Social Workout

Profiles in Fitness

The Sarah Palin Workout

Sarah Palin may be the only person in a position of power willing to admit she doesn't like working out in the morning. In an interview in this month's Runner's World featuring seven page spread of the Gov. in spandex, with American flag, and unexpectedly tan legs, she says, "I don't like running early in the morning, although I'll do it if I have to. Taking a lunch-hour run works for me logistically as a mom." 

We're relieved to hear a busy person acknowledge that 4:30 a.m. workouts aren't the only answer, though we sort of wish it wasn't Governor Palin. Anyhoo, turns out the Governor knocked off a sub four hour marathon in 2005, and, in so doing, cracked the code on training in sub-arctic (20 below!) weather: "Tons of layers and bigger shoes so [you] can wear two pairs of wool socks...[and cover] all the exposed skin on your face," she says. Great stuff, but not the best part.

The best part is that Almost-One-Heartbeat-Away leaks John McCain's favorite exercise: Wading. You know, walking around in water, like the ladies at the municipal pool in the late mornings. OK, the Senator has clearly earned his right to wade. Sure, it's a long way from Obama playing hoops with his bro-in-law, but McCain's wading might have had its own Presidential charm. Imagine him wading with Nicolas Sarkozy (shallow end); or Angela Merkel (one piece). Imagine him wading with Nicolas Sarkozy (shallow end); Angela Merkel (one piece); and Carla Bruni (Sunkini). The possibilities are endless. Short film, anyone?

Profiles

From Banker to Yogi by Way of Skinny Boyfriend

[Since we launched Social Workout, people have started to tell us their stories. Stories of how -- often after years on auto pilot -- they found an unexpected path to happiness and community in a new exercise routine, an inspired teacher, or a hole-in-the-wall studio or gym. We love those stories. Lauren emailed us to mention she was launching a new yoga studio on the Lower East Side. But wait, wasn't she just a banker at Morgan Stanley? Yes, she said, but that was until her boyfriend suggested she take a yoga class.... -The Eds.]

Not long ago, I was a Morgan Stanley banker with a 60 mile a week running habit. Yoga was not part of my vocabulary. I was a Wall Street lifer. Or at least a Wall Street lifestyler. Yogi? No way.

New York