Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The Tissue Issue
Becky wants everyone to know that Nancy runs like an old woman. She offers as evidence the fact that Saturday during her 8 mile training run, Nancy carried a handkerchief instead of a Kleenex. See, when Nancy runs, her nose runs too. It’s just an issue that she has to deal with. We call it “The Tissue Issue.” Kleenex disintegrates after a certain point and really doesn’t do any good; plus you end up with Kleenex dust all over your upper lip. Add that to the beet-red face and the sweat-drenched clothes and it’s not really a good look. Similar to that of a frothing, rabid dog. The handkerchief really helped! Becky asserts that it officially made Nancy old. However, since Becky will always be the Buff Chick who is one year and six days older, Nancy is okay with that. Below is a picture of Nancy trying to remove the Kleenex dust from her lip without the use of her hands.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Killer Workout
While Nancy was out running 8 miles, hankie, in hand, Becky was playing the role of couch potato. It's not a role that Becky plays often, but when she does go spud, her performance is deserving of an Oscar. It's now the morning after and Becky must make up for her lack of activity. Because Becky believes misery loves company, she would like to share part of her workout with you, and encourage you to give it a whirl. No handkerchief required.
Warm-up: Five minutes on the Stair Mill (or affectionately dubbed the Stair Beast) First minute at level 12, the next 4 minutes at level 18. Make sure you've got some good tunes. Ah, that was fun.
Circuit 1:
--Walking lunges with weights, followed by 5 push-ups using the Bosu ball. Talk about adding a challenge to those already challenging push-ups. Whew.
--15 Incline press, followed by another 5 Bosu ball push-ups
--15 Assisted pull-ups, followed by yet another 5 Bosu ball push-ups
--15 Seated overhead press, followed by you guessed it....another 5. Are we having fun yet?
--15 Alternate bicep curls, then.....you know the drill.
--15 Triceps pressdowns with the rope. Ouch. What a wonderful way to add a special twist to triceps work.
Before you repeat the workout above, do 2 minutes of jump rope, 1 minute of weighted jumping jacks (Go very light on the weight), then 2 more minutes of jump rope.
Oh, lest I forget, when you repeat the circuit instead of doing the push-ups, you vill do 10 Roman chairs vith straight legs, und you vill like it! Ya?
There is a second circuit as part of this workout, but perhaps we will save it for another day.
Warm-up: Five minutes on the Stair Mill (or affectionately dubbed the Stair Beast) First minute at level 12, the next 4 minutes at level 18. Make sure you've got some good tunes. Ah, that was fun.
Circuit 1:
--Walking lunges with weights, followed by 5 push-ups using the Bosu ball. Talk about adding a challenge to those already challenging push-ups. Whew.
--15 Incline press, followed by another 5 Bosu ball push-ups
--15 Assisted pull-ups, followed by yet another 5 Bosu ball push-ups
--15 Seated overhead press, followed by you guessed it....another 5. Are we having fun yet?
--15 Alternate bicep curls, then.....you know the drill.
--15 Triceps pressdowns with the rope. Ouch. What a wonderful way to add a special twist to triceps work.
Before you repeat the workout above, do 2 minutes of jump rope, 1 minute of weighted jumping jacks (Go very light on the weight), then 2 more minutes of jump rope.
Oh, lest I forget, when you repeat the circuit instead of doing the push-ups, you vill do 10 Roman chairs vith straight legs, und you vill like it! Ya?
There is a second circuit as part of this workout, but perhaps we will save it for another day.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
A Toast to..
Earlier this week Nancy and I gathered with the some of The Swim Team members for a grueling evening of land conditioning. Alright, it was an evening of food and fellowship, and the only conditioning we did was going to and from the kitchen. Anyway, I digress. It was a beautiful night, perfect for sitting and talking and laughing, and just enjoying each other's company. It was one of those "this is what life's all about" moments. We made some silly toasts periodically throughout the evening--one of my favorites involved broken ankles and another had to do with avoiding women with PMS and a GPS. You would've had to have been there.
As I looked around the table at these strong, creative, intelligent women I was struck with how blessed I was to call them friends. Today I would like to offer my not-quite-so-silly toasts to these water workout warriors.
Here's to my brown-nosed friend who always pays attention in Cycle class, which helps guilt the slackers into working harder. Thanks! I raise my glass to my traveling companion, workout buddy and co-author of our soon-to-be published book. No way could I do any of it without you--or even want to try! Cheers to my once grumpy friend who now adds so much humor to our times. I do understand why you didn't name your second child after me, but I still think of her as "little Becky." I toast the social director and master of dialects, who can turn a mundane email into a comic work of art. You are a true entertainer. No gathering would be complete without you.
Here's to the downtown member who ALWAYS points out how cute we all look, thus bringing an extra skip to our step. This, I might add, is especially appreciated those times when we may not be feeling all that cute. Here's to the Martha Stewart of the group whose creativity captures the beauty of nature and creates a serenity that calms the soul. What a wonderful gift. Here's to the swim team captain who always welcomes us with a smile, floating devices and brownies (calories sorely needed for the hard workouts she designs!) and is always there with a shoulder to lean on.
To the members that weren't there: I raise my class to the science teacher who shares her wisdom as well as her joy in having conquered a major obstacle and has become quite dolphin-like in the water. Another toast to the only Kentuckian who is willing to cross the bridge for the sake of the team and brings with her a gentle spirit and a true touch of class.
And here's hoping you can look around and find a reason to toast the people who help define you, who support you, who share in the ups and down on this journey we call life. Cheers!
Friday, August 27, 2010
September Challenge
The really great thing about having a workout partner - - well, there are actually lots of really great things about it. But the one we’re thinking about today is that a good workout partner constantly throws new challenges at you and helps find ways to make working out fun.
Becky challenged Nancy to a contest back in July, which helped get us back on track during a time when we were both feeling unmotivated. Here’s how you play.
First, find a workout partner. If you do not already have a workout partner, find a friend or family member you trust, because this contest is played using the Honor System. If you don’t choose someone honorable, you’re going to lose.
Second, decide on what the prize is going to be. Maybe the loser buys the winner lunch. Maybe the loser cleans the winner’s house. Maybe the loser has to tell everyone you know what a loser he or she is and how great you are. Whatever seems fair to you and your partner.
Then follow the simple point system below. Track your points on a daily basis. Play the game for the entire month of September. Or if your attention span isn’t that long, play it for a week. Or if your attention span is really, really short, like Becky’s and Nancy’s, just play it for Labor Day Weekend.
Give yourself one point per day for each of the following:
One mile of cardio
One hour of working out
100 crunches
25 push-ups
One serving of fruit
One serving of vegetables
One 8-oz glass of water
Not eating any sweets all day
Abstaining from alcohol all day
Taking a multivitamin
One minute of jump rope
No t.v. all day
Whoever has the most points at the end, obviously, is the winner. And not only does the winner get the prize you agreed on prior to beginning the contest, but you both get the results of the healthier choices made during the contest. Let us know how you do!
