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What Taking the Polar Plunge Taught Me About Exercise

You have to be Canadian to understand the right of passage known as "The Polar Bear Plunge." I jumped into the freezing cold water to raise funds for Special Olympics. That inspired me to write this blog on how important heart rate is, and the joy of sport.
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Here is another full body workout, to get you full body results. It's followed up with some inspiration on intensity. I'm finding more and more that intensity is the missing link for most people in the gym. Nothing crazy, but a little more would be nice.

You have to be Canadian to understand the right of passage known as "The Polar Bear Plunge." I jumped into the freezing cold water to raise funds for Special Olympics. That inspired me to write this blog on how important heart rate is, and the joy of sport.

It appears cold cold water adversely affects both heart rate and the ability to breath, although you can't tell from the picture. I just wanted proof I was outside in -25C weather, shirtless. My weight, hair, and swimsuit also support the fact that I indeed jumped into freezing cold water.

I was really grateful for my first solid full deep breath after getting out of the water. Not too mention the feeling that my body was returning back to normal as far as blood flow and mental functions. I was really happy that I am normally extremely healthy, and I enjoy my health.

I made a memory, thanks to Special Olympics Manitoba, and if you have been reading my blog you'll know it's the reason I do anything fitness related. Health is meant to be enjoyed, workouts need to be a little uncomfortable in order to get results. I'm working with Elite Performance in Winnipeg to take my workouts to the next level. As a strength coach who tells people to use a trainer to ensure they get the most out of their workouts, I decided to do the same. You can follow along as the blog appears on TSN. Read along as Jeff Fisher helps me take my training to a whole new level. My goal is to be able to keep up with World Series of Fighting title contender Jesse Taylor in April as he prepares to enter the cage on NBC.

I realize that this is not for everyone. The training I'll be doing is some of the highest level and the sport of MMA doesn't appeal to everyone. That is not the point.

What I need more people to do is realize that fitness takes effort. My appreciation at the Polar Bear Plunge for a good deep breath, and the return to a healthy normal made me realize. My fitness training, and the time I have spent in the gym has not been wasted.

I work in gyms, and I regularly see people go for 20 minute walks, then do bicep curls, finish with situps and head home. This is where the conversation really begins.

Going to the gym and not putting any effort in will not change your body. The gym doorway is not some magical teleportation device to fitland. You still have to do the work to get the changes. It doesn't have to be more time, but it has to have some intensity. It also has to be coupled with nutrition.

If you want to see more health, notice a difference(polar bear plunge or not) in your breathing and heart rate then you need to do these two things starting immediately.

Put more intensity in your workouts

Eat healthy portion sizes of whole, nutritious food.

I'll keep putting up workouts in video form. I'd love for you to share them with friends. You can also find recipes and ideas for healthy living here, and feel free to message me for ideas on supplements and ideas to take your health to that optimal level.

If you have questions and comments feel free to post them below, I try to get to most of them. My goal is to continue to give my two cents on how to return this Nation to health, One Fit City at a time.

ALSO ON HUFFPOST:

