100 push-up Challenge

If you started 2012 with the 100 push-up challenge you’re half way through the 6 weeks and no doubt feeling stronger every day. If you didn’t start it’s not too late to check out the website (www.hundredpushups.com) and give the program a whirl. Since we’re all about incentives there is sure to be some participation award. Just let me know if you are participating by jotting your initials on the Fit Club white board in the staff lounge.

Wear Red Day for heart health awareness is fast approaching. This is a fitness activity we can all get behind so don’t forget to get the red out on February 3rd.

Lastly, a suggestion for the next BPL Fit Club leader: Couch to 5K running program (www.c25k.com).

23 and 1/2 hours

Perhaps while we’re rushing through the holidays is not the best time to start a new “habit” but you might find this video interesting—I certainly found it entertaining enough to pass along.

Crunch Time

There’s just a few short days left before Christmas but more importantly an even shorter number of days left for the BPL Crunch Club. We’ll be totaling the number of crunches completed December 1st through December 23rd and posting it in time to inspire some New Year’s resolutions. If you’ve been a silent participant please give me (Laurie) your number so it can make it into the GRAND TOTAL. If you would like your participation award I’ll need your name as well but you can pass your total on anonymously if you prefer.

And speaking of January, BPL Fit Club has had a request for 100 push-ups a day. If you haven’t heard of this exciting fitness challenge be sure to visit www.hundredpushups.com for details. Giving ourselves a day to recover from our New Year’s Eve celebrations let’s start the program on Monday, January 2nd and see what progress we make following the six week plan.

And speaking of the new year, it appears to be time for new leadership in the BPL Fit Club so I will be stepping down from the position. I hope that someone will be inspired to take up the reins to complete 2012.

Lastly, I would like to thank you for all the suggestions and recommendations made via the Fit Club over this past year. One personal success story due to these suggestions: my cholesterol level has dropped below “high”; my blood pressure has done the same; my resting pulse rate is usually at 60; and the figure that most people ask about (because it’s the most visible not the most important) is that, depending on the day, I’ve lost 45 to 50 pounds. So once again I’ll mention my hope that someone will keep BPL Fit Club alive and well in 2012 so we can continue to reap the benefits of support on the fitness road.

Crunch Club Challenge

Inspired by Gary Player who mentioned in a Charlie Rose interview that part of his daily exercise regime includes 1,000 crunches, BPL Fit Club has received a request to start a “Crunch Club”. Since we aim to please, from December 1st through December 23rd all interested parties are charged with the goal of reaching 1,000 crunches a day. OK, for most of us it may be a stretch to reach 1,000 crunches for the entire 23 days—but let’s aim high. Keep track of your progress, either on your personal spread sheet or on the official BPL Fit Club Crunch Club calendar conveniently located in the staff lounge. Prizes will be awarded for all levels of participation.

The crunches don’t need to be done all at one time but can be spread throughout the day. So if you happen to see one of your co-workers lying on the floor in the lounge or by their cubical make sure they aren’t doing a quick ten crunches before calling 911.

If you have no idea who Gary Player is the Charlie Rose interview is available on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=193chYRnTAk

If you aren’t quite sure what a crunch is this YouTube video has a pretty good example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xyd_fa5zoEU&feature=related

September Round-up

Well, September has come and gone and M, M & I still can’t get the Latin rhythm and movement but for an exercise class such as Zumba it really doesn’t matter. For example, one day our regular instructor wasn’t able to make the class (more on that to follow) so a couple of the more advanced members of the class offered to lead it. For last minute substitutes they did great. They did remember the routines a bit differently at times so you could take your pick as to which one to follow. Even with two options M, M & I still had their difficulties. However, it really didn’t matter—as long as you keep moving you still get a good workout—and usually a good laugh.

For those who couldn’t make the September 25th Stroll Through History at Oak Hill Cemetery it was a successful and fun-filled day despite the weather. According to our inside sources the event may be back on the Montgomery County Historical Society calendar so you’ll have a second chance.

October has all kinds of national months associated with it. Two that bring joy to the BPL Fit Club are National Roller Skating Month and National Go on a Field Trip Month. How perfect can it get? Details on where we’ll be roller skating will be forth coming.

October is also National Breast Cancer Awareness month. This leads back to the September round up where the absence of our Thursday Zumba instructor was mentioned. She was back the following week with the news that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She has started a blog, zumbagirl24.blogspot.com, which she views as very therapeutic and cathartic. Her story may be just what you need to get that mammogram you’ve been putting off…and off…and off.

September Update

Sorry to say that we have no photos for you to enjoy but M, M & I have been going to the Thursday Zumba classes at Krannert Park Family Center the past several weeks to try out one of the nearby drop-in fitness classes. In case you were wondering, with the exception of the music, these classes are nothing like the Zumba infomercials you might have run across while running through the TV channels. Nearly all of the participants are well past their fortieth birthday and are as latin-rhythm challenged as we are. So if either of these two factors has been holding you back put your fears aside.

If you have tried any of classes, please pass along your comments as well.

Something different for September

Instead of a one day field trip in September try one of the drop-in fitness opportunities that are available for a very low cost. Connection Pointe Christian Church and the Krannert Park Family Center have quite a selection fitness classes with no long term commitment. Check out their websites for the class schedules. The link for Connection Pointe will take you to the Zumba schedule. For the full list go to the “Sports & Fitness” tab and select “Fitness”.

Connection Pointe
Krannert

M, M & I are going to try the Thursday Zumba classes at Krannert during the month. The classes start at 5:30pm and run for an hour. If anyone is interested in joining in let Laurie know.

Also, if you know of any other classes in the area please post them to the blog or pass them along to Laurie.