Who won the July contest between Becky and Nancy? We’re not really sure. Our attention spans are so short that we can’t remember how many points either one of
Becky challenged Nancy to a contest back in July, which helped get us back on track during a time when we were both feeling unmotivated. Here’s how you play.
First, find a workout partner. If you do not already have a workout partner, find a friend or family member you trust, because this contest is played using the Honor System. If you don’t choose someone honorable, you’re going to lose.
Second, decide on what the prize is going to be. Maybe the loser buys the winner lunch. Maybe the loser cleans the winner’s house. Maybe the loser has to tell everyone you know what a loser he or she is and how great you are. Whatever seems fair to you and your partner.
Then follow the simple point system below. Track your points on a daily basis. Play the game for the entire month of September. Or if your attention span isn’t that long, play it for a week. Or if your attention span is really, really short, like Becky’s and Nancy’s, just play it for Labor Day Weekend.
Give yourself one point per day for each of the following:
One mile of cardio
One hour of working out
100 crunches
25 push-ups
One serving of fruit
One serving of vegetables
One 8-oz glass of water
Not eating any sweets all day
Abstaining from alcohol all day
Taking a multivitamin
One minute of jump rope
No t.v. all day
Whoever has the most points at the end, obviously, is the winner. And not only does the winner get the prize you agreed on prior to beginning the contest, but you both get the results of the healthier choices made during the contest. Let us know how you do!
Who won the July contest between Becky and Nancy? We’re not really sure. Our attention spans are so short that we can’t remember how many points either one of
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Exercise on the Agenda
We've all endured them. Some of us have perfected the art of avoiding them. Many of us may feel that we live from one of these to the next. Meetings! Glorious, mind-numbing, endless meetings. Raise your hand if you enjoy sitting through meetings. That's what we thought. No offense to those of you who are meeting planners. We're guilty of planning a few ourselves and we know that meetings are sometimes necessary. But still, couldn't we just have a memo instead? We promise to read it!
But since meetings seem to be a part of life, we have come up with a way to make them not only more endurable, but actually productive and/or beneficial. Try some of these exercises during your next especially long meeting. Who knows, you may start looking forward to meetings! (OK, so we're dreamers).
As with any exercise program, we recommend that you first check with your physician, because some of these are particularly strenuous. If you feel you cannot do them, stick with your doodling.
Trainer's Tip: If you're sitting next to the boss, you may want to refrain from some of the exercises. You don't want it to be too obvious that you're no longer paying attention in this meeting.
The Pencil Twirl
A subtle move to enhance digit dexterity. A number two pencil is the best weight to maximize the benefit. The tops on ballpoint pens can throw your balance completely off. Remember, as with all workouts, having the proper
equipment is essential!
The Toe Flex/Extension
For the model-like toned legs all of us strive to achieve. This move helps tone and define the lower leg. Sure it does. A pedicure adds a definite polish to this exercise.
The Telephone Slide
For proper thumb dexterity in a technological world. Be sure to give equal time to each thumb so that one does not become more muscular than the other. While you're at it, you might as well check the time to see how much longer the meeting will last.
The Yawn/Stretch
It works your shoulders, your triceps, your biceps, your deltoids - it's just a good all-around upper body move. The good news is it is often contagious, so soon the entire room will be participating in your exercise program.
The Chair Perch
The benefit of this balancing/core strengthening move is that people start to assume the meeting is almost over. They will move to the edge of their seats as well, thereby speeding up the conclusion to this meeting.
The Pencil Drop
This is a biggie. Proper form is essential! Avoid hitting your head on the table tops, arms of chairs, or your neighbor sitting next to you. If the pencil rolls away, it is best not to get on your hands and knees to retrieve it. Just find another pencil. The correct steps are: 1. Drop pencil (make it look like an accident. Do not throw it at the speaker, even if the speaker is extremely long-winded and boring).
2. To work your obliques, lean to the side and retrieve the pencil. A modification of this move would be to drop the pencil directly in front of you. That would work your anterior core.
3. Once the pencil has been retrieved, hold it up with a big smile. You have completed one set!
The Lunch Line Sprint
As the noon hour approaches, discreetly begin your pre-race preparations. Close your notebook quietly. Pick up your lunch bag. Get to the edge of your seat. Look for the most direct route to the lunch line. And...GO! Don't worry about the old lady getting her crutches! And who cares if the guest speaker is supposed to go first? You're hungry!
But since meetings seem to be a part of life, we have come up with a way to make them not only more endurable, but actually productive and/or beneficial. Try some of these exercises during your next especially long meeting. Who knows, you may start looking forward to meetings! (OK, so we're dreamers).
As with any exercise program, we recommend that you first check with your physician, because some of these are particularly strenuous. If you feel you cannot do them, stick with your doodling.
Trainer's Tip: If you're sitting next to the boss, you may want to refrain from some of the exercises. You don't want it to be too obvious that you're no longer paying attention in this meeting.
The Pencil Twirl
A subtle move to enhance digit dexterity. A number two pencil is the best weight to maximize the benefit. The tops on ballpoint pens can throw your balance completely off. Remember, as with all workouts, having the proper
equipment is essential!
The Toe Flex/Extension
For the model-like toned legs all of us strive to achieve. This move helps tone and define the lower leg. Sure it does. A pedicure adds a definite polish to this exercise.
The Telephone Slide
For proper thumb dexterity in a technological world. Be sure to give equal time to each thumb so that one does not become more muscular than the other. While you're at it, you might as well check the time to see how much longer the meeting will last.
The Yawn/Stretch
It works your shoulders, your triceps, your biceps, your deltoids - it's just a good all-around upper body move. The good news is it is often contagious, so soon the entire room will be participating in your exercise program.
The Chair Perch
The benefit of this balancing/core strengthening move is that people start to assume the meeting is almost over. They will move to the edge of their seats as well, thereby speeding up the conclusion to this meeting.
The Pencil Drop
This is a biggie. Proper form is essential! Avoid hitting your head on the table tops, arms of chairs, or your neighbor sitting next to you. If the pencil rolls away, it is best not to get on your hands and knees to retrieve it. Just find another pencil. The correct steps are: 1. Drop pencil (make it look like an accident. Do not throw it at the speaker, even if the speaker is extremely long-winded and boring).
2. To work your obliques, lean to the side and retrieve the pencil. A modification of this move would be to drop the pencil directly in front of you. That would work your anterior core.
3. Once the pencil has been retrieved, hold it up with a big smile. You have completed one set!
The Lunch Line Sprint
As the noon hour approaches, discreetly begin your pre-race preparations. Close your notebook quietly. Pick up your lunch bag. Get to the edge of your seat. Look for the most direct route to the lunch line. And...GO! Don't worry about the old lady getting her crutches! And who cares if the guest speaker is supposed to go first? You're hungry!
Floppy Slappy
Monday, while trail running, Nancy kept hearing a strange sound. It kind of sounded like “floppy slappy, floppy slappy, floppy slappy.” She only heard it on her right side. At first she thought perhaps it was something in her pocket that was bouncing around as she ran. Then she remembered that she didn’t have pockets and probably wouldn’t have put anything in them even if she had. Next she thought maybe it was water sloshing around in her stomach, since she has been trying to hydrate more to alleviate the side stitch she often gets while running. But the sound didn’t seem to be coming from her stomach.
