Going the distance in a self-imposed quadriathlon!
This gal who refuses to use an electric can opener, and carries a simple Tracfone in case of an emergency away from home, isn’t referring to the “Fitbit” wristband with wireless syncing at the ready to provide stats in tracking one’s steps, distance, and calories burned.
My fit bet is a self-imposed, daily fitness regimen implemented to defy the law of gravity which has weighed me down both mentally and physically ever since I published my second novel from devoting every moment of my spare time to marketing it. Have you seen my recent book video, heard my latest author podcast, and caught all my interviews thus far? That’s precisely the drain on human resources I’m talkin’ about!
Fit to be tied, rather than throwing a fit, I decided to commandeer my time from 5:00 – 6:00 AM for the purpose of becoming fit as a fiddle by undertaking a vigorous quadriathlon! My four continuous, sequential, and brief fit bits include walking, Pilates, weightlifting, and a stint on the elliptical trainer.
Any time of day or night come Spring, Summer, Winter, or Fall; regardless of rain, sleet, or snow; devoid of poison ivy, mosquitoes, vicious dogs, traffic, or predators—I can walk a mile in my shoes along the carpeted corridors of my apartment building which has three floors. Housing 106 units with living areas ranging from 675 – 1200 square feet, the length of each passageway is substantial. The interconnecting staircases with 28 steps at the halfway mark offer me a challenging sprint as well as various routes to dispel boredom.
Climbing these formations at least three times, I overachieved Rocky Balboa’s run to the top of 72-stone steps aligned with the entrance of Philadelphia Museum of Art! My pedometer revealed that I had traversed .22 mi. in 15 minutes. “ Yo! ‘Cause all I wanna do is go the distance.”
Going the distance in phase one of my quadriathlon has the potential to help me maintain a healthy weight, stave off heart disease, and strengthen my bones and muscles for the long haul. Improving my mood, balance and coordination are other fitness benefits!
By the time I let myself in the apartment, I’ve worked up a sweat. After taking a long swig of water, I’m ready to assume the supine position on an exercise mat to begin Pilates for strengthening my core. The Hundred gets your blood pumping, warms you up, and works the abdominals. The Criss-Cross rolling technique works the entire mid-section. The Ab-Scoop involves a slow, smooth curl-up and roll-down which target the six-pack area.
On my feet, I grab a set of 5-lb. weights and go through the repetitive motions of curling and pressing. Then, lateral and overhead arm extensions. Lastly, leg lunges.
Winding down my regimen, I climb aboard the elliptical trainer for a 10-minute “fat burning” session.
Only then, am I content to sit down in front of my computer to work the room by engaging social media. Feeling a sense of accomplishment for having undertaken my daily fit bit, I’m unflappable. Yo--no upper arm jiggles!
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exercise keeps us going, I tend to count steps too, and find ways to get in my daily 1000 steps
never stop writing!
m
Regis
In high school, we started the track season by running in the halls of the school and up and down the stairs in January and February when it was below zero outside.
Ron