I’m still working on my new direction (not a new year’s resolution) of taking better care of myself so that I can take care of my clients. This has introduced me to the elliptical machine again, got me a membership a the community pool for some regular swimming and got my behind back into the gym. All the standard stuff that people do when they try to get into shape. It can be a bit of a grind or a chore at times, but the benefits are priceless.
Today I had planned on hitting the gym or swimming or both but when I looked out the window I found an absolute winter wonderland. This is Toronto’s first real snowfall of the season and the city is transformed. Maybe I’m wired a bit differently, but when I see a scene like this, the only thing I can think of is “tobogganing”. I bought a Crazy Carpet a couple of years ago with the intent of attacking the hill on Riverdale Park. It is situated on Broadview just south of the Danforth and it is a real beauty. The hill starts at Broadview and gives a wonderful panoramic view of the city, the CN Tower and the rivers of cars on the Don Valley Parkway. I have wanted to toboggan it since I first moved into the area years ago.
Today, after my morning client, I finally decided to go for it. K Way pants, Kodiak Boots and Crazy Carpet…. I was ready for battle. I figure that with a 4 km round trip walk to the park, plus all the sprinting up the hill, this little adventure will count as my exercise for the day. Lots of cardio, a light workout on the lower limbs, some core strengthening from keeping my legs up in the air (the only way to pick up speed on the Crazy Carpet), and most importantly… FUN!!!
It was a great time. There were a couple of other adults on the hill who all had amnesia when it came to remembering their ages. The snow was virgin white and for a good hour I was engaged in one of the most natural activities around. And yes, I had a good workout.
Exercise can take any form you want it to. The most important thing to remember is to choose a form of exercise that you like. You will have a much better chance of sticking with it if you do. Look deep inside and figure out what you love to do. Martial arts, dog walking, swimming, dancing, tobogganing, sprinting, dodgeball, etc. The choice is all yours