Torpor

Define: Torpor (n). A state of mental or physical inactivity. Lethargy; apathy. www.dictionary.com

Trying to balance my simple exercise program with my available time and personal energy variations is a challenge. I purposely planned a minimum amount of time 6 days a week for 20 minutes so that the workout would become habitual. “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” Jim Ryun. Jim Ryun, the Congressman from Kansas, was the first High School student to run a sub-4-minute mile. Every High School track kid of my generation knew who he was. He was interviewed by all the sports writers. One statement he made stuck in my head. Jim was asked what the hardest part of his workout was; he replied that it was putting on his shorts before he got on the track. The implication being the battle was between his ears. I talked to friend Diana about the blog. She has always been a caring person and she has always been going 100 miles per hour. Diana said her husband goes to the gym to keep his strength up for pulling in the big ones. He is an avid fisherman. He had been on her case to walk more. Diana said she didn’t have time and then listed all the things she needed to do. It was a lot. This is what my head does too.

 Walking around my block is 30 minutes. Walking to the park and back is 45 minutes. Resistance training at the park is 25 minutes. Stretching in the patio or family room is 20 minutes. Weight training in the garage is 25 minutes. After I get started, most days I go longer than the prescribed time or distance. I vary my pace. I like it. I am trying to find different places to walk. I have done a lot of local hiking trails like the little trail behind Gum Grove Park in Seal Beach. My improved diet has resulted in less joint pain. I am hoping I will be able to run again at some point. I am also swimming during my aerobic time. I like the beach so I am ocean and bay swimming as well as the local lap-swim pool with the same 20 to 30 minute time frame in mind. I am also doing some biking but I have to double the allotted time to make it an aerobic activity. It is all good.

   The resistance training is minimum for my personality. You may want to increase it, especially if you are rehabbing from something. In my athletic days, I spent 3 hours a day for 7 years in the weight room. I tend to overdo in this area, so I keep it to the minimum. I focus on chest, arms, core, and quads.  The activity is 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps at a minimum of 3 exercises. These same muscle groups must be stretched too.

  There are 2 more points. 1. Nothing is difficult except between my ears. I have met the enemy, he lives between my ears. 2. I cycle from overactivity to dull and unmotivated. I have to recognize that and keep moving.

Here is a link to “8 Habits of Highly Fit People” from Livestrong.com.

https://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/1011188-8-habits-highly-fit-people/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=070218_m_mon_editorial&c_crid=cta1

In the Spirit, Dave