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

Fit to Play: "We Don't Live in a World By Ourselves."

Human beings are social animals. Interaction with others is important to our disposition; our physical and emotional well being. The lack of human interaction can cause an imbalance in our lives.

I recently listened to an interview of two famous dancers. What was said was profound. Consider this statement from that interview. "The other thing about dance I very much like is the interaction with my partner. I find that it really helps blend and balance me as a person because it's something I don't do all the time, but it's something that is very good to know because we don't live in the world by ourselves."

You may be asking, "What does all this have to do with play?" Well, it has a lot to do with play. Physical play is the best medicine for the lack of relationships in our lives. Play, in general, helps "blend and balance" a person. Play fosters interaction. It fosters socialization and fosters the sense of well being.

Dancing is only one source of play. Consider joining a hiking club, a bicycling club, or a running club. They all have activities for beginners. If that doesn't interest you, sign up for the summer softball league, consider taking tennis lessons or learn to ride a horse. Consult with your local city recreational department, the Chamber of Commerce or the local Y's for a list of group activities.

Get involved and go play because...we don't live in a world by ourselves!

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

Fit to Play:: The Fountain of Youth

I don’t think this is news for you but I am 50 years old. Recently, as within the past month, and on separate occasions, individuals have believed me to be 35. That is a great compliment.

Though I formed Fit to Play as a resource for individuals to create the Adult Recess they desire and fill it with fun and giggles, my recess’ fun and giggles come from dancing. I love to swing dance; West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Balboa, Shag and Lindy Hop plus many other forms of dance.

One of the creators of the Lindy Hop is Frankie Manning. You can see Frankie on youtube.com. He said in a 1997 interview at the age of 81, “Dancing keeps me young and for anyone out there who’s not dancing, better start.” Frankie is now 92 years old. He still dances and he still teaches the Lindy Hop.

The majority of Lindy Hoppers where I live are in the 20s and 30s and I can keep up with them. I find dancing to be one of the best sources of exercise, a fabulous social outlet and the never ending fountain of youth. No creams, potions or pills to turn back the clock for me – just dancing.

Have I convinced anyone to start dancing if you haven’t already? Get in on one of the best “fountains of youth,” – Learn to dance!

Debra Seeck, Lifestyle Fitness and Dance Coach
Fit to Play and Mz Jitterbug
www.mzjitterbug.com debra@mzjitterbug

Fit to Play: The Camera Buddy

Have you ever had that moment, or moments, in your life where you just wish someone else would do it for you, whatever “it” is. You know, that time when you just need something or someone to give you that extra boost of motivation. Often, that moment is when you know it’s time to exercise. And, yes, even I have had those moments.

I created a “buddy system” to help me stand up and move. My “buddies” are many. One of them is my camera. Now, for those of you who never thought a camera would be a great compliment to an exercise program, please think again. Digital cameras can capture the best of your steps, whether you are out for a walk in the neighborhood or a hike in the mountains or along the beach, lake or stream.

My camera loves flowers and feet and cloud formations and smiles and hands and trees and…get the picture? (No pun intended!) Best of all, it keeps me moving. I can walk the same sidewalk route every other day and still find opportunities for another shot. This time of year it is fun to look for butterflies or bees in amongst the flowers.

I can hear it now. Yes, the camera will interrupt your walking pace. That's okay. If your camera will get you out and about, up and moving, down and around the neighborhood, you should pat it on the lens and shout, “To digital and beyond!”

Here’s to my Camera Buddy!

Debra Seeck
debra@mzjitterbug.com
www.mzjitterbug.com