Some of the cutest people with impulse control problems in our society are also known as toddlers. They eat what they want, scream when they want and stick anything tempting right into their cute little mouths. And no matter how hard you try, you can’t ever get them to organize their own sock drawers. Now it turns out that those of us who were able to retain some of that charming impulsiveness of youth, may have a more difficult time staying lean than other people. A study by the National Institute on Aging recently found that very impulsive people tend to weigh 22 pounds more than people who have a tight rein on themselves.
But don’t fret, just because you are impulsive doesn’t mean you are doomed to be tipping the scales the wrong way. There are lots of things you can to do whip your toddler self into shape.
Take this quick quiz and find out now if you might be a Fitness Toddler…
True or false?
1. Stationary cardio machines seem like the stupidest toys ever invented.
2. You are unable to sleep with a box/bag of your favorite treat lurking in the house.
3. People think you’re fun and spontaneous. You
4. don’t mind walking, as long as there is a treat where the sidewalk ends.
5. You get bored easily and wonder when this quiz is going to be over.
If you answered true to 4 or more of the 5 above questions, consider yourself an FT.
Helpful tips for adorable fitness toddlers:
Make it fun! Good advice for everyone, but especially for FT’s. So take an unusual class, try a new sport or bring a buddy to the gym.
Remove temptation. Much like those little plastic thingies new parents put in the light sockets so that their little darlings don’t fry their fingers’ off, F.T.’s must be protected from tempting temptations.
Find a “fitness parent” who you like and want to please. You tell them you took an upside down aerobics class and they say “good boy!” or “good girl!”
Don’t expect instant results. Nobody expects toddlers to run marathon on those chubby little legs, and you should expect too much too soon either.
Don’t compare yourself to other “fitness grown-ups.” They may be more disciplined and consciences, but you will always be more fun at party’s. Plus you’d be totally bored with their workouts before you can say sweat sock three times fast.
A good scrambling hike is like a daypass to the world’s most scenic and challenging gymnasium. Somewhere between hiking and mountaineering, a scramble might have you crossing a stream on a fallen log, rock hopping on all fours, or crawling underneath a rebellious tree that decided to grow sideways. Once you get hooked on the challenge and unpredictability of a good scramble, regular ol’ hiking might feel as boring as a walking on a treadmill.
Scrambling is also great for your brain. Instead of just putting one foot in front of the other you are challenged to figure out the best path over various obstacles based on your own capabilities. Can you fit through there? Can you jump that far? After a good scramble your brain will be as stimulated as your body.
Scrambling also encourages team work. You and your trail mates will be trying to figure out the best routes, letting each other know which rocks are slippery and generally working through it all together, helping you to develop A+ communication skill as you get fit. Keep in mind, especially if you’re a beginner, that scrambles are a bit more dangerous than conventional hikes. Always bring a buddy and toss a first aid kit in your daypack for good measure.
What I love about a good scramble is that every component of fitness is simultaneously challenged. You may be strong in a gym, but true fitness is demonstrated with one foot on a rock, one in the air, your body stretched out while you pull yourself forward with one arm. Scrambling will put you into positions that the average gym couldn’t come up with in its wildest dreams.
And speaking of boring, repetitive gyms, a scramble hike is never the same twice because the landscape is always changing. And if you’re the kind of person who’s always looking for ways to improve, this type of hike can also a great diagnostic fitness test. Scrambling will let you know if you need to spend more time working on balance , improving your range of motion or increasing your upper body strength. Pay attention during a scramble and your weaknesses will be revealed.
So get scrambling, the world is your obstacle covered oyster!
The next time you are dreading the cardio portion of your fitness life, consider the following records. I promise that 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer won’t seem so daunting.
Longest amount of time spent on the stationary bike
George Hood rode for more than 111 hours while raising over $30,000 for charity. Go George go!
Longest non-stop hill walking trek
Emil Llic covered 126 miles (204 kilometers) on rocky and mountainous roads without any rest, even consuming food and drink on the move. Let’s all hit the incline button on the treadmill in his honor.
Longest swim
Martin Strel swam 3,272 miles (5,268 kilometers) down the Amazon River. “The Fish Man” covered this whopping distance in only 66 days while dodging piranhas, crocodiles and Columbian drug lords. At least when you have to share a lane with other swimmers they don’t usually try to bite you.
Longest solo run around the US perimeter
Reza Baluchi spent six months running around the United States covering 11,000-miles (17,701kilometer) along the way. Now that’s a road trip.
Greatest distance travelled on a treadmill in 24 hours
Edit Berces covered 153.6 miles (247.2 km) on a treadmill set up at the Euro-centre Shopping Mall. She must have been so ready to hit the food court after that! On the men’s side, Arulanantham Suresh Joachim ran 160.24 miles (257.88 km) in one day.
Jump ropes are one of the best bargains in fitness. Great ropes are available for $10 to $15.
Jump ropes are eminently portable and excuse proof. They are light, compact and ready to go with you anywhere.
Jumping rope promotes great posture. There is no way to jump rope while slumping or slouching.
