Challenge #15– April 12, 2010

Week Fifteen: April 12, 2010

Challenge: Train Like the Pros!

How does an athlete become a pro? Have you ever completed a workout and thought to yourself, “Wow! I can’t believe what I just accomplished!”  Each day is different, and the energy we have to complete a workout one day may not compare to the energy we have on the next, or one thereafter.  I think, however, that I can speak for many people, when I acknowledge that empowering feeling we get at the end of a workout, when we may even ask ourselves, “Who was that?” and “Where was that energy and drive hiding? 

The athletes who entertain us on the ice rink, football or soccer field, baseball diamond, running tracks or even in swimming pools are put through vigorous workout routines to ensure their skills, abilities and fitness are at par or above those of their competitors.  But who’s to say that we can’t focus on bringing out the athlete in us each time we hit the treadmill, fitness class or simply a few outdoor props!

Maybe this is the week you grab a buddy and bring them along to your workout routine, and push each other harder to work above and beyond your fitness abilities, encouraging each other along the way!

How do we do this? Short quick drills, quicker transition times between strength training or cardio reps and most importantly, focusing on giving your all during each drill.  If you’re looking to start somewhere, use the weather we’ve been having as your driving force to get you out and about on the streets with a good pair of runners.  Start off with a brisk walk, and when you can visualize the next street corner, push yourself to jog there.  Back down to a power walk for 1 minute, and then carry on with another 2-minute jog.  Work this interval until you make your way around a block or 2, and aim to make it the same distance holding a steady jog!

Here’s a quick 5-minute continuous circuit you could even add into your next workout routine!

• 30 second wide feet shuffle
• 20 push-ups (30 seconds)
• 20 crunches (30 seconds)
• 30 seconds shuffle moving feet out and in
• 30 seconds jumping jacks
• 20 squats (30 seconds)
• 20 lunges (30 seconds)
• 20 crunches (30 seconds)
• 30 seconds skipping
• 30 seconds shuffle moving from side to side

Choose a day or 2 right now of the next week that you will commit to incorporating one or two of the ideas mentioned above!  Most importantly, do it for YOU! Give that physical activity time for YOU during the day, not only for health and fitness, but mental clarity at work and home too!