2008 Woodie Awards
Exercise provides opportunities for experimentation
Busy Bodies
Issue date: 5/1/08
Summer is right around the corner, and with more free time it's the perfect time to train for something and turn that "I can't" into "I will." There are many athletic events like triathlons, running races, bike races, open water swims, and other hobbies to try.
A benefit of training for something is that it gives you motivation to exercise and prepare. You have a set date on your calendar that you need to be ready by. Who wants to go out and compete and do poorly? I know I don't. Therefore, you're more likely to stick to a program whether you're swimming your laps three times a week or logging miles. You are able to measure your performance in time, distance, or how you felt rather than a number on the scale.
There are many training groups available in most areas for almost any activity. It can be an excellent way to meet new people and build relationships. Check online for weekly running groups or find sport specific training centers. If you recruit a friend or family member to train with you it can be a bonding experience. Sign yourself and your Dad up for a summer 5k. To make it interesting make a bet on who will win. You may get some money out of the deal.
Training for an athletic competition can also be the trick to making daily exercise a lifelong habit. Preparing to do well in an athletic event isn't something that you can do overnight if you're truly challenging yourself. Therefore, you have to put in a good amount of time into your workouts each week. Your body gets used to this, and even after the event is over you will be more likely to keep training to do better each go around or train for another event.
By the time your training cycle is complete and you are ready to compete in that triathlon, road race or whatever you choose you will notice a difference in your body.
The bottom line is that you imposed an increased demand on your body and confused your muscles by asking them to do something new; that is the key to getting physical results.
I have found the greatest pleasure in trying new things. I trained for marathons, triathlons, lacrosse, track, beach running events, etc. and have discovered a lot about myself in these different ventures. You learn about your body, what nutrition works best for you, but most of all you gain a sense of confidence and happiness. It's a feeling of knowing that you can do it if you put in the work.
This summer instead of slaving away on the elliptical machine for 45 minutes every day and performing the same old lifting routine each week to be in bathing suit shape, break out of your comfort zone and set a goal for yourself to do something new and exciting.
Learn to surf, train for a fall marathon or become a yoga master.
There are a ton of possibilities so find something you enjoy that is challenging and rewarding. It can give you whole different perspective on fitness and enhance your life.
A benefit of training for something is that it gives you motivation to exercise and prepare. You have a set date on your calendar that you need to be ready by. Who wants to go out and compete and do poorly? I know I don't. Therefore, you're more likely to stick to a program whether you're swimming your laps three times a week or logging miles. You are able to measure your performance in time, distance, or how you felt rather than a number on the scale.
There are many training groups available in most areas for almost any activity. It can be an excellent way to meet new people and build relationships. Check online for weekly running groups or find sport specific training centers. If you recruit a friend or family member to train with you it can be a bonding experience. Sign yourself and your Dad up for a summer 5k. To make it interesting make a bet on who will win. You may get some money out of the deal.
Training for an athletic competition can also be the trick to making daily exercise a lifelong habit. Preparing to do well in an athletic event isn't something that you can do overnight if you're truly challenging yourself. Therefore, you have to put in a good amount of time into your workouts each week. Your body gets used to this, and even after the event is over you will be more likely to keep training to do better each go around or train for another event.
By the time your training cycle is complete and you are ready to compete in that triathlon, road race or whatever you choose you will notice a difference in your body.
The bottom line is that you imposed an increased demand on your body and confused your muscles by asking them to do something new; that is the key to getting physical results.
I have found the greatest pleasure in trying new things. I trained for marathons, triathlons, lacrosse, track, beach running events, etc. and have discovered a lot about myself in these different ventures. You learn about your body, what nutrition works best for you, but most of all you gain a sense of confidence and happiness. It's a feeling of knowing that you can do it if you put in the work.
This summer instead of slaving away on the elliptical machine for 45 minutes every day and performing the same old lifting routine each week to be in bathing suit shape, break out of your comfort zone and set a goal for yourself to do something new and exciting.
Learn to surf, train for a fall marathon or become a yoga master.
There are a ton of possibilities so find something you enjoy that is challenging and rewarding. It can give you whole different perspective on fitness and enhance your life.
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