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?  

From the Mouths of Babes

Doesn’t everyone enjoy a good massage? When our kids were younger, I offered them money for back massages. The agreement worked well, until they got older. I thought the days of two dollar massages had passed until one of our kids complained about muscle soreness from sports practice and talked about needing a massage. Jumping at the possibility of swapping services, I said, “Me, too.” And then, before I could negotiate a deal, our sweet child added, “I guess we’re both dreamers.” 

Talk about crushing a dream. If I want a professional massage, I better start saving for it. Someone (Mike Phillips) once said:  Money will come when you are doing the right thing. Check out the right moves these students are making:

                                         https://youtu.be/iDTqfbqZoAU  

They say you can tell what people value by where they spend their money. Barring the necessary expenses like rent, utilities, and transportation, how would you prefer to spend most of your money?   

 Bonus:

This one’s too cute too miss.

                                         https://youtu.be/0k9K7dnDxKg

The Exercise Revolution

Does your vehicle have a sunroof? I didn’t appreciate their value until I glanced in my rear view mirror earlier this week.  Waiting for the red light to change, I saw a driver stick one arm out of the sunroof and the other arm out of the driver side window. With hands clasped together, the drive leaned over and stretched. Boy, that must have felt great—it just looked a little odd. Driving is always an interesting experience. You probably wouldn’t expect to see this scene alongside the highway:

                                              http://youtu.be/cjlcPKORq40

Why waste time? If you have a few minutes, and your vehicle is equipped, go on and exercise.  Here’s a better idea: work-out trainers could outfit buses with workout equipment and make house calls—the gym could come to us! We could skip buying the expensive health club memberships and the bulky equipment. Vehicle exercising could become the next new trend. What other type of at/in-home service would you enjoy?         

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?   

The Other Boomerang Effect

Our scattered summer schedule dampens my work-out schedule. During winter, spring and fall, I visit the gym on a somewhat regular basis—at least twice a month (yes, monthly).  But not in the summertime, that’s when my work-out schedule consists of running up and down the stairs with laundry. Actually that doesn’t sound like a bad work-out, and frankly, it’s better than nothing.

Another thing that gets me through many non-existent gym days is the exercise l had in high school. Oh yes, that old physical exertion that built up my cardiovascular system then is saving me now. When my husband leaves for the gym, I explain that I’m still living off the benefits gained from track practice decades ago.  By the way, feel free to borrow this excuse, I’m sure there’s logic in there somewhere.

I might expand my exercise regimen, just in case my theory isn’t true. I could build up slowly with something like a boomerang. It’s a great invention. Stand still, throw it and the amazing thing comes right back to you. Does it get any better than that?  Apparently, it started out as a weapon in ancient civilizations and now it’s become a sport. Take a look at someone who takes boomeranging to another level:

Well, maybe I underestimated the complexities of handling a boomerang…

 Actually the idea of sending something out and having it return extends deep into our culture. We’ve heard the saying, “what goes around, comes around” which implies that our good behaviors will come back to benefit us and our bad behaviors will come back to harm us.  What’s the basis for this concept? Does it ring true in your life?