Is the time change killing your workouts? I don’t know about you but this week really had a strange effect on me with the sun setting so early all of a sudden. It seems these past few days that by 5:30pm now all I want to do is curl up with a blanket and a good book. One of my favorite things over the summer was to run by the lake at sunset, but now unless I want to do this in the middle of the afternoon it looks like I’ll have to wait until spring. I’ve been mentally preparing for the shift to winter for a while now but it was a bit jarring to suddenly lose those evening outdoor runs. The fact that half of Milwaukee seems have the flu right now probably isn’t helping my mood either.
Being stuck inside doesn’t have to be all bad though. Sure, the thought of running like a hamster on the treadmill until April is pretty unappealing but I’m trying to look forward to rediscovering the gym over the coming months and mixing up my normal routine. The downside to getting really good at one form of exercise is that you are really good at just one form of exercise. Your body get accustomed to it and as you become more efficient you actually burn fewer calories at the same activity. Not fair if you ask me but I’m only reporting the facts. You can avoid this by switching around your workouts. Try running intervals on the treadmill instead of keeping a steady pace, cross train on other cardio machines and add in some weight training as well. It’s important to change things up in order to keep your body guessing and avoid going into auto pilot. The gym can be a great way to tackle this problem. Divide your time into 20 to 30 minutes at three different stations instead of spending a full hour on the treadmill and going home.
What about you? Are you planning on being a gym rat this winter? Or do you have an at-home plan instead?
*Photo by Alex Castella.
One factor in choosing to relocate from Milwaukee to the deep South was latitude. Our temperate climate allows me to bike year around. I also feel that more sunshine keeps Seasonal Affective Disorder at bay. My treadmill is in the garage along with ProBell free weights http://www.workoutideas.com/probell-free-weight-exercise-equipment.html, and a stretchy exercise resistance band. So my routine alternates biking and treadmill running. I try for 2 hour workouts 6 days a week. For laughs and giggles I try to lift some weights. I’m reasonably compulsive at sticking to my routine. Vacations and sick days (like today) are blessings in disguise.
Wow, 2 hours 6 days a week is a lot! I like working out 6 days too but I usually only get in 1 or 1 1/2 hours. Sounds like you have a good routine going. Weights are the hardest thing for me to fit in too. I know it’s good for me but I just enjoy cardio/running so much more.
Good post Tracey! I get bored on the treadmill so I have invested in some good cold-weather running clothes. I also mix it up with a good deal of strength training since I will have to be indoor anyway. I have always wanted to try classes but I am shy and uncoordinated! PS. How do you add your picture to this comment system?
Anne- We should pick a group class and try it together sometime!
(Oh and if you click on the Gravatar link next to where you enter your email it should help you upload a photo.)
Thanks Tracey! Okay I’ll do it if it’s an easy class, not one that makes you do all those dance type moves. Otherwise I’ll be the one crying in the back.