Thanks to Summer for refusing to come here in Vancouver.

My hopes for a beach day were dashed by clouds and cooler temperatures (STILL!)…

sigh …

I had a little extra time on my hands today. Seemed like the perfect time to get back to one of my long lost loves: POWERWALKING.

So, I hit the seawall today for a good, long and energetic powerwalk.

I don’t have time for it as much these days, cuz it takes a little more time to get a decent amount of work done than a good hard run or a HIIT session.

But… KNOW THIS:

No matter what anyone else out there tells you, powerwalking is a GREAT way to get in shape, a great way to burn fat and a great workout.

Sure, it’s been dubbed ‘long slow boring’ cardio by some of the fitness gurus out there … but if you’ve got a place like I’ve got to walk, how boring is it REALLY?

Not very.

And boring or NOT, it’s a great way to burn calories and get your cardiovascular system worked out.

Just make sure you WORK at it… no “strolling”, ya hear?

Anyway, I decided to take the camera and have you along for a little walking tour while I was out there so I could show you how the Vancouver Parks Board and City Hall did on the repairs they started way back last Autumn and promised to have finished by February …

Were they finished by February?

No. Of course not. This is Vancouver we’re talking about here. Nothing ever gets done on time, or on budget.

They only just reopened the last section on my running path a couple of weeks ago.

It’s JUNE, PEOPLE!!!

And as far as I can see, the engineers weren’t thinking with their brains when they designed this new seawall… cuz come Autumn, there’s gonna be a mess and they’ll all be slapping their foreheads.

I could have done a better job of figuring this out. A FOUR YEAR OLD could have figured THIS one out.

It’s not ROCKET SCIENCE, for pete’s sakes!!

Anyway, like I said… I took the cam … and I vented my ire a little.

Check it out!

And, of course I capped off my powerwalk with a little bout of pull-ups on that shower contraption I keep talking about.

How’m I doing? Gettin’ better, eh?

I’m not swinging my body quite as much as I was a few months ago -> My Pull-ups Last November

… and I got one more rep out of me than I did last time!!! Hee Hee!!

It’s coming… this is a hard exercise to progress, but it’s COMING!

Anyway, ENGINEERS!! Any out there? If so, am I right? Did they screw this seawall thing up? Or am I missing something here? Leave us a comment.

Okay, that’s all the b*tching I’ve got in me today!! LOL

Time to get back to work on the website and graphics for my upcoming book! WEBSITES!! GAH! Technology will be the death of me yet, I swear.

But I digress.

See ya again soon!

Have a fit, fun and fantastic day.
Girlwithnoname

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Everyone hopes to get a good workout in but it’s also important to find ways to make it enjoyable, rather than feeling like a chore.

If your workouts have felt more like a chore than anything else lately, it might be time to take stock of when and where (and how) you’re actually doing your routines.

Do you go to the same gym, day in and day out, same familiar surroundings, same familiar faces, and do the same familiar exercises?

Are your cardio workouts almost always done on the same old treadmill, elliptical or stationery cycle staring at the same old tv show on the screen above the machine? And, usually without volume too, am I right?

Wow, that does sound pretty darn boring. I’d consider that a ‘chore’ too, so you sure aren’t alone in what you’re feeling.

How about this? Try getting your cardio outdoors wherever possible.

And don’t just change your venue from indoors to outdoors, change the time of day you get out there and you might find it that much more enjoyable.

If you like to run, cycle or powerwalk try getting out for your cardio session first thing in the morning and enjoy watching the sun come up as you’re getting your heart rate up too!

Skip wearing your mp3 player for a change and listen to the music of the outdoors, like birds chirping and relish watching the sky turn from dim to bright. That sounds like fun inspiration to me!

What about heading out just before sunset and enjoy watching the sky turn crimson during your run, as the sun sinks out of sight for another day. What a GREAT way to end a day: doing a good thing for your health and enjoying fantastic scenery as you go.

If you can’t get out there with the sunrise or sunset, then try hitting your local park and run, walk or cycle on the paths, or even get your shoes off and go for a run at your local beach, in the sand (sand running is a great workout, too … see: Jack Up Your Running Routines).

Heck, you could even do some great weights routines outdoors using just your bodyweight.

Try some SuperCircuits incorporating a bunch of different bodyweight moves. You don’t even need any equipment (and just as well, because it could be a problem to carry it out there if your equipment is particularly heavy or large).

Try getting to a park and just doing a routine with burpees or squat thrusts, mountain climbers and breakdancers, jumping jacks, bodyweight squats, walking lunges (go backwards and forwards), push-ups or bench dips on a park bench, pull-ups on the playground monkey bars and jumps up onto a park bench.

Or take a jump rope with you and jump until you feel like you just can’t jump anymore. That will get your heart rate up and your blood pumping in no time, and it’s dead-simple.

You could even go climb a tree if you felt particularly youthful and full of whimsy that day (and can find a suitable tree) … hee hee … what fun!

So, don’t get trapped in a web of boredom by working out at the same time, in the same place, on the same equipment, doing the same moves all the time.

