Training for the Tour de Jasper was simple (in theory). I knew what I had to do, what I was working toward, and had a plan: go to the gym 5 to 6 days perk week, workouts switching between solid cardio days to concentrate on building up biking muscles on the stationary upright bikes for an hour, to strength training days to go through a full body strength building program (which also included cardio). In addition, I used one cardio day to build my endurance on the bikes, which consisted of adding on 5 minutes to my one hour bike session every week until spring came so I could get out and enjoy the roads for more training.
With the news that I will no longer be able to do the Tour this year and unsure of my new fitness goal, I didn't want to throw in the towel and stop training altogether. I still wanted to get fit and prepare myself for whatever event lay ahead of me. I don't yet have a solid plan (it's in the works!) but I am still in the gym 5-6 days a week, and my workouts look like this:
Day One: Strength training focus on biceps, triceps, and shoulders, plus 45 minutes of moderate - intense cardio
Day Two: Strength training focus on chest and back, plus 45 minutes of moderate - intense cardio
Day Three: Strength training focus on legs and core, plus 45 minutes of moderate - intense cardio
And repeat!
My strength training consists of 2-3 exercises per muscle group, and my cardio is usually spent between the treadmill (walking on inclines), the elliptical, the upright stationary bike, and the rowing machines.
My gym has become an integral part of my life and my journey to being healthy; I belong to the YMCA and it has become like a second home to me. I get to workout in an environment that is filled with people of all kinds, from all walks of life, in a centre that is focused on family (which makes it far less intimidating than other gyms I have been to). I am able to see a trainer to get advice or to personalize a routine as my needs or wants change, and my son has been a part of their programs since he was a toddler. During the weekdays, I manage to fit in my workouts after work, in time to pick him up from his after school care program but on the weekends I frequently bring him to the YMCA with me so he can play and be active in the Rec Room while I get my workout in.
When I was a newly single mom with no job or income I was able to secure a membership through a subsidy program at the YMCA. That's proof that there really is no excuse to be inactive. Time, money and responsibilities will always play a factor in my life, but they won't be my excuse for not being fit and healthy.
I will forever be grateful for all the support and opportunities my local YMCA has given me.
Full disclosure: My father Pat Flack has been president of the board of directors for our local YMCA for several years and now serves as past chair. The 'Y' has long been part of our family and through this relationship I know some of the amazing people who work there and the wonderful philosophies that drive the organization. They're also an integral part of my son's life (in their programs since he was 4 years old - he is now almost 11), and have provided a membership when I could not afford it. I will always support this organization for the impact they have made on the quality of my life and my family.
