Moving to the boonies!

robot_monerz
robot_monerz Posts: 9
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi Guys,

I'm going to be moving to an extremely remote area to teach for the next year. I mean, no road access, gotta fly in, remote. It is going to be a lot of fun, but I am a bit worried about what it is going to do to my health. Healthy food is EXTREMELY expensive where I am going. I will, of course, think about my health over money for the most part, but realistically I won't be able to eat as many fruits and vegetables as I do now. Also, there is no going to be no gym, or group fitness activities for me to partake in, and I am very social when it comes to my activity. I always prefer to work out with people rather than myself.

Anyway, long story short - I was wondering if you guys have any workout DVD suggestions (there is so much bad stuff out there!), or work out routines that you do on your own that work. My plan is to go hiking a lot, and get involved in some outdoor activities if it is even possible. But I also want to have a back up of things I can do on my own that don't require a lot of material.

I have really bad knees, and can't go too heavy on the squat/lunges/running.

It is also my first year teaching, so I something that doesn't take up too much time would be great as well. I am not going to have enough time as it is.

But any suggestions would be awesome! I have about 15 lbs I would like to lose to be at my ideal weight, and I know it is going to be harder up North, but I don't want to give up on the idea!

Replies

  • nxd10
    nxd10 Posts: 4,570 Member
    My son is in the Peace Corps (no running water/outside toilet/no car/walk everywhere). Food is basic, though there is plenty of it and he loves to cook (on his one burner stove with its microwave-sized oven).

    The typical PC volunteer loses 20 pounds the first year. My son, who started with a BMI of 19, lost at least that much and I'm guessing now has a BMI of 17 max. He hasn't weighed himself for a year, but when I hugged him goodbye in July, he was skinnier than I'd ever seen him in his 24 year skinny life.

    I have another 70 year old, 5'4" friend who is also in the PC and also lost 20 pounds. I met several women when I visited my son who had lost more than 40 without trying. When they visited the US last spring, they could no longer stomach junk food

    How?

    They walk everywhere. They carry water to their homes. Physical activity is part of their day.They eat simple food like corn meal, beans, lentils, kale, onions, etc. Things like beets and corns or chick peas aren't unhealthy and you can buy them canned.

    You'll also burn lots of calories in the cold. :)

    Workouts they do:

    My son and many other PCVs start to run. He's planning on doing a marathon when he gets home.
    Lots of them do yoga or tai chi. Increases strength and flexibility and is good for your mental health.
    Walk.
  • AquaFitQueen
    AquaFitQueen Posts: 218 Member
    Where up North? I live in Hayden, ID. =) Small town.. We still have plenty of gyms.

    Hi there! I used to live in Salmon...not very tiny, but out in the middle of nowhere!
  • Dragonldy69
    Dragonldy69 Posts: 368 Member
    :flowerforyou: I have always like useing Leslie Sansone Walk at home videos.. She is great and you go your own pace.. There are several by her..Check them out..
    Get a Xbox or a WII there are all kinds of workouts with them.. The WII Plus is great it has a little person and you do things and get your BMI and weight and set goals.. The exercises are greta as well..
  • robot_monerz
    robot_monerz Posts: 9
    I'm actually from Canada, and I'm going north by many Canadian standards, haha. I'll be in Northern Manitoba. It is an isolated community of 1000. I'm positive there is no gym there. And lugging a treadmill isn't an option. I get to bring 60 lbs with me, and it is $1.25 for any additional lb I want to bring with me. I'll have to debate the Wii though!!

    Thanks for all the DVD suggestions!

    And you're definitely right on all the walking I'll be doing!

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