Approaching 2020

      As we approach the end of the year, we think about resolutions and changes that we may be intending to make for 2020. With Christmas and all of the parties, the cookies, the candy and the drinks...we may have overdone it just a little bit.  However, that's what makes the holidays great, good times with our family and friends. 
      The sign behind my head really sums up how you should approach the changes you wish to make.  Just take it day by day.  You need to take small steps and make a plan that works for you.  Don't try to change everything all at once, you may become discouraged quickly.   If you decide you would like to lose some weight, do what is right for you.  Not everyone can follow the Keto Diet, but may do well with Intermittent Fasting.  Some people like the flexibility of Weight Watchers and all of the choices while others think that counting all the points just makes it difficult. There are many options out there but we all know, if you burn more calories than you take in you will lose weight.  You have to look at your daily routine and decide what fits into your lifestyle
     Becoming more active is a good goal to strive for.  Little changes may increase your flexibility and improve how you feel.  It will also help you to lose weight and burn those calories. Small changes in your daily routine including walking, taking the stairs, riding a bike or lifting some small weights over your head while watching TV.  They may lead to bigger changes like running, jumping on a trampoline or hiking.  Do what you can, it will make a big difference in your life.


One day at a time...

Fairly Fit

    Yesterday my wife and I brought our signs and crafts to a Christmas fair in Bloomsburg. We both make things out of wood and sell them at fairs and shows a few times a year. It doesn’t make us rich, but it does add up a little and it gives us something to do. Do you have to be an Adonis to get up before dawn, carry totes of merchandise from the cellar, load the car, drive an hour, then unload the car and set-up tables and all? NO. However, you can’t be a couch-slouch either. It’s pretty far from the most physical job I ever had, but it does take a certain degree of strength, flexibility and physicality. I hope that I will always be fit enough to maintain that type of lifestyle (even if I hit the lottery and never choose to do another show again). We should all find ways to keep fit enough to be active. Running, or walking, lifting weights or doing calisthenics: DO SOMETHING. If you can’t think of anything to do, load a few totes with chunks of wood and carry them up and down the steps.

Fit, Fun, Active

Small Changes

       As the weather changes and you contemplate the coming winter, are you considering any changes? The changes could be small or big, for the better, or you may be getting ready to copy the leaf and “fall into a recliner.” The weather is still nice for running or outdoor activities like hiking and apple picking. Unlike the leaves that are nearing their end, there is still time to embrace life, enjoy family and friends, and get just a little bit healthier.

     Nearly 70 years ago Dylan Thomas advised not to go “gentle into that good night…” There is still time to “rage!” 

Rage (Or at least sneer)

Cheer for the Beer!

     My wife and I spent last weekend in the Seneca and Cayuga Lakes region.  While there, I participated in a 5k run at the Fleur-de-Lis Brewery. It was a nice run through some of the countryside in this region, benefiting the Wounded Warriors. We went up the night before to check out the Brewery and sample the beer.  It was a friendly place and it was relaxing  to sit outside, walk around the grounds and drink our beer.
      After the run, we drove to a few wineries and breweries, walked around their establishments and sampled some of their products.  We had beautiful weather and it was a really scenic area to drive around. We also had two "date" nights where we enjoyed live local music and even got to dance.
      As I always remind you, you have to be fit enough to enjoy your life.  You might never run a race, but you need to be able to walk around, dance and live a good life.   All in all the weather was good, the beer was better and the ability to get away for the weekend was best.


Wine not whine

Fun With Grandchildren

     I love to wrestle, to run and to have fun anytime I can see any of my grandchildren.  I really like rolling around on the floor or just running in the yard. Unfortunately, most of them do not live close to me and I cannot see them often.
     I want to be able to do this as long as I live. Even as they age and want to go for a run or to a baseball game, whatever they want to do, I want to be healthy enough to do it with them. To ensure I will be able to move as I age- I exercise. I run, I ride my exercise bike, jump on the trampoline and stretch.
      You can do whatever you are comfortable doing, but you need to move.  Keeping your joints flexible, keeping your muscles strong and supportive and feeling good about yourself is important.  Even if you just walk your dog every day or walk from the back of the parking lot into the store, it is moving. Can't walk well?  Chair exercises and chair yoga are popular alternatives to help keep you in shape.
      My wife and I went to the Saint Joseph's Center picnic today.  We like buying chances and things to help out a little bit in support for the incredible work they do for the community.  Yes, I had a sausage sandwich and a potato pancake.  However, normally I am intermittent fasting during the week and make healthier choices when I do eat.  It is all about finding balance and what works for you.


Share your life and share your fitness

Plunging for Health

 

    My wife and I spent the St. Patrick's Day weekend in Cape May, NJ.  We were doing a Polar Plunge and I was doing a 5k run the same morning.  We like doing Polar Plunges in the ocean when we get the chance.  It is a great way to have fun, get away for a few days and help to raise money for some really terrific charities.  It is also a good way to socialize with like-minded people and meet new people from different places and different walks of life.

   The first thing you notice when staying in Cape May is how health conscious the people seem.  There are people walking, running and biking everywhere you look.  They walk on the beach, they are walking their dogs, they bike to get back and forth for groceries, etc.   The Cape May Running Company organizes runs on a regular basis for all levels of running ability, from beginner to marathoner. 

     Don't get me wrong, the local people know how to have a good time. The morning started with "kegs and eggs" and registration for the day's events.  Beer and breakfast are always good, a great way to "carb-up" for the run. I always say, it's about balance.  If you move throughout your day--taking the stairs when you can, walking around the block or walking your dog, parking in the back of the parking lot and walking to the door--you are making little changes that can make a difference in the way you feel.


Taking the plunge for fitness is always good.

Healthy, Happy New Year

     Today is the first day of the year. As such, the run I went on today, was the longest of the year. If you want to get in shape this year, or diet or whatever, it is a good time to start. 

     You don't have to run far or fast, or do 50 push-ups today (so that you are too sore tomorrow to do ANYTHING), to get some benefit to carry through the year. Even if your resolution is NOT to exercise, you should consider stretching a little.If you become a little more agile this year, a little more agile, you will benefit throughout the year. If your resolution is to travel, being a little more flexible could only enhance your enjoyment of your travels. And if your resolution IS to exercise, you do not have to overdo it in one day. If you do 1 push-up today and each day all this week, maybe next week you could do 2. Maybe 3 the following week and so on. Then, by this time next year, you'll be doing 52 push-ups at a clip: not too shabby. Exercise or not, remember to stretch. You can YOUTUBE it to find a fairly easy routine. Have fun, enjoy the year, and maybe a year from now, you'll be a little happier and a little healthier than you are now.

Best day of the year.... so far