An Odd But Wonderful Alternative Workout
by Pam Brooks

Ok, so there was a time when I was totally unreasonable about my addiction to fitness. I ran through way too hot or way too cold weather. I ran through injuries, ignoring the very distinct warnings my poor, painful body sent me. I finally had to quit running altogether and find a different way to stay fit without ending up hobbling like a much older version of me.

That’s when I met Ernie, my black-belt-physical therapist. I was drawn to his program because he was known to be just as adamant about his workouts as I was. I knew he wouldn’t make me quit altogether and wait until I was totally pain free to resume my workouts. Since his philosophy was to keep his clients moving in ways that would encourage healing but not re-injure them, I joined up.

Ernie borrowed from his extensive martial arts experience to help his clients stretch, strengthen, and improve stamina. The exercises for this month are my favorites from his program. They look kind of crazy in the doing. When I first tried them, I felt almost like a little kid, romping on the playground. There’s also a slight chance that someone may chase you with a butterfly net and haul you off in a straight jacket if you choose a really public place to try these movements. I use a quiet street, parking lot, back yard, or even a long hallway to do this workout. Although you can do these movements in a small space, (good for travel,) I prefer to really stretch out and move with them.

You can use these movements to warm up for cardio or other types of exercise, or you can keep it going for a longer period and get a good cardio workout instead. The main focus, however you choose to incorporate these moves into your fitness routine, is to remember to keep your core muscles working. Tuck abdominals, keep your spine straight, and lift your rib cage off your waistline to form a strong, supportive base for the leg movements. Pump your arms for extra benefits to your upper body.

#1: Hurdle Walking to the Front Stand tall, and reach out your right leg as if you were going to step over a small fence. Take the step and follow up with the other leg in the same motion. Move in a fluid manner from one step to another. These are slow-motion, exaggerated movements that can be taken to a more brisk pace when you’ve perfected the basic moves.
#2: Hurdle Walking Sideways Stand tall. Step your right leg to the side, as if you were going to step sideways over that same small fence. Repeat the movement to the same direction with the same leg, moving along in a fluid way. Pick up the pace as you get adjusted to the basics but keep it smooth. Do the same thing in the opposite direction, leading with the left leg.
#3 Hurdle Walking Backwards Stand tall. Step behind yourself with your right leg, as if you were stepping over the fence. Step the same way with your left leg. Repeat the motions, moving backwards in a fluid manner.

Combine and interchange all three hurdle walks and vary the pace to keep your workout going and to alleviate monotony

– Pam Brooks