Does the phrase “fitness routine” make you cringe? It used to illicit that response in me until I discovered that fitness doesn’t have to equate with expensive gym memberships, an Ab Roller, aka awkward clothes rack, or endless Sweatin’ to the Oldies video tapes. I decided to re-write the definition and am all the happier for it.
Getting ready
Now, when it comes to a monthly fitness routine I tend to adopt a laid back approach for the summer and early fall because of the extreme heat and punishing sun Southeast Georgia is known for. It is easy to get heat stroke if you are not careful to remain hydrated, not to mention the wicked sunburns if you don’t bother to lather up at least 30 minutes before heading outside. That’s why no matter how I vary my fitness routine I make it a point to carry bottled water with me. I also like to apply both a broad spectrum sunscreen with a SPF rating of 16 and an insect repellant with DEET. I generally try to complete my routine three to five days a week for a minimum total of 12 sessions a month.
Fitness routine re-defined
I usually start out my fitness routine by doing a warm up consisting of five to 10 front thigh stretches and the same amount of calf stretches. Once I am warmed up I’ll head outside and walk the perimeter of our 1.5 acre property three to five times depending on my mood and the weather. I like taking my walk on the property because it provides a good opportunity to check on the progress of our vegetable garden, fruit trees and other landscaping. We live in a rural area so there is also always the chance that I will run into some wildlife as well. Afterwards, I’ll go back inside and do three to five reps of wall presses, arm curls, leg lifts and torso toners before starting my cool down routine. Sometimes in place of those reps I will turn on the PS3 and pop in the Move Sports Champion disc for a round or two of disc golf, bocce ball and archery just to break up the routine a bit. It may not provide as strenuous a work out as the other but it is infinitely more fun. My cool down routine consists of a few shoulder stretches, inner thigh stretches and turtle stretches.
I live in Southeast Georgia with my family and like to hike through the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge whenever possible.
Source: Personal experience
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