Pre-lockdown, I’d go to the gym 3-4 times a week. I’d only do resistance training—either weightlifting or bodyweight exercises.
Despite loving Christopher McDougall’s book, Born to Run, I’ve never liked running. Cardio feels like voluntary pain to me.
So in a time when gyms are closed, and park runs are the most common form of exercise, what is a non-runner to do?
If I’m being honest, I’ve even found it hard to block out half an hour each day for bodyweight exercises at home.
So, being wary of my own psyche, about 6 weeks ago I set up a game for myself that I try and beat every day.
I broke a stick of dried pasta into 10 pieces, each piece representing what I’m calling a ‘micro-set’: A) 10 pull ups, and B) 10 push ups.
The pieces begin their day in the darker container, and when I complete a micro-set, a single piece of dried pasta is moved over to the lighter container.
Each time I walk past my dining room table, it’s a visual reminder of how many micro-sets I’ve done, and how many I’ve got left.
By the end of the day, I aim to have moved all the dried pasta to the lighter container; thus having successfully defeated the Darth Vader and the dark side…
What I find interesting about this method is I wouldn’t be able to do 70-100 pulls up in a typical 30-minute exercise session, but I can achieve it when they’re spread out over the course of a day.
And although it isn’t my normal routine, my hope is that these micro-sets add up over time.
This certainly isn’t the most effective or efficient form of exercising, but it’s working for me, for now, and I’m okay with that.
What are you doing to exercise or stay active during the lockdown?
I’d especially love to hear if you’re doing something slightly weird to help motivate yourself! The games we play to inspire action are fascinating!