Suddenly she realized that her right triceps, instead of being all lean and toned and firm like it’s supposed to be, was flopping around like a flag in a breeze and hitting against her torso as she ran. It was only her right triceps, though, so she tried to convince herself that it was just that she was holding that arm too tight against her side. She tried loosening up her arm but still she could hear it. Floppy slappy, floppy slappy, floppy slappy. How had she never noticed this before?
When she runs on the treadmill she uses her iPod for entertainment. Probably everyone else in the gym could hear the floppy slappy triceps when she ran, but she couldn’t. How embarrassing!
Now instead of just having to worry about proper hydration, form, speed, time, distance, blah blah blah, she also has to worry about keeping her triceps quiet. This may be too much to take.
Her triceps had to be punished for their disloyalty. All the other muscles are doing their parts and it just isn’t fair for the triceps to let them down. Tuesday, in addition to the full body workout, the triceps had to do push-ups, triceps extensions, triceps pressdowns and dips. We will have no more of this insubordination.
Today Nancy can hardly lift her water bottle, but it will be well worth it this afternoon if she can have a quiet run.
Suddenly she realized that her right triceps, instead of being all lean and toned and firm like it’s supposed to be, was flopping around like a flag in a breeze and hitting against her torso as she ran. It was only her right triceps, though, so she tried to convince herself that it was just that she was holding that arm too tight against her side. She tried loosening up her arm but still she could hear it. Floppy slappy, floppy slappy, floppy slappy. How had she never noticed this before?
When she runs on the treadmill she uses her iPod for entertainment. Probably everyone else in the gym could hear the floppy slappy triceps when she ran, but she couldn’t. How embarrassing!
Now instead of just having to worry about proper hydration, form, speed, time, distance, blah blah blah, she also has to worry about keeping her triceps quiet. This may be too much to take.
Her triceps had to be punished for their disloyalty. All the other muscles are doing their parts and it just isn’t fair for the triceps to let them down. Tuesday, in addition to the full body workout, the triceps had to do push-ups, triceps extensions, triceps pressdowns and dips. We will have no more of this insubordination.
Today Nancy can hardly lift her water bottle, but it will be well worth it this afternoon if she can have a quiet run.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Stall
It all started with the alarm--or more accurately, the turning off of the alarm. Wake-up/exercise call was supposed to be 4:40, but that didn't happen, instead I rolled over and shut my eyes with every intention of working out, but an hour later than usual Thus, The Stall was introduced.
Plans for a later workout were soon discarded and a really good breakfast in the comfort of my home took place instead. Did I mention breakfast was chocolate chip pancakes topped with peaches, along with a cup of strong, black coffee? The Stall has struck with a vengeance and hit me at my weakest moment--meal time.
Oops, now it 's time for work, no time to exercise right now. It's just as well; I needed to make sure all was well digested. And The Stall continues. Ok, the new plan is a swim and stairstepper after my work hours. My hope was to fight The Stall with a sincere promise that before that afternoon was over I would have worked up a sweat. (If you're a good staller, it's easy to play these kind of mind games.)
Now it's time to do my personal training. Don't say it. I realize there is a bit of irony here--me encouraging someone else to exercise, something I have been avoiding all day. But a person's gotta do what a person's gotta do .
It is now 12 hours after I had originally plannned to exercise and I am running out of time. This has been one LONG stall. I felt the tug of going home and getting back to that really good book I had started. Was that a hunger pang I felt? It IS past my usual suppertime.
Wait. What is it I often tell fellow exercisers who are struggling to make the commitment to a workout? "You will never regret a workout, but you will kick yourself all day if you blow one off!" Exactly.
With those words of wisdom in mind, I put on my workout clothes, chose a cardio machine and hopped on. The Stall was over! I won!! Forty minutes later, in sweat-drenched clothes I left the wellness center victorious. No regrets.
Plans for a later workout were soon discarded and a really good breakfast in the comfort of my home took place instead. Did I mention breakfast was chocolate chip pancakes topped with peaches, along with a cup of strong, black coffee? The Stall has struck with a vengeance and hit me at my weakest moment--meal time.
Oops, now it 's time for work, no time to exercise right now. It's just as well; I needed to make sure all was well digested. And The Stall continues. Ok, the new plan is a swim and stairstepper after my work hours. My hope was to fight The Stall with a sincere promise that before that afternoon was over I would have worked up a sweat. (If you're a good staller, it's easy to play these kind of mind games.)
Now it's time to do my personal training. Don't say it. I realize there is a bit of irony here--me encouraging someone else to exercise, something I have been avoiding all day. But a person's gotta do what a person's gotta do .
It is now 12 hours after I had originally plannned to exercise and I am running out of time. This has been one LONG stall. I felt the tug of going home and getting back to that really good book I had started. Was that a hunger pang I felt? It IS past my usual suppertime.
Wait. What is it I often tell fellow exercisers who are struggling to make the commitment to a workout? "You will never regret a workout, but you will kick yourself all day if you blow one off!" Exactly.
With those words of wisdom in mind, I put on my workout clothes, chose a cardio machine and hopped on. The Stall was over! I won!! Forty minutes later, in sweat-drenched clothes I left the wellness center victorious. No regrets.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Don't Panic
As someone who used to weigh 188 pounds, wear a size 16, and have a body fat of 34.9%, you can imagine that Nancy is somewhat paranoid about gaining back any weight. She started training with Becky in 2002 but it took a year to figure out that you cannot consistently reward yourself for a hard workout with a Big Mac and fries. In 2003 she got serious about her eating habits and after a year had taken off 60 pounds, wore a size 4, and had a body fat of 24.5%. With regular workouts and pretty good attention to diet, that weight has stayed off since 2004.
You can imagine, then, the trepidation with which Nancy always steps on the scale after a vacation. It’s so easy to backslide when you are out of your regular routine. So with the attitude of someone heading to the gallows, Nancy weighed herself this morning and found that, yes, she had a little too much of something a time or two last week, and exercised a little less often than she should have (although she did frolic in the waves, as you and many people on Hilton Head Island may recall).
One thing Nancy has learned over the past six years, though, is that if she gets right back into her regular eating and exercising habits, those pesky pounds she picked up on vacation will go away again. They don’t stick around if you don’t continue your vacationing ways. Today it’s back to lots of water and healthy meals in moderation. Add to that a nice trail run this afternoon, and today will go a long way to counteracting the transgressions of last week.
Just remember: if you fall away from your healthy habits, don't panic! It may take a day or two (or sometimes three), but sticking to your healthful ways will take you right back to where you feel your best. You won't lose much ground as long as you get right back to it.
Although Nancy will not deny herself a few wistful memories of the chocolate cake, garlic bread and wine she consumed last week, her body feels better when she eats right. The only thing left to damage her health now will be if Becky finds out that Nancy did buy the fresh homemade ravioli at the Farm Market in Bluffton and she did eat it and she did not bring any home to share. So don’t tell her.
