Who’s Your Trainer?

I joined a gym. My initial visit turned out well, or at least I thought it did until I told my family what I did. Judging by their puzzled looks and laughs, my workout routine “exceeded” their expectations.  

I used the normal equipment like weight machines, the treadmill, and the stationary bike. The overall program sounded fine, but I think my family had a problem with the execution. Apparently, experienced exercisers don’t do fifty reps per machine. Apparently, they use more weight and fewer reps. Apparently, I need a trainer to provide some guidance.

Given my recent gym experience, here’s my advice for workout newbies: be careful when you increase the treadmill’s speed, and don’t overlook the importance of the handrails, if you want stay on your feet. And, if you want to zoom past your workout goals, ask for help. Above all, don’t be this guy: 

                                          https://youtu.be/HiY_jVyQT3M

At some point, we all need training about a certain part of life. In what area do you need guidance and from whom will you get it?  

The Insanity Continues

My new DVD workout seemed insane at first, but after tackling a few sessions it wasn’t as exhausting as in the beginning. Oh, it’s still a great cardio challenge, but much less intimidating. The interesting part about experiences that spill outside the parameters of our initial expectations is this: once we eliminate the element of surprise, we see things differently. This video will surprise and puzzle you:

                                        http://youtu.be/EMcjt3HUcOc

Is that insanity or what? The scene happened in Devil’s Pool at the Victoria waterfalls in Zambia.  Despite the fear, it looked like everyone had fun. The question is: Why didn't they go swirling over the edge? I investigated and I discovered that a natural rock wall located at the water’s edge prevents swimmers from falling several hundred feet to their deaths—forget about rock walls, it still looks dangerous to me. I’m no daredevil, so I don’t see myself jumping into Devil’s Pool. Many people have an innate need to stare death in the face, push past their fears, and go for what seems inconceivable. It’ a new year, what seemingly impossible—some may say insane—activities do you plan to accomplish in 2013?    

  

The Nationwide Epidemic

We’re in the midst of a nationwide epidemic. No, I’m not talking about the flu. I’m referring to how so many of us kick off the year with a new exercise routine. I’m jumping on the bandwagon by doing a DVD workout program at home. Since I’ve exhausted the health benefits from running track in high school decades ago, I’ll need to dig deep into my energy reserves to finish this program. I’m so committed that I’m going to work out more than twice a month. Oh yeah, I’m going for the finish line! After having completed two DVD sessions already, I can tell you this exercise program is insane. You know you’re in for a tough time when the assistants look as though they want to crawl away and sleep. I like that. It gives me a legitimate reason to rest on the sofa for a second or two, or twenty or….  Some people will put themselves through anything to get in shape. Take a look:

                                         http://youtu.be/fZZJyuKdSXg    

I don’t know what the audience thinks, but it’s probably not much different from what we’re thinking. Did you catch the first exercise in the demonstration? It’s priceless.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to recondition your mind, body or soul?