Let’s walk to get fit!!

IronFamily

Let’s walk to get fit

In continuation of my last post on October 4^th, we have established that movement and activity is vital to health. In reading, I also found an article with the heading caption ‘Survival Of The Fittest’. The following is a synopsis; your ability to exercise may be your greatest predictor of long-term survival. A study of more than 6,000 men published in the March 14, 2002 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine reported that as the participants' exercise capacity on a treadmill rose, their risk of dying decreased during the six-year study period. The participants with the lowest exercise capacity were nearly four times more likely to die than those who had the highest exercise capacity. This association between exercise capacity and risk of death seems to be even more important than other risk factors. This study further confirms the importance of regular exercise in living a long, healthy life.

An easy way to get fit

Ask yourself the following;

a)    What activity comes naturally to us all (well most of us)?

b)    What do you do first when you get of bed in the morning (after maybe a gentle stretch, yawn, and wish to go back to bed)?

c)    What’s a good low to moderate impact exercise with low risk that’s cheap, fun, and with great benefits?

The answer is not cohabitating though you get 80% if that’s your answer!  It’s walking. Walking is a great way to get fit, lose weight, tone up, and as with all exercise, the long term benefits are immense and a great way to socialize if participating in a group walk.

The IronDocs have decided that we will start this activity by doing weekly hikes throughout the country side of Barbados. This will also be a great way to see the beautiful sites in Barbados. We know that we are not all of the same fitness level so we have an activity to suit everyone and will accommodate everyone as we aim to develop our fitness levels.

A few comments;

·      The first hike will be on Sunday October 31^st.

·      The hikes will start at 4 pm sharp every Sunday. Meeting points will be published on the IronDocs blog by the previous Wednesday. In any case a central meeting point will also be published for those not knowing the country well.

·      Remember to be respectful of nature, the environment, and private and crown properties through which we will traverse.

·      We are each other’s keeper so be wary of those in front and those behind. If there’s a threat (injury, lost way…) shout early as those in front may be some way off.

·      There will be multiple points for rest, catch up, drills, hydration…

·      There will be at least 2 guides (occasionally more) on each hike.

·      Essential equipment;

o   Comfortable footware.

o   Comfortable loose shirt and long pants. No shorts. Preferably synthetic track pants as cotton tends to be difficult to clean.

o   Small flashlight. It will get dark even though the hikes are not likely to go way into the night but its getting dark early at this time of year.

o   Bring cold/frozen water or sports drink for the end of the hike, and a small water bottle for during the hike. There will be opportunity for refills.

o   A cap/hat may be useful.

o   The less baggage the better so no haversacks with food, makeup, towels…

·      A few words of caution (not discouragement);

o   Exercise is addictive but it’s a healthy vice.

o   Waterproof your phones. It will rain.

o   During the hikes;

§  You will get dirty.

§  You will fall (usually minor slips and slides).

§  You will laugh, cry, wish you never came, and then wish for more, all at the same time.

·      The first hike starts from Codrington College, St. John, with a meeting point at Trimart Haggatt car park at leaving at 3:25 sharp.

Q: What does a trim body, with a firm flat stomach tell the world? 

A: That you have taken command of your health and fitness. 

See you next week and start training and spread the word.