Harder Than I've Ever Been Hugged

I’ve been volunteering with my local high school mountain bike team for the past 2 months. Each week, I teach a hard, 90-minute, power-based indoor training session. Most of the kids are super-focused. A couple are a bit distracted. But all in all, we have a lot of fun together.

I like kids. I don’t have them and I’ve never wanted them. But I like them. They’re real.  They’re honest. They don’t play games. They want to please you.  And they love seeing results.

Las night, a new girl joined the team. She’s the daughter of the head coach’s co-worker and I was told in advance that she’s never participated in sports, doesn’t really exercise, and suffers from depression. She was a trooper and jumped right in. It was really challenging for her, but she stuck it out and completed the workout.

After training, we all discussed upcoming events and all the boys (yes, we have all boys on the team, except one other new girl who wasn’t there tonight) introduced themselves and they all chatted and laughed together.

As we were leaving, she lingered a bit and then ran up and hugged me harder than I’ve ever been hugged. I thought she might cry. She told me that she had so much fun and had never felt the way she felt during and after the workout.  I’m sure she didn’t know it, but she was experiencing that endorphin high that we all love.

I’m sure you’ve read articles that extoll the mental health benefits of exercise.  Physical activity will improve your mood, your memory, and your cognitive function.  As we age, it keeps us young.  For the young, it can keep them focused and combat the symptoms of ADHD.  For me, it relieves anxiety and depression.  It calms me when I’m wired and lifts me up when I’m down.

It doesn’t take much exercise to yield benefits.  30 minutes a day will improve your life.  The key is to make time for yourself on a consistent basis.  And who knows, you might feel like hugging someone, too!

fitness is my drug of choice

would you like a little solitude with that workout?

I love technology, but when I'm riding, I want to get away from it all -- the cell phone, the iPod, the email, the interruptions. you see, one of the reasons I love the bike is to escape from all the daily inputs I have at work -- all that noise makes my head spin.

I'm also not a HUGE fan of the gym. I like training. I run on the treadmill (with my iPod). I lift weights. But I don't like the sounds, the smells, the germs of the gym. I stopped working as a personal trainer many years ago because of my dislike of the gym environment.

years ago a friend had sent me some information about Tina Vindum. Tina is a pretty cool chick and her company -- Outdoor Action Fitness -- is one of the first outdoor fitness programs in the world. but her program isn't any run-of-the-mill boot camp with 100 participants. instead, the focus is on high-level small-group fitness and integration with the environment. she doesn't yell commands like a drill sergeant. her programs are filled with natural sensory inputs (smells, sounds, sights, textures) and meditation. but she's a darn good trainer too, so she can kick your butt while you enjoy the view.

in my quest for something new this year, I've got plans to start an outdoor group conditioning class for cyclists. so this weekend I participated in Tina's OAF Instructor Training Certification -- two days of inspiration and butt-kicking education. our intimate class of 8 participants included folks from all over the country (I was the only local). and in addition to learning some new models for fitness training, I met some very interesting women.

so, stay tuned. we've got some cool new programs on tap for late summer and fall!

Lorri

what's your exercise personality?

if you're like many of my clients, you have a unique personality and your motivation for training is your own. we're all different in this respect. some of us are motivated by the group groove of exercise classes or group rides. some are motivated by checking a task off our list. and some are motivated by changing our lives. does guilt motivate you? or a sense of accomplishment?



knowing that answer to that question -- what motivates you -- will go a long way in helping you choose the right exercise.

as a coach, if I can understand your motivation as well, I can help you by developing a training program that excites you -- one with which you'll comply.

but sometimes my clients just don't know what motivates them.

someone just sent me this fun little test. it's pretty simple, but I bet it will help you start thinking about what type of exercise you enjoy and what motivates you to stay active!

take the exercise personality test!

make meaningful resolutions

many folks hire me to change their lives. seriously! sometimes folks are realistic about their goals, expectations, and timeline. and sometimes they're not. whether you're an elite racer, an age-grouper, or a recreational rider, it's important to remember that positive change takes time. change also requires lifestyle modification for most of us. afterall, you didn't become an overweight, beer-drinking, cheetos-eating couch potato overnight and you can't reverse years of bad living in a month or two.

so here are some simple ideas you can implement today that will make long-lasting change in your life. pick one, commit to it for the next month, check it off your list everyday, and just wait to see the positive result on your life!



eat a salad everyday! salads are great because they fill you up but contain very few calories. of course, don't pile on a cup of fatty dressing!

replace one cup of coffee with a glass of water each day.

for any trip under two miles, try to walk or ride your bike instead of driving -- good for you and good for the environment, too!

commit to at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five days a week.

replace a sugary snack with a piece of fruit or a vegetable.

eat breakfast every morning.

replace your sugar-laden breakfast cereal with a whole grain alternative. add some fruit for a bonus!

take a 10-minute mid-day walk or stretch. clear your mind and re-focus your body.

limit yourself to 4 ounces of lean protein a day. chicken, turkey, pork, and fish are great choices!

spend 10 minutes each morning in meditation: clearing your mind, planning your day, and centering your energy.


Happy New Year!