Winter Exercise Routine? Blame The Doona Monster
Exercising in the morning is a perfect start to a cold Canberra winters day. Exercising in extreme conditions (wind, rain, snow, minus degrees) gives you a sence of accomplishment and achievment; releases endorphins (creates sustained energy), increases blood flow to the brain and minimises the Canberra Winter “Tummy-Spare-Tyre”.
Do not start tomorrow; start today. How?
- Be organised: Have your exercise kit by the side of your bed. Do not question yourself, do not think about it, do not start making “good excuses”. If you work night-shift, organise a time and stick to it.
- Set Goals (short term and long term): Do not weigh or measure yourself. If you drink 4 glasses of water, you will think you have put on 1kg. Very unmotivating! Measure yourself by “gut-feeling” = “those old jeans are finally starting to fit me”! Choose a goal and stick to it:
- Fun Run/Walks: eg. Canberra Times Fun Run in September
- X-Country season (http://www.crosscountryclub.com.au)
- Duathlon season (http://www.triathlonact.com.au)
- Cycling races (http://www.canberracyclingclub.org.au)
- Time youself around your local block (targeting a heart rate above 20 beats per 10 secs)
- 2008 Canberra ½ Marathon (in May 2008) (a little bird has told me it is going to be new, exciting and eventful next year!)
- Meet a friend: It is easy to let yourself down – harder to “stand-up” a mate!
- Routine: leave a plan on the fridge and highlight the sessions after accomplishment.
Good luck. Be true to yourself, not The Doona Monster!
Kirra Rankin
Rehabilitation Exercise Physiologist
AAESS Accredited
Posted by Kirra Rankin at 04:23 PM. Filed under: Contributors • Exercise Rehabilitation Specialist •
