Staying Active and Having Fun

With most gyms closed, many out there are changing up their workout routines. Personally, I have not been a member of a gym for almost three years because I prefer getting outside for a walk or a run. My favorite workout spot is along the Dunedin Causeway because it is right outside my door. Unfortunately, it is a favorite spot for many people, and the last few times I went for an evening walk, I found it difficult to maintain safe distances from people.

As a result, I started looking for creative ways to workout at home on those days I don't wake up early enough to walk before everyone else. The free app Zombies, Run! is something I have used in the past. As the website describes it: "Run in the Real World. Become a Hero in Another. Only a few have survived the zombie epidemic. You are a Runner en-route to one of humanity’s last remaining outposts. They need your help to gather supplies, rescue survivors, and defend their home."

This app turns your run into a game, and who doesn't love games? If you are able to get outside for a walk, jog, or run and stay safe, this app will add a new level of fun to your daily workout. There are over 200 missions, and the app has made many of them free right now in light of current events.

If you are unable to get outside everyday, they have added some new stay at home missions. Essentially, you're all stuck inside because of an increase in zombie hordes outside (a little relatable, yes?). The 30-minute workout includes beginner and intermediate exercises. The first mission includes a lot of dance breaks (and who doesn't love dancing?!) with some other at-home exercises mixed in.

If you are interested in downloading the app and adding a new level of fun to your workout, download at the links below. Have fun!

Day 2 - The Tower Life Continues...

Today was Day 2 of social distancing. It was the third day I didn't have to go to work, and it started to feel a bit weird. Another day at home, another day of finding ways to keep away the boredom.

First of all, as was pointed out to me yesterday, Rapunzel did meet her husband while living in isolation in her tower, so maybe there was hope for me yet. I decided this morning I would wait to see if my future husband would come bust me out. At 7:45 am, I was tired of waiting and busted myself out for a morning run/walk along the Dunedin Causeway. There were not too many people out that early, so it was fairly easy to maintain social distances. It was a gorgeous morning for a run. It was not my best run, but it was better than being stuck inside all day.

After breakfast, it was time to tackle a new project on my list: adding a second shelf to our laundry area to provide more storage. Proving once again that I don't need no stinking man, I hung these shelves myself with assistance from my mom. (Future Husband - if you're reading this, of course, I need you. Don't abandon me!)

With one of the at home projects complete (this social distancing thing is going to last for a couple weeks, don't want to do it all in one day), I turned to one of my favorite activities to do when passing the time - puzzles. The first one I picked to do was fitting given the recent themes of my blog posts. In the short time I worked on it, I made some decent progress. Yes, I am putting it together on the floor, on top of Magic Carpet. It's the perfect puzzle mat because it flies out of the way when I'm done working on it.

Before you start thinking I forgot about my other job as a Realtor, don't worry I did not. I made a few phone calls today, and in the afternoon with the assistance of my team leader, I had photos taken of a new listing and returned to the office to post the listing in the MLS. That reminds me...

NEW LISTING in New Port Richey, Florida! End unit condo in a wonderful 55+ community! Click on link for info and to contact me to schedule a showing!

I returned home in the early evening ready to relax and prepare for tomorrow. Each day we don't know how things may change, so although I am doing all that I can to "social distance" myself, I am also working hard each day as much as I can to keep my real estate business going.

Since I am not a quitter, I devoted most of the rest of my evening to finishing that puzzle, and while doing that, to catch up with a friend via video chat.

How was your social distancing today? Stay safe, friends!

No Gym Membership? No Problem!

It’s the start of a new year and new decade which means many of you came into the year with goals to eat right, exercise, and get healthy. It’s also halfway through the month, which means many of you have probably already dropped the ball on your goals. 

I understand how you are feeling. Eat right, exercise, get healthy. It all sounds simple enough. It’s not easy. If it was, everyone would do it. It can be so overwhelming. My first piece of advice: stop trying to do everything at the same time. When you try to do everything, it’s overwhelming, and after the first setback, you feel like you failed, think “what’s the point?”, and give up. Keep it simple, pick one thing first. Do that one thing for a while and then add in the second thing. The results will follow, and you’ll be motivated to keep going.

Today’s focus is on exercising outside the gym. There are people that love the gym. There are people that tolerate the gym. There are people who hate the gym. I am somewhere between #2 and #3. By no means, do I love the gym though. It’s smelly and stuffy, this time of the year it's crowded, and after running 45 minutes on a treadmill, I’m always a little bit let down that I am still in the same place. For this reason, I cancelled my gym membership years ago and took my workout outside. 

One of the reasons I moved to Florida was to be able to enjoy the outdoors all year round. I know there are people out there who like the cold. I am not one of those people. Although, on those brutally hot summer days of Florida, running outside is not at all appealing - there is still the pool though. 

One of my favorite workout locations is the Dunedin Causeway. It’s nearby, and the views are always amazing. Those ocean views never get old and are way more appealing when compared to staring at a TV above a treadmill every day of the week. It’s a great place to walk, run, or ride a bike. The views, the salty breezes, the people all around - it rarely even feels like working out. 

Another great place to get in a workout is the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail. The trail covers a distance of 38.2 miles and runs between Tarpon Springs and St. Petersburg. It’s a great place to take your bike, walk, run, or even inline skate. It’ll take you through some great areas such as Downtown Dunedin where you can stop and explore the town after your workout. 

The trail does take you through some urban areas and busier intersections, so proceed with caution. Thankfully towns are continually enhancing those crossings to keep bikers and walkers safe. In September 2019, the City of Dunedin in a cooperative project with FDOT, Forward Pinellas, and Pinellas County added a thermal traffic sensor to the trail crossing on SR-580. The thermal imaging detects pedestrians and automatically activates the flashing lights. This location is one of three in Florida, and if successful, I am sure more will come in the future. 

As you begin your journey to a healthier lifestyle, start by doing what your mom always yelled when you were a kid - Go Outside! Enjoy the fresh air, the views, and more while exercising, and the best part of all? It’s free. No contracts. No monthly payments. 

Here in Florida there are countless places to get outside and workout. What are some the great places near you? Share in the comments!

As always, have a magical day!