach is that you never really progress. Sure, you might keep yourself in OK shape but even that is questionable.

But if you craft a plan -- there are plenty of good places to find them -- you'll make sure your entire body gets a workout. This in turn will ensure your body doesn't become unbalance, which can lead to injuries. A plan also allows you to chart your progress, which can be awfully satisfying.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Listen to Your Body, Part 2

Well, it worked -- I hit the gym tonight after walking away Sunday when I had nothing left and tonight I felt good. My strength was back and I felt mentally much more into it. So let's call this one a lesson learned.