Posts from the Fitku Category at That's Fit

Fitku: A working workout

Posted: Sep 15th 2008 4:00PM by Debra McDuffee
Filed under: Fitness, Work/Home Balance, Fitku

My husband seems to have solved all of the world's workout problems with one quick fix: to save time, he uses the treadmill while he works on his laptop, thanks to a handy laptop shelf he built for the treadmill in his company's gym.

Pretty savvy, eh? His coworkers know where to find them if an IT emergency arises, and he becomes fit during work hours, at a normally sedentary job. Merits a Fitku, don't you think?

Tread and type workout
Kills two birds with one laptop
Fit and efficient

What are your tricks for staying active at work?

Fitku: Sweat it out

Posted: Aug 26th 2008 11:00AM by Debra McDuffee
Filed under: Fitness, Healthy Habits, Fitku

I'm really on the fence when it comes to sweat. I know it means my body is working hard, since sweating is its cooling mechanism. Part of me feels I get a better workout, or get more from it, when I sweat.

The other part of me simply believes that the room isn't cool enough and that sweat is disgusting. I hate dripping after exercise, and the chills during the cool-down are unpleasant. And how about that sticky skin if you don't jump in the shower right away? Blech!

In an attempt to embrace the sweat, I've composed a very classy Fitku about sweating it out:

Perspiration beads
Morph into raging rivers
Running down my back

Where do you stand on the sweat issue?

Fitku: Beach running

Posted: Aug 12th 2008 2:00PM by Debra McDuffee
Filed under: Fitness, Fitku

As I get ready to embark on a beach vacation next week, I can't help but get excited that I'll be able to run on the beach. Running barefoot, feeling the sand between my toes, working my calves into things of beauty... I'm looking forward to it!

It is easier on the joints to run on sand -- less impact -- and the resistance the sand offers helps you burn more calories and get a better workout overall.

How could I resist writing a Fitku about this awesome exercise?

Running on the beach
calves burn, sand churns, and heart pumps
I yearn for the shore

Do you enjoy running or walking on the beach?

Fitku: Weeding as exercise

Posted: Aug 4th 2008 2:00PM by Debra McDuffee
Filed under: Fitness, General Health, Healthy Habits, Fitku

If you've got a crabgrass problem like I do this year, weeding can be exercise. In fact, it can be a high-impact aerobic activity, if you do it at my house.

Weeding can be done for flexibilty and endurance, and we are now told by some researchers that low-key fitness, like weeding and strolling, is the answer to a long, healthy life.

So, in the spirit of weeding like a fiend, I write this Fitku:

Stretching, pulling weeds
Beautiful garden, exercise
Squatting, bending, done!

Do you buy it? Can weeding be exercise? I know my sore thighs and ankles tell that story the next day....

Fitku: Ode to the Hundred

Posted: Aug 1st 2008 1:00PM by Debra McDuffee
Filed under: Fitness, Fitku

If you've never tried Pilates, you are missing out, plain and simple. I am not an indoor exerciser, I don't like gyms or classes, but I get very cranky if I miss my weekly Pilates class; now that's saying something.

In fact, I do several Pilates moves every day, The Hundred being one of them. This ab exercise pretty much does your entire core, even your lats (yep, your back is your core too). To share my love for The Hundred, indulge me in this Fitku:

Flapping arms work lats
Rhythmic breathing helps the count
Flat abs are the goal

What are you waiting for? Start counting and feel the burn!

Fitku: Summer Swims

Posted: Jun 27th 2007 5:00PM by Debra McDuffee
Filed under: Fitness, Fitku

Summer is here and if you have a body of water nearby, swimming is the perfect seasonal way to cross train. Lose those running shoes a few times a week and instead, head for the wet and wild workout!

Stroke and breathe, turn head
Rhythmic splashing motivates
More laps, more burn . . . swim.

