5 Fitness Hacks, Courtesy of the Stairs

The stairs have it and they’re waiting for you.

What’s that, you say? The stairs?

I’m always looking for new or creative ways to work-out at home. I’ve come to realize a stairway is a pretty decent “fitness hack,” all on its own.

Care to hear why?

Back Outside Never Felt So Fine

Back outside never felt so fine!

You gotta believe me on this. After three of my last four runs had happened indoors (from the previous week), I desperately needed a sabbatical from Dear Old Milly (my not-so-beloved treadmill). Thankfully, this week's weather was much more bearable and allowed me to take most of my workouts back outside.

This week threw me a lot of challenges. We're talking time management, social obligations, appointments, you name it. I'm thankful I didn't have to deal with more Milly time as well...

Back to my Regularly Scheduled Winter

We all knew it was bound to happen, right?

Momma N had given us nearly two weeks of unseasonably warm "winter" temps. As much as I enjoyed those temps, it was a gamble just how long they'd stick around. This is the Midwest, after all.  It's not supposed to be shorts-wearing weather this time of year, even for runners.

Oh well, it was ever-so-nice while it happened!

Walk Much?

To walk or to run...which would YOU choose?

Until a couple years ago, my answer would have (obviously) been to run. No second thoughts, no debate. 

Although walking and running share a lot of the same traits and features (more walking benefits HERE), I have noticed a few differences that are often over-looked. It wasn't until I was forced to substitute walking for running (after that emergency surgery in 2017) that I finally got it. I not only recognized these differences, but also learned to respect them.

Stuck inside? A few non-running fitness options to consider

The temps have been chilly (polar vortex chilly for some of us).

Being stuck inside can be a tough setting for some runners. Granted, rest/recovery days are warranted, but what if you're stuck inside for several days at a time?  Not every runner has an in-house treadmill or access to an indoor track, after all. Many don't have the space for a home gym either.

Have you ever been at a loss for indoor fitness options? Ever wanted to do something "active" that didn't involve the actual act of running, but would benefit your running none the less? 

Here are a few suggestions for indoor fitness when running isn't an option. Most of these don't even require the expense of equipment, nor do they demand a lot of space. 

Victory over the Vortex

Ahhhh, the sweet taste of Victory!

The polar vortex of 2019 has come and gone, and I'm feeling ever-so-victorious. I've lived in the Midwest all of my life, so cold winters have always been part of my reality. That said, the extreme temps (-25F, with a feels-like of -50F) of late are not an everyday norm during the winter season. 

Being forced to stay inside is not desirable, but it's also not the end of the world (at least as I know it). Thankfully, a severe cold spell such as this is a great time to reflect on the big picture (geesh, I've been saying that a lot lately LOL). It's an opportunity to be grateful for having a warm inside place to hibernate as one awaits for the more desirable weather conditions to return.

Take that, Winter!

Take that, Winter!

I may not be a fan of the sub-ZERO temps (and snow, ice and wind) you've been throwing my way, but I refuse to be all gloom and doom about it. After all, I believe if I can find humor and gratitude in my circumstances, there will always be something to make me smile.

Switching Gears...Say Hello to Ellie

One thing I have learned is that running isn't everything.

Even if it's my sport of choice, I have become an even better runner by doing other things. For example, I'm a huge advocate for stair-climbing. I also enjoy an invigorating power walk, any time of the day. Strength-training has also been a longtime supplement to my training.

Recently, though, I added a new friend to my fitness family. I'd like you to meet Ellie. She's my elliptical trainer.

Plyo-Infused Stair Workout

We all love fast and furious workouts, right?

Well, this will get your heart pumping and test your leg strength. It may also have you questioning your sanity and sweat capacity.