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Well, if there is one thing you really can complain about, it’s the weather. It’s been a long, long, wet and wild winter so far.
Many of my clients just love to be outside walking, running, or jogging, but it’s really been either too cold or too wet. The rain and the snow have put a damper on their exercise regimens. Believe it or not, snow is in the forecast for the days ahead.
How to cope with that? Well first, look at some of your options. Things are kind of tight in the retail world. Everyone from Wal-Mart, K-Mart, even the fitness outlets, have items for sale at really good prices. Treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and even rowers are priced for good deals, so opt for a nice piece of equipment for home use. Shop for the best deals but make sure you use it. Dedicate a space for your new equipment. Put in a TV for added enjoyment. Time flies when you are walking a treadmill while watching Project Runway. Get into the habit of using it at a designated time: morning, early afternoon, or late at night. Start out slow on your equipment. Get to know how it works, and its limitations, by reading the manual. If it needs servicing at any time, don’t ignore it. You paid good money for it so get the most out of it.
Reading magazines and newspapers are another good way to pass the time away on your equipment. Still not your thing? How about earphones and an iPod. Got a nice stereo system? Pop in a CD and blast away. Remember that to get a good cardio workout it has to be at least 20 minutes or more of continuous movement. No cheating—no eating on the equipment, and do not use it for hanging up clothes or laundry.
Another solution to keeping up your outdoor activity is to go back inside and join a gym. Join for a month or two until the bad weather breaks. It’s warm and cozy inside and you’ll have others to talk to. Gyms are very social places and you can meet a lot of interesting people there. But be patient. Sometimes the cardio equipment can be in full use and you might have to wait for it. No biggie, go do some stretching and get yourself warmed up. If it’s just too busy at the cardio machines, find out from the staff or other members when the slower parts of the day are and come in then. It beats waiting!
Then we have the die-hards, the truly dedicated. I’ve got those as clients too. These people will go out in 19 degree weather and jog, run, walk, power walk, you name it. They’ve just got to be outside. To them, I say “OK.” You really have to take precautions for bad weather. Dress accordingly–if it’s 19 degrees–dress like it. Skin will freeze and before you know it frostbite can set in.
Cover up the face, the hands, and fingers, and make sure you wear the proper foot gear. Try to avoid areas of heavy traffic. Motorists can’t see you run/walk in the rain or snow. Visibility is severely cut in times of precipitation— frozen or otherwise. Stick to your neighborhood in case the weather gets too severe or the temperatures are hard to take. Safety first. Don’t wear white in a snowstorm (LOL) and don’t wear dark clothing at night. Got anything reflective? Put it on your shoes, jacket, hat and such. But if the outside weather is just too severe to be out in, take a break. It will eventually clear up and possibly get warmer, so hang in there. Spring is only two months away. Think warm thoughts!