Camping & Keeping Up With Workouts
I’m heading to the mountains Wednesday-Saturday for a few days camping with kids and grandkids. Fresh, cool air will of course be healthy, as will lifting grandkids, setting up camp, hauling firewood, etc. But a real workout?
Cardio, of course, will be easy–hiking, jogging trails, etc. I’m taking lifting straps and a PVC pipe to rig up a chinning bar. I’m taking resistance bands. And there will be picnic benches to do step-ups, etc. I think I can make it work–maybe not for "heavy" lifting goals, but for a total-body workout. Mon-Wed. I’m doing heavy, targeted workouts for each muscle group, so they’ll have it hit for the week anyway.
The big challenge will be eating. I’m taking lots of veggies, protein powder, cottage cheese, chicken breasts, etc. so that no matter what the "family meal" is, I can adjust it to suit my needs. They know I’m strange, anyway. My kids were discussing ice cream on our family web page a couple of days ago. Here was my reply:
"I had a great Sundae last night! Instead of chocolate topping I used blended apricot skins. Instead of nuts I used ground flax seed. Instead of whipped cream I used homemade plain yogurt. Instead of ice cream I used fat-free cottage cheese. Yummmm. 
"
July 28, 2009 at 12:23 pm
I’m glad someone else eats combinations like that. Now I don’t feel so weird!!..lol What I don’t understand is why some people seem offended because we won’t indulge in the fat ladened menu that theyconsume…I’m not offended by what they eat. I just choose not to eat it..
July 28, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Yup - same here! And I am looking to do a workout routine from a hotel room for 4 days at eh end of August. So I will take straps, etc too. Eatingis not hard by myself — I eat like the ole man!
July 29, 2009 at 6:29 am
Dad,
I am glad we’ll be together in the ‘eating’ thing. My goal is to get in all the good nutrition I’m supposed (esp. veggies), which leaves me full enough that it’s harder to squeeze in the junk. Goal: Avoid skipping/substituting any meals.
I figure if I do that and that marshmallow still looks really inviting, I’ll indulge but in moderation. Of course, I’m not prepping for a show in Sept.
I can make you carry Cameron on your back (in a pack) for the hike to the windcaves tomorrow
or whenever. That should add a little resistance to give you a better cardio workout (and then I won’t have to carry him 
.
See you today! I’m bringing my cooler of cottage cheese, yogurt, etc. too.
July 29, 2009 at 1:47 pm
It’s not about the weight… It’s the stretch and the contraction…. Straps work fine in a pinch. You have to have some that will offer some resistance, but as long as you get a good stretch, followed by a good contraction you’ll work the muscles just fine.I always take my straps ( four different sizes & tensions ) and can get a great workout. Be positive and have fun… We’re only here for a short time, enjoy every moment.