No, not that kind of tiger!
Although I’m sure we could learn a lot about health and fitness from the big striped cat kind of Tiger.
I’m talking about the golfing kind of Tiger. I was watching the Australian Masters Golf on TV last weekend and whether you are a golf fan or not you have to be impressed with number one player in the world.
During the coverage I picked up two lessons about exercise and fitness that apply to us all. I also picked up some golf tips but I still can’t hit the ball consistently straight!
Lesson 1 – Everybody has a bad day
In the third roundTiger Woods had bad day. He just wasn’t hitting the ball well and his usually reliable putting wasn’t up to standard for him. After the press interview at the end of his round he admitted he had a bad day and said he was going to the practice round to adjust his swing. And that’s what he did. After 18 holes of golf he went out and practiced.
Tiger could easily have gone back to his hotel and slouched on the couch but that wasn’t going to increase his chances of playing better in the next round, so he got out there and refined his swing.
We all have bad days, when we just don’t feel that energetic or like doing any exercise. If you are sick then doing nothing might be the best choice, but if your feeling a bit flat’ do something, just ease back a bit and take the pressure off. The important thing is to stay in your routine and maintain your exercise habit. Your body will survive a few days off exercise but your brain is harder to get started again if you have too long a break.
Lesson 2 – The stronger you are the better
While Tiger was playing, the TV commentators commented about how much bigger and stronger he was since he last played in Australia over a decade ago. They mentioned how he goes to the gym at 5.30 am every morning even on the days he is playing.
Now I know Tiger has a billion reasons to go to the gym and stay strong, but all of us need to be as strong as possible. Maintaining our muscle tissue is the main aim of fitness after age 40 and strength training is the only way to do that.
It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go to the gym at 5.30 every morning. The good news about strength training is that once we have built up our strength, it takes very little exercise to maintain it. In fact, a recent report I read suggested that one set of each exercise was just as effective as three. Basically once the muscles are fatigued, that stimulates them enough to maintain size and strength.
One set of half a dozen different exercises using the major muscle groups twice a week is all it takes.
So next time you don’t feel like exercising just back off a bit and get out there. You’ll no doubt feel better (at least mentally) if you do. And fit in two strength sessions a week; 15-20 minutes is all you need to maintain your muscle size and strength.
Bonus Lesson 3 – Drive carefully!
