Cross-Training Update

The past few days have been Incredible!

I've been working nearly 100% on reconstructing / fixing my driveway and while I have not gone for a run in while, I have gotten an excellent workout by "playing with gravel".

Newest Cross-training tool in the garage...

Did you know that there are at least 3 different ways to shovel a pile of gravel? There are ... and each one works slightly different muscles while giving an incredible workout.

Paddle Faster....

First there is the "canoe paddle" motion which works well for moving the side of a big pile about 3-6 feet in one direction. The key is to keep the shovel vertical and move the blade past your foot (to the right or left).

Tom Sawyer/WhiteWashing the Fence...

If anyone wants to improve their paddling strength and technique, I would be happy to let you know when the next pile of gravel arrives in my driveway!

Let's Twist Again ....

The second motion is used with a tall pile of gravel. You start by facing the top of the pile and extending your arms horizontally (holding the shovel with both hands, one near the blade of the shovel and the other on the top of the handle) . The general shoveling motion is done with a sweeping/scooping motion from left to right (or right to left when you get tired of the other way). Using this motion, you can get a turning/twisting in your full upper body and use the momentum more than your arm strength.

This motion is also good for filling a wheelbarrow since the gravel starts out high and can easily be placed in the wheelbarrow. It can also be done (with a little more vigorous action) to throw gravel 6-10 feet.

For some reason, I find this one the most satisfying... probably because you can quickly knock down the top of a pile and have a good sense of accomplishment.

Schwing...

Finally, the last motion is one that I call "The Pendulum". It is similar to the Twist, but you are digging at knee height or lower. I've found that the key to this one is not to take too large of a shovel full and to keep the shovel moving through the full arc of the motion. This can be used for filling a wheelbarrow or, with a faster motion, launching gravel up to 10 feet.

Combining "Bob The Builder" with P90X....

This explanation of a "gravel shoveling workout" may sound kind of weird but I can assure you that I definitely worked up a sweat. What surprised me was how aerobic the activity was, especially if I took time to catch my breath occasionally and did not try to rely simply on the strength of my arms. I definitely got a good workout and it got me wondering if there might be other "opportunities" like this in my future....

Mr.Miagi says "Wax On, Wax Off"

Rebuilding my driveway was an interesting challenge and, when approached with the right mental attitude, I would even say that it can be called "fun" !

.... and, no, I won't come over to your house to shovel gravel for you !

d.Mark "Dave" "The Big Shovel" Wheeler

What's your next workout tool?