Friday, January 12, 2007

How much do you depend on today's technology? I personally am very greatful for all the neat and handy gadgets that have been designed to help us in many different ways. Below is one that I love to use. It helps me exercise and stay in shape. I have put many miles on it, but it has been feeling neglected for a few months, lol.

When I saw that this Saturday's Photo Hunt theme was technology, I thought of this right away. Especially since I need to shed a few of the "Holiday pounds." Uggh!!! This is an article that I had written for The Motorcycle Group.com last week and thought I'd republish it here. Read on...

Theme: Technology ** Become a Photo Hunter ** View Blogroll

~ Exercise For a Safer Motorcycle Ride ~


As everyone is pondering their own New Year resolutions, so am I. Before 2007 started, I really hadn't put too much thought or energy into thinking of a list of things I want to accomplish this year. Some years I don't have a new year resolutions, then I won't feel let down or bad about myself when said plans fall apart.

This year there are actually two things I do want to make, not just a resolution, but a part of my actual "life" plan. To me a "life" plan isn't a short goal, but to make an actual routine of my life. First, as a Christian, I want to read the Bible more regularly. This is pretty straight forward and a matter of just doing it.

And Second to exercise more often. This is an area I know most of us have the hardest time with. I get to a point where I'm doing really well and then I take a "short" break and BAM!! a month or two has slipped by and I'm back to square one *sigh.* As a motorcyclist I also recognize that with a fit body I'm a safer rider. I don't get fatigued as quickly and stay sharper on my toes. I'm more mentally alert and physically ready for sudden obsticals in my path. As we all know, motorcycling can be very draining, mentally and physically. And a tired driver could spell disaster or death in this sport. When we're tired we don't watch the road as carefully for obsticals or even that sharp turn up ahead. It's seems corners are one of our biggest challenges. Sure, some people take them better then others, but when you're not paying attention - those corners will surprise even the most seasoned motorcyclist.

The above photo is my Pro*Form 700 Cardio Cross Trainer and my main plan of attack. We have owned this for quite a few years and I have already put many miles on it. I will watch TV while cycling. So, "why?" you ask, should I still choose this? Because I love to use it!! I just need to be a little more realistic when using it. I will slowly build up the resistance and time to where I'm doing really well. But then I'm not willing to lower the resistance or time when I'm not really up to it. Instead I won't use it for a time and then I realize I have work ahead of me to get back to where I was. I don't want to work harder and I let it go more and it's the proverbial "slippery slope."

I also two VHS exercise tapes that I love to use. They both provide a one hour workout and, after I have gotten over the break-in period, you get to feeling really good using them. I love to use "Gilad - New Best of Bodies in Motion," and "Step Reebok - The Video." I like exercising at home and all these things get me where I want to be.

I have recognized that I need to come up with a plan to work this into my life, like I would eatting or sleeping. Not only do I need to get in shape, I need to shed about 20 - 25 pounds to get to my ideal weight for a healthy life. I can just hear a few of my regular readers saying, "Oh yea, like you really need to lose weight." I can hide those pounds quite well under a bulky motorcycle jacket and black leather chaps, lol. But if I don't get my plan started now, I will be known as "Ugly Betty," instead of "Biker Betty," lol.

Okay, that brings up another subject near and dear to my heart. What genius decided to call a TV show "Ugly Betty"!!!! Hmfph!!! Below is my version called "Ugly Biker Betty," lol. This show should sell millions!!! LOL




Wishing you great journeys in your part of the world,

Biker Betty :)

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

*lol* love it - my type of bike :)

srp said...

Great idea for technology theme.
As to your first resolution.... you might want to check out BSF (Bible Study Fellowship International) on Google. There are chapters set up all over the globe and it is a wonderful time of Bible study and fellowship with other women believers all in one. My mom introduced me to it when I moved here, but there was a class in the small town I came from as well.
Have a great weekend.

Mine is up too.

Anonymous said...

LOL a bike, great choice!... mine is pushed off into the corner and I keep meaning to use it lol.

Mine is up too.

Anonymous said...

Exercise more!


I will Exercise for Comments!
Sunflower

Anonymous said...

I'm getting tired just looking at that thing. LOL

Anonymous said...

Oh my ! what a horrible machine too me lol ! I am soooo lazy, the only thing I do is swimming !
I saw on another blog your comment about your childhood technological games ! What should I say ? I had a radio in 1951 when I were 8 years old. That was modern !!

Anonymous said...

It is way hard to keep on an exercise routine...I wish you all the best on your resolution. Very nice photo.

Take care,
Connie
My photo is up.

Kathleen Jennette said...

At least you use your machine, even if its for a moment. I talk to mine like a pet..."go fetch", "no", "outside" but it still stays....ughghghg.lol

Anonymous said...

Great article! I love to exercise, and I teach group fitness part-time so I find it hard to imagine NOT exercising, but I realize many people do find it hard to fit into their schedules. Good luck with your resolutions.

Have a good weekend. :)

Anonymous said...

Mr Right doesn't like having my bike around - so that gives me an excuse not to paddle it *grin*

Re the Bible reading - sometimes it's easier in a group. We just started one yesterday - you can still hop in if you like! See here: http://intothebible.wordpress.com/
Thanks for stopping by :)

Anonymous said...

I've just started the eliptical at the health club because the tread mill had done in my knees.
But yes, these machines are great pieces of technology!

Anonymous said...

Great explanation about the picture :) Thanks for stopping by!

Anonymous said...

To read the Bible more is just the ticket. My brother gave me a PDA with the Bible on it so I can carry it where ever I go and read it as I feel the need.

