a new look at training

Last year, when I started swimming, biking and running, training for triathlons and running events, those three activities were all I really had time for.  This year, I am going to try something different and include fitness exercises on a regular basis to tone muscles not necessarily used directly in each of those activities.  The goal here is to advance my overall fitness and abilities.

One way I plan to do this is with the help, yet again, of the Wii.  You may remember that the Wii initially motivated me to become healthier and lose weight with Wii Fit.  This year, with the recommendation of my friend, Andrew, I will use Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010.  I am on my first week of the program, but it appears to really whip you into shape.  the workouts are intense circuit style and last nights consisted of:

• Running (in place) ~5.5 minutes
• 25 push-ups
• 20 back kicks (1 rep consists of kicking leg straight back and “punching” with both arms then repeat with other leg)
• 20 sledge swings (1 rep consists of swinging the Wii remote like you would a sledge hammer on one side of your body then repeat on other side)
• 25 water pumps (holding Wii remote with both hands at your chin then squatting down bringing remote almost to the floor then back up)
• 20 boat poses (half sit-up at the same time bringing both legs up to form a “V” with your body)
• Quick stretching (knees to chest while laying on the floor)
• Running ~5.5 minutes
• 25 push-ups
• 40 sledge swings
• 20 back kicks
• 25 water pumps
• 30 sledge swings

Jillian Michaels

This all left me completely exhausted, especially after running a little over 2 miles at lunch yesterday.  I will continue the 2-3 runs during the week and a long run on the weekends.  I will also try to cycle to work and home when the weather permits.  As long as I can get to the pool or lake, I should be set for the triathlon season fast approaching!

I have a hiking trip with Andrew and others coming up on 3/20/10 in the Roan Mountain Highlands.  I will certainly keep you posted on that with (I hope) wonderful pictures from the trip.  I am also looking forward to taking Althea along on the trip as well!

I look forward to what this training will add to my abilities.  And with a trainer that looks like that, how can you resist?