Staying Strong this Winter

Well, it's that time of year again. My kayak is already collecting dust after being in hibernation for only a couple of months. Temperatures are below zero and the snow is falling but this doesn't mean that we can't be training for the day the snow starts to melt. Here are a few simple suggestions to stay in shape this holiday season.

1. GET OUTSIDE! Depending on where you live this can be tough. The best thing I can suggest is to learn a new winter sport. Some suggestions include snowshoeing, nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, alpine touring, telemark skiing or plain alpine skiing. All of these sports will keep your heart healthy and your muscles tuned without feeling like you're freezing to death. It's a great way to enjoy the cold winter days.

2. Keep your strength training up. Don't forget that a strong body requires you to work at it. Focus A LOT on increasing your personal records for dead lifting and over head squatting. Winter is a great time to build on your strength so that when spring rolls around you're ready to rally!

3. Mix in some sprint work outs. Try some Tabata workouts. This is when you go at 100% for 20 seconds and then rest 10 seconds. Repeat this 8 times for a total of four minutes. This can be as simple as tabata running/sprints, push up or sit ups. If you're feeling really frisky, you can do back to back tabatas of push ups, body weight squats, pull ups and sit ups. OUCH!

4. Don't forget your diet. It's easy to get lost in Holiday goodies but remember that good fitness starts with a strong diet. Lots of nuts and seeds, lean proteins and veggies! Cut out as many sugars and refined carbs as you can.

Do this and your 2010 paddling season will start of strong and your friends will be left asking, "How did you come off the couch in such good shape." Answer? I READ THE DAGGER BLOG!

STOKED!