If that’s even a word – would mean exercising while playing arcade style games.

If the thought of another treadmill workout isn’t going to get you to the gym today, then consider these fun, interactive options. They’re also great to use as a family.

The Denver Athletic Club has an entire area dedicated to these toys – dedicated to the kid in all of us. Call today for more information: 303.534.1211.

Top of the town

Lookout Mountain Time Trial, Saturday, June 18

Finish Times

Linda Skovrinsky 31:36

Rick Robinson 36:10

James Karo 34:25

Barb Parnell 39:29

Darren Nakos 24:28

Scott Nicholson 26:53

Mike Angus 26:30

Brian Graff 31:03

Paul Marczyk 28:28

Congrats to everyone!

Over the past 5 years the American College of Sports Medicine has been researching the top trends in fitness. Here they are for 2011. And in case you didn’t already know, The Denver Athletic Club has forseen these trends and incorporates them in their regular programming!

The ACSM’s Top 10 Fitness Trends for 2011:

1) Educated and experienced fitness professionals. We believe fitness training or coaching by credentialed professionals is here to stay; the more consumers use them, their credibility grows.  –  The Personal Trainers at The DAC meet or exceed the very high standards of credentials, education, experience, and service.

DAC Members: Contact The Fitness Director today for a complimentary 30 minute personal training session! 720.931.6740.

1. Your heart rate may not respond as it did during a million workouts leading up to the race.  This is due to hydration levels, excitement, focus, and many other factors.  So, unless you’re cool like that, then leave the heart rate monitor on the shelf.

2. You probably won’t sleep well the night before the big race.  Don’t worry about it.  You probably slept well 2 nights before the race, which is more important.  As long as you’re laying down the whole time then you can consider yourself rested!

3. When the gun goes off, you will hopefully focus rightaway on swimming your pace.  Warning: your pace is going to feel slower than how it felt in the pool.  You’re amped with adrenaline, your wetsuit provides jet propulsion because of the buoyancy, and if you’re smart then you’re drafting off someone.  As a beginner, it is best to just sit back and enjoy what feels like a leisurely pace.

4. If you’re competing in an Olympic distance triathlon or beyond, then be cautious of the I-feel-so-good-I-don’t-need-to-eat-or-drink zone during the bike or run.  This would happen somewhere probably after the halfway point on the bike.  You feel good, everything seems to be clicking along, so you decide eating or drinking could mess up the flow.  It’s a trap set by the bear around the corner that’s about to jump on your back if you fall for it!  Eat.  Drink.  And continue to be merry.

5. No caffeine race morning.  I already know the arguments in favor of having caffeine race morning (fat oxidation, glycogen sparing, etc.).  I also know the risks (frequent bathroom breaks, dehydration, more energy than you know what to do with, etc.).  The risks outweigh the benefits.

6. Be normal (I know that’s asking a lot of some of you .  Race morning is not the time to dedicate 30 minutes (for the first time) to your very tight hamstrings; You should have tended to that a month ago… so it’s too late.  There is such thing as overstretching a muscle.  Don’t do it.

7. The day before the race you are likely going to have some anxiety in your legs, so-to-speak.  Meaning: your legs may feel tired, weak, or genarlly apathetic.  That’s just the nerves.  Some anxiety is fine, even good.  In the literature it’s referred to as optimal arousal.

It’s ok to be a newby… just don’t act like one.  I hope these tips help!

Bob Seebohar

Bob has a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, a master’s degree in Health and Exercise Science and a second master’s degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition.  He is a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a High Performance Triathlon Coach.

Bob will be speaking at the Colorado Endurance Conference on March 13th @ 9 AM in the Grand Ballroom at The Denver Athletic Club.  Registration is available at www.active.com.  The focus of his presentation will be his new book, Metabolic Efficiency Training.  Learn how to conserve precious carbohydrates, burn more fat, and get to the finish line faster and stronger!  Bob will be available to sign copies of the book as well!!

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