A Workout is a Workout is a Workout

We do it because we are now conditioned to believe we have to do it. We have to get 3-5 days of cardio and 2-3 days of strength training worked into our already busy lives. We drag to the gym before or after work, or put the children in childcare at the facility and make our way to the chosen class of the month or to the most enticing treadmill in our favorite spot in the cardio room in front of our favorite tv program. It's making me yawn just thinking about it. The blank stares on everyone's faces as they watch their Nautilus counter log rep after rep and beep at them relentlessly for working too fast.

I teach a class in a gym. I do enjoy it. It's a Boot Camp style class that I change up every time. I run their butts out the front door too unless it's raining or freezing. The elliptical crowd briefly looks up from their frenzied pattern of backward running and their latest issue of Cosmo as we fly out the door. We do sprints from laying starts and Indian Runs out there and everyone wants to do just one more before we come back in. They seem to like it.....

One of my little pleasures in life, (which is all one should expect really) is Outdoor Fitness. I take a bunch of people with me. Running, paddling, hiking, biking, walking, climbing....Playing on a basketball court, a high school track, soccer field, playground, park...basically playing more like a kid. Remember? The energy seems to abound outdoors! The stress goes away and the friendly banter kicks in. A little competitive spirit finds it way into our 100 meter dash. I still have to explain and demonstrate bear crawls to newcomers and I'm always surprised that everyone is happy to do them!

My three courses of action to help people remember how to play and stay fit rather than workout in a gym are AM Boot Camp, Evening Fit Friends, and Weekend Warriors. Please join my blog and learn more about our experiences, our fun events, and the people who truly have made my life accountable.

Gym (jim) n. informal A necessary facility when it's way too cold or rainy or snowy to play outside.