What does this have to do with our RV trip? Well, we both really love the way we feel. It's not crazy- different from how we felt before, but we do breath easier, play a little harder, and feel stronger. Oh, and did I mention I can do a headstand now!? That's really added to my party tricks repertoire.
And now back to what this has to do with our trip! Well, as we learned from the last time we were out on an extended RV trip (5 months in 2012), working out while on the road can be challenging, especially if you have kids! Why?! Well for lots and lots of reasons! Moving destinations every week or two means you don't have a gym membership. You might be able to pop into a gym or sportsplex or studio for a one time class, but you won't get the childcare, and studios (yoga) can be expensive for a one time class! And being the kind that really love small towns (I mean really small towns), there often isn't any such place to go! So..... That mainly leaves home exercise and outdoor activities while RVing.
1. Home Exercise
Can be great! But there's not much space in an RV to workout in. Add to that 3 kids and a dog, or a baby sleeping and you are quickly pushed outdoors. So I needed to find a exercise that was NOT too embarrassing, since I plan on doing it outside most of the time. So far I've got 3 ideas! 1. Yoga. I love yoga! It'll make you STRONG! ....and teach you to do cool things like headstands. Plus you don't have to bounce around too much, so it's low on the embarrassment factor when having to be performed outside, at say somewhere like a busy campsite. For instance, Zumba, would not be a great workout for me to perform outdoors in places like this. And I mean, perform. Eek! Plus, I think I can just about make up my own yoga routine and won't need a video to watch. Not every time, at least. 2. Hula Hoop. I'm still working on this one. As in, I can't do it yet. I'm trying though. I try about every other day. I could do it as a kid. I know I can do it again! Just hasn't happened yet. But I've got a great teacher!!! Loralai. She's a pro at it! I'm getting close. I can feel it! Hula hooping is also a great exercise with lightweight equipment, and cheap to replace and can be done while watching 3 kids....if I could just keep the darn hoop up! .....getting there. Plus, not too embarrassing to do in public. And, can also lead to new party tricks! Bonus! 3. I'm also thinking I could do jump roping. But so far in my life, I have really hated doing this. But I have deemed this the year of learning new things, so who knows?
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| It's so EASY Mom! |
So last trip, I thought....we'll hike and walk, or bike everyday! And we did those things a lot! But....our kids are little, and Loralai does not like to walk or hike, so she whines....ALOT! This can create an aversion to walking and hiking after awhile. And when we do walk or hike, we are often times moving at a snails pace; or a whiny 4 year olds pace. Doesn't really get the old heart a pumping, if you know what I mean. Plus, sometimes we stay in places that are not conducive to family walks. Like right off the freeway. One thing that would have helped last trip was if we had had a good stroller, instead of the POS umbrella stroller we used. I'm still mad at us for not upgrading on that trip! So this trip will be a 1000 times better just because, we will have THE BOB! It's a jogging stroller AND a double! We can even fit all 3 in there if we have to! So not only will walks around town go better, but we can also RUN with it! That's right, we are running family now. Never thought I would say that! I've said that I hated to run all my life! But desperate times, call for desperate measures. And 3 kids, no time for myself, and at least 30 pounds to loose, are desperate times! I needed something that burned mega calories, while also building muscle, could be done with zero equipment, anywhere, done in 30 minutes, and with or without kids in varying moods. That's running. So for the past 4 months, we have been running. It only takes 30 minutes to run 2-3 miles and make yourself feel like you're gonna die. Now that's a good workout! And it's so short that Joe and I can take turns going if we can't (or don't want to) take the kids. Darby is even a running dog! She hauls butt for about the first mile. Runs along side you like a well trained dog for the second mile. And tries to lay down in the shade every chance she gets on the third mile. But hey, she's a stubby little chug and we all have our limits. Besides, it's rare that I run 3 miles or more (although I have!). I usually run just 2 at a time. So she's the perfect partner for me!
Along with running 3+ times a week, we will also still aim to hike and bike as much as we can! Loralai is working on mastering the bike riding and we have two seats on the backs of our bikes for the littles. Add to that a hiking backpack and ergo and we are ready to hike too! Probably have to bring some cupcakes too to bribe Loralai with. Kind of like dangling a carrot on a stick for a horse. I seriously might try that!!!
Also, Joe is participating in his first Triathlon in one week! If all goes well, and he likes it, we could look for other triathlons or 5ks or 10ks happening in cities around the country to participate in! Something to aim for!
Plus, we could look for running groups on meetup.com in different cities that we could go on runs with! Could be a neat way to meet locals while on the road and keep in shape! I read this once full-time RV blog where the wife was really into running and she did this type of thing. Of course, she was like a lifer, long distance runner (totally NOT me! but never say never.). Anyways, it's good to have goals.
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| Here's another picture of me doing a headstand, cause me after a run is not as pretty! |
So there you have it! Our exercise plan for our RV trip! In the meantime, we'll be getting stronger, trying to memorize yoga moves to do on our own, learning to hula, running further and faster, and working on getting Loralai to be an ace on two wheels!
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