1. On the days I don't ride I am going do a short 20 minute interval work out on the elliptical. I usually ride between 3-5 days a week, so this should be pretty painless. I don't feel horribly unfit but you know, generally the fitter and leaner you are the better for overall health. Especially when you are cruising towards 50. Riding takes care of my core and stalls and farm work take care of lifting/strength workouts but some more cardio is probably a really good idea.
2. Stretch EVERY SINGLE DAY. This one takes 5-10 minutes and is not that big of a deal but I have the hardest time always remembering to get it done. Couple that with a wonky lower back that stays fine if I stretch every day and you can see why this one is important. Pretty much the only time I get sore is when I don't stretch, so I need to get in the habit of stretching so I avoid getting ouchy. Maybe I will stretch after every ride or elliptical? Actually, that might work.
3. Back down on the sugar(again). I have been through various iterations of Paleo and AIP over the past few years for various health things like thyroid and skin/inflammation problems. Going lower carb/no gluten really worked for me in that pretty much everything is cleared up and I no longer take any medications or have much in the way of symptoms. As I have fine tuned what sets me off I have realized I can't go too low carb or it makes my thyroid an issue again. The problem is I am a bit of a sugar addict and when I go a little higher carb for my thyroid I start craving sugar and carbs more. Since sugar doesn't cause me immediate problems like some things (gluten and nightshade spices I'm talking about you) I have been indulging a bit (a lot) more. This one is a tough one for me but I feel so much better when I eat clean. Added sugar ban maybe for 30 days to back myself down?
Anyway, this is my list. Not really related to riding but I find I have a lot more energy, patience, and judgement with the pony when I take care of myself. The kids and hubby appreciate the "better" me as well. What are your resolutions for 2016?
Reminding myself to stretch is SO hard, but it is the best thing to do besides exercise!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! I'm hoping by doing it after riding or the elliptical I can make it a daily habit.
ReplyDeleteI used to work for a company that had mandatory stretch breaks twice per shift every day. We would all get together in little groups all over the facility and do the usual stretch routine for approximately 5 minutes. I had no idea how beneficial those were for me until I wasn't working there any more. By about three months after, I was already losing range of motion that I had previously taken for granted! Good luck with your resolutions!
ReplyDeleteThanks Wendy! Interesting about the mandatory stretch breaks at work...
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