New Incentives To Exercise In Sussex!

Wow there is an amazing initiative that seems to have been taken to heart specifically in one of the towns local to me - Burgess Hill.

Locals cannot have failed to witness and feel compelled to get out there.....

This new powerful weapon in the war against obesity and incentive to exercise is non other than.....

Traffic Lights!!!!!! Everywhere!!!!!!!!!

That's right - ditch the car, get on your bike, walk, run, or skateboard - because you are currently not going anywhere fast in Burgess Hill.

In all seriousness though, i am a big fan of getting out of the car and getting places under your own steam. It really is often faster, cheaper, healthier and greener. It depends how far you have to go, but how many people drive 5 mins to get to they gym??

I used to cycle everywhere when i lived in London, and despite a 9 mile commute, it was often quicker than catching a tube with delays etc.

Make the most of the remaining weather and light before autumn and winter really start to set in.

We've had fresh air and sun light in abundance at Sussex Bootcamps. While there is less sunlight and warmth over the next few months - being out there when it is nice weather and soaking up some sunshine (when it's out) year round really does feel great!

Several sessions are now booked up for September.

Go and see if we have spaces left for you!

http://www.sussexbootcamps.co.uk

Adding More Life And Years!!!

Why do we do this? Put ourselves through all the hard work, the effort, the sweat, the healthy eating?

Well hopefully you derive some sense of pleasure from the act of training, pushing yourself, challenging yourself, spending time more 'in your body' etc.

Possibly you just love the way you feel and look as a result of training?

My hope is that working hard at fitness touches every aspect of your life and improves it, literally allowing you to experience more life!

If you have friends that like to be active, guess what you can participate in whatever they are doing. If you have kids, hopefully they are active and being encouraged to be so. Nothing to back up that encouragemant like being active yourself! Then you get to join in with what they are doing and play a more significant role in their lives, not needing to sit out and miss out!

Same applies for grandparents. How many years do you want to be able to play an active and independent role in your family's life?

A good level of fitness and health is going to enhance all of this in a way that you can't put a price on.

What about challenging times or even emergencies. Do you think fitness is going to make a difference here?

I spent a day learning to surf while on holiday as you can just about make out in the picture above. On that same day another person in the water got into trouble and i ended up going to their rescue. Problem is we were then both in a bit of trouble!

After making the stupid decision to swim for it, getting hit by a big wave and swalling too much water, i had a moment where i almost felt and remembered everytime i had ever pushed myself, fought to keep going, pushed against a seemingly immovable weight etc.

It was like drawing strength from all my training experience in a moment of panic, and thankfully it wasn't too long after that we found ourselves close enough to shore to not be pulled out to sea any longer.

So the message here as far as i'm concerned is fitness will enhance your life, it will be there in the times where you can enjoy it, and hopefully in times where you may need it to get you through a situation!

I believe fitness and health will also contribute to the quality and quantity of your life.

Are you realising the bigger picture in your fitness and health?

Next Bootcamp starts Sepember 7 - i'd love to see you there,

Steve

Let's Get This Started Again...

Ever find yourself saying that about your fitness?

Most people probably do at some time or another - whether from injury or ilness, holiday or a rest week - or just simply getting out of the habit.

It's not just fitness either - it happens across the board for our various tasks and behaviours - like writing a blog for example!!

One thing i've always liked to do is frame exercise and fitness in a different way - hence the term 'everyday athlete' and my encouragement for people to see themselves as athletes.

Taking this a step further and you get to training as a ritual - something espoused by Chip Conrad and his awesome facility Body Tribe - see http://physicalsubculture.com/blog

I've recently enjoyed the DVD produced by these guys and tapping into the concept of training as a ritual is something that strongly resonates with me.

It's a practise, a way of being, a moving meditation, the act of which enhances your life!!

Far from just random movements for the sake of some possible future reward - it's here and now.

If something is a ritual that enhances your life do you think there will be much resistance, much putting off to another day?

How can you infuse what you do with more meaning? It's worth some consideration.

I've been getting things started again today. Not just this post, but after a great week away last week, my routine of training (working on the ritual part!).

I recommend time out from heavy training every 6 - 10 weeks or so, but i've realised that i totally neglected and undervalued time out from the work routine, yep a holiday!

Some stories from that to follow.

For now, time to enjoy the slightly sweeter taste of life after some good time out!

Steve

http://www.sussexbootcamps.co.uk