Keeping in Shape during 20 degree weather!

It's cold outside in Central Ohio. None of y'all are in the mood to run outside. It's sometimes way more fun to sit inside with a cup of hot chocolate and American Idol on t.v. Don't deny it...we know that you're a reality t.v. nut.

So, you gotta get motivated. Otherwise, spring sports will roll around and you'll be mad when you're out of shape. Hey, it's up to you. If you put in the time now...you'll be ready in the spring. If you don't do the work....then don't be crabby when you're not ready. If you want to get a personal record in track, or nail that double full...whatever. It's up to you.

Tips to staying in shape during hibernation season:

1. Get a membership to a gym. Mom and Dad might not be too keen on the idea....hey, they are probably still recovering from the cost of your Christmas gifts. Geesh that Wii and the ipod did a number on their finances. But, rest assured that you can find some really good student rates at the YMCA (note: I don't work there...I'm just suggesting the YMCA since it's inexpensive). They have 11 branches in Columbus so there's certainly going to be one located near your house or your school. You can get the student rate AND you aren't bound by a contract. Mom and Dad can pay for a few months and then cancel your membership when spring sports start. http://www.ymcacolumbus.org/

2. Lay off the sweets. Come on now....the holidays are over. So step away from the sugar girlfriend. Sugar slows you down, it makes you age faster and it's just really hard on your body. AND worst of all....it will have a negative impact on your athletic performance. Think of food as fuel (like gas in a car). Would you put candy in your gas tank and expect your car to run well? Nope. Try to make a deal with yourself. Try to have only one cheat meal a week. It doesn't matter if you're skinny....junk food is junk food and you won't be your best if you aren't fueling your body properly.

3. Start a training journal. This is one of the best things that you can do for yourself. You need evidence to help you learn about your body and how you respond to certain training and nutrition. You can get a fancy shmancy training journal from the bookstore of you can just grab some notebook paper. Write down what you're eating each day, what you're drinking and the type of training that you're doing. If you feel crumby...write it down...if you feel awesome...write it down. After a few weeks, you might realize that you're not getting enough sleep or that you feel really good if you eat a banana before you workout. Who knows! Write it down so you can track your progress.

4. Kitchen Raid = workout. Okay so you come home from school and you probaby open the fridge or the panty at least 10 times. Sometimes you probably just stare in there...hoping that more yummy food will magically appear. Set a goal...each time you open the fridge or the cabinet, you will do 20 mountain climbers or 40 crunches or 10 push ups. Whatever. Just make a deal with yourself that you'll squeeeze in some extra training time whenever you start raiding the kitchen.