Fitku: Yoga - Doing It with Farm Animals

Posted: May 14th 2007 3:20PM by Debra McDuffee
Filed under: Fitness, Fitku

I refer to Cat-Cow Stretch, of course; where was your mind?

High arch builds core strength
Back sags with gentle relief
Abdominals stretch

One of my favorite poses; I do it every morning and evening. It protects the lower back, strengthens abdominals and your core, and stretches everything you strained by sleeping funny or by all-day abuse. Try this one!

Fitku: Vitamin D Fix

Posted: Apr 30th 2007 5:50PM by Debra McDuffee
Filed under: Emotional Health, Fitness, General Health, Spirituality and Inspiration, Fitku

The Earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the sun, and the seasons ebb and flow. As springtime heads into full swing and we begin to anticipate summer, I am reminded of why my body craves this weather so much. Sunshine provides vitamin D, which provides us with what we need for muscle and bone strength, improved immunity and cancer-fighting.

And so begins my sunshine-inspired Fitku:

Sun: nourish body
Rejuvenate the spirit
Refresh soul and mind

Ahhhhhh . . . vitamin D anyone?

Fitku: Abs of Steel

Posted: Apr 17th 2007 10:00AM by Debra McDuffee
Filed under: Fitness, Healthy Habits, Spirituality and Inspiration, Diet and Weight Loss, Fitku

My fitku inspiration today is my motivation for keeping up with those crunches, ab pulls and obliques. Do I want fab abs? Oh yes. And to tell you the truth, ab work is actually one of my favorite workout things to do.

Crunches, flex, release
Carve out those beautiful abs
Bikini this summer?

Here's hoping those bikini days aren't over for any of us . . .

Fitku: Food Mantras to Go

Posted: Apr 13th 2007 4:30PM by Debra McDuffee
Filed under: Food and Nutrition, General Health, Diet and Weight Loss, Fitku

Could all of the eating advice out there be any more confusing? High protein, low fat, points, food combining . . . yikes! I think the key really is to find what works for your own body, as everyone is different. My personal food mantra . . .

High protein, low carb
Colorful veggies and fruits
What about dessert?

What? I am not supposed to eat dessert? How'd I miss that?

Fitku: Spring Hikes

Posted: Apr 5th 2007 7:00AM by Debra McDuffee
Filed under: Emotional Health, Fitness, General Health, Healthy Habits, Healthy Places, Spirituality and Inspiration, Stress Reduction, Fitku

Since I love hiking so much, imagine how thrilled I am that I no longer have to "suit up" in my snow boots, Yaktrax, parka, hat, mittens . . .

Spring is upon us here in New England, and I feel Fitku-inspired:

Melting slush, clean air
Warm spring sunshine on my face
Feet in puddle-muck

Maybe I should have worn those boots after all?

Fitku: Smoothie Love

Posted: Mar 29th 2007 7:00AM by Debra McDuffee
Filed under: Food and Nutrition, Organic, Vegetarian, Healthy Recipes, Fitku

Anyone love a good smoothie as much as I do? Anyone crazy enough to write a Fitku about it? Yeah, that's me . . .

Vitamix churning
Cherries, mango, vanilla
Nutrients to go

Not inspired to create your own smoothie Fitku? Or even your own smoothies? Try some of these recipes for smoothies, and maybe you'll be writing some Fitku love in no time.

Fitku: Staying Power

Posted: Mar 13th 2007 7:45PM by Debra McDuffee
Filed under: Fitness, General Health, Spirituality and Inspiration, Fitku

While pseudo-running on my elliptical today, I was overcome with the inspiration for a Fitku:

Heart pounds, muscles strain
Breath comes in rhythmic panting
Oh, my aching knees

But did I quit? Oh, no. I stayed on that elliptical trainer for my full five minutes . . .

Fitku: Ripple effect

Posted: Sep 21st 2006 2:30PM by Kristi Anderson
Filed under: Fitku

Craving sweet ice cream
Rippling thighs not a good sign
More carrots for me

C'mon people, add your own! You know you have one in you ...

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