You can imagine, then, the trepidation with which Nancy always steps on the scale after a vacation. It’s so easy to backslide when you are out of your regular routine. So with the attitude of someone heading to the gallows, Nancy weighed herself this morning and found that, yes, she had a little too much of something a time or two last week, and exercised a little less often than she should have (although she did frolic in the waves, as you and many people on Hilton Head Island may recall).
One thing Nancy has learned over the past six years, though, is that if she gets right back into her regular eating and exercising habits, those pesky pounds she picked up on vacation will go away again. They don’t stick around if you don’t continue your vacationing ways. Today it’s back to lots of water and healthy meals in moderation. Add to that a nice trail run this afternoon, and today will go a long way to counteracting the transgressions of last week.
Just remember: if you fall away from your healthy habits, don't panic! It may take a day or two (or sometimes three), but sticking to your healthful ways will take you right back to where you feel your best. You won't lose much ground as long as you get right back to it.
Although Nancy will not deny herself a few wistful memories of the chocolate cake, garlic bread and wine she consumed last week, her body feels better when she eats right. The only thing left to damage her health now will be if Becky finds out that Nancy did buy the fresh homemade ravioli at the Farm Market in Bluffton and she did eat it and she did not bring any home to share. So don’t tell her.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Packing up
While Nancy was busy entertaining beach-goers with her fitness (?) routine, Becky was getting her exercise in by helping move college students. Yeah, I know, hauling boxes and furniture isn't quite the same as swimming with the dolphins, but some of us just live right. Last Saturday it was a move to Milwaukee, complete with U-Haul and a seemingly endless supply of stuff. Yesterday it was IU, not so many boxes, but a lot of supplies to secure.
I must say both trips gave me something to think about. I watched these two college students. They truly could barely contain their excitement about what the future held in store for them. They were optimistic about all the possibilities and enthusiastic about the choices they would be making. The boxes were filled with who they were, what they held important, as well as what they deemed crucial to their survival. (Here I could point out the contrast in supplies: When I headed off to college I was so thrilled to be taking my brand new electric typewriter and an AM/FM clock radio. Now there are 42"flat screens and laptop computers.) Regardless of progress in technology, it represented where they had come from and where they hoped to go. What a feeling it must be to know that your whole life is stretched out there in front of you!
I envied them, their enthusiasm, the paths they had chosen, all they still had to experience.
Then I looked at where I was in life's journey, what I would pack up in the boxes I deemed crucial. Definitely most of the road was behind me; my paths were considerably more limited and limiting. Many of the things I viewed as important would not fit in boxes. Excitement about tomorrow? Yeah. Not the college days kind, but the kind that comes from just being glad you almost finished the Sunday crossword puzzle while sipping good strong coffee. Optimistic? You bet. With age comes a peace with who you are, and a better understanding of what you want. Today's great. After church I am going for a swim, then lifting, then doing a Cycle class. After that I will brave the grocery store. You bet I'm optimistic. Enthusiasm? I've got it. Most of the time. Life should be greeted with enthusiasm on a daily basis. Enthusiasm isn't just for beginners.
As for the boxes I would pack--maybe not so many boxes. Instead I would strive to maintain strong connections with family and friends. I would savor moments with nature, loud guffaws of pleasure and quiet times of reflection. I may not be embarking on another year of campus life, but I am still very much on this adventure called life.
I must say both trips gave me something to think about. I watched these two college students. They truly could barely contain their excitement about what the future held in store for them. They were optimistic about all the possibilities and enthusiastic about the choices they would be making. The boxes were filled with who they were, what they held important, as well as what they deemed crucial to their survival. (Here I could point out the contrast in supplies: When I headed off to college I was so thrilled to be taking my brand new electric typewriter and an AM/FM clock radio. Now there are 42"flat screens and laptop computers.) Regardless of progress in technology, it represented where they had come from and where they hoped to go. What a feeling it must be to know that your whole life is stretched out there in front of you!
I envied them, their enthusiasm, the paths they had chosen, all they still had to experience.
Then I looked at where I was in life's journey, what I would pack up in the boxes I deemed crucial. Definitely most of the road was behind me; my paths were considerably more limited and limiting. Many of the things I viewed as important would not fit in boxes. Excitement about tomorrow? Yeah. Not the college days kind, but the kind that comes from just being glad you almost finished the Sunday crossword puzzle while sipping good strong coffee. Optimistic? You bet. With age comes a peace with who you are, and a better understanding of what you want. Today's great. After church I am going for a swim, then lifting, then doing a Cycle class. After that I will brave the grocery store. You bet I'm optimistic. Enthusiasm? I've got it. Most of the time. Life should be greeted with enthusiasm on a daily basis. Enthusiasm isn't just for beginners.
As for the boxes I would pack--maybe not so many boxes. Instead I would strive to maintain strong connections with family and friends. I would savor moments with nature, loud guffaws of pleasure and quiet times of reflection. I may not be embarking on another year of campus life, but I am still very much on this adventure called life.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Two of a Kind
Nancy's on vacation this week. Yesterday, in an attempt to follow her own advice about keeping fit on vacation by adding some fun activity to each day, Nancy joined her son and his girlfriend as they frolicked in the ocean. It was later in the afternoon and the waves had picked up some strength and some height. The undertow, while not strong, was noticeable. You could feel it pull you down right as a big wave would come crashing over your head. Nancy, her son, and his girlfriend dove through waves and jumped over waves, just enjoying the sun and the surf. One particularly large wave appeared on the horizon. The undertow pulled down and the wave came up high, then crashed down over their heads. Nancy was pulled down and then jumped out high above the waves, enjoying the power surge as her body moved through the surf. Yes, Nancy jumped high out over the waves. Unfortunately, her bathing suit top...
D
I
D
N
O
T.
That's right, it had been pulled down around her waist and she was there jumping around in the surf with two of her attributes available for all astute viewers to enjoy. Luckily her son and his girlfriend were facing the other direction so they were not traumatized for life, but anyone who was on the coast of South Carolina yesterday who saw a woman cavorting uncovered in the waves...yeah, that was Nancy. You should have introduced yourself. We'd be bosom buddies!
So here's a postscript to yesterday's blog. If you're going to introduce some additional activities to your vacation time so that you can incorporate more fitness into your vacation, be sure to wear the appropriate bathing costume. Otherwise you are sure to be a bit discombobulated. Or would that be discomboobulated?
D
I
D
N
O
T.
That's right, it had been pulled down around her waist and she was there jumping around in the surf with two of her attributes available for all astute viewers to enjoy. Luckily her son and his girlfriend were facing the other direction so they were not traumatized for life, but anyone who was on the coast of South Carolina yesterday who saw a woman cavorting uncovered in the waves...yeah, that was Nancy. You should have introduced yourself. We'd be bosom buddies!
So here's a postscript to yesterday's blog. If you're going to introduce some additional activities to your vacation time so that you can incorporate more fitness into your vacation, be sure to wear the appropriate bathing costume. Otherwise you are sure to be a bit discombobulated. Or would that be discomboobulated?