Change your surroundings or change the time of day and you’ll be interested and energized all over again!

And, whatever you do, have a great time with it.

Oh, and btw, one of the best resources I’ve found for getting a great workout outdoors is Craig Ballantyne’s Bodyweight Workouts Manual.

Craig has lots of great cardio and weight training ideas for how to get it done in the great outdoors, or just with park and playground equipment!

Grab It Here ==> Craig Ballantyne’s Bodyweight Workouts

Have a fit, fun and fantastic day.
Girlwithnoname

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Hey everyone!! A bright and shiny new week is upon us.

Full of possibilities, right?

I hope you have great plans to make it an intense, sweaty and hard core training week!!

Today a blog post I read earlier coupled with a FRUSTRATING session of hillsprints out on my favourite hill got me to thinking:

Can “Walking” REALLY be considered “Exercise”?

Well, CAN IT?

Some say “yes”, some say “no”.

I say:

So for pete’s sake, if you’re going to WALK for EXERCISE, make sure you do it RIGHT, okay?!

Here’s the original post I was referring to (and thanks to AlKavadlo for the inspiration): Is Walking Really the Best Exercise?

As usual, we end with today’s Workout Song of the Day. Here’s the thin premise for the tie-in:

Don’t be Soft Core with your workouts (especially if you’re walking for exercise) be HARD CORE each and every time.

In the meantime, here’s some Soft Core I DO approve of … this Maurice and the Cliches’ song is great for Cardio because of it’s hilarious lyrics and great beat!

(hey, I warned you the tie-in premise was thin! LOL)

Maurice and the Cliches – Soft Core

Don’t forget, if you like it as much as I do and want it for your own collection, just click on the Buy Button on the Player Widget and Amazon will get you set up in no time flat!

That’s it for today. Have a fit, fun and fantastic day, and we’ll see you again soon!
Girlwithnoname

]]> http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2010/03/rant-walking-vs-exercise/feed/ 4 http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/11/what-is-cardio/ http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/11/what-is-cardio/#comments Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:26:21 +0000 Girlwithnoname http://www.girlwithnoname.com/?p=2863

CARDIO!! What the heck IS it anyway?

Ok you guys, I have a pet peeve to share with you today.

I keep reading the sales copy for fitness books who all say “don’t do cardio” and “cardio is unnecessary” and “instead of cardio, lose weight with MY program, goodbye cardio” and then once I’m reading the actual book turns out they are touting a form of cardio anyway.

So I ask again: What the hell IS cardio? And why does there seem to be so much confusion out there about it?

Well, here’s your answer:

Like I said make sure you check out Mike Geary‘s fantastic fitness eBook The Truth About Six Pack Abs … he really DOES know what he’s talking about and he has lots of great cardio workouts, tricks and tips, too.

Get Truth About Six Pack Abs by Mike Geary

And now it’s time for today’s Workout Song of the Day.

I bet you’ve already guessed that today’s song will be great for cardio right? HAHA!! Of course you did, because now you’ve got my number!! LOL

However, I did you one better! I found one with the word “RUN” in the title!!

So … get running!

Or biking.

Or swimming.

Or walking!!!

Jeez, even get weight training (in the way that gets your heart-rate up, of course).

Just get moving and get your cardio workout done, y’hear?

Sweet – Fox On The Run

Don’t forget, if you want to run to Fox on the Run too, hop over to Amazon through the Buy Button on the Player Widget and they’ll set you up with the mp3 in a click of your mouse or two.

That’s it for today everyone!! Enjoy your Cardio, however you choose to get it!

Have a fit, fun and fantastic day!
Girlwithnoname

2863

Hi everyone!! As you guys know, my life is not my own lately, with getting this new venture up ‘n running… soooo, here’s another fantastic guest post by a friend of mine who’s really into powerwalking. I also love powerwalking, I just wish I had time lately to go for some good powerwalks! This is a great resource to some other excellent sites on the subject.

Thanks Mary.

7 Excellent Blogs About Power Walking

Power walking has really gained popularity as a sport and exercise of choice. As it is usually easier on the body but yet still offers an excellent workout, people of all ages and walks of life can be a part of it. Of course, anything with that large a following also comes with info-seekers and with others who like to share their experiences in the blogosphere, and so to link the two, and introduce more of you to a highly beneficial fitness medium, here we look at some of the most essential blogs to follow.

7 Top Blog Resources For Powerwalking

1. Walktopia .- By far the most comprehensive blog dedicated to the power walker or anybody interested in the sport. This offers commentaries, real life adventures, tips, and a comprehensive overview of what power walking is and what it means to those involved.

2. Wonder Walkers – This is more than a blog, it’s a community of power walkers all trying to work together as a giant resource. This is well worth following and you can find some of the many useful tools and ideas to work to your advantage as a power walker. This comes from people who understand that power walking is truly a sport and physical activity that gives great exercise and mental health as well.

