Monday, November 27, 2006

Feedback on 'Physical fitness is free...for smart people'

This is some of the feedback I got on - Physical fitness is free...for smart people.


Mark Says


Exercise isn't totally free.


If you're going to run, you have to buy a good pair of running shoes, and if you want to take up cycling, I recommend you buy a good bike.

Don't skimp on those items. If you do, you'll regret it in the end, and won't get the benefit you expect.

But you're right about one thing, all it takes is time, and no matter what you may choose to believe, there is plenty of time available. But even more importantly, you have to stay motivated, and setting a goal will help with that.

During my 25 years as a competitive cyclist (at the local level), I have found there is nothing easier to accomplish, then to invent an excuse not to train. It may seem difficult to overcome at times, but I know from experience, that I'll regret it even more afterwards, if I give in to the temptation.

Vreni Gurd says

Resistance training outside a gym

Cardiovascular exercise is easy to do outside a gym setting and is far more pleasurable. Resistance training is a bit tougher because it takes some know-how and imagination, but there is a lot one can do with very little. Body-weight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, pull-ups work well, and if a small investment is made into a Swiss Ball (about $50) a whole world of resistance and stretch exercises become possible. Tubing is also very inexpensive and is a good way to add resistance exercise to a workout.

To progress, do more repetitions, do the exercise more slowly and with impeccable control, or make the exercise less stable. This won't give you a bodybuilder's physique, but it will tone you up, and get you in decent shape. And if the resistance routine is set up well, it can be a great cardiovascular workout too! To get the know-how (the power is in the details!), there are good books on the subject, but it may actually be worth hiring a personal trainer or conditioning specialist for an hour to ensure that the exercises are done correctly. Small investment compared to a gym membership.

But Orthindia and Marc are right. The commitment is about time, not money! And it sure is easy to find an excuse not to exercise!

I spend hours in a gym everyday helping others improve their health through exercise and find it tough to motivate myself to stay after the work-day is over to train myself. So, like Marc suggested, I've set a goal. Next October, I'm hiking the Grand Canyon, so I better be able to handle a 50lb pack on my back for 6-8 hours a day hiking both down and up a fairly steep slope. Much of my training for this trip will be outside in the BC mountains, which will be far more pleasurable than being stuck in a gym! I can't wait!

Vreni Gurd

Health and Vitality Coach
BPHE, CHEK 3, HLC 2
www.wellnesstips.ca

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