If I lived alone, the walls of our place might still be bare. Instead, thanks to Torben's ideas and persistence, we're enveloped mostly by what I call "the Kinko's Walls of Fame," testimony to the miracle of modern photocopying.
Perhaps because our workout room doubles as a guest room (or vice versa), what hangs there is not very literal "workout-room art": a series of seven alchemical emblems, "Evening Cavalcade" by Eugene de Kermadec, "Nude Descending a Staircase" by Marcel Duchamps, sequential photos by Eadweard Muybridge of a man running and a man shot-putting a big ball, line drawings of monks doing exercises from "Psychosomatic Techniques of the Taoists."
|
More gift ideas
* Smart Bells are unique-looking "sculptural weights" designed to conform to the shape of the body and remain balanced throughout the circular movements of an exercise routine that's intended to stimulate the body's natural "chi." Both weights and fitness program were developed by Paul Widerman, a former Harvard wrestler who majored in biology and studied sculpture. (6 and 15 pounds, $79-$89; 800-485-0967; www.smartbells.com)
* For aspiring climbers (or virtual ones), "Ascend Mount Rainier" is an interactive DVD guide featuring advice about preparation and techniques from guide Eric Simonson. It includes video of six commonly climbed routes, a three-dimensional model of the mountain, panoramic views from key points on approaches plus climbing routes of Disappointment Cleaver and Emmons glacier, a topographic map with 4x zoom, and a climber's glossary and equipment list and Internet resource links. ($29.95; 888-450-3888; www.ascenddvd.com)
* Soft Weights are hand-held, ball-shaped weights from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds whose size does not change as the weight increases. From the makers of Thera-Bands, they use the same system of progressive exercises as well as hand and wrist rehabilitation, plyometrics, balance training and stabilization work. ($9.95-$17.50; 888-396-7337; www.fitnesswholesale.com)
|
|
 |
Local trainers say we shouldn't underestimate the impact of what we hang.
"I've always believed that having visual aids is a critical tactic to keep fitness alive and well," says Matt Nadler of the Seattle Athletic Club / Northgate. "I've also found that many people don't recognize the value of having pictures or posters or inspirational sayings on their walls."
Among the "good wall motivators" Nadler suggests:
• A calendar to log daily exercise and track progress and commitment.
• A picture or ad of something fun to treat yourself to after meeting your next goal.
• Images of colorful, healthful fruits and vegetables "that look more tantalizing than a bag of Oreos."
• A collage of photos from muscle and fitness magazines.
• A photo of yourself when you looked your best (though if that seems unattainable, for some that might be not so helpful).
On this page are some other possibilities. Here are a few more ideas from local trainers:
• Motivational quotes.
• A full-length mirror, to monitor form and see results.
• Photos of family and friends, reminders of the best reason to stay healthy.
• Posters of favorite vacation spots, since vacation is always a good reason to get into shape.
Or anything else you might find truly motivating:
• "You could hang an outfit that you want to fit into this holiday season." — Eric Olson, The Exercise Company.
• "The No. 1 useful thing on the wall of my workout room is my baby-sitter's number!" — Lisa Brady.
Molly Martin is assistant editor of Pacific Northwest magazine. She can be reached at 206-464-8243, mmartin@seattletimes.com or P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111.
