Working in the Workouts: Cross training ideas

by Debra McDuffee (Subscribe to Debra McDuffee's posts)
May 25th 2007 7:00AM

Categories: Womens Health, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness

Each week, Debbie will share her goals, challenges, successes and tips on how to fit in fitness when caring for a rambunctious toddler.

I am in the groove . . .

I feel I have got so much of this fitness thing under control. I am faithful to my four muscle groups of strength training every morning, and I have been fitting in four yoga poses daily as well. I have been walking outside while pushing Owen in the stroller, or leaving him with my husband and hiking the trails with the dog, about three times per week.

I even have some indoor options, for when the weather is bad or when I can squeeze out some exercise time while Owen naps: various yoga DVDs and a treadmill.

But here is where I feel my fitness routine lacking -- outdoor variety. Don't get me wrong, I love my brisk walks and hikes, but I am being mindful of "surprising" my body by doing lots of different types of exercise, so I want to mix it up a bit.

Here are my thoughts . . .

There is no way I am ever going to get myself on a bike. I haven't been, in fact, since I got my driver's license!
I would love to find a place to row, but seeing as I am trying to fit things in quickly and easily, rowing is unfortunately prohibitive.
I am toying with the idea of HIIT training, but I worry that I am not in good enough shape to do this yet.

So, does anyone have any ideas for me about how to mix things up with my outdoor workouts?

Comments (3)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Crabby McSlacker 5-25-2007 @ 3:11PM

I'm a big fan of cross-training, as I'm almost always feeling grumpy and cross when I...

Oh, you mean THAT kind of cross-training.

I've been noticing more fitness classes taking place outdoors in parks these days--and people seem to be having a good time. They run for a bit, do jumping jacks, even take a swing by the playground equipment. Don't know if you have anything like that in your area.

I'm pretty bad about cross-training myself. I get stuck in my regular routines and nothing seems to dislodge me.

(Crabby has her own grouchy health and fitness blog at http://crankyfitness.blogspot.com/). It's not as good as this one but it loves visitors.

Bill 5-25-2007 @ 3:46PM

Hi Debra,
I think I have a really good way to enhance your training. There are a couple Yoga for athletes DVDs out there that can really help. They are geared towards rowers, runners, triathletes and athletes of this sort, but anybody can do them. Basically, they show you how to incorporate ancient Yogic breathing techniques, which not only serves to enhance strength, endurance and concentration, but also minimizes post workout soreness. I love them.