Winter Warm-Ups

January 12, 2012

There are a lot of New Year’s resolutions being made, and one of the classics is weight loss. But with the winter doldrums hitting, it can be difficult to make an exercise plan and stick to it. MCPL has several books on exercising, dieting, and weight loss—all designed to help you lose those cookie induced pounds from the holidays.

This summer, MCPL participated in the Walking Works program. Each branch competed to see how many miles the branch staff could walk during the summer. We had most of our staff participating, and the Raytown Branch formed a biking group to bike away those pounds. This December and January have been unusually warm, so we’ve been able to continue our summer exercises for a good time after we should have been forced to stop. With temperatures dropping once again, I’ve been at a loss for what to do now that it’s too chilly to continue my biking.

I’ve asked my colleagues what they have done now that it’s winter. One has joined a gym, and another has signed up for a fitness workout. Another told me that walking back and forth across UMKC’s campus with thirty pounds of books was quite enough exercise, thank you. Still another has enrolled in a self-defense class.

Living in a tiny apartment, I am concerned about space and loud noises infuriating the neighbors. I found out that if you are going to purchase a jump-rope, first measure how tall you are, account for how much clearance you will need for the rope, and then measure your apartment. That was a wonderful experience of jumping and whipping my ceiling. Needless to say, my jump-rope has now turned into a piece of décor.

Currently, I’m lifting weights and doing some stretches my doctor has recommended. The routine lasts about thirty minutes a day, and I can even do a few at work. I’ve done a few work-outs with a friend that are a bit more intense; my muscles are now reminding me that they exist and that I have neglected them. I’ve been sleeping better again and have felt much better despite the aches and pains. I doubt that they will replace my love of biking, but I’m getting a more varied work-out now.

What are your plans for winter work-outs?

Until next time,

Ethan C.
Raytown Branch