anonymous / September 30, 2014
With summertime coming to an end, and with cooler weather and the days getting shorter now that we have entered into the fall months, you might feel like heading indoors more often to work out. First of all, I would like to suggest that after a summer of intense outdoor activities or racing events, it’s mentally time for you to “chill out” and take it down a notch on the intensity scale and start doing something different during your post-season training time. My point is, to mix it up by taking a one hour indoor spin class instead of hammering the road for 2-3 hours. Or enroll in a Boot Camp, Cross-Fit, Yoga, or Pilates class, so you can experience something new, and let your mind, body, and soul experience exercising in a whole different way!
When I refer to off-season or post-season, I am not suggesting that you shouldn’t exercise; it just means you shouldn’t train so hard. So, during the fall and winter months you should try to focus on improving your technique whether it be running, swimming, etc. For example, make sure to take advantage of your swim drills using good technique during your maters swim workouts so you can improve on being more efficient in the water and wasting so much energy muscling through the water with bad technique. It’s all about “economy of motion.”
Next, you might want to start strength training. Weight training during your off-season is a great way to improve on muscle mass. When I say muscle mass, I am not referring to “bulking up”, heavens no! I am saying that you will be strengthening your muscles while burning body fat and allowing your immune system to get stronger in the process. It’s all good!!
And lastly, you want to build a strong aerobic base, by less anaerobic high-intensity workouts. There must come a time in your training when you allow your immune system to recharge itself. This is where you can get creative and sign up for a boot camp class, or a Pilates class, or Yoga might be your thing.
By taking time to focus on better technique, strength training, and building a strong aerobic base over the fall and winter months, you will be refreshed, recharged, and more than ready for next year’s race season.
Menlo Swim & Sport is just the place to find great indoor cycling classes, masters swim workouts, and challenging boot camp classes. Visit our website for a complete listing of Menlo Swim and Sport fall and winter fitness activities.