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Vacation Fitness
Probably the best example of someone not using vacation as an excuse to avoid exercise was the gentleman we saw in Cocoa Beach, Florida, a couple of years ago. He was staying in the same complex we were. Every day when we went to the beach, he would be there as well. He would set up camp somewhere near us and proceed to do numerous push-ups and crunches. We assumed we were supposed to be impressed since he made quite a show of it. To be honest, we were pretty impressed, because he was about 90 years old. And obviously he did these daily calisthenics on a fairly regular basis, because he was quite trim and fit for someone his age. Or anyone's age, for that matter.
It's hard to keep fitness in mind when you are on vacation. You want to sleep in, not get up and go for a run. You want to have dessert or a glass of wine or an appetizer (or all three, if we're really being honest here) instead of a nice salad or a piece of fruit. Sometimes that's okay! Sometimes you have to let yourself have something you want and sometimes you have to give your body a day off.
But if you can make yourself stick to most of your fitness routines, you can go home from vacation without feeling like you have lost any progress you had made and without taking home any souvenir weight. Try to find some time for a run. If you're not staying someplace with a fitness center, try to find a gym that will give you a free trial or a discounted one-week rate. Go kayaking with your family. Take long walks on the beach.
Nancy will seldom say no to a crabcake and Becky will seldom say no to dessert. Who is Will Power, anyway? He can be a bit of a party pooper so sometimes we ignore him. But as with everything the key is balance. Keep some activity in your "week off" and come home recharged to pick back up right where you left off.
It's hard to keep fitness in mind when you are on vacation. You want to sleep in, not get up and go for a run. You want to have dessert or a glass of wine or an appetizer (or all three, if we're really being honest here) instead of a nice salad or a piece of fruit. Sometimes that's okay! Sometimes you have to let yourself have something you want and sometimes you have to give your body a day off.
But if you can make yourself stick to most of your fitness routines, you can go home from vacation without feeling like you have lost any progress you had made and without taking home any souvenir weight. Try to find some time for a run. If you're not staying someplace with a fitness center, try to find a gym that will give you a free trial or a discounted one-week rate. Go kayaking with your family. Take long walks on the beach.
Nancy will seldom say no to a crabcake and Becky will seldom say no to dessert. Who is Will Power, anyway? He can be a bit of a party pooper so sometimes we ignore him. But as with everything the key is balance. Keep some activity in your "week off" and come home recharged to pick back up right where you left off.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Willpower has left the building
This has not been a stellar day for one of the two buff chicks. Actually, the day hasn't been all that bad, it's just that Becky has been abandoned not only by the other buff chick, but by her willpower as well. Talk about a double whammy! To be fair, Becky's willpower has never been exemplary--when it comes to sweets, anyway. Exercise willpower? Now THAT'S another story. But back to the missing willpower...
The day started early, as most days do. Breakfast wasn't so bad--healthy oatmeal with lots of blueberries and a smidgen of peanut butter. Then the five hour meeting. Boredom made its entrance and Willpower left the building. Deadly combo.
Becky had a healthy turkey sandwich on wheat with 3 slices of tomato and a healthy helping of lettuce, a small package of sun chips and a water. Good job, Becky. But those white chocolate macademia nut cookies! Oh, why did they have to be sitting right there so easily accessible?
"Ok," Becky thought, "I taught a tough hour-long Cycle class, ate a healthy breakfast, I can have a cookie or two." And she did. And they were oh so good--even without coffee. The meeting had not reconvened and those cookies were still sitting there. Becky casually got up and sauntered over to the temptation where she pretended to reach for another napkin but instead picked up her THIRD cookie. Oh the humanity! But, wait--that is not the end. Remember it was a five-hour meeting. There were still 90 minutes to go. The cookies were still within sauntering distance. The fit, little guy in her head was saying, "No. You have got to stop. You are a personal trainer. You know better. Eat a tomato instead." But the trouble-making big guy pushed little guy aside and reminded Becky of just how tasty those cookies were and Willpower, who apparently had left not only the building, but the entire state was nowhere to be found. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, a fourth cookie was consumed.
Luckily for Becky the meeting ended shortly thereafter. Her shame, however, lingers.
The day started early, as most days do. Breakfast wasn't so bad--healthy oatmeal with lots of blueberries and a smidgen of peanut butter. Then the five hour meeting. Boredom made its entrance and Willpower left the building. Deadly combo.
Becky had a healthy turkey sandwich on wheat with 3 slices of tomato and a healthy helping of lettuce, a small package of sun chips and a water. Good job, Becky. But those white chocolate macademia nut cookies! Oh, why did they have to be sitting right there so easily accessible?
"Ok," Becky thought, "I taught a tough hour-long Cycle class, ate a healthy breakfast, I can have a cookie or two." And she did. And they were oh so good--even without coffee. The meeting had not reconvened and those cookies were still sitting there. Becky casually got up and sauntered over to the temptation where she pretended to reach for another napkin but instead picked up her THIRD cookie. Oh the humanity! But, wait--that is not the end. Remember it was a five-hour meeting. There were still 90 minutes to go. The cookies were still within sauntering distance. The fit, little guy in her head was saying, "No. You have got to stop. You are a personal trainer. You know better. Eat a tomato instead." But the trouble-making big guy pushed little guy aside and reminded Becky of just how tasty those cookies were and Willpower, who apparently had left not only the building, but the entire state was nowhere to be found. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, a fourth cookie was consumed.
Luckily for Becky the meeting ended shortly thereafter. Her shame, however, lingers.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Intimidation
One of the first things Becky taught Nancy about working out was this: there is no such thing as a "men's" side of the gym and a "women's" side of the gym. With very few exceptions, we can be found lifting weights alongside all the big-muscled guys. Don't let yourself be intimidated by the fact that they are lifting weights that are heavier than a house while you are struggling to just bench press the bar with no weights added. Stick with it and over time, you will not only improve but will also gradually become friends with a lot of those guys. They can be among the most supportive people you will find on your path to fitness.
When Nancy first started lifting, there was a great big, tall, powerfully muscled guy who was usually at the gym at the same time she was. Nancy is not easily intimidated, but he, frankly, looked a little scary. This was further accentuated by the fact that he never cracked a smile, never said hello, never made eye contact. He was totally focused on lifting massive amounts of weight. Day after day, month after month, never any acknowledgment that other people were in the gym.
Meanwhile, Nancy was slowly losing weight and continuing to lift and incororate cardio workouts into her days. One day while working her biceps, out of the corner of her eye she saw what she thought was a wall moving towards her, but no, it was that big scary guy. What had she done? She knew she wasn't using any weights he would be interested in. Was she in his space? Was he going to forcibly remove her from the "men's" side of the gym for her measly efforts at working out?
Coming right up to her, in a deep gruff voice, and again, without ever cracking a smile, he said, "How much weight have you lost?" For a moment so surprised by the question that she couldn't answer, Nancy finally managed to say, "37 pounds." He nodded, said, "Well, you look great. Keep up the good work," turned, and went back to his workout.
