Not only does this strategy keep you motivated, but it also keeps you healthy.
Many injuries are the result of repeating the same movement patterns. So if
you alternate, say, swimming with running, you’re less likely to develop the
knee problems that are common to runners or the shoulder injuries that crop
up among swimmers.Buy the right gear and equipment ....................................................
Cycling isn’t going to be fun if you’re riding an old clunker that doesn’t shift
properly. Walking isn’t going to be comfortable or safe if you’re doing it in
sandals. You don’t need to spend megabucks on top-of-the-line equipment,
but investing in the right gear and equipment can sometimes be the differ-
ence between success and failure.Liz had a client who went out hiking in a 20-year-old pair of aerobics shoes
and had a miserable time. She kept twisting her ankles because the shoes had
poor ankle support, and her feet were blistered and bruised because the thin
padding didn’t protect her from the rocks underfoot. Upon returning from her
hike, the client announced to Liz that she hated hiking. Liz suggested that she
buy a new pair of hiking boots and give it another try. The next time out, out-
fitted in a comfy, sturdy pair of boots, the woman sailed to the head of the
group and leapt from rock to rock like a mountain goat. She then reported to
Liz that she loved hiking.In Chapter 10, we discuss gadgets and apparel you need for a number of dif-
ferent outdoor activities. But here are some general tips on shoes, one of the
most important fitness purchases:Buy the right shoe for your sport. Walking shoes are more flexible and
have firmer heel support than running shoes. Shoes for tennis, golf,
and basketball have their own special designs; even sprinters and dis-
tance runners have different footwear needs. If you dabble in a variety
of activities — walking one day, biking the next, and lifting weights the
next — cross-training shoesmay suffice (ask for them at your favorite
sporting-goods store), but if you spend a lot of time doing one particular
activity, invest in shoes designed for that activity.Don’t cheap out. Bargain brands may look the same, but today’s fitness
shoes are highly technical. Beneath those swooshes, stripes, and flashy
colors, a lot of biomechanical engineering is going on to protect your
feet, ankles, and other joints. A decent pair of athletic shoes may cost
you at least $40, and in some cases more than double that. But you save
money down the line: One thing that’s always more expensive than a
good pair of shoes is a visit to an orthopedist.42 Part I: Getting Your Butt off the Couch