Fitness
Hey All -
Well for those of us north of the Equator, spring has definitely sprung and we're quickly speeding toward summer. And with the higher temperature, that means wearing less clothes - which makes many of us take inventory of what kind of shape we're in.
I'm a huge proponent of exercise year round. I love the gym and my morning workout is not only the thing that gets me out of bed, but the cornerstone of the structure of the rest of my day. And not only does exercise help us to look and feel better about ourselves, it creates more sustainable energy throughout our days.
By now I'm sure we're all aware of the health benefits that exercise offers, but I for one can testify of the mood elevating benefits I reap from a small daily time investment "exercising my demons". I usually get my exercising done at the gym, running outside, or doing simple exercises at the beach or a park. But there are almost unlimited ways to get your heart pumping and your endorphins flowing in such a way that makes you look forward to your workout. I'm constantly looking for new ideas to suggest to folks who ask about working out but loathe the traditional options.
So what do you do (or would like to do, or plan to start doing) to stay fit and full of life?
All Things Possible,
Chris
Well for those of us north of the Equator, spring has definitely sprung and we're quickly speeding toward summer. And with the higher temperature, that means wearing less clothes - which makes many of us take inventory of what kind of shape we're in.
I'm a huge proponent of exercise year round. I love the gym and my morning workout is not only the thing that gets me out of bed, but the cornerstone of the structure of the rest of my day. And not only does exercise help us to look and feel better about ourselves, it creates more sustainable energy throughout our days.
By now I'm sure we're all aware of the health benefits that exercise offers, but I for one can testify of the mood elevating benefits I reap from a small daily time investment "exercising my demons". I usually get my exercising done at the gym, running outside, or doing simple exercises at the beach or a park. But there are almost unlimited ways to get your heart pumping and your endorphins flowing in such a way that makes you look forward to your workout. I'm constantly looking for new ideas to suggest to folks who ask about working out but loathe the traditional options.
So what do you do (or would like to do, or plan to start doing) to stay fit and full of life?
All Things Possible,
Chris
posted by Christopher Showerman @ 5/01/2008 10:29:00 AM
11 Comments:
At 8:45 PM, May 02, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Well, trkking up and down a driveway made of rocks, doing 3 flights of steps there and back and maneuvering on the beach is enough for my partial paraplegic body! LOL And NOW they wanna add PT?!! ABSOLUTE SADISTS I tell ya!! Anybody care to armwrestle? *g* ~Linds
At 9:50 PM, May 04, 2008 ,
Christopher Showerman said...
Three flights of steps?!?! That's amazing Lindsey! How do you do it? You are proving that ALL THINGS really are POSSIBLE!
ATP!
C
At 7:33 AM, May 05, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
*laughing* oooooh should I tell you about my first 6 weeks in SoCal? Or have I already? THAT was excercise too...although quite more entertaining for me than this has been...I'm so mean, hehe...~Linds
At 2:52 PM, May 07, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Chris
This is a great subject, very timely as I am sitting here icing my ankle (sprain).
For me, every morning starts at 4:30am so that I can get to the gym before work. A good work out first thing in the morning puts the mind at ease and when I have one of those perfect butt busting, killer, can barely walk out to the car workouts, I feel like nothing can take me down that day. Endorphins are my friend!
Growing up I always had a weight problem. Even as an adult, weight was an issue. I graduated high school at a massive 105 lbs. At age 30 I had bulked up to 125 at a height of 5'7". A real monster! I never really liked food and even today, do not like to cook or deal with food prep.
One day I decided I didn't like being that skinny so I started to do some research and eventually joined a gym. I taught myself what to eat and when. Last year at this time I was pushing 170 but currently am down to around 160 plus or minus. I don't go by the scale too often and depend on how I look and feel to determine what my workout plans will be.
To say there was a major improvement in mental attitude is an understatement. My self confidence is at an all time high and I never knew that being so skinny was really an issue for me until I was given a picture of myself taken way back when. I looked like I had an eating disorder. That picture disturbed me so much that it hangs on the refridgerator as a reminder when I am too lazy to want to cook something that there are options.
Good health doesn't come in the form of a pill like so many ads will tell you. It takes effort, planning and the desire for change being greater than the desire to stay the same.
