What do you think are the biggest barriers to people starting exercise? When I asked friends this question, the most common answer was invariably: “time.” Understandably, when you have to balance work, family, leisure time, and exercise, the one that drops off the radar is usually…exercise.
Part of the problem, I think, is that exercise is seen as something that takes time and effort. While the “effort” part is a given, anyone who has tried to run a flat out 5K will know that it’s very possible to get in a good amount of exercise in a short amount of time. And yet, I have found myself repeating it’s not worth it when I only have 30 minutes for a run or strength session. Apparently, I’d much rather sit on my phone and scroll mindlessly through Instagram.
However, for the last six weeks, I’ve been partaking in my own little self-experiment. In the lead up to a 140-mile, five-day ultramarathon, I’ve been base-building—working on my aerobic base and strength in order to withstand the increased intensity and volume of training closer to the race. The other day, I was hiking on the StairMaster—a…
