The A, B, C’s of Body Conditioning

This class can go by many names -- Strength Conditioning, Lift, S.E.T. (Strength and Endurance Training), Defined Strength, Rep Reebok, etc. But what does it mean and what do all of these have in common? 

The A is for ability.  In most formats, the exercises are performed with modifications and easily tailored for desired intensity.  You essentially control the intensity level of your workout.  So, bottom line, don’t be intimidated by the use of weights in these classes. Your instructor should be able to give you modifications for every ability and fitness level.

The B is for body.  Generally you will use your total body – both upper and lower – in performing the workout exercises.   In class, your instructor may use a combination of barbells, hand weights, resistance bands, stability balls or a bosu ball for a diverse and varied workout.  But your body weight is the main tool you will use for conditioning.

The C is for conditioning.  Used as a verb, conditioning means to put in a proper or fit state, i.e., to condition oneself.  By working through a signature set of exercises you improve your overall strength, endurance and muscle tone.  Working with weights and proper form, you can improve your posture and your fitness level for activities of daily living. 

In my Body Conditioning class we alternate between upper and lower body exercises, working on both increased use of repetitions as well as muscle time under tension.  The rationale for this is if we do the same exact exercise the same exact way, the muscles become used to the work and do not improve or get stronger. It’s important to vary the routine to constantly confuse the muscle so we get the maximum effort and result for all our hard work!

Hopefully this helps you understand why we do what we do as instructors, and you’ll try out a body conditioning class if you haven’t before, or make it a regular part of your fitness regimen. 

Pick One from Column A

Challenge, that is.  I just signed up for a sprint triathlon the end of July.  I need a motivator, and this will definitely be one. The bike and run, no problem...it's the swim that gives me fits, so I'll need to get some coaching and training to stay afloat. I've done a couple sprint triathlons in the past, with mixed results. I tend to hyperventilate in the water, and need to focus on technique so I can be efficient and not waste energy flailing around.  I'm not a water baby. I tend to get bored swimming laps, so it's never been high on my workout list.  I'd rather float around on an air mattress with a pina colada in my hand and just bask in the sun. 

So, onto the next phase of my fitness challenge.  Bring it on!!  "Impossible is Nothing"

Two Types of Temples

"... do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." I Corinthians 6:19

One of my friends refers to Costco as the "Temple of Food".  While shopping there recently and standing in line to check out, I happened to look at what everyone else had in their cart.  It's no wonder many people have a weight problem or are obese when you see the food that is bought in bulk.  Boxes of muffins, cereals, snack foods, breads, ready made calorie-laden dips and prepared meals.  Granted, there are also many healthy items you can buy in bulk such as vegetables, fruit, fish and chicken.  Some of which was in my cart. 

I only reflect on this because of the verse above.  It takes a concerted effort to remember that our body is a temple and should be cared for and nurtured with proper nutrition, not junk.  It should be able to function efficiently for our activities of daily living, exercise and sleep.  Not be overfed, and in a carb-induced coma, unable to get up off the couch to take a walk or play with our children. 

Every day I make the decision to treat my body well, so it can carry me throughout the day. Some days are better than others, I'm not perfect.  I strive eat whole, natural foods in proper portions and to get enough water and sleep so I can have the energy to feel good and move throughout my day. 

It's a choice between two 'temples'.