Jumping rope is lower impact and easier on the joints than running, because you usually land on two feet instead of just one. Wear good shoes and don’t try it on concrete for best results.
Jump ropes are associated with bad ass boxers and other super fit types.
Jump roping allows for endless variations and moves, which always keeps things fun and interesting. Check out jumprope.com if you really want to be impressed.
Jumping rope is intense; you can cram a lot of sweat and effort into a little bit of time.
Jumping rope combats osteoporosis.
Jumping rope will improve your footwork, coordination and rhythm and keep you from being laughed at weddings.
Jumping rope increases cardiovascular fitness and lower body strength.
So grab a rope, find a giving surface and get bouncing!
**Clear it with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have a history of joint or cardiovascular problems.
The holiday pound exchange. The Christmas cookie layer. The Santa belly. The holiday bonus. Call it what you like, but gaining a few pounds (or more) over the holiday season is as much a tradition as throwing away fruitcake or crowded mall parking lots. Keep a few things in mind to avoid adding “sled handles” to your winter physique
Only eat the REALLY good stuff
This means politely passing or discretely trashing many home baked treats or party options. Remember calories you don’t enjoy are just as potent as those you do.
Get Fierce
During the holidays you’re not likely to have more time to workout, so the best way to keep the calorie balance in your favor is to ramp up the intensity. Add hills and/or sprint intervals to your cardio routine. Try jumping rope or mountain climbers between strength sets. Do power yoga moves instead of your usual static stretches.
Weigh yourself
Even if you usually don’t keep track of your poundage, it’s a good idea to weigh yourself at least once a week during the holiday season. The scale is an early warning device and will let you know if you have been enjoying a little too much cheer. Get a baseline, aim to stay within two to four pounds of that weight and make changes if you get too far off track.
Add nightly walks
Get out and enjoy all the lights, holly and inflatable Santa’s your neighbors went to so much trouble to put up. Even if you’re a scrooge at heart, it’s difficult not to enjoy the magical holiday transformation of your hood (while you burn a few extra calories along the way).
Ask Santa for a fitness treat
Stylish new gear or cutting edge equipment will get you excited to get started on your fittest year ever. Bring on the Champagne flavored Gatorade!
The holidays can be tough on your health and fitness life. Cookies fall like rain, parties like scary clowns lurk around every corner and your to-do lists stretches out like a roll of toilet paper heading down hill. Even people with solid time management skills struggle to get in enough exercise, stress relief and nutritious food during this time of year. Add to the situation, shorter days and inclement weather and you have the potential for feeling pudgy and grumpy underneath your reindeer sweater.I dare you to imagine a different kind of Christmas/Hanukah/Kwanza morning, one where you can’t wait to open a very special present. This wonder gift has the power to boost your mood, health esteem and give you a compelling outlook for the coming year. And it is not available from Macy’s.What you need:
A scrap of paper and pen
A box (small or large)
Wrapping supplies (festive if possible)
A few uninterrupted minutes to think
Use your thinking minutes to come up with one or two goals that you can achieve between now and the holiday. Remember the best goals are achievable but challenging, meaningful to you and measureable. “Looking sexy” in only a Santa hat may be meaningful, but it is difficult to measure. Fitting into a smaller Santa suit may be meaningful and measurable, but only if you are in the ballpark already, since you only have a six weeks or so to improve your dimensions. Doing ten full push-ups, achieving 2,000 minutes of cardio, keeping a food journal everyday or running a mile in under 9 minutes are better ideas.
Once you’ve got your goals, write them down twice. One version is going to go up in a place you will see everyday like a computer screen or bathroom mirror. The second goal goes into the box, which is wrapped up all festive like, made out to you from you and put with the other gifts.
Now you start moving toward that goal. Read it every morning and decide what steps you will take to achieve it that day. If you need help breaking it down, find someone who can assist. For extra accountability email your goal to a friend and ask them to hold you accountable. Keep your goal in mind as you face the holiday obstacle course; remember it as the cookies fly by and the invites roll in. Your goals and self-care is as important as any other part of the season, so learn to say no and keep your holiday dream close to your heart.
Fast forward to the big day, when it’s time to open your special present.
If you have achieved your goals, or even made significant progress toward them, opening that gift is going to be a delight. No material item will feel as good as knowing you followed through and didn’t give in to the holiday stress parade. When you open your “self-present” instead of feeling stressed, out of shape and out of control (like many of us do as the holidays culminate) you will feel calm and proud. Feel free to use this opportunity to flex newly strengthened muscles, give yourself a high five or start thinking about your next goal.
Use this technique to keep your health at the top of your to-do list even when things get hectic and you will be guaranteed the best gift of all.
Some of the cutest people with impulse control problems in our society are also known as toddlers. They eat what they want, scream when they want and stick anything tempting right into their cute little mouths. And no matter how hard you try, you can’t ever get them to organize their own sock drawers. Now it turns out that those of us who were able to retain some of that charming impulsiveness of youth, may have a more difficult time staying lean than other people. A study by the National Institute on Aging recently found that very impulsive people tend to weigh 22 pounds more than people who have a tight rein on themselves.