No, they did not become lifelong friends after that. He went back into his zone. But the point is that sometimes support comes from unexpected sources. Your family and friends are going to encourage you. But it also means a lot to have it come from others who don't have to encourage you, but do it anyway.
When Nancy first started lifting, there was a great big, tall, powerfully muscled guy who was usually at the gym at the same time she was. Nancy is not easily intimidated, but he, frankly, looked a little scary. This was further accentuated by the fact that he never cracked a smile, never said hello, never made eye contact. He was totally focused on lifting massive amounts of weight. Day after day, month after month, never any acknowledgment that other people were in the gym.
Meanwhile, Nancy was slowly losing weight and continuing to lift and incororate cardio workouts into her days. One day while working her biceps, out of the corner of her eye she saw what she thought was a wall moving towards her, but no, it was that big scary guy. What had she done? She knew she wasn't using any weights he would be interested in. Was she in his space? Was he going to forcibly remove her from the "men's" side of the gym for her measly efforts at working out?
Coming right up to her, in a deep gruff voice, and again, without ever cracking a smile, he said, "How much weight have you lost?" For a moment so surprised by the question that she couldn't answer, Nancy finally managed to say, "37 pounds." He nodded, said, "Well, you look great. Keep up the good work," turned, and went back to his workout.
No, they did not become lifelong friends after that. He went back into his zone. But the point is that sometimes support comes from unexpected sources. Your family and friends are going to encourage you. But it also means a lot to have it come from others who don't have to encourage you, but do it anyway.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Pep Talk
There’s a lot of talk about what being active does for a person physically. No one can argue the benefits of shedding a few pounds, toning up muscles and improving cardiovascular endurance. It’s probably why most people begin an exercise program in the first place. But something strange happens once working out becomes a part of a daily routine. Soon it’s not just about how we feel physically but also about how we feel psychologically. I’m no shrink, but I do know that no matter what kind of mood I am in when I walk into the gym for a workout I ALWAYS leave feeling better.
Friday, August 13, 2010
You Say Tomato
Our town is so small – how small is it? – our town is so small that some nights on the local news, they don’t have much to say. It’s a good thing that they don’t have a lot of bad news to report, but on the other hand, what they choose to fill the time is sometimes pretty funny.
The other night they gave five minutes to the weatherman. He said it was hot, humid, and dry all day, and tomorrow was expected to be hot, humid and dry. What else can you really say at this time of year in our part of the country? After he reported this weather news, which was news to no one, he still had four minutes and 53 seconds to fill.
First he shared a photo of a local viewer who had grown the biggest tomato in the area. This viewer is now in the lead in some contest the weatherman is holding. Next he shared a photo from another viewer of a potato with three toes.
In the midst of reporting on these crucial items, he reminded us that it was hot, humid and dry, in case you missed it the first time he said it.
He also shared the vital information that if you put s’mores on your grill in this weather, the chocolate will get all runny and the marshmallows will get soft even without turning on the grill. Just FYI.
What is the point of this post, you may be asking yourself. What does it have to do with fitness? Hold on. Oh yeah: It’s really hot, humid and dry. So remember to hydrate! If you already drink your six 8-oz glasses of water every day, you might add one or two more. If you don’t drink enough water, think about adding some to your day. If you get bored with water there are all kinds of tasty flavor packets you can add, like Lipton Green Tea to Go or Ocean Spray On the Go.
The second point of this post is to remind you to be sure to check and see if there are any severe heat advisories in your area before you exercise outside. We did not think to do this Monday before our trail run and it turned out that there was one in effect. No wonder it was so hard!
The third and final point for today is this: if you have any mutant vegetables growing in your garden, be sure to let your local weatherman know. He may need filler.
The other night they gave five minutes to the weatherman. He said it was hot, humid, and dry all day, and tomorrow was expected to be hot, humid and dry. What else can you really say at this time of year in our part of the country? After he reported this weather news, which was news to no one, he still had four minutes and 53 seconds to fill.
First he shared a photo of a local viewer who had grown the biggest tomato in the area. This viewer is now in the lead in some contest the weatherman is holding. Next he shared a photo from another viewer of a potato with three toes.
In the midst of reporting on these crucial items, he reminded us that it was hot, humid and dry, in case you missed it the first time he said it.
He also shared the vital information that if you put s’mores on your grill in this weather, the chocolate will get all runny and the marshmallows will get soft even without turning on the grill. Just FYI.
What is the point of this post, you may be asking yourself. What does it have to do with fitness? Hold on. Oh yeah: It’s really hot, humid and dry. So remember to hydrate! If you already drink your six 8-oz glasses of water every day, you might add one or two more. If you don’t drink enough water, think about adding some to your day. If you get bored with water there are all kinds of tasty flavor packets you can add, like Lipton Green Tea to Go or Ocean Spray On the Go.
The second point of this post is to remind you to be sure to check and see if there are any severe heat advisories in your area before you exercise outside. We did not think to do this Monday before our trail run and it turned out that there was one in effect. No wonder it was so hard!
The third and final point for today is this: if you have any mutant vegetables growing in your garden, be sure to let your local weatherman know. He may need filler.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Torture Machine
The official name for this particularly nasty piece of equipment is the Assisted Lift. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? It’s going to help you! Yeah, right. Don’t believe it for a second! This is why, after a short getting-to-know-you period, we rechristened it The Torture Machine.
This is the Torture Machine:
This is how you feel when you know you have to get on the torture machine:
Nancy came to know The Torture Machine during one of her first personal training sessions with Becky. We had met several times with some modest success, so Becky threw this in to mix things up a little. Now normally we met in the afternoons, after lunch had had some time to settle but before dinner was the only thing on our minds. However, on this fateful day, Becky couldn’t meet in the afternoon. We agreed to meet at 9 a.m.
Some things you need to know here about Nancy. One, Nancy is not a morning person. Becky will get up at 4:15 to go teach a cycling class or take a 12 mile run, but Nancy thinks that’s crazy. Also, something else you need to know is that Nancy may have given up most of her vices in favor of healthier living, but the one vice she has been unable to kick, even with tremendous effort on her part, is her morning addiction to Diet Coke. It’s the fizz. She just has to have it.
So now the scene is set. Nancy is not happy to be exercising in the morning but she has had her morning Diet Coke so all should be good. Becky introduces Nancy to The Torture Machine. They do not become immediate friends but Nancy does her best to complete one set. Nancy’s stomach feels a little queasy. Nancy does another set. Nancy says to Becky, “My stomach’s a little upset.” Becky says, “It is?” Nancy says, “I think I might throw up.” Becky says, “You DO?”
Don’t worry, Nancy made it to the bathroom so it wasn’t quite as embarrassing as it could have been. When she returns Becky says, “Did you?” Nancy nods and Becky bursts into tears, thinking she had made Nancy work too hard. Moral of the story: If you want a free personal training session, throw up. Because Becky did not charge Nancy that day. Another moral of the story: don’t drink a fizzy beverage right before you work out.
