Have a Purpose in Mind
Before starting a training program, you should have a purpose in mind. What is it that you want to accomplish? Deciding the end result first, dictates how the program should be designed. And yes, a good program involves a strategy going into it.
Take me for example. Since I am no longer training in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, I need something to replace the aerobic training I got from it. And it’s not that I don’t love the sport, because I do, it’s just that the training schedule no longer fits mine. And I am smart enough to recognize the importance of regular cardiovascular exercise in addition to strength training.
For me, it’s always been easier to get my cardio exercise from a sport, as it satisfies my need to compete. That is what brought me back to my roots, and the fact that growing up I was rarely NOT on two wheels. That’s how I discovered Enduro Mountain Bike racing. But I thought to myself, how will I have time to train during the week as by the time I get off work it’s usually dark or almost dark.
Indoor Cycling Meant Training with a Purpose
Your Heart Needs Cardio
I love exercising outdoors whenever possible, aside from strength training with weights, which usually is done indoors. Then I thought to myself, I wonder if I could tolerate the boredom of a cycling class? Believe it or not, I have taken one individual class only a single time in my entire life. I just don’t like them and they bore me to death. Especially living here in sunny southern California with a backyard mecca of outdoor activities.
So my next question to myself was if I want to start competing in enduro racing, can I tolerate the boredom of an indoor cycling class that I could attend early in the morning? It would solve the dilemma of getting off too late to ride during the week. If I could make 2 indoor training classes in the morning hours before work, I think I’d have the solution to my problem. So I started researching it and found a class at a local gym that starts at 5:30am. Perfect!
So that is what I do, I train 2 days per week on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30am. That is enough to maintain my cardio so that I can compete in the uphill portion of the races. Then on the weekends I can get out on my mountain bike to ride trails and practice obstacles. And I was pleasantly surprised to find I DON’T hate the classes. I think it has to do with the fact that there are windows all over the place in the room where they are held, and if it’s clear I can see the sun rise.
So before you start on a training program of meaningless exercises, define your end result which will define your purpose. Start on a path today to live your life to the optimum, whatever that means to you!
Melissa
OptimumCondition.com
(619) 252-4993
Empowering people through fitness, education, and coaching