3. Charity Walks – As many power walkers are often involved in charity walks, this can be a really helpful and informative site. Not only can this help the individual who is organizing a charity walk, but it can help those who are trying to raise funds through their efforts. It can also serve as an inspiration and an idea builder for the power walker who wants to put her talent to good use.

4. Nordic Walking – This may be focused on a particular segment of walking involving the Nordic pole, but it can benefit any power walker at the core. It can introduce a different type of walking or just simply serve as an inspiration for the power walker at heart who is passionate about her sport. This is an excellent blog to follow to keep motivated or to try something new.

5. Fitness Walking –This is an excellent blog chock full of information for the power walker. You can learn all about power walking if you are a novice or reiterate your interest in just how walking can really do wonders for your fitness and go easy on your body in the process. This is highly recommended for the power walker at any level.

6. Nordic Walking Queen – Though this too is based on the art of Nordic walking, it too can serve as an inspiration to the power walker at any level. You can keep up with the accomplishments, track the progress, and see everyday accounts of what it is like to be a power walker at your best. She offers a very real and down to earth perspective to keep readers captivated.

7. Fixing Your Feet—Perhaps a more remote type of blog, but nonetheless important for the power walker. This focuses on the importance of picking the right footwear and taking care of your feet for the power walker who puts some serious miles on in this sport.

If powerwalking is your thing, you’re bound to love these blogs. If you’re just learning about the benefits of powerwalking, these blogs will help immensely. The collected knowledge of these bloggers is putting power walking on the map, and enhancing the experience for all.

Mary Ward blogs about various health, nutrition, fitness, and job issues in the health care field, including how to study in CNA courses online.

Thanks again Mary, that was very informative and I’m sure everyone here who’s interested in powerwalking found that helpful and interesting.

Be back soon everyone, with exciting news!! See ya then.
Girlwithnoname



]]> http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/09/powerwalking/feed/ 2 http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/09/powerwalking-and-hamstrings/ http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/09/powerwalking-and-hamstrings/#comments Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:42:58 +0000 Girlwithnoname http://www.girlwithnoname.com/?p=2396

Hi everyone. Thanks for the comments in the last post about my computer trauma. Still working that out. My hamstrings are being evil to me lately too, so I have to slow down the workout mania a little… particularly my cardio routines. Now pay attention here because I said “slower”, but I did not say “shorter”. LOL!!

Sometimes I question my own sanity!! Check it out!

and here’s today Workout Song of the Day … in honour of getting stuck in the rain on our powerwalk today, here’s a great song for Cardio. Fantastic rhythms always get me running faster… surely this song will get you moving faster, too!!

The Cult – Rain

Don’t forget, if you love it too you can click through from the Buy Button on the Player Widget and it whisks you straight over to Amazon so you can grab it for yourself.

that’s it for today. Have a great, fun, and fit long weekend and we’ll see you again soon!
Girlwithnoname



]]> http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/09/powerwalking-and-hamstrings/feed/ 4 http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/07/vancouver-summer/ http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/07/vancouver-summer/#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:40:58 +0000 Girlwithnoname http://www.girlwithnoname.com/?p=2061

Hey Everyone…well Summer is going full force here in Vancouver these days… its been lovely, HOT and… gah! working out is HARD!! haha… fortunately there’s always options and I took full advantage of a little pool party with the nephews on the weekend… and then took a couple of hours to catch up with my best bud while we powerwalked around the Seawall the next day… so still keeping at it…I’m not one to let a little thing like Summer Heat get me hiding under some tree ignoring my workouts!!

here’s that video of Vancouver on Saturday that I mentioned … it was quite the day, going from sunny and beautiful all the way to major storminess, gorgeous fire-red sunset and finally two fireworks displays… one from Mother Nature AND a man-made one from the South African team that competed in this year’s Celebration of Light…I only wish this video was longer…it really was spectacular.

And don’t forget!! I’m over on FaceBook now… come hit me up, I desperately need new friends!! HAHA!!!

Girlwithnoname on FaceBook

and finally, today’s Workout Song of the Day … a little ditty that is really great for Cardio with its energy and driving rhythm … and as usual I’m trying to be clever and tie my Song of the Day in with the theme of the post:

DARUDE – Sandstorm
… hey, its the best I could do ok? I didn’t have a song called “Lightning Storm” haha!!!

Don’t forget, if you like the song and want it for your own workout collection, the widget clicks thru to Amazon… no muss, no fuss!!! You’ll own it in like 3 clicks (or 4 … um … maybe 5! .. haha)

Have a great week everyone!! We’ll see you again soon!!
Girlwithnoname



]]> http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/07/vancouver-summer/feed/ 0 http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/02/finally-a-workout-of-sorts/ http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/02/finally-a-workout-of-sorts/#comments Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:58:44 +0000 Girlwithnoname http://www.girlwithnoname.com/?p=543

Oops. Maybe my brain still hasn’t recovered from the trip and being sick… either that or I’m super distracted by the project I’m working on, because this post should have come before the previous post. Anyway, I finally get a workout (of sorts) in. Phew! I was climbing some walls being indoors all the time.