25 Ways To Move More
Stand At The Bar(01 of25)
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Rather than nursing a drink sitting down, belly up to the bar, or grab dinner at a high table with bar stools. Leaning against a high stool is a step up from sitting, but can be more comfy than standing all night, Health magazine reported. (credit:Alamy)
Mini Golf(02 of25)
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This old-timey favorite is fun for kids and adults alike, and can burn 100 calories in just 30 minutes. Flickr photo by Machine is Organic (credit:Flickr: Machine is Organic)
Take A Swim(03 of25)
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You don't have to be Michael Phelps to get a water workout. Even some leisurely splashing around can shave off 200 calories, and it's a great way to stay cool in the heat, too!Flickr photo by Joe Shlabotnik (credit:Flickr: Joe Shlabotnik)
Build A Sand Castle(04 of25)
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Instead of just lounging on the sand working on your tan, get up and move around if you're at the beach this weekend. Bonus: Digging in the sand can be a surprisingly good workout for abs and obliques. Flickr photo by Michael Bentley (credit:Flickr: Michael Bentley)
Dance(05 of25)
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Let the music move you when you're out on Saturday night. A little boogying can burn 150 calories in just 30 minutes. (credit:alamy)
Throw A Frisbee(06 of25)
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You're not chained to that park bench! If you're already enjoying the outdoors, why not throw around a Frisbee or a football, pass a volleyball or kick a soccer ball? It doesn't have to be strenuous -- you don't even have to be any good! -- but it will get you up and moving.Flickr photo by Elvert Barnes (credit:Flickr: Elvert Barnes)
Go On An Exercise Date(07 of25)
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If you've got a date night planned this weekend, skip dinner and a movie in favor of something that gets you off your rears. It doesn't have to be a trip to the gym or a jog -- it can be anything active you like doing together.Flickr photo by Tobyotter (credit:Flickr: Tobyotter)
Row A Boat(08 of25)
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Many local parks, rivers and lakes have row boats, canoes or kayaks available for rent. No matter your vessel of choice, it's a fun, seasonal way to burn some serious calories.Flickr photo by Josh Hawley (credit:Flickr: Josh Hawley)
Play Fetch(09 of25)
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During the busy week, you sometimes might just let your pet out in the backyard to dig up his own trouble. This weekend, spend a little extra time moving with him. Play fetch, give him that much-needed belly rub or take him on an extra-long walk.Flickr photo by footloosiety (credit:Flickr: footloosiety)
Catch Up On A Walk(10 of25)
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If you've made plans to meet a friend for coffee, take your catch up session to-go instead and gab on a walk. Even strolling at a snail's pace will burn 85 calories in 30 minutes! (credit:Alamy)
Play Bar Games(11 of25)
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Put down the drink for some foosball or pool if you're at a bar this weekend that offers it. Thirty minutes of pool can shave off 85 calories, not to mention you may save yourself a few if your hands aren't wrapped tightly around that pint glass.Flickr photo by Nicola since 1972 (credit:Flickr: Nicola since 1972)
Take A Hike(12 of25)
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Head for the hills! Depending on where you live, a hike can be a weekend expedition or a quick afternoon adventure. It's a change of scenery and a great way to spend some time outdoors. If you're feeling sporty enough to tackle some hills, you can burn almost 250 calories in just 30 minutes.Flickr photo by mikebaird (credit:Flickr: mikebaird)
Go Cab-Free(13 of25)
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If you typically find yourself hailing a taxi on the weekends, try hoofing it instead. If your destination is too far to make it on foot, try public transportation -- and leave the seat for someone else.Flickr photo by TMAB2003 (credit:Flickr: TMAB2003)
Play Lawn Games(14 of25)
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If you have plans to barbecue this weekend, break out the lawn games to get you out of your seat. Try croquet or badminton, which can burn more than 150 calories in 30 minutes.Flickr photo by Jessa B.C. (credit:Flickr: Jessa B.C.)
Go Window Shopping(15 of25)
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Those people who do their exercise walking around the mall are onto something. Whether or not you plan to buy anything, browsing around your favorite shopping center gets you moving -- especially if you decide to wiggle in and out of a few things in the dressing room.Flickr photo by jimmyharris (credit:Flickr: jimmyharris)
Visit A Museum(16 of25)
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Spend some time strolling through the halls and galleries of your favorite museum. You'll give your brain a workout while you're at it! (credit:Alamy)
Get Takeout Instead Of Delivery(17 of25)
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Pick your favorite nearby joint and walk to pick up your meal. (credit:Alamy)
Wash The Car(18 of25)
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Sure, it might take a little longer than sitting through the drive-thru, but you get the pleasure of working those muscles a little bit. (credit:Alamy)
Cook(19 of25)
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Instead of sitting at a restaurant waiting to be served, why not whip something up at home? You'll be on your feet slicing, chopping, mixing and more, not to mention cleaning up after yourself.Flickr photo by mamaloco (credit:Flickr: mamaloco)
Plant A Garden(20 of25)
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A number of fall veggies are ready for planting now. Spending an hour digging, crouching, weeding and planting in your garden can burn more than 300 calories.Flickr photo by auntjojo (credit:Flickr: auntjojo)
Take A Bike Ride(21 of25)
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You don't have be imitate the Tour de France! Even the most casual rides can burn 200 calories an hour. Don't own a bike? Many cities now have bike share programs that allow you to take a short spin for a small fee, and some parks have bikes available for rent, too.Flickr photo by machernucha (credit:Flickr: machernucha)
Play Laser Tag(22 of25)
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Go old-school, and grab a group of friends to head to the nearest laser tag arena. You'll run, jump, squat, crawl -- all in the name of fun and (healthy) competition.Flickr photo by shawnzrossi (credit:Flickr: shawnzrossi)
Go Rock Climbing(23 of25)
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With the increase in popularity of bouldering, you no longer need a load of gear (and experience!) to reap the fitness benefits of rock climbing. Try it out at a local gym -- you'll burn calories and seriously work those arm muscles.Flickr photo by toolmantim (credit:Flickr: toolmantim)
Go Bowling(24 of25)
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It's not just for dads in bowling shirts! Grab a pair of nerdy-chic shoes and aim straight. You may even wiggle a little arm workout out of it!Flickr photo by junklab (credit:Flickr: junklab)
Start A Wii Fit Competition(25 of25)
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Dreaming of a couch-potato weekend? Turn that screen time into something more productive by challenging a roommate, spouse or kid to a Wii Fit boxing or tennis match.Flickr photo by SashaW (credit:Flickr: SashaW)
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