Recognition for the humble press-up

As some of you already know, I´m very interested in fitness. Until recently, my fitness routine consisted in brisk walking for an hour every day. Enter the humble press-up.

Yes, it´s been a few weeks now since I decided to incorporate press-ups into my daily exercise. And the difference shows. I am already noticing that my upper body is becoming slightly bigger and stronger, although don´t expect me to become the next Mr Universe, as this is not the way to do it and neither do I want such thing.

Forgive me if I don´t give you photographic evidence, but that would be dangerously close to “showing off” (I wouldn´t mind showing off in the bedroom, though). Besides, I´ve always been a thin person so, if you want to be impressed by big muscles, look elsewhere.

Having said that, doing press-ups is a great addition to your cardio exercise (brisk walking) and both will contribute to having a stronger, healthier body. 

Oh, I´m so pumped up.

Do you do strength-building exercises?

• Yes
• No
• What are you talking about?

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Rain or shine

The other day I went out for my daily brisk walk and came back soaked to the skin. You see, I'm very disciplined when it comes to sticking to a regimen which I know is highly beneficial for my health.

Why should I stay at home just because there is a risk of being caught out in the rain? Sure enough, I got wet but it was worth it. After all, I doubt very much I'll catch my death for spending some time in the rain. I'm actually feeling fine and it will take a lot more than that to lay me low for a few days!

My point here is that sometimes you've got to experience some undesirable or unpleasant circumstances to achieve some result (no pain, no gain). If I had stayed home, I wouldn't have enjoyed my exercise (and the rain on my face). Besides, I get restless when I spend too much time indoors. 

That day, my clothes felt a bit heavy and I had water in my shoes but, what the heck, it was also fun!

I'm not saying that you should go walking in heavy rain, only that sometimes you may be caught out in it and that possibility is not a compelling reason to give up your daily exercise.

So, rain or shine, people will still see me walking along the road. Glad to do it.

Have you ever been caught out in the rain?

Yes
No

Don't sit it out: say no to a sedentary life!

I find it shocking how sedentary some people can be. As you already know, I live in a small village where everything is within walking distance. That, incredibly, will not stop some from driving to work every day even though it may take them five or ten minutes on foot!

Don't get me wrong. I'm not telling people what they must do. They can do as they well please. But it stands out a mile that a sedentary life is not good for you.

The thing is our bodies are not made to stay inactive. In other words, you are born to move. That is why a sedentary lifestyle can be very detrimental to your health in the long term.

There is much truth in the saying "Use it or lose it". Just like you need to keep your mind active, so must you exercise your body. You may feel OK now, but a sedentary lifestyle will probably take its toll once you are no longer young.

What can you do? It's easy, do more exercise! You don't have to run a marathon. You don't even have to hit the gym. Just walk, walk everywhere. Of course, if you can do some regular exercise (brisk walking, for instance), so much the better. 

Any doctor will tell you that you're not doing your body any favours by sitting on your bum all day long. So here's a video to make you spring into action. Move!

How often do you take exercise?

Once a week
Twice a week
Three times a week
Almost every day
Every day

Brisk walking

I'm very fond of brisk walking. Many people in "El Valle" often see me walking at a fast pace by the roadside, up hill and down dale.

I think brisk walking is an excellent way to keep fit. This type of moderate exercise can bring you multiple health benefits without some of the risks associated with high-intensity sports practice. It is good for body and mind.

This subject, as others before, takes me back to England. While living in Chesham, I used to walk from that town to nearby Amersham, where the Tesco supermarket was. If memory serves, these towns were about 2 miles apart but, fortunately, I could walk on the pavement all the way. This fact is not to be overlooked when there is a possibility of being run over by heavy traffic!

Back in Spain, brisk walking is better here as there isn't much traffic on the route I follow almost every day. This means I can enjoy the fresh air and admire the scenery without the continual distraction of cars zooming past.

Here is a picture of my home village, taken by my friend Alberto.