But the true moral of the story is: keep coming back, even if one time you threw up. That was the one and only time for Nancy (although Becky has subsequently made other people throw up as well). And the pros of working out, over time, have far outweighed the cons.
As for The Torture Machine, we can’t seem to ignore it, because it really does make your back and shoulders look nice. It mainly works your latissimus dorsi. Yes, we had to look up how to spell that. Let’s just call them “lats.” The muscle we're talking about is shown in the picture below:
Strive for 3 sets of 12 at a challenging weight. Ask someone at your gym to help you set it up and to show you how to maintain proper form. Here's Becky giving her lats the time of their life:
This is the Torture Machine:
This is how you feel when you know you have to get on the torture machine:
Nancy came to know The Torture Machine during one of her first personal training sessions with Becky. We had met several times with some modest success, so Becky threw this in to mix things up a little. Now normally we met in the afternoons, after lunch had had some time to settle but before dinner was the only thing on our minds. However, on this fateful day, Becky couldn’t meet in the afternoon. We agreed to meet at 9 a.m.
Some things you need to know here about Nancy. One, Nancy is not a morning person. Becky will get up at 4:15 to go teach a cycling class or take a 12 mile run, but Nancy thinks that’s crazy. Also, something else you need to know is that Nancy may have given up most of her vices in favor of healthier living, but the one vice she has been unable to kick, even with tremendous effort on her part, is her morning addiction to Diet Coke. It’s the fizz. She just has to have it.
So now the scene is set. Nancy is not happy to be exercising in the morning but she has had her morning Diet Coke so all should be good. Becky introduces Nancy to The Torture Machine. They do not become immediate friends but Nancy does her best to complete one set. Nancy’s stomach feels a little queasy. Nancy does another set. Nancy says to Becky, “My stomach’s a little upset.” Becky says, “It is?” Nancy says, “I think I might throw up.” Becky says, “You DO?”
Don’t worry, Nancy made it to the bathroom so it wasn’t quite as embarrassing as it could have been. When she returns Becky says, “Did you?” Nancy nods and Becky bursts into tears, thinking she had made Nancy work too hard. Moral of the story: If you want a free personal training session, throw up. Because Becky did not charge Nancy that day. Another moral of the story: don’t drink a fizzy beverage right before you work out.
But the true moral of the story is: keep coming back, even if one time you threw up. That was the one and only time for Nancy (although Becky has subsequently made other people throw up as well). And the pros of working out, over time, have far outweighed the cons.
As for The Torture Machine, we can’t seem to ignore it, because it really does make your back and shoulders look nice. It mainly works your latissimus dorsi. Yes, we had to look up how to spell that. Let’s just call them “lats.” The muscle we're talking about is shown in the picture below:
Strive for 3 sets of 12 at a challenging weight. Ask someone at your gym to help you set it up and to show you how to maintain proper form. Here's Becky giving her lats the time of their life:
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Good News/Bad News
The good news is that there is an exercise that requires absolutely no equipment, can be done anywhere, anytime and is one of the best upper body challenges around. The bad news is that this particular exercise never seems to get easier to do, no matter how much you work at it--unless of course, you cheat. (We don't advocate that unless you're having a really bad day and you need to feel some measure of success somewhere.)
The exercise: PUSH-UPS. Without a doubt that deceptively simple up-down movement is part of a true love/hate relationship--sort of like getting on the scale or eating turkey bacon.
We have tried so many ways to distract us while doing push-ups. We have had push-up parties when we invited gym friends to join us for 25. We've played mind games when we would do only five at a time, but 20 times. We counted up; we counted down. We tried them on the stability ball and we tried them outside in the park. It did not help They were still hard. And we still whined.
We do not like them Sam I Am.
Not at a party, not with our friends,
Not just a few, then counting again.
Not counting up, not counting down,
Not in the park or the sidewalks downtown.
We do not like them Sam I Am.
I fear they're worse than green eggs and ham.
Unfortunately, even bad Dr. Seuss changes nothing. Push-ups are still hard. But, here's the good news again: Those who make doing push-ups part of their fitness routine WILL see results in more defined arms and a toned back. Really.
So quit reading and give me 20.
The exercise: PUSH-UPS. Without a doubt that deceptively simple up-down movement is part of a true love/hate relationship--sort of like getting on the scale or eating turkey bacon.
We have tried so many ways to distract us while doing push-ups. We have had push-up parties when we invited gym friends to join us for 25. We've played mind games when we would do only five at a time, but 20 times. We counted up; we counted down. We tried them on the stability ball and we tried them outside in the park. It did not help They were still hard. And we still whined.
We do not like them Sam I Am.
Not at a party, not with our friends,
Not just a few, then counting again.
Not counting up, not counting down,
Not in the park or the sidewalks downtown.
We do not like them Sam I Am.
I fear they're worse than green eggs and ham.
Unfortunately, even bad Dr. Seuss changes nothing. Push-ups are still hard. But, here's the good news again: Those who make doing push-ups part of their fitness routine WILL see results in more defined arms and a toned back. Really.
So quit reading and give me 20.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Trail Running
To mix things up a little bit Becky and Nancy recently started trail running with a group every Monday. It’s really fun and a whole new challenge, even for a veteran runner like Becky. Some days it’s really hot and humid. Some days it’s really muddy. Always it’s a little different than the time before. Yesterday it was 100 degrees in town, but out in the woods where the trees filter the sunlight it was much cooler. Probably only 97 or 98.
The trail we run is 3.1 miles and goes through woods, around a lake, and up hills. A lot of hills. We often see deer and the lake usually has turtles sunning themselves and an occasional heron. There is an additional mile loop which Becky usually does while she waits for Nancy to catch up.
Becky and her son graciously run ahead of the pack to knock down all the spider webs and scare off all the snakes. The rest of the group follows in her wake. Nancy graciously brings up the rear. Not because she’s the slowest! But because she’s gracious and doesn’t want anyone else to think they are the slowest!
Just as you’re feeling good and warmed up, feeling like you’re kicking this trail’s butt, you will come to this set of steps.
And not only are those steps really fun, but immediately after you run up them (not that Nancy ever has, mind you, it’s more of a crawl), you will come to this hill.
If you are still alive once you reach the top of this hill, fear not. Another hill awaits! This hill has a bench, conveniently located about halfway up, to mock you if you have to sit for a spell.
But if you make it to the top of this hill, you are almost finished. Soon you will be back on the blacktop for the last quarter-mile of the run. Nancy thinks the trick is to run this part of the trail really, really fast, so everyone thinks you have been running that fast all along.
They are not fooled though. They are usually all cooled down and finishing up their water by the time she gets to the end.
The trail we run is 3.1 miles and goes through woods, around a lake, and up hills. A lot of hills. We often see deer and the lake usually has turtles sunning themselves and an occasional heron. There is an additional mile loop which Becky usually does while she waits for Nancy to catch up.
Becky and her son graciously run ahead of the pack to knock down all the spider webs and scare off all the snakes. The rest of the group follows in her wake. Nancy graciously brings up the rear. Not because she’s the slowest! But because she’s gracious and doesn’t want anyone else to think they are the slowest!
