Pick’n’mix
50
Getting fit
Marguy Baum
Michael Vogel
Emilie Boland
Jens Bodenröder
Doris Lodea
HISTORY TEACHER
COMMUNE EMPLOYEE
MISS LUXEMBOURG & ACTIVE VOLUNTEER
HEAD OF NEW MEDIA, E-BIZ SOLUTIONS
FREELANCE ENGLISH & FRENCH TEACHER
Squash, around 20 years ago.
Cycling. I got more serious about it for my first Global Biking Initiative event in 2011; we cycled from Amsterdam to Dusseldorf in a week.
Pre-covid, about once or twice a week. Currently a little less frequently.
When the weather is nice, I try to go out for longer rides every weekend. I take a break during the cold season.
An SUP board and paddle, air pump, SUP dry bag, safety line, life jacket for non-swimmers. You can also borrow everything.
Travelling to great places and meeting interesting people. Extreme conditions require nice, helpful people.
Barefoot marathon runners from Pakistan… Haka dances during the race… official Chinese music band to welcome runners.
My funniest and most impressive experience was paddleboarding with a dog for four hours!
Always move on! A marathon is a lot about the strength of someone’s mind.
Be careful when choosing a board. Cheaper models are often not as stable in the water…
Tips for others to get started?
Favourite aspect about this activity?
Good foot cream.
My family and I try it as often as possible in summer on Luxembourg waterways or take our boards with us on summer holidays.
Being very close to nature. The view from a different perspective. At times, the absolute peace.
Polo, summer 2020. I got the opportunity to try it as I was already an equestrian (showjumping) and immediately fell in love with it.
I’m really busy in my daily life, but I try to do it as much as I can during weekends.
A cute helmet and classic riding boots are musts for a chic outfit.
A squash racket and a good pair of squash shoes.
A bike (obviously), a helmet, bike shorts, a windbreaker and weather-appropriate clothing, gloves, (sun)glasses, etc.
The connection between horse and rider, because it’s a really intense sport where you have to trust each other.
It’s quick-paced, full of action. Great cardio, great fun! Excellent to spend a lot of energy quickly.
Cycling is a great cardio and endurance workout for someone who enjoys the outdoors… a perfect mix between sports and travel.
Best part is when you give the horses a good shower after a training.
Her first time playing, my friend went down with severe back pain and had to be evacuated by ambulance...
In 2012, we cycled from Oslo to Dusseldorf. On the second day, we rode 160km almost entirely in pouring rain… I wished my glasses had wipers!
Be comfortable in the saddle and trust the horse.
Just go for it! Racket and other gear can be rented for first timers, no need to buy before you try.
Get a bike and map with the trails across the country, start exploring. Enjoy the scenery… you’re getting fit while having fun.
Romain Gamba, Natalia Wrona, Shutterstock, provided by participants
Once a year in non-pandemic times; running regularly.
Stand-up paddleboarding, 2019 on summer holiday. I just tried it and enjoyed it.
Photos
Running extraordinary marathons (Jordan desert, Machu Picchu trail, Great Wall, etc.), 2012.
Funniest/craziest experience to date?
Any must-have gear?
How often do you practise this activity?
Which sport? When/how did you start?
MARCH 2022
With spring around the corner, five sport enthusiasts share their unique fitness areas and tips for others to get involved.
