The Idiot walks, hikes, climbs or treks throughout the year to stay in shape for his frequent MedTrek outings. But hiking isn’t the only form of exercise that keeps him prepared to walk around the Mediterranean Sea, particularly during rainy, snowy or freezing winter days. His daily workout regimen begins with pre-dawn meditation and stretching followed by a mix of pump, spinning, swimming, volunteer gardening, walking and yoga.
Winter Workout: Spinning at 5 am under the direction of Silas Lyons, who is editor of the Redding, CA, daily newspaper. Frequency: Twice a week. (Photo: Liz Chapin)
Winter Workout: Spinning is immediately followed by Becky Vanderpool Gartin’s hour-long pump class at the Redding YMCA. Frequency: Twice a week. (Photo: Liz Chapin)
Winter Workout: The Zenned out Idiot after one of Gerry’s mid-afternoon Gentle Yoga classes. Frequency: Three times a week.
Winter Workout: Rain or shine, The Idiot swims laps in the oft-empty YMCA pool. Frequency: Four times a week.
His muscles and mind get a different kind of workout when he does some volunteer gardening in the arboretum at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, CA.
Winter Workout: The Idiot enjoys quiet time while raking, trimming or mulching gardens under the guidance and tutelage of Tree Goddess Marie Stadther. Frequency: Once a week.
Walking usually ranges in distance from a few miles (the YMCA is a 1.1-mile walk from The Idiot’s base camp) to ten miles or more each day.
Winter Workout: The Idiot walks to stay in shape for MedTrekking. Frequency: Daily depending upon weather. (Photo: Liz Chapin)
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