Okay, so I didn't bike to the river but I did go over the hill. I decided today was a biking day and went for my 4.3 mile route. At the corner of Strandherd and Longfields is the beginning of a slow hill. At least it looks like a slow hill, but when biking up, it feels like a mountain. I managed the without stopping, only to come to another hill on Greenbank just before Berrigan. I stopped for a few seconds once I reached the top, after two hills I needed a moment of composure. Then came the fun part, going downhill. I love going fast! It's such a rush. I love hearing the wind rush by my ears and feel the wind on my face. I've got a thing for speed. Unfortunately, the only time I get to go fast is after a hill. I haven't quite managed biking fast on my own yet. It will come in time. I have to remind myself I've only been at this a week. It takes longer than that to really build up endurance.I did remember to stop at the beginning and end of my route to do 16 bench push ups each bench. These I managed without stopping. The second set was harder but by sure stubbornness I managed to go straight to 16.
I know I mentioned this yesterday, but it really has been harder to wake up in the mornings. This weekend I may take a morning off, but I'll make sure I still get in a walk or ride for the day.
I just found an interesting list of outdoor exercises. I am going to incorporate some, if not all of these. (excerpt from buildingbodies.ca)
LUNGES
Like all exercises, lunges should be done with absolutely perfect form. When done correctly, a lunge will work every single muscle in your legs at some point throughout the movement, including the all important Gluteus Maximus (that's the primary buttocks muscle, for those of you not anatomically inclined).
Variations on lunges that require no equipment include; Standing Lunges, Alternating Lunges, Elevated Lunges, Rear Lunges, and Walking Lunges.
PUSH UPS
Push ups have always been one of the most effective upper body exercises, but they have somehow gotten lost in the world of shiny chest press machines and fleets of various types of exercise benches. However, the push up is still an incredibly productive exercise, and it requires no equipment whatsoever. The 3 basic push up movements include Standard Grip, Wide Grip, and Close Grip. Alternating those 3 types will ensure maximal stimulation to the chest, shoulders, and triceps. In addition, you can elevate your hands to make the movement somewhat easier, or elevate your feet to make the movement somewhat harder.
Also, if you are really feeling brave, you can even throw in some Bounce and Clap Push Ups!
SQUATS
Many people simply don't understand the incredible power of doing a Squat the right way. Through improper instruction, inappropriate form, and just plain laziness, the incredible effectiveness of the Squat has been lost in the mix.
Variations including Standing Squats, One-Leg Squats, Plie Squats, Wide-Stance Squats, and Overhead Squats. Think you can't get enough stimulus out of Squats? Try doing 50 perfectly formed repetitions and see how tired your legs are!
STEP UPS
Brutal is the best word to describe this exercise when done properly! Using nothing more than a picnic bench, a piece of playground equipment, or even just a decent size rock, you simply step up onto your elevated surface, step down, and then repeat on the other side alternating back and forth.
By keeping your back straight and your head up the entire time, you will maximize recruitment of all of your leg muscles, and you will get an incredible cardiovascular workout as well. Go for perfect form and you will quickly see the benefit of this great exercise.
CHIN UPS
The outdoor version of Chin Ups and Pull ups can be done using anything from a low-hanging tree branch to any number of different pieces of playground equipment.
When done properly, Chin Ups and Pull Ups will humble most people, even avid exercisers. Bring your body up completely until your chin is at or above your hands, and lower back to the start under control. Repeat for as many as you can do!
UPHILL SPRINTS
Don't try this one until you can run a good 100-yard dash on level ground! This exercise is just what it sounds like - running uphill. Run up a decent size hill as fast as you can, walk back to the bottom, and repeat. Bring oxygen, but leave your pride at home, or else the hill will take it from you!
DUCK WALKS
This exercise is so simple, yet about as hard as it gets. Simply squat down until your thighs are at or below parallel to the ground, stay in that position, and start walking. Go about 10 steps and then walk backwards to your starting point. Repeat as many times as necessary (which won't be many) to reach total exhaustion!
As you can see, doing outdoor exercises has all of the benefits listed above including one benefit that wasn't listed - they are hard! If you are up to the challenge and sick of the gym, give your body and your mind an Earth-moment and get outside and play!
This will be a nice addition to my routine. For some reason I love making a fool of myself when it comes to exercise. I think it's because it forces me to laugh at myself and relax, so I enjoy what I'm doing.
Give it a shot. What have you got to lose? I've got lots to lose, lots of weight that is! Laugh and enjoy! Live life and Love!
Have a blessed day!
So, I walked home from Fallowfield station after work which was about 1 mile. And this evening I biked up to the Shell which added another 1.8 miles.
1 comments:
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