Extreme Fitness
February 26, 2009
Are you tired of the same workout regime? Running on the treadmill, taking an aerobics class with the regular crowd or solitary cycling? Don’t despair, you are not alone.
Just like our structured work life, our exercise routine also gets monotonous. We do the workouts without thinking and wonder why our bodies are not changing for the better. If the mind is unsatisfied and bored, these feelings do get transmitted to the body as well.
Here is a breakthrough routine that I tried few days ago and it was refreshing. Mind you, this is not meant for everyone especially not for beginners.
On a bone-chilling evening, I decided to hit the boardwalk for a sprint. Sounds crazy doesn’t it but actually it was a lot of fun. New Jersey is really cold this time of the year and we had a record frigid temperature in 2009.
It was fairly windy that evening, and I decided to take a chance. I could see people returning home from work, walking feebly, protected in layers of woollies. At -6 degrees Centigrade, 21 degrees Fahrenheit, I stepped out in tracks, T-shirt, a sweater, a beanie, gloves and of course my Nike Shox.
My running course was the boardwalk alongside the Hudson River from Jersey City corner. The day before we had a shower of flurries and the snow was over an inch deep. The loyal city employees ploughed through the snow clearing the sidewalks and driveway. They piled the snow at the side of the road. One end of the boardwalk was closed to runners so I am sure you can imagine the extent of snowing and its accumulated layers.
Parallel to my view is the New York City. The Empire State building had an overpowering effect on all the surrounding skyscrapers. The air was crisp almost slapping my cheeks as a started with a light warm-up. After one round, I picked up speed. The wind pushed me from behind and my legs worked as if they were automated. Clearly, I was thrilled. No effort but just a thrust from Mother Nature’s hand. But when I had to circle back, the wind was my enemy. It kept pushing me behind. But hey, this is resistance training. (Wink!!)
I jogged on finishing almost my third round on this trail when the sun began to set. The New York skyline was magical and to make this scenic wonder truly divine, the Norwegian Gem sailed. It looked like a luxury cruise passing through the Hudson. The river glimmered and the orange light reflected from all the skyscrapers, bouncing on the liner. I stood for while wondering which warm country this could be heading when unusual squeaky sounds caught my attention.
Now what would that be? I looked around, the place was desolate. I was a little freaked out as I was the only brave heart standing in this icy weather. I kept scrutinizing every nook and cranny of the snow covered benches and then realized the lamposts were shaking in the wind. I finished my fourth round shortly, getting surprised looks from the few ladies returning from work.
“Has she lost her mind?” I am sure they must be mumbling that under their scarves.
I couldn’t run further as the wind carried a lot of snow on the wooden planks. There was a danger of slipping. So I returned home.
My facial skin had turned red and I experienced slight burning sensation when I entered the lobby of my apartment complex but the rest of the body felt energized. So if you want something to push yourself beyond your usual workout, then go ahead, follow my extreme fitness regime.
Please note this form of exercise is not meant for beginners, people suffering from high blood pressure, chest congestion or asthma. Only hardcore professionals should attempt this. The rest can enjoy reading and imagining the experience in their minds.
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