Winter Workout

Over the last three years I have broached the topic of how in modern times humans have to exercise for fitness, as opposed to the not too distant past where people’s work was more physical in nature. Work and other daily chores kept people more active and fit. I've written about aspects of farming and other activities that burn calories and build strength. I’ve also noted that I am on a trend of becoming more and more earthy.

As part of that, last year I decided to cut our firewood rather than purchase it. We are fortunate and have a wooded area, so there’s lots of opportunity. Over the years a handful of trees have fallen. It was a nice day and I had some free time so I decided to store up some wood. I took my handy saw and machete, and went to work.  

Early on I realized many of the movements of cuttings, splitting, collecting and moving the wood were the exact same as the those used in Tony Horton, Shaun T. and Les Mills workouts. I knew good and well that wood collecting worked up a sweat, but as I thought about all I was doing over the course of time, it turns out I worked my core, back, legs, chest, shoulders, wrists and arms. Not bad considering I had already been for a run and the wood would (naturally) warm the house.

Yes, you are correct; it won't be long before we move to a little house on the prairie.

Work. Run.

Tom