the summer fitness challenge

Last night I went to Zumba. The first time since maybe January. I had planned to go all summer. I have a bit more time until classes resume. It gets me out of the house. And I can walk to the class.

When I entered the Epic Center (aka FH American Legion) everything looked normal. There was about 20 people. But the table with fruit and veggies in the back of the room should have given me a clue something different was happening. And it did. The class began with an announcement "Don't forget, this is our last class till Septemeber." WTF? I just came back.

It was a horrible class for me. I was back to square one. My mind kept wandering. Then I decided I needed a new summer challenge. I'm calling it the Summer Fitness Challenge.

I talked to Bonnie while walking this morning (My house to St. Lukes, out Brighton, over the Hill to Hill, down the D&L, and back the Fahy.) I'm going to do her pool spin class and her pool aerobics class. Will need to fashion or borrow a suit.

I checked the Bethlehem Recreation website. They have Boot Camp, Power Toning, and Yoga. But these are 4 weeks. Don't really fit the something new each week.

This is what I posted on FB to generate ideas:

"Need ideas for a Summer Fitness Challenge—I want to do ONE NEW THING every week until school starts.

Less than $10 / drop-in. Outdoors preferred but not a deal breaker. Company welcome. If for nothing else to take blackmail pictures and laugh your butt off.

(I am willing to rent but not buy equipment. I am nothing, if not cheap.)"

And the ideas poured in. Michele, the walking coach suggested stand up paddle boarding. Nora, my fitness friend, suggested kayaking. But the fees for both of these are $20. I mention to both of them that I cannot swim and alluded to my Willy Wonka episode.

My friend Baran suggested walking and cleaning up litter. She also suggested carrying around gallon milk bottles with sand for weights. Sounds painful. There is an actual milk jug workout! It's for body building. Here's the weights if you want to try it.

The beginning lifter should be able to use water as the main liquid in the jug. If you feel that you need a lighter or heavier jug, use the following substances instead of water:

• Concrete - 20.02 lbs/gallon
• Sand - 13.35 lbs/gallon
• Dirt - 13.10 lbs/gallon
• Milk - 8.59 lbs/gallon
• Corn - 6.01 lbs/gallon
• Beans - 5.84 lbs/gallon
• Rice - 5.74 lbs/gallon

This way, you can move on to heavier weights whenever you need to. Just remember, do your reps slowly and carefully so you get the most out of each and every rep that you do.


Someone suggested biking and belly dancing. There are no single belly dancing classes in the LV. But there are single hooping classes. At Easton Yoga. My sister in law did belly dancing many years ago.

A former Girl Scout suggested geocaching. Lydia has wanted to do that for a long time. We are going June 15. Hope Lydia can come.

I figure I need 12 ideas to finish the summer.

-----

4:50 pm. — Is golf exercise? Bethlehem Muni has a 3-week LPGA beginner program.