Winter Trainer challenge?

[Owlie]

Sure! I don't always have the ability to ride outdoors (work sucks!), but I could use the exercise.

[Blueberry]

I'm planning to do something in December - not quite sure what yet. I might do the Spinervals one: http://www.spinervals.com/public/Spi...ition_FREE.cfm I'm sure it would totally kick my butt. But - I do have exams in there - so we'll see. I might jump on here - or just do it on my own. We shall see! Definitely trying to get a good jump on base building over the winter break, though.

ETA: the other place I really want to focus is swimming, but my pool is closed for 3 weeks in December (university). Boo!!!

[Crankin]

I might consider it, if it's a general exercise challenge. I know I can't get myself on the trainer more than 1-2X a week. Like Ridebikeme, I am also busy nordic skiing, snow shoeing, and supplementing that with spin classes, the trainer, and of course boot camp, which is the only constant. I've thought about getting a personal trainer for Dec.-Feb., but I am not sure I want to spend the money, and I probably couldn't handle that plus boot camp. I have to change something, though. I am gaining weight and nothing I am doing is helping. Also, a lot of what I do in the winter is weather dependent. I hope we have more snow this year (of course, falling at a time when I don't need to drive).

[roo4]

I'll give it a try! It doesn't matter to me if we do cycling only or add in other activities. I want to focus on strength training and spinning this winter, but I'll throw in some swimming as well.

[Catrin]

Why don't we call it a general exercise challenge, say a certain amount of time a week? Obviously this is simply our challenging ourselves on this. I will be leaving town tomorrow for the holiday but will put the spreadsheet together this weekend. Barring last minute weather-related travel schedule changes it should be online and posted in a new thread sometime on Sunday, December 1!

[roo4]

Count me in, with the following caveat.

Let's not get to pedantic with what "counts" as exercise or how to calculate minutes, ok? For example, when I lift, there is a certain amount of time that I rest between sets. I am NOT going to figure out how many minutes I am resting and how many minutes I am actually lifting. Likewise, I'm sure some people are going to spend a significant time shoveling snow. If they want to include that as exercise, fine with me. This is just for fun and to keep us motivated, right? Heck, maybe someone will shovel a neighbor's sidewalk just to get in the extra minutes!

[Catrin]

Count me in, with the following caveat.

Let's not get to pedantic with what "counts" as exercise or how to calculate minutes, ok? For example, when I lift, there is a certain amount of time that I rest between sets. I am NOT going to figure out how many minutes I am resting and how many minutes I am actually lifting. Likewise, I'm sure some people are going to spend a significant time shoveling snow. If they want to include that as exercise, fine with me. This is just for fun and to keep us motivated, right? Heck, maybe someone will shovel a neighbor's sidewalk just to get in the extra minutes!

It really is up to the individual what and how exercise is counted. As far as lifting is concerned, the rest phase is just as much part of the routine as the lifting part - gotta have both This is indeed just to have fun and motivate ourselves during a trying time of the year, exercise wise.

I've also been doing a lot of thinking lately about why we exercise. Some appear to use exercise as a kind of punishment (not saying any on this forum does that), but for me it is the joy of movement, to recharge and refresh. What better time of the year to use that time for reflection and consideration on the year that is passing by and the year to come? Perhaps I am being a bit too philosophical but that is what it means to me.