Exercise Archives - Better.Cheaper.Slower.

Virus, immunity & exercise

March 30, 2026

I adapted this from a Way I wrote about the flu. It's about building your immunity in general - by exercising. There's no way to know today if it's specifically relevant to the coronavirus variants. But we do know that exercise is a good thing for a lot of reasons. So it's worth a shot. If you'd like to pass this on, please do - it's accessible to everyone; no subscription necessary. Stay healthy.

Walking & Eating in Venice

March 27, 2026

When you walk around Venice, you find a reason to stop and stare every two minutes. For days. For weeks. But if you want an energizing, all-day orientation tour - and a calorie-free taste of the place - this Walk That Ate Venice is the trail map for you.

Feels Better in the Morning

March 23, 2026

Seems like morning's the good time to exercise. The best time. Now there are some interesting clinical and survey results that explain the benefits. Especially if you exercise to lose weight and, specifically, to burn fat.

Balancing Volcanoes and Curry in Bali

March 20, 2026

When the leading edge of the sun slides above the top of Mt. Agung, it's clear why we started hiking up Mt. Batur at three in the morning with a guide and a flashlight. Staggering beauty up here. Great banana curry waiting for us down below.

Happiness. Phone it in.

March 16, 2026

Now here's a research report you really should see. Conclusion: we're happier when we're more active. No, smartphones didn't produce happiness or activity, they just collected data. Put away your phone, click to read, get happy.

Dogs, Weight Loss & Stress Reduction

March 14, 2026

Yes, a dog might be the best personal trainer. And the best medicine. Could be a dog you borrow from a neighbor. Could even be a dog on video. Click and stay with me - this gets interesting.

The Walk That Ate Charleston. Again.

March 13, 2026

The town where you can eat bacon three meals a day if you're not careful. Fortunately, they have really great bacon. Even Better, they have one beautiful walking street after another. 12 miles, 4 or 5 hours, 1,600 calories burned.

How Steep Was My Valley: Waipi’o, HI

March 6, 2026

Great aerobic exercise. Spectacular views. Free sun and Vitamin D. 5 hours. 6.5 miles. 4,000' up and down. 2,500+ calories gone. Cost of admission: nothing. Trail food: $3.

Living Room Olympics: Luge Training

March 2, 2026

Sounds like something slow and lazy. You lie on your back on a strange sled. But then you slide around an icy track at 90 mph. You don't just lay there. You have to steer the thing. With your calf muscles. Really. Time to strengthen and stretch your calves, huh? C'mon, stand up.

The Walk That Ate Amsterdam

February 27, 2026

Walk alongside or float along Amsterdam's more than 60 miles of canals. Follow my footsteps for a brisk seven-mile tour; burn about 900 calories in three hours. Or do it the Dutch Way: make a few relaxed stops along the Way to eat and drink.