Aspen Club and Spa

Want a great afternoon activity, consider hiking Aspen Mountain. However there are a couple of things to keep in mind before starting out. 1. Can you physically handle 4 + miles of hiking? 2. Do you have 3-5 hours to spend on this outing? 3. Do you have the will power or a partner to push you up this mountain?

Sarah and I decided to do it yesterday without thinking it through like that. We just woke up and said hey let’s go for a hike today. One thing lead to another and pretty soon we were on Aspen Mountain. Water! You need plenty of it. This is a very physical hike and it requires a good amount of water. Snacks, make sure to bring something along. About half way up it makes for a nice little picnic to stop off and eat some trail mix or something similar. I was glad Sarah was there to push me and it was nice to have a conversation with someone on the way up.

It took us about 2 1/2 hours and I was told it takes almost that long to get back down. So keep that in mind when you are planning your hike. The gondola stops at 4:30 pm and I doubt you want to go up and down utilizing your own physical strength.

We didn’t realize this until we were over half way up the hill with only minutes before the gondola stopped. Fortunately we got to the top and a nice SkiCo employee gave us a ride back down the hill in her company rig. And I will admit that is a nice way to see Aspen Mountain as well.

So if you are feeling up to the challenge I would recommend you spend an afternoon and hike up Aspen Mountain. It is a great workout with spectacular views.

And yes, I did beat Sarah up the hill

Here’s something most of us might not think about-stretching as a daily form of exercise. Okay, so your heart isn’t pumping and your legs arent pounding the pavement, but stretching has awesome benefits for the body. Do you know that feeling when you wake in the morning- a huge stretch feels soooo good! We often see people stretching before and after a workout, but the art of stretching can be a workout in itself. It gets the blood flowing, loosens tight muscles, increases elasticity and flexibility, and can help reduce stress. Itcan also give you fresh energy. Give these simple poses a try: Raise your arms above your head and grow long. Sway the body slowly to the right, and then to the left. Take a baby back bend if it feels right.  Head to knee stretches are great for the lower back and hamstrings.  Try a few cat and cow stretches as you kneel in a taple-top position.  Meow and moo, (kids love this!) Lastly, lay on your back and do a few restorative spinal twists by gently taking the knees to one side and the head to the other, arms are out like a T. Always remember to breathe while stretching, holding in the breath does no good. Incorporate stretching at least once a day into your life-in the morning when you rise, during a stroll on your lunch, or even at the office for an afternoon refresher. Meow!

My Favorite workout music, Gabriel & Dresden. The up beat dance music will have you pumping during your workout. Turn it up!!

Tip #7 from Shape Magazine

The more you get your heart pumping during an exercise session, the longer your metabolism stays revved afterward. Craig Ballantyne, a strength and conditioning coach in Toronto suggests intensifying your workout by doing one set of every exercise in your routine without resting. Repeat the circuit once or twice. “This fully fatigues your muscles so your body has to work harder and use more energy to recover when your’re done” says Ballantyne.

I hadn’t gone to Yoga in 3 days and man I was feeling it! Not just in my body, but I wasn’t sleeping as well, I felt totally unbalanced and had very little energy. I realized how important Yoga is in my life, and for my well being in general.  It’s no secret exercise keeps us young and fit, but the de-stressing benefits are monumental. Exercise is a great release. Who ever came back from the gym and said, “Gee, I wish I wouldn’t have worked out today.” The firm that coined that marketing slogan is right on the money.  I feel so much better when I work out, no matter how tired I am or how much I don’t feel like getting in the car and going. That is half the battle. But I’ve realized that sluggish slug feel is worse, so the next time I skip out or notice 3 days have gone by since I’ve put on some shorts or tennis shoes, I am going to remember that slogan. I guess “Just do it” works too.  Stress is a huge cause of health ailments in this country, and if all it takes is a 30 minute walk or just 15 minutes on the cycle, I will choose that anyday over a trip to a doctors office. Be well, and keep with it, exercise works!

As I sit here at my desk I am feeling exhausted. I was trying to figure out why I feel so wiped out… then it hits me, I missed my workout today! I have been doing personal training sessions with Dirk at the aspen club and he is on vacation this week. Since I have not worked out today I am actually feeling more tired than if I had… It’s so funny how that works… Even when I am feeling tired after a workout at least I feel good…really good… the juices are flowing and my mind is creative and stress free. Now I just feel unmotivated and uncreative. I think I’ll take a walk after work. I’m excited to have my trainer back though!

Isn’t it amazing how life keeps coming at ya. It can become a bit overwhelming at times dealing with the issues in one’s life. I find that when you are in the heat of the moment it is best to take a step back and look at the big picture.

In doing so, I find that a workout helps you regain focus on a situation. It allows you time to take your mind off that circumstance and concentrate on what is in front of you. A barbell, a jog, that next rep or pushing yourself further than your last workout. The adrenaline kicks in and the blood starts pumping.

Next time life throws you a curve ball step back take a break and hit the gym. You’ll be amazed how you find solutions to problems that you couldn’t before you got some exercise.