Working out on the Boat

Remember the term freshman 15?   It was caused by too much beer or frozen yogurt?  Is there a term for the mid-40s weight gain?  My high tech scale not only weighs me but displays body fat and other metrics that when computed are screaming at me to live a healthier life.  Business dinners, early wake ups, long haul flights and tempting unhealthy snacks on the trading floor all conspire against me.   Plenty of folks have more discipline and can manage the balance of the two demands.    I need to give up the work and embrace working out.  Its a simple financial equation,  the additional money of working is worth less to me than the additional health benefits of an active lifestyle.

Once aboard, working out needs to be center to how we live our lives.  But how do you work out in a 44 foot space?   You get off the boat for a run, swim or bike ride. But on a long passage, getting off the boat is not practical. Fortunately, there are some on-board solutions as well.   Here are a few that will be in the lockers to trim off those pounds acquired during 25 years of desk work.

Exercise Bands

Nordic Trac Stepper

The first option is the boat itself. Try raising the main without the power winch. Throw in a few tacks. Maybe string a bucket with some tools in it to an extra halyard. No need to pack any weights, we are loading enough items on the boat to serve as good substitutes. But how about some variety?

One option is to get a series of bands (TRX) that you can use to work out.   Just attach it to the mast and off you go.   A lightweight addition is a mini stepper by Nordic Trac.    I am in shape already after writing about it.

Garmin GPS Bike Computer

Garmin Running Watch

Yoga sessions will be held on a regular basis so if you are going to visit, get ready to breathe. Once anchored, the dual stern steps will offer some additional aerobic training and a bit of competition.

For the running, swimming and biking we will use our Garmin products to track the efforts and we will post our tracks. Get ready to see Jason with his watch in a swim cap recording his epic swims. We have also read about Hashes held on the Islands. These are group runs up a mountain, seemingly accompanied by post-run drinking.

Being desk bound now, with all of my recently acquired creaks, this seems like a great opportunity to get in shape. I can’t wait!