So Chris-keep lifting, Linds-keep doing the stairs, Sue-keep walking and everyone else SITTING there reading this, get up, go outside, run around your house twice and come back and tell me you don't feel better.
Ok, therapy session over.
Tim
At 7:55 PM, May 07, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Tim,
Your's is an inspiring story - so many of us have the opposite problem when it comes to weight that we forget there are those who do struggle to gain as well. And Linds, keep up the good work - sometimes the greatest rewards in life come from accomplishing something others think is simple.
Me, well, I used to lift weights - I say used to because lately it seems I'm spending so much time at work and at theatre rehearsal that I'm not getting my workouts in as much as I should. Walking (aka hiking) is always fun on vacation - and I've managed to get up and successfully back down a mountain or two in my day. Biking outside in the spring and summer is always fun, and who doesn't enjoy a rousing game of golf on occasion? Okay, with a cart it isn't much of a workout - but at least it's fresh air. And, of course, my favorite exercise - jumping to conclusions! Ha, it's an old joke but it still cracks me up.
Keep up the great work everyone. Make this the summer that the shirt and/or muu-muu comes off!
Dave
At 8:13 AM, May 09, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Pertinent Health Advice:
Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually.
Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster.
Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is
nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a
good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance
of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you
get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! .... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting
more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
- Frank
At 3:36 PM, May 09, 2008 ,
SusanGail said...
Hi everyone...I'm back. Can I make up for being gone so long? Here goes...
Yes, Dave, it was all three...an awesome vacation/retreat/adventure in VA/MD. A week in the Blue Ridge SW corner of VA. For a creative spirit retreat and a few days with our daughter in Solomon's Islands area of MD. A beautiful ATP odyssey...exploring new geography, new ideas and discovering new friends.
Tim, I'm with Dave..that's a wonderful story. A jewel to share, I think, on a wider scale. I, too, know what it's like to have that kind of weight issue. I grew up skinny, when skinny wasn't "cool." Now, I'd just as soon rearrange my weight, so I need to learn more about that. Thanks for the walking encouragement. I find I can't live without it, now. I ride my bike a lot, and have some favorite morning exercises. Amazingly, I elected to walk the long way to luggage pickup flying in from Baltimore so I could stretch my legs. And also I elected to be on the third floor on my retreat, so I could benefit from stair climbing, which is supposed to be one of the best.
Frank, that's a FUN list! Thanks for taking the time to post it!
And Chris, Congrats on your article being included in "Best of Men's Workout 2008" magazine. There are lots of exercise options in there for men....and my husband has really been busy the past year or so, designing an exercise regime that suits him. We always appreciate your thoughts on fitness and health.
Well, I know we're all waiting for news of the fantastic adventures of Ute and Jaschenka in Ireland! I love hearing about everyone's trips and even the ordinary, beautiful moments shared of just being yourselves. Have a great weekend...and Mother's Day with your families...Sue
At 8:45 AM, May 11, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
With all the heavy rain we are getting right now, my new exercise just might be....rowing :-)
Tim
At 11:08 AM, May 11, 2008 ,
SusanGail said...
Is that heading this way? Not rowing weather here just yet, just mild soaking. Boating...another great form of exercise, as long as it involves rowing or paddling! Stay dry...the sun'll come out tomorrow! Sue
At 5:47 PM, May 16, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Here is Chris getting some exercise
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TiZG0j-yMKA
Tim
At 6:29 AM, May 17, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Hey Tim,
Thanks for posting the link. And, Chris, it's clear from the video that you still know how to stay in shape!
By the way, for those who may not realize it, fight scenes can be the among the most difficult to work out whether on stage or film. Like a dance they must be choregraphed down to the smallest movement - one wrong "punch" and someone could get hurt for real - and they are physically demanding as well. Trust me - if the fight looks natural and realistic it took a lot of rehearsal and energy to get it that way. I personally have been in a fight scene or two on stage and take workshops on stage combat whenever I can and though it's fun, it's tough too!
Perhaps someone should develop the "stage combat" workout?
Good to see that everyone is doing something to stay active and fit.
Gotta go and enjoy some of this nice weather now - I think spring is finally here in the "frozen north!"
Dave
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