If you haven’t realized it by now, overcoming obstacles is much easier if you set a goal. That has never been more true than when it comes to exercise and getting in shape. It’s just humane nature to push yourself harder and further toward something if you have some idea of just what that something is. I don’t think anyone would argue that volunteering, contributing, and raising funds in support of a charity event or a common good for mankind is a bad thing. So what better way to get in shape than to combine the two?
I realized a few years ago after competing in the 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk, just how motivating events are for people. My friend Cindy and I were enlisted by a breast cancer survivor client I was training, to race for the cure. Man, I never saw my client more motivated! She was suddenly more accountable than ever before for workouts outside of our time training together. She trained harder, was more excited, and her ambition was contagious! My friend and I had a great time, raised awareness along with a lot of money for cancer research, and spent quality time with people that we wouldn’t have otherwise. It was great for everyone involved.
So I was thinking, why not pass this along to others in order to ignite their passion to help people, participate in a common goal, and get in shape in the process. Nowadays you can find information on almost anything on the Internet, and that is a great place to start. Next, enlist your friends, family, and co-workers to participate with you, because camaraderie can overcome huge hurdles, and you will be surprised at what you can accomplish. There is definitely strength in numbers.
After you decide on an event to participate in, start by figuring out how much time you have to prepare. Be fair to yourself and don’t choose an event that is just around the corner, but rather at least a month (if not more) out. You need to train in whatever physical activity the actual event will require. If you did happen to choose the 3-day walk, it may not be practical to walk 20 miles in one day, but you definitely should be walking as much as possible prior to the event. Break you time frames for training down into beginning, intermediate, and final phases, and always use progression.
For example, if you decide to participate in a combination 20-mile bike ride and five-mile walk, it is practical to ride 20 miles in a day in order to prepare. The beginning phase for someone who currently exercises moderately may consist of increasing walking distances up to 2 miles every other day the first couple weeks and 3 miles after that, with 5 mile walks on the weekends when your schedule is a little more flexible. Biking might begin with just getting familiar with the bike again and riding 3 miles every other day (on the days in between walking) by the third week, and then adding 2 miles a week until you reach the 10 mile marker. Then ride 20 miles on the day of the weekend that you don’t walk. You should be coming to the understanding that progression is the key here. If you don’t feel comfortable training without any guidance, get help or advice from a professional. Many organizations that put together these events also offer free advice for training and preparation.
You probably won’t encounter anyone that doesn’t feel competing in a charity or fund-raising event for a non-profit group isn’t admirable. Best of all, you will have a lot of fun, develop good habits that will hopefully carry on long after the event, and meet a lot of wonderful people in the process. It’s a great experience for everyone involved, so what are you waiting for? Pick up your local newspaper or get online today to find out what opportunities are available!
Copyright © 2010 Optimum Condition. All rights reserved. Melissa Allen, CPT, BS, CES is a certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist and Medifast health coach, is the owner of the Optimum Condition Corrective Exercise & Performance Center, located in El Cajon, in the East County of San Diego. We specialize in customized fitness training and corrective exercise for both recreational athletes and post-rehab clients, as well as guaranteed weight loss programs or your money back. You can schedule a free consultation to help you get started. Please visit her website at OptimumCondition.org.
