Humbled by the Bosu

I'm typing this post from under the covers... a little nervous about performing any strenuous motions (like sitting or walking).

I got introduced to the Bosu yesterday.

The Bosu is a half-ball structure you can use like a step. Apparently, it ups the intensity of any cardio workout. I did not come close to the gracefulness of that woman in the photograph, let me tell you. The Bosu and I had a rough first meeting. I went full force like I normally do, and about 30 minutes in, I thought I was going to faint (literally). By the end of the hour, I was just doing the motions on the floor. I decided to let the Bosu win.

I only went to this cardio class because I had to work during the kickboxing slot. It was a good workout, but I really didn't have fun. I know myself, and if I'm gonna keep up with a workout, it has to be more fun than pain. I like to notice the pain after I stop... or the next day. Not during.

Thank goodness I can make next Monday's kickboxing class.

Dr. Ty
From the GAL Blog
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Knocking out my stress today...

When given the opportunity to leave work early today, I jumped at the chance to shake off my winter funk in a kickboxing gym class. An hour later, I'm a little stiff, a little achy and walking up the stairs requires a range of motion that my hips won't allow all of a sudden.

I'm happy I went though. It was so much fun. Whenever I'd start to kick a little lower and lower, she would vary the routine such that I was more focused on keeping up (kick, then punch, then jab, jab, uppercut, kick!) rather than the burning pain in my hips and thighs.

Ya know... I like to think my stair-walking helped me hang in there after not going to the gym for a few months. It has nothing on this class' intensity, but it held me at bay.

I'm sure the endorphins from the workout will help me feel a lot less stressed tomorrow... but imagining I was karate kicking a few people who get under my skin made me smile tonight.

Warning: Don't cross me this week -- I got my jab-jab, cross, uppercut, knee, side kick down pat!

Dr. Ty
From the GAL Blog
www.getalifecampaign.com
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Quickies

The gym and I have only seen each other twice so far this year - once in Cancun and once during the week I returned. My schedule is mostly to blame, but my usual winter funk didn't help matters. But, in an effort to not lose momentum (and gain the weight back), I have started doing quickies at home.

While yes, there are many types of quickies that can raise the heart rate and burn calories, my workout quickies have effectively kept the pounds at bay until I can get back onto my routine.

Here's my latest 15-minute quickie:

* 50 crunches
* 20 oblique crunches (side to side)
* 5 boy pushups, 20 girl pushups
* Stairs (up and down 12 stairs) x 10 times, lifting the knees while jogging down also

I know it seems wimpy to not break a dripping sweat, to not spend 90 minutes sitting on various gym equipment, or to not limp after a workout. But, even something as simple as 15 minutes CAN make a difference. Don't fall into the all or nothing mantra ("If I can't spend a whole hour, I might as well stay home"). Do something, anything! You'll feel better for it.

The quickies are also good for those of us who don't want to go to the gym completely out of shape. Give yourself a head start at home before you commit to your gym schedule, or join a running group.

Other daily things (you've heard me say these before):
* Take the stairs rather than the elevator
* Jog from the parking garage to your building (or between buildings)

Dr. Ty
From the GAL Blog
www.getalifecampaign.com
Follow me on Twitter: @doctorty
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