Fitness Monday - Getting in Shape for Netroots Nation

No, this isn't about going from a couch-potato to a fitness model in the three weeks until NN. But, it is going to be a week of traveling, going out and eating out more than most of us do. I plan to spend the three weeks before y'all descend upon my fair city making up for all the damage I'll do then. (I kid, I kid) But seriously - if you have an exercise routine, it will probably be somewhat disrupted while you're here, so be sure to get in all your planned exercise between now & then.

Also - people have been talking about that dress Michelle Obama wore on the View. Some of us (me) need to do some arm exercises before we go around sleeveless.

Before a race or other event, they always say you should hydrate. I know this isn't an endurance event, but if you come from a climate cooler than a steam room, start increasing the amount of water you drink now. Don't double it overnight, but do make a conscious effort to drink more water. Have an extra glass every day - that's not much, but by the time you get here, your cells will be all nice & hydrated. (and if you get used to the one extra, add a second - it really is hot here)

If you are planning on running while you're here -- and I do highly recommend the Lady Bird Lake Trail ( http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/... ), consider doing so as close to the pre-dawn hours as you can stand to get up. Our overnight lows are in the upper 70s to 80 now, imagine what they'll be in 3 weeks. There are water stations, kindly provided by RunTex, the best running store in the world, but do take a water bottle with you (I don't know what time they put the water out). If your hotel has a fitness center, I recommend indoor exercise while you're here.

Here is a link to a series of videos on iVillage, about exercising while traveling - does require some equipment, but there are enough exercises to keep you toned while you're traveling:

http://www.expertvillage.com/...

There is a website - travelfitness.com - who woulda thunk? Anyway, here's a link to their exercises - there's just a few:

http://www.travelfitness.com/...

and they have fitness tips for traveling (notice they advise you to hydrate well for being on the airplane):

http://www.travelfitness.com/...

And here is an article from the Denver Post, with tips & examples:

http://www.denverpost.com/...

So now on to the arms. Here is a link to an article on Prevention magazine's website with an arm-toning routine

http://www.prevention.com/...

and this website (recommended by a commenter at Prevention.com) has exercises with a series of photos that show the demonstrator doing them:

http://www.shapefit.com/...

Ya know, if your arms are stronger, you can carry more literature when you go to distribute it in your neighborhood this fall. Also, if there are any Kossacks that are going to any inaugural balls out there, you should start getting those arms in shape now. Weight lifting not only helps you by increasing your metabolism, it helps your bones stay strong, and again I point out that if you'e stronger, you can help our candidates better. One really good arm exercise is to help build signs for candidates at your local Democratic headquarters.

So -- what are y'all doing for fitness? Do you have any questions about Austin?