It even rains in the summer. This is Oregon, after all. There are days when you may feel you're not ready to face a constant downpour on the Willamette, even with that great view along our stretch of the river. What can you do at home on those wet, blustery days when you just can't bring yourself to get out on the river and row?
So far the extra H2O rumbling around the city has kept to itself as far as we are concerned. Let's hope we aren't in for a 13-year reunion with the wet weather of '96. The grey and the grim can get the best of you- and shaking yourself out of the hunkered-down, slipper-wearing, coffee-jonesing funk can be a detriment to all that positive work you did during the rowing season.
Here are some thoughts:
Keep an aerobic base. Do something to get your heart rate up to 65 percent (180 minus your age) at least three times a week
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Move those muscles. Use simple weights - you probably can find them cheap. There are the old stand-bys that use your own body weight, though: pushups, deep knee bends, wall sits. They're all great. I just got an "Iron Gym" which enables me to do pull ups, dips, and modified pushups at real low cost - a good product that isnt as flimsy as the price- around $25 at Fry's or you can find it online.
Be Supple. It's all about flexibility. Remember your New Year Resolution! We are talking way more than being able to touch your toes. There are some great yoga DVDs and exercise shows on cable TV. For those with a bit more technology in the home, I reccommend Wii Fit. I like the interactivity and subtle competitve encouragement. Other fitness programs are being released for the Wii often. One, soon to come from Electronic Arts, will use a video camera to put your image into the exercise routine, read your body movements and provide feedback on how you are doing.
Core Strength. Pilates, plyometrics, and Tai Chi/Qi Gong are all good bases to get the core muscles ready to build upon. They help youmaintain posture and form later in the year. Working those abs and back muscles are also going to provide a structural base to prevent injury.
Keep Movin! Mom said to get out of the house every so often.
Up Next- the big muddy- or the joys of trail running in Portland...