Keeping in Shape

[shawnbm]

Exercise for body, mind and soul--the three essentials for all of us.

Physically--I try and play tennis (I am a 4.0 and maybe 4.5 when clicking) for at least a couple of hours two to three times a week, although I am going to start walking with pushups and situps every five minutes or so this week to add a little extra.

Mentally--I merely try to read and learn something new every day, be it politics, history, art, religion, science or astronomy.

Spiritually--I try to attend daily mass, followed by the holy rosary and chaplet of divine mercy if I have the time (which I often don't). I also read a lot about Latter Day Saints, Islam and try to understand more about what those around me think and believe.

 

[DarthFed]

I am mostly doing weights. I do a good bit of cardio but not as much as I should and that's due to the fact I can't stand running. Bootcamps at the gym are great but only once a week.

Unfortunately I do not have many people to play tennis with, I am just playing in the summer usually once a week.

I have nothing keeping the mind healthy anymore. Used to play a lot of chess but now it's once in a bluemoon on my Iphone to combat boredom.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

^ quite familiar with the phenomenon - had the same issues, as did the GF (she didn't need to sprint to be okay, but still preferred a rather fast pace). the movement and the related forces are simply different, and i think the legs take much more of the impact when you're sprinting.

what helped me (and the GF) was to first do some targeted back training, because i really lacked in the core region. once that was a little better, i could move into the running. the stronger back (and abs - they help stabilize your torso and make it easier for the back) can tolerate the impact a little better, and as you get to running more, your running economy improves and reduces the stress on the back.

that's the other thing, of course, that'll help - running economy. posture helps (upright, but relaxed; leaning forward without slouching; focusing on the hips helps - for instance, going uphill instead of bending your upper body forward as most people do, keep it straight and tip the pelvis forward). also, smaller steps (and higher frequency) will always reduce negative impact, not just on the back.

hope some of this is helpful.
by now, i actually go out for a run as a remedy whenever my back hurts.

Thanks for the tips...even though I implement most of what you say, like core training and such, the issue still frustrates me...:blush: So I simply don't do slow paced runs anymore. Like you mentioned, I do short sprint intervals, and just play sports.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

I did not want to start a separate thread for this , since it is somewhat related.
This article I read at NY Times just totally surprised me. I mean, it is the knee...probably the most operated on joint in the body and yet...Check it out.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/13/a-surprising-discovery-a-new-knee-ligament/?ref=international-home

 

[Moxie]

I did not want to start a separate thread for this , since it is somewhat related.
This article I read at NY Times just totally surprised me. I mean, it is the knee...probably the most operated on joint in the body and yet...Check it out.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/13/a-surprising-discovery-a-new-knee-ligament/?ref=international-home

I saw that, too, Murat. Not sure what to make of it, but interesting.

I didn't see this thread before. I'm a runner. I have been for 33 years now. (Good heavens, where does the time go?) Including marathons. I know running isn't for everyone, but it's easy, and economical. I combine it with yoga, stretching, abs and weights, mostly for the arms. I would say that the best way to keep in shape is to find something that you enjoy doing, physically. (I actually love running, and yoga, and ballet exercises.) And as to diet, which has been mentioned here, eat fresh and don't snack. Unless you're a teenager, fried foods are not your friend. (And even then…) The notion that we should eat 5 fruits and vegetables every day? Count them, and do it. Drink lots of water, and consume olive oil. Very good for the skin.

PS: The less sugar you eat, the less you crave.