Dylan Armajani: Run Past Your Goals and Find Yourself
'I Have 20 Times The Energy I Used To Have'
Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Winter workouts and Boot Camp preparation
Posted on Dec 13th 2007 9:32PM by Fitz K.
Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.
Q. Brrrr Fitz! I live in the waaaaaay cold and am already starting to feel the flab. It's too cold outside to go for runs like I normally do. I can't afford the gym and don't want to look like the snowman on my lawn. What do you suggest? Rick
A. Eeeek Rick! I can't imagine. Literally. I can't imagine, because I've lived in Florida all of my life. It's about 80 degrees outside right now. I have been in the cold and snow though, Norway seems to have a lot, and I do have some recommendations. First, there are a ton of things you can do at home. Sometimes it is just too hot to train outside where I am, so I end up in the same situation you're in now (but opposite).
A treadmill would suit your running needs, but if that investment is too much...here are some ideas. Move the furniture and--jump rope, run in place, do jumping jacks, jump on a mini-trampoline, hit a heavy-bag, dance, do step aerobics, squat jumps, video training, gliding disks, free weights, pull-ups, push-ups, squats, or crunches.
My other thought is that the snow is a great tool! I remember it being quite difficult to walk through the snow. Assuming you have proper attire....get outside and make great use of that free, white, frosty training equipment. Go hiking, snowshoeing, or jogging through the snow. Shovel it, throw it, or just run around in it trying to generate body heat. Rick, there can always be an excuse not to exercise, but you my friend, should always find a way to exercise. Make it happen buddy. Turn your flab into fab and come out of winter prepared for Spring Break. Let that snow make you hot! Fitz
Q. Hello Ms. Fitz, I will be leaving for military boot camp in about eight weeks and would like to start some sort of work out regimen (running included) to get me ready. Do you have any suggestions? And, when is the best time to work out? Morning, before breakfast, after breakfast? Or in the evening? Thanks, Maria
A. Hi Maria. Congrats on joining the military, and thank you! I'm so grateful for the service and bravery of our service men and women. Getting started on a running program is a good idea before you go. You'll probably have to wake up early and run once you're there......so why not get used to that routine now? Put something small in your stomach before you go though, so you'll have some energy.
Get started with a run/walk program. Plan to stay out for 30 minutes. Jog at a comfortable pace for as long as you can. Walk for two minutes when you feel the need. Then run again for as long as you can. Walk for two minutes when you need a short break. Continue with this method four to five days a week and eventually your running portions will outlast your walking. Within a few weeks you should be jogging the entire 30 minutes. Once you've accomplished that, increase your speed and/or your running time. I'd also pursue push-ups. Do three sets of as many as you can every other day. You'll build up the strength to do at least 50 in a row soon enough. That tactic works on ALL of my clients.
Best of luck Maria, and please be safe. I'm rooting for you.
Punches & Kicks,
Note: The content presented in this Q. & A section is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as medical advice or substitute for professional medical care.
