That's Fit

I have no problem pushing myself to try a new sport -- I might be nervous, or even scared, but usually when I set my mind to something, I just do it. However, there are a lot of sports I've never tried and probably never will because I feel like my fear is justified -- I don't want to surf Pipe, I don't want to try extreme mountain biking, and I'm quite sure I'm not going to go skydiving anytime soon.

Am I missing out on something? I came across this blog that initially reinforced my feelings, but as I read on, I began to question my resistance to trying some "dangerous" activities. Zandria, the blogger, included thoughts from quite a few people who had tried something really scary, ranging from trying a really challenging cardio class to mountain biking (in actual mountains) in below-freezing conditions. Even though these women were certainly frightened (or in pain) at some point, they still found joy and beauty in what they accomplished.

It doesn't make me want to try ski jumping, but it might make me rethink downhill skiing (which I've never tried -- I might break my leg!). And, I still don't think all sports are for everyone, but I do think that if you have some interest in something like mountain biking, you shouldn't let fear get in your way. Just think -- if it's something you truly want to try, will the pain of an injury you might sustain be worse than the anger or disappointment you will feel if you don't give it a shot?

I am so not a thrill-seeker. My idea of crazy is the big roller coaster at the theme park. But there are people out there (and you know who you are!) that love to have fun, risk their lives, and get their adrenaline pumping all at the same time. Many of the activities that fall into this category come in the form of sports, as the thrill comes from challenging yourself to see if you have the skills you need to survive. And what if you don't? Well, it's best not to think about that.

This list of the scariest (and most dangerous!) sports as compiled by Forbes Traveler includes everything from running with the bulls to sledging (I didn't even know what that was) to cliff diving. Do you have a favorite sport that gives you a thrill? And what is it about risking everything that makes these sports so fun?

The BOSU is that curious looking half-ball/ blue dome thingy sitting in the corner of most gyms. It's a fantastic piece of equipment, but most people sadly seem to have absolutely no idea what the heck to do with it. One of my newer personal training clients actually described it as looking 'scary'. Hmmmm. If you feel that way too read on, I'll tell all you need to know to get started.

First of all, BOSU stands for Both Sides Utilized. That means you can stand/balance on both the dome and the flat side. It's an incredibly versatile piece of equipment that allows the user to work on balance, stabilization, strength, stamina, and flexibility. It's usable for beginners, athletes, and those in rehab. In fact, my two year old son has been 'playing' on it since he could crawl. Here's the basics on what you can do with a BOSU that you can try without a trainer. Just give it a go.

Getting started: Flat side down, stand on the dome. Scary? Not really. You'll only be about six-eight inches off hate ground and if you feel wobbly you can simply step off. Get on and stand there for a while. Now do it with your eyes closed. You'll feel the need to adjust and that's good. That's what the BOSU is for. The BOSU will make all the exercises you normally do, just a bit different. It requires you to engage new muscles even as you stand straight up. How fancy! If you choose to use the BOSU dome side down, try it out with something to hold on to at first. My secret to getting up without help is to step on one side with all of my weight and then step up onto the high side.