Fit to Play: "Cross Training for the 20th Century"

I recently read, "Play is cross training for the 20th century. The idea that you can improve fitness through play is unquestionable." The article went on to say that participating in different activities that may be physically challenging yet offer safe ranges of motion can prevent BOREDOM!

I knew that. I recently had a wonderful friend, Johnny, visit me from Lafayette, Louisiana. He's an active person and stays fit. I took him on a grand tour of Oregon where elevation gain is inevitable. We hiked to the top of Multnomah Falls, the 2nd tallest waterfall in the United States. We climbed sand hill in Pacific City. One step up is a half step backwards. We went creek hiking in the middle fork of the Santiam River where the water is cold, the rocks are hard and the current is swift. And, we danced for hours.

He wrote to me upon his return home claiming he was exhausted, his calves were aching but he was so happy that he pushed himself because it was "sooo much fun." This is one of the best testimonials to the benefits of play. Johnny and I connected with our environment through play. We participated in different activities, ones that were adventurous and took Johnny out of his comfort zone . We played hard and loved every minute of it.

We were cross training without even knowing it. Our activities were so much fun, we didn't care how exhausted we were at the end of the day. And, we were never bored. Johnny said he'd remember this trip for a long time. So will I.

What is your cross training plan? Go out and play!

Debra Seeck
Lifestyle Fitness and Dance Coach
www.mzjitterbug.com
debra@mzjitterbug.com