Long Bones

Today was a really good day in general with one big glitch. I did have a weird weight uptick that I can’t explain with hormones, salt intake, or excess calories. Just a random extra pound that shouldn’t be there. So I was a little grumpy. But I walked to work and back and I went to the gym and managed most of the training plan they suggest for the Fitness Challenge. I’ve discovered that the pull-up machine is in conflict with my fear of heights (if it’s more than a foot from where I would be standing I don’t want to be there.) But the gym manager was there and he set me up with a more ground level machine that worked the same muscle groups. So I was peachy. Came home and had a really simple good dinner of an Al Fresco garlic chicken sausage link, sauteed brussel sprouts with leeks and mustard and a roasted potato. There was also olive oil involved, lest you think I’m not eating enough

But the main thing I wanted to chat about is moments ago I was shutting everything off, not to go to bed (I’m not that much of a dork to go to bed before 10:00 on a Friday!!) but to take a long hot bath and relax away the pain in my muscles. And I look outside…

And it is snowing. Big, fat, heavy clumping snow but it is snow.

It is not yet October.

Welcome to Fairbanks. Why does this surprise me year after year?

Here is this week’s Fitness Friday brought to you with love and care from my lovely sister Aulika. Fitness Fridays are going to mostly be brought to you by Aulika or our mom, Nelly because where I am really really awesome at eating well and logging calories, I am a complete and total fitness novice.

Anyway, here is my dear sweet sister:

• Not all gyms are the same, so find a gym that works for you. Some people like large gyms, seeing all those other people working out is motivating, and they like the social aspect of a large gym. For others, they prefer the privacy of a small, local gym. For those whose excuse is that they don’t have time, pick a gym that is on your way to and from work, or close to your kids school, etc.
• Remember, getting to the gym is the hard part. There will always be something that comes up that could prevent you from getting to your workout. Having to work late, kids surprise you with a bake sale at school tomorrow, in-laws are visiting… there will always be something. You just have to do it. Get in the door and the rest is easy.
• If you are unfamiliar with the gym layout or the machines, schedule an appointment with a personal trainer. They’ll show you how to use the equipment properly and make you feel more at ease in the gym environment.
• Warm up, cool down, stretch and drink water! These become more and more important as we age.
• Pay attention to your posture. Keep your shoulders down, your neck relaxed, your back straight and your abs tight.
• Variety is the spice of life, and will keep your workouts fun. Your body will get used to a routine and you’ll see less progress if you do the same thing over and over.
• Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see progress right away. Getting fit is a marathon, not a sprint.