As you know, I have a goal of completing one more high altitude climb in the Swiss alps before I "retire" from the sport of alpinism. I sometimes fantasize about long, difficult approaches to remote mountains where I then embark on a quest to climb to the top. I've locked into a weekly training routine of 3 strength training days per week combined with daily steps and long runs. Periodization is the name of the game. There's no substitution for multiple hours of easy zone 2 cardio per week to be in any kind of respectable shape. There are no shortcuts. Training to climb an alp involves a demanding combination of aerobic capacity and sport-specific strength. I therefore go to the gym for one hour, three times a week. That's only 12 gym sessions a month. In going, I have several goals:
- Slowly add more weight to force my muscles to adapt and grow.
- Train the exact muscle groups I want to improve.
- Rest my body 48 hours so muscles can repair and rebuild.
- Prioritize controlled movements with lighter weights over heavy weights and bad form.
My goal is to climb this mountain.
It's called the Mettelhorn. This will be my final climb in the alps. I will be 75 if the Lord allows me to make the attempt next summer. Far from being dangerous when approached correctly, pursuing ambiguous physical goals provides unique physiological opportunities that low-intensity exercise cannot match. By chasing down ambitious goals like running a marathon or lifting weights or summiting an alp, you force your body to maintain type-2 fast-twitch muscle fibers. This keeps the heart muscle and arteries flexible, thus dramatically lowering the risk of stroke or cardiovascular disease. Having a specific goal also provides a wonderful excuse for getting out of bed every morning and infuses your daily routine with discipline, structure, and excitement. But enough of all that. I leave you with some pics from today's workout. Have a great rest of your day!
A picture of my gym this morning.
You greet each other with a fist bump and a warm "Hello," then you get right down to work. These dudes are such inspirations to me! As you work out, you're reminded that weightlifting brings physical, mental, and emotional rewards that improve your daily life and long-term health.
Exercises like pullups signal your body to create new bone tissue, which helps prevent osteoporosis.
Seeing your body change also builds a powerful sense of self-worth and mental toughness. The strength I gain in the gym gives me more perseverance for everyday life.
Once you're done lifting, you get in your steps for the day. Here are mine from this morning.
If you truly care about your family and friends, encourage them to start working out and taking care of their health. They are blessed to have someone like you in their life who cares about their well-being and is actually excited to help. It will not take months but years to achieve your goal physique. But believe me, you can do it!