As for the weight I am with you there! It is all about a life style change not a temporary thing! Great take on the theme!

My tangled technology is posted. Happy Saturday!

Anonymous said...

Great choice for the theme -- it's amazing how many different avenues of technology are represented today!

I need to incorporate regular exercise, too.

Anonymous said...

Great post, BB....don't you think Gilad is a hunk?? I wouldn't mind working out with him in the least.

I need to exercise more too.

Mine is up.

Happy Saturday!

Lightseeker said...

Great Hunt!

Mine is up!

Anonymous said...

I never thought about how being in shape would make you a better rider. What you wrote makes perfect sense! Sounds like you have a great plan of attack. :-)

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by mine.

Anonymous said...

It takes a lot of discipline to keep up an exercising plan. Good luck to you. I keep putting it off...
Happy saturday!

Anonymous said...

I wonder if more regular excercise would also reduce car accidents? When you look at fatigue, I am sure we would all be safer if everyone could just get more exercise! Love the Ugly Biker Betty pic! Haven't stuck with the show tho. Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

Great choice. We had one of those and I think we gave it to the grandkids.

thanks for stopping by.

someone else said...

Great thoughts for today. I just got a ProForm Elliptical and I've been using it regularly. It seems to be one form of exercise I actually follow through with.

Anonymous said...

man...I need to go to the gym! I just wish someone would take me by the hand and ... damn, I need to go!

PowersTwinB said...

you are definately NOT ugly Bike Betty! How cute are you, riding bikes! and...maybe you can combine using your cardio cross trainer and reaing the Bible at the same time? Now that would be multi-tasking! Thanks for visiting my blog today!

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a great piece of technology!

Anonymous said...

Great take.
You write a good article, but I have to disagree on the Ugly Betty - you're a doll!
Take care,
Frances

-tnchick- said...

I haven't heard of the show Ugly Betty. Hmm - Am I behind on times, again? Great article and hope you get to go a lot of miles on your bike! =)

Anonymous said...

I wish you the best of luck with your New Year's exercise resolution! I know the feeling in regards to taking a "short break" that turns into an extended vacation despite one's best intentions. I finally got back on my Gazelle after the Christmas holidays - just hope I can stay motivated enough to keep it up! With your piece of exercise equipment, I think I could be more inspired but alas ....

Anonymous said...

Good luck with the exercising! I got back on track almost two weeks ago and have been doing great. But it's the getting back at it that's the hardest!

Thanks for stopping by mine :)

Anonymous said...

Love it.
Great idea for this week's theme.

Hope to see you over at my blog, if you have time.

Happy weekend.

Anonymous said...

Best of luck with your plan. It's always a good idea to be in good shape while riding a motorcycle. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Anonymous said...

Last summer, I just decided to read the Bible through. So I did. Now I've found Real Live Preacher doesn't like my approach. Google him, and you'll find a cool video Bible study on his blog. As for the weight thing, you and me both, honey! And there is no such thing as an ugly biker. :0)

Anonymous said...

Nice cross-trainer, I hope it brings you much fitness this year.... good luck with your life plans :) Happy Hunting :)

Anonymous said...

I just joined Weight Watchers at work... I need to lose a LOT of weight ~ so you have my sympathy/empathy/etc!

Melli said...

EXCELLENT! I had tried to take a picture of one of the machines at Curves this week -- but my camera battery was dead (that was on FRIDAY of course!) So... we were stuck with my cell phone! But exercise equipment is definately GREAT technology!

Anonymous said...

I sure wish I had one of those! Thanks for dropping by!

Anonymous said...

The best type of technology is the one you will use! Thanks for stopping by Cute Biker Betty.

Anonymous said...

This "gadget" looks nifty. Is it really that fun to use?

I like the way you put it - that I need to intergrate exercising into my life like eating and sleeping.

Great post and perfect picture for the hunt.

Happy Sat.

Anonymous said...

Such a great article! Thank you! and thank you for visiting!

Anonymous said...

I don't have time to see if someone already suggested Bible on Tape or Video... so you can exercise and study at the same time.

Ha!

Both are great things to do this year.
I need the same

Anonymous said...

Great photos and wonderful article. Weight loss is one of my resolutions, too..

FRIDAY'S CHILD said...

That was interesting. Great post indeed.
Thanks for stopping by.

Anonymous said...

great post!

Anonymous said...

My exercise of choice is water aerobics. Why? I hate to sweat. If you're in the pool and you're sweating, you don't notice, therefore, you can't care. It is also good for one's joints.

I'm playing, too, so come on by!

Anonymous said...

You are too cute - I think it is a great idea to get spiritually and physically fit...I am already joining you in the spiritual part -- now I just have figure out the fitness part. I guess I do walking :)...

Have a blessed weekend.

Anonymous said...

Great choice! Good luck with your resolutions.

Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. :)

Anonymous said...

I'm with you on the "Ugly Betty" thing (the badly named TV show). I hope you get back to your routine of keeping in shape using that technology. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Nice entry. It's really worthwhile having something like that to help you keep in shape.

Thanks for sharing. Hope you had a lovely weekend.

Tracie P. said...

hey biker betty, that looks like torture :)

Anonymous said...

Best of luck with your resolutions :) 2 very healthy goals :)

I joined a gym late last year, so I'm hoping I can keep myself motivated this year! The cross trainer is my favourite piece of equipment at the gym!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betty!

I just posted a story about the Easyriders bike tour and I linked a ton of pics on my blog!!

Mike