According to Merriam Webster, a mondegreen is a word or phrase that results from a mishearing of something said or sung. It gives the example:
“very close veins” is a mondegreen for “varicose veins”.
The reason I bring this up is because I've learned this week while looking ahead to week 6 of the Go Red BetterU program, I shouldn't be able to sing. This has nothing to do with that fact that I'm one of the many that believed Elton John really was singing, "Hold me closer, Tony Danza" (a mondegreen for 'hold me closer, tiny dancer'). It has everything to do, however, with that fact that if I'm exercising properly I should be unable to sing.
Week six teaches us that we should exercise 150 minutes a week if working out at a moderate intensity rate, or 75 minutes at a vigorous-intensity rate.
So what's the difference between moderate and vigorous? The program explains the use of a Talk-Sing Test:
If you’re winded or can’t talk while working out, you’re exercising at a vigorous intensity. If you’re able to carry out a conversation comfortably while engaging in the activity, you are exercising at a moderate intensity. And, if you can sing while doing the activity, you are exercising at a light intensity, and need to pick up the pace!
In other words, I shouldn't be able to sing. Mondegreens or not, singing and exercise don't mix.
I thought this was an interesting way to figure out the level at which I'm working out.
Week 6 of the free, online program also offers these great breakdowns of how different forms of exercise take different durations to burn the same amount of calories.
Play golf, badminton, shuffleboard, table tennis | 60 |
Wash and wax a car | 45-60 |
Wash windows or floors | 45-60 |
Vacuum or sweep floors | 45-60 |
Play volleyball or touch football | 45 |
Garden or push a mower | 30-45 |
Wheel in a wheelchair | 30-45 |
Walk at 20 min/mile pace (1 ¾ mile) | 35 |
Dance fast (social) | 30 |
Rake leaves | 30 |
Walk at 15 min/mile pace (2 miles) | 30 |
Do water aerobics | 30 |
Swim laps | 20 |
Play wheelchair basketball | 20 |
Play singles tennis, racquetball, basketball or soccer | 15-20 |
Bicycle (4 min/mile) or use cardio equipment at vigorous intensity (can’t talk while doing activity) | 15-20 |
Run at 10 min/mile pace | 15 |
Walk up/down stairs | 5 |
Jump rope | 15 |
This chart explains why I get so winded and have a tough time climbing stairs. AND, why I can't sing and climb stairs. Seriously, try it. By step 8 or 9 I bet you're done singing. It's almost impossible.
It's never too late to start working toward a healthier heart. If you haven't already signed up, the Go Red BetterU program is simple to use. Click here to sign up.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to Tony Danza.
