For those of you who might not be on the Cape in mid-August, let me tell you about Provincetown’s Carnival Parade. Every summer, for more than 30 years, there has been a massive parade down Commercial St. The event falls near the end of Carnival Week and celebrates a certain theme; this year it was “Enchanted Forest.” The street comes alive with creative floats, bands, dancers, and fire trucks full of merrymakers. With upwards of 40,000 people lining the parade route, the event has become epic for this tiny “fishing village.”
Beyond the spectacle of the parade itself are the thousands of spectators, many of whom dress up, dance in the street, whoop and holler, and energetically carry on for hours. I think this communal energy accounts for why there is such love for this blowout celebration and social gathering.
But why am I writing about Carnival Parade in a fitness column, you might ask? A fair question, so here’s what I’m thinking.
After watching this year’s parade, which began at the far East End of Commercial Street and ended after a three-mile jaunt to the West End, I thought to myself, “What a cool way to get people exercising without even thinking about it—and enjoying it, even!” This applies to marchers and spectators alike.
The parade participants choose to ride or walk the three miles while being cheered on by the masses. Many marchers wear uncomfortable footwear and heavy costumes, so it’s far from easy! If you’ve ever witnessed or, better yet, taken part in a long group run or walk—often for a type of fundraiser— then you know how much the cheering helps.
So that brings to me to consider the many ways, besides parades, to exercise while enjoying yourself. Here are some thoughts:
1. Walk your dog, or walk the neighbor’s dog, and make it a long one.
2. Go out dancing. If a bar or public attention are not for you, put on your favorite music and just dance away in the privacy of your home. It’s heart-thumping fun!
3. Sign up for a fundraiser walk for a cause that impacts someone you care about. Wear your most comfortable long-distance shoes.
4. Volunteer to help clean the yard of an elderly neighbor.
5. Park the car in the farthest spot from the front door.
6. Buy a tech tool/watch/app—think FitBit—that cheers you on. Myfitnesspal or Headspace are two other such tools.
7. Subscribe to a daily reminder app that offers support or just a good thought. Example: Any.do.
8. Vow to take the stairs at work once a day, at the very least.
9. Take a “fitness vacation”- to a spa or fitness event/destination.
10. Involve your friends. Have a pal you meet at the gym or on a walk.
Denise’s
2 Cents:
Since I work in a gym regularly, I get to interact daily with the same people. In my role as a trainer, I observe certain patterns in individuals that might work or not work in their exercise routines. Part of my job is to offer suggestions to help maximize their efforts. The environment of a gym or a group class, where others are there to work out, can be inspiring. Call it peer pressure of a good sort! For some people, however, a gym membership or other structured exercise can turn into a waste of money, especially if approached in a haphazard way. The goal should be bring your best self to your efforts every time and make a routine of it.
Consistency is key. Simply moving your body mindfully matters. If you are someone who does not routinely move around much, here’s a good jumping off place: plan on taking a walk during lunch break or before going to work. Just that simple regimen can have a far-ranging impact on your health.
Consider organizing a “walking club” of friends and acquaintances. This dynamic would produce dual benefits: regular exercise and—very important—social connection.
And tooting my own horn: employing a personal trainer once a week or even once a month can bring remarkable results in terms of your momentum and motivation. It’s like having your very own cheerleader. And you’ll be more than ready for that parade next year!