Just as you’re feeling good and warmed up, feeling like you’re kicking this trail’s butt, you will come to this set of steps.
And not only are those steps really fun, but immediately after you run up them (not that Nancy ever has, mind you, it’s more of a crawl), you will come to this hill.
If you are still alive once you reach the top of this hill, fear not. Another hill awaits! This hill has a bench, conveniently located about halfway up, to mock you if you have to sit for a spell.
But if you make it to the top of this hill, you are almost finished. Soon you will be back on the blacktop for the last quarter-mile of the run. Nancy thinks the trick is to run this part of the trail really, really fast, so everyone thinks you have been running that fast all along.
They are not fooled though. They are usually all cooled down and finishing up their water by the time she gets to the end.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Mischief in the Weight Room
As you may or may not know, it takes all kinds of personalities to manage a weight room. Also, as you may or may not know, it takes all kinds of distractions to keep a person interested in working out.
There is one employee at our gym who prides herself (justifiably so) on her ability to keep the place all neat and tidy. If there is an errant weight lying around it will soon be returned to its proper place. Unattended water bottle? You can rest assured you will find it in the recycle bin faster than you can say, "Now where did I put my water bottle?" And whatever you do, don't let go of your towel or you will only get a parting glimpse of it as it is carted off to the laundry room. At this point we need to make ourselves very clear: We admire and respect this trainer's diligence to our home away from home. Not only is she a long-lost relative of Mr. Clean's, she is a great friend.
It's important you have a clear sense of how this particular trainer maintains the workout area.
OK. It's now our workout time and as it sometimes happens, our focus is NOT on the bench press, nor do lunges hold any particular appeal for us right now. We'll admit it, we're bored. We need some kind of distraction. Oh, what could it be? Because of our genuine lack of strength-training concentration, it's not long before we have a solution to our attention deficit.
Target: Ms. Clean.
Our mission: A surprise for our friend.
Quickly, and with focus we did not demonstrate during our workout, we assembled jump ropes and a few dumbbells in our special little corner of the workout room.
In a matter of moments we had assembled what we thought a most creative mess...er...we mean message.
We were tempted to leave it there on the floor...but we're no dummies!
There is one employee at our gym who prides herself (justifiably so) on her ability to keep the place all neat and tidy. If there is an errant weight lying around it will soon be returned to its proper place. Unattended water bottle? You can rest assured you will find it in the recycle bin faster than you can say, "Now where did I put my water bottle?" And whatever you do, don't let go of your towel or you will only get a parting glimpse of it as it is carted off to the laundry room. At this point we need to make ourselves very clear: We admire and respect this trainer's diligence to our home away from home. Not only is she a long-lost relative of Mr. Clean's, she is a great friend.
It's important you have a clear sense of how this particular trainer maintains the workout area.
OK. It's now our workout time and as it sometimes happens, our focus is NOT on the bench press, nor do lunges hold any particular appeal for us right now. We'll admit it, we're bored. We need some kind of distraction. Oh, what could it be? Because of our genuine lack of strength-training concentration, it's not long before we have a solution to our attention deficit.
Target: Ms. Clean.
Our mission: A surprise for our friend.
Quickly, and with focus we did not demonstrate during our workout, we assembled jump ropes and a few dumbbells in our special little corner of the workout room.
In a matter of moments we had assembled what we thought a most creative mess...er...we mean message.
We were tempted to leave it there on the floor...but we're no dummies!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
The Results
We hope you were able to sleep last night and were not up wondering how Nancy's 5K run this morning would go. To put your minds at rest, here are the results:
1. She got up in time;
2. She did not get run over by anyone;
3. She DID beat her personal record with a time of 30:02!!!
4. She did get a side stitch, as usual, at mile 2, which never went away but was able to ignore it;
5. She did not pass out, throw up or add any other entertainment to the event, much to the crowd's disappointment.
To show her up, Becky ran 6 miles before the 5K, waking at 4:00 a.m. to do so. We are not speaking to Becky.
1. She got up in time;
2. She did not get run over by anyone;
3. She DID beat her personal record with a time of 30:02!!!
4. She did get a side stitch, as usual, at mile 2, which never went away but was able to ignore it;
5. She did not pass out, throw up or add any other entertainment to the event, much to the crowd's disappointment.
To show her up, Becky ran 6 miles before the 5K, waking at 4:00 a.m. to do so. We are not speaking to Becky.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Anticipation
After yesterday’s slugfest, the heat and humidity have finally broken slightly. Time to get back in gear. Time for Nancy to pick up her packet at the YMCA for tomorrow morning’s 5K, part of the training program for the half-marathon coming up in two months. Last month she completed a 5K in 32:25:7, which lets you know that she probably will not be setting any world records tomorrow. However, we know you will all be on the edge of your seats wondering:
• Will she make it out of bed in time?
• Will she get knocked down for being in everyone’s way?
• Will she beat her own personal record?
• Will she complete the 5K without any side stitches or foot cramps?
• Will she pass out, throw up, or in any other way add entertainment to the event?
Oh, the anticipation. How will you be able to stand it?
Tune in tomorrow to find out the results.
• Will she make it out of bed in time?
• Will she get knocked down for being in everyone’s way?
• Will she beat her own personal record?
• Will she complete the 5K without any side stitches or foot cramps?
• Will she pass out, throw up, or in any other way add entertainment to the event?
Oh, the anticipation. How will you be able to stand it?
Tune in tomorrow to find out the results.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Blame it on the heat. One thing we have learned in our years working out together is that sometimes you just have to take a day off. Sometimes life gets in the way. Sometimes weather is the culprit. And sometimes sleep sounds a lot better than sweat! You can come back the next day with a whole new attitude and renewed motivation. Do these sound like excuses? NO! Your body will be rested and ready to go. Consider this your coupon for a one guilt-free no workout day. It’s on us! Use it today or save it for another day.
Your friends, the Two Buff Chicks.
Your friends, the Two Buff Chicks.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Who are the Two Buff Chicks?
It all started innocently enough. In 2002, Nancy, who was tired of looking bad, feeling bad and never having any cute clothes to wear, met Becky, a Certified Personal Trainer for the YMCA. Flash forward to 2010...now Nancy looks fit, feels even better, and most importantly, has lots of cute clothes to wear. Magic, you say? No, no, no. Just some hard work, some sweat (not perspiration, not glistening skin, sweat) and a lot of fun.
Fun? We've got to be kidding, right? Believe it or not, you can have fun with a workout. It's all about perception! It came to us one day that weight training would be a lot easier if we didn't use weights. That wasn't an option, though, so instead we tapped into our most creative inner beings and voila! Soon, doing push-ups was all about choosing Door Number 3 in Let's Make a Deal!
Fun? We've got to be kidding, right? Believe it or not, you can have fun with a workout. It's all about perception! It came to us one day that weight training would be a lot easier if we didn't use weights. That wasn't an option, though, so instead we tapped into our most creative inner beings and voila! Soon, doing push-ups was all about choosing Door Number 3 in Let's Make a Deal!
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