Climbing Mount Whitney
Today was uneventful. I traveled to Seattle for work after waking up at 4:30 AM. I was too tired to do anything cardiovascular or otherwise after work. I'd originally planned a core / stomach exercise. Instead, I had dinner with a coworker. I was especially demotivated after seeing what kind of dump I was in (my hotel). I didn't even feel like taking my socks off in the room, much less workout on any agility or strength training.What About Other Conditioning?
However, that brings me to a point. Aside from walking twice a week, I'm also working on agility, strength and endurance. I'm following a mostly calisthenics, weight-training, aerobics, and yoga routine from the P90X fame, if you've heard of it. Specifically, I'm doing the Lean routine which encompasses the following:
- Day 1: Core Synergistics
This is mostly stomach, glutinous, and lower-back routine with some calisthenics (push-ups and sit-ups) to strengthen the core of your body. This is especially helpful for carrying the heavier day-pack or nigh-packs. - Day 2: Cardio X
The workout starts with some yoga, then jumps into Kenpo-style aerobics and finishes with plyometrics or high-impact aerobics. This is all good stuff for aerobics conditioning. - Day 3: Shoulders and Arms
Most of the routines here are with weights. They're meant as strength training. I enjoy this routine since it focuses on two of my favorite muscle groups: the glamour muscles. I admit though, I can't imagine the benefit of these muscles for the hike. On the other hand, who wants to look out of proportion with huge legs and no upper body strength? - Day 4: Yogo X
This is a grueling 1.5 hours of yoga of various styles. I write "grueling", but once I'm done with it, I truly feel at ease. The calmness of mind will come in handy on those long days hiking, helping me turn inward, stop thinking and relax. - Day 5: Legs and Back
Another of my favorite set of muscles. You do a lot of squats with little to no weight and pull-ups. Who needs weights with pull-ups, right? The legs routine will certainly strengthen all the right muscles for the hikes. - Day 6: Kenpo X
Another day of aerobics-style of workouts just insures the lungs are working well. I substitute racquetball or a walk day for this.