Me at the Gym = Jason Bourne. Um, Something Like That.
photo by sashaw
I know it sounds contradictory, but this week has somehow crept along and flown by at the same time. I’ve had so much to do that I can’t believe it’s already Friday—and all of my articles aren’t even 100 percent finished and edited and reworked and edited. (I’m kind of obsessive.)
Then again, I feel like I’ve been looking forward to the weekend since last Sunday at 12:01 a.m. (OK, really that would be Monday morning, but let’s pretend you know what I’m getting at here.) Funny thing is, I don’t even have anything planned this weekend. Though the more I look around my apartment, I’m thinking organizing the mess The Man made yesterday will feature prominently. Yeah, I’m exciting like that in a wannabe June Cleaver kind of way. (Minus the pumps. Those are killer on your knees.)
So I’d like to share a Really Awesome Revelation I had about four weeks ago. I’ve been holding out on you since this Really Awesome Revelation happened. My only hope is that you can forgive me for not immediately telling you about the best workout tip I’ve discovered in all three months of 2010. (In my defense, funny gym observations, kids on junk food, and lying to your face seemed much more important at the time. Really.)
All right, without further ado or blabbering on my part, here’s the best thing I’ve done at the gym: Turned the TV off. I used to be one of those people who’d say, “Watching TV makes me exercise, like, way longer. And I totally get a better workout when my shows are on. Like, for sure.”
Fine, I didn’t say it in that voice, but isn’t it more fun that way? Totally. Anyhow, back before my first PRP, reruns of Bones got me through each elliptical workout. But by the time I recovered from my last treatment (which involved sitting on the couch for three days straight doing nothing but watching the latest season of Bones on DVD) I was finished with my favorite workout show. After flicking around for a few months, I just shut the darn thing off.
photo by ltotheynn
And you know what? I don’t miss King of Queens reruns. No, I … the opposite of miss it. I’m glad to be rid of it. Now I can turn my music on and zone out. I have superpowered focus. I watch my legs spin the bike pedals, monitor my speed, and focus on how my legs feel. I do more intervals. And I have killer story ideas because my mind is focused like a female Jason Bourne. Only I’m not lethal when crossed. And I remember who I am. Oh, right, and the government isn’t hunting me.
(Confession time: I’ve been known to turn off the TVs on the empty machines beside me so that I don’t get distracted by the stuff on them. But I pretend it’s to save power. Um, yeah, that’s it. Not selfishness.)
Since I started this new, focused workout I’ve noticed more people doing just the opposite—reading books, watching TV, even reading the newspaper, I kid you not. I can’t imagine doing any form of exercise while reading. I’m barely coordinated enough to stay on the elliptical without tumbling over; I cringe at the thought of what might happen should I pick up a novel. (Here’s a hint: disaster. Total disaster complete with flying limbs, lots of loud banging noises, a few bloody noses, and maybe a power outage depending on how close to the electric socket my machine was.) So, yeah, bad for all parties involved.
I also can’t imagine how someone can push themselves hard while reading, especially reading something as unwieldy as a newspaper. I get the whole TV argument—action-packed shows make you want to race harder and faster and longer—but what happens if you get so engrossed you unknowingly slow your pace? Oh, and if you’re working out at a gym after work? The most action your screen is seeing is Law & Order, which is to say, none. Because there’s nothing action-packed about 5 to 7 p.m. on basic cable.
What’s your workout style? Do you read? Watch TV? Do crosswords? Talk on the phone? (You do? Shame on you, it’s annoying everyone else.)
Have a super weekend folks. Here’s hoping you get blessed with the same warm weather we’re getting. Horray for 75 degrees. Let’s drink a margarita to that!
16 comments
I TOTALLY agree! I saw a lady reading while she ran on the treadmill the other day. Really? I would definitely go flying off the back. I am the same way I never watch TV when I work out…I find that I don’t push myself as hard. I get complacent. When I focus on my workout…I always push myself harder and ultimately feel a lot better when I am finished!
Oh…I GUESS I will forgive you for holding out on us and not sharing sooner!
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I always listen to my ipod when working out.
I can read when I workout, unless I’m doing the stationary bike, which I never do… and I never really watch TV… or I have it on, but the sound is off while I listen to music… for the distraction.
Have a great weekend! Enjoy the weather
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I’ve done all of the above. Read. Talk on the phone (rarely!). Watch TV. Mostly TV. Unless I run outside, I listen to music but when I’m indoors I always watch TV. But I swear, it really does make me go longer. Not necessarily harder, but the duration is probably 25-40% longer than when I’m outdoors.
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Tracey Reply:
March 19th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Nicole–I could go for longer while watching TV if it was an engrossing show (sitcoms didn’t work for me) but I definitely slowed down. Outdoors, yeah, kind of requires attention–lest you run while reading and smack into a tree.
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I noticed last summer that I really slowed down when I was listening to audiobooks. I would get involved in the book and forget about what I was doing. If I want to work hard, it has to be music or nothing. Plus, I’d rather work hard for 20-30 mins then medium for 60 minutes.
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Tracey Reply:
March 19th, 2010 at 9:18 am
Kwithme–First off, welcome to my blog. I’m happy you’re here!
I agree with you: I’d rather work out and get on with it. My cardio is definitely shorter now that I push myself extra hard.
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I love this realization. I think it’s so true that if you put down all the distractions, you are able to feel the sensations in your body and perhaps challenge yourself more. Love the Jason Bourne similarity of mental focus! Haha, you’re hilarious!!
But I know that the secret for me to go back day after day, week after week, is to find something engaging. Or try new exercises. Thanks for the awesome realization, I think I needed it!
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I watch TV when I’m at the gym, or I listen to my ipod. I need to have a distraction to make the time go faster…but I can’t see how reading is even possible! People that read are usually not really working out, in my opinion.
Yes the onions were a bit of a problem for Ali but any Indian dish worth it’s salt has to have onions! He picked them out, one by one.
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When I’m inside, I like to zone out with my ipod. When I’m outside, I like to just zone out in general, no music, no distractions, just me and my mind. It really is a great way to generate article ideas. You said you’ve been preparing articles all week. Can I ask you who you work for/ are you a freelancer?
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soo agreed! i love the ipod on the dreadmill..but i do like listening to NATURE outside! LOVE that you are pretending to be on VACAY! haha!
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well, i dont work out !
but in terms of being focused and full of concentration,,please help me! i have lost it and cannot get it back!
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Funny! I can’t focus either way…and here I am trying to do yoga after 6 months and no further ahead…because apparently I should feel bad about trying new things or something??
But yeah agreed with you. But I’ll still take my re-runs please – for now anyways
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I can’t watch TV or read on the tready. Makes me nauseated! And I know what you mean about getting your best writing ideas during a good run – works for me too! Best way to beat writer’s block I’ve found!
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If I run or do cardio inside, I typically do watch tv. I have to confess that I’ve gotten to where I will go to the gym to run in the morning so I can get my news in, but I’m missing out on the outdoors when it’s pretty. I need to shake this habit. I can’t read on anything but the stationary bike, though. Too much bouncing around.
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Tracey Reply:
March 20th, 2010 at 11:37 am
Hilary–If it gets you to the gym … sounds like it’s worth it!
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I do both things. Sometimes I just enjoy the quiet of walking/running outside and other times I put on my music. When I do the treadmill though I watch TV but I have to make sure I don’t slow down!
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