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Aimee's Soapbox!
March 2006: Spring Challenge!
Howdy, Groovy Readers! Are you up for a challenge?
In the spirit of Spring Cleaning, I have devised a month-long program that might help you get motivated again after the cold, sluggish winter. (OK, technically I did not
invent this program. My own coach came up with this idea, and I have simply modified it for this column. Sorry 'bout that, Coach Chris, didn't mean to steal your glory!)
Anyway, I know that it is all too easy to get stuck in a training rut, or even lose desire to start working out again if you have taken some time off over the winter. So
sometimes taking an altogether different tack can really spice things up, get you fired up, and force your body to adapt, therefore producing better results. I know that I
personally have really enjoyed this program--I have been following a similar motivational plan since January 1st, and I have not felt stale once.
Here's the general idea. Every activity you do counts as one or more points. Therefore, you can earn points very easily. Your weekly goal should be to earn 40 points per week. I am
suggesting you try this program for at least a month, but of course you can follow it for as long as you like.
Now, there are other ways you can make this program even more fun. For instance, my friend Karen and I once bet on who could earn more points in a week. At stake was a
Grande Soy Chai. Or you could reward yourself with a little treat after every 200 points. My coach, who designed the original program, calls the points "miles" and has us
racing to see who can reach Florida first.
OK, so to get started, you will need a training journal (so you can record all your workouts) and the conversion chart below. It's very simple!
Here, then, are the Point Conversions:
Run 1 Mile = 1 point
Bike 3 Miles = 1 point
Swim 500 meters = 1 point
Weight Lifting = 2 points
Full Stretching Routine = 2 points
BONUS WORKOUT: 100 crunches and 50 back extensions = 1 point
You might be seeing a pattern here. Basically, I am giving one point for every 8-10 minutes of cardiovascular activity. So if you take an aerobics class, just figure out
how many minutes the class is to determine your points. You might also see that weight training and stretching both count for double. All part of my sneaky plan to get you
to do more of those two activities!
For me, I know this program has capitalized on my competitive nature and really helped me to do more of the activities (like stretching and doing crunches) that I might
otherwise neglect. I mean, if I know that I can get 3 extra points just for a few
sit-ups and stretches, you bet your heinie I'm gonna do it. So everyone wins: my ego has
been satisfied by seeing a certain number in my training journal, and my hammies are nice-n-loose. And the six-pack abs aren't so bad either.
OK, off you go to earn some points! Find a training buddy, bet your favorite yummy treat, and get going! Happy Spring Cleaning!
Coming up. . .
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