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Unfortunately, that’s not all positive.
The recent snowstorms reminded me of a guest column I had written several years ago.
Looking through my files, I discovered it was published Jan. 26, 2000.
Reading it made me realize how my body has changed over those nine years.
I really did shovel and throw snow at that time, and it was one morning when I was shoveling the driveway that I got the idea for the column.
Perhaps those of you who are still physically fit and can enjoy the many benefits of a good work-out will glean a few tips from it. Here it is.
Minnesota provides its own fitness center.
For all you fitness buffs out there, here’s an exercise to add to your routine. No fancy clothing is necessary, and there are no expensive fitness center fees.
All you will need is an adequate amount of snow, warm loose clothing, mittens or gloves, appropriate footwear (boots) and a sturdy snow shovel. I recommend plastic to eliminate that annoying scraping sound of metal on cement.
As always, before starting any strenuous exercise, it is imperative that you be thoroughly checked out by your medical doctor to assure that you are physically fit to engage in this activity. After you’ve been given the “go ahead” from your doctor, you may start your routine as soon as there is snow in the driveway.
Begin with an appropriate warm-up by walking around your driveway a few times or do any other of your favorite warm-up routines.
Ready? Let’s begin.
Grip that shovel, push that snow, squat and lift and now you throw. Get a rhythm going — perhaps a lively song on a headset may help you keep pace — something like, “That’s the way, ah ha, ah ha, I like it, ah ha, ah ha.”
For those of you not familiar with this tune, pick out whatever tune “pumps you up.”
Repeat the above steps until half the driveway is done. Now change hand positions on the shovel to equally work both sides of the upper body.
Done correctly, this exercise will not only give you a good aerobic workout, but it will also strengthen and tone those arms, shoulders, buttocks, thighs and hips. If you don’t have a driveway, or if it’s not large enough to get at least 20 minutes of activity, ask someone else if you can “borrow” their driveway for your workout.
I’ll bet you can find more than a few people who will be happy to accommodate you.
For those of you at the advanced fitness level, wait till the snowplow goes by and shovel the really heavy stuff.
OK, now you’ve finished your snow shoveling routine, it’s time for your cool down. Again, a slow walk for several minutes will work, after which I recommend — for a little added fun — lying down in a nice fresh clean area of snow and making a snow angel.
While lying there, take a deep breath in then blow it out. (Note: if the air is too cold, use a mask.) Do this several times, and as you’re doing so, contemplate how great it is to live in a place where you can have so much fun in the winter.
Complete your snow angel and go inside to finish your stretches. Gently stretch all muscles that were involved in your workout.
You may look at this as a silly article, but if you’re physically able, why not make the most of living in this climate?
Many people will spend hundreds of dollars on a fitness center, exercise videos and the hottest new items in work-out equipment, but they will fret and gripe about the snow.
My message to these people is this: Quit complaining about the snow and just shovel it!
You will not only help yourself to be in better shape, but you can also help someone who is unable to engage in this type of activity. And that part about the snow angels? Don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it.
That was the end of the column in 2000, and I have pretty much come to the end of my snow shoveling days.
Oh, I can shovel a bit at a time if I have to, but as far as that vigorous shoveling I wrote about then; well, that’s gone the way of jogging and downhill skiing. To stay somewhat fit, I’ve resorted to the treadmill.
At least I can still make snow angels. It’s just a little harder to get back up.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Dixie Sokolik lives in Winona with her husband, Jim, who is brave enough to proofread her columns. She enjoys writing about life — its ups, its downs and “in betweens.”
Fortune Teller wrote on Jan 8, 2009 11:04 PM: