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Sunday, April 27, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Goodlife Fitness's 29th Birthday Party
Yesterday was Goodlife Fitness' birthday party. Woohoo! I'm so proud to be a part of this club and even happier to have celebrated such a milestone.
At the celebrations yesterday, I decided to take some time with the personal trainers and get some measurements. Measuring where you are is important to be able to see how far you've come along and besides, I'm always ready for a challenge.
I did some basic measurements plus three quick tests: Crunches, Push ups, and Squats. The personal trainers timed each one and helped me through crazy repetitions to push my limits. Let me tell you - I was exhausted by the end but felt exhilarated. I taught my class tonight and really wasn't sure I'd get through, but found a way. Now that I'm home, I'm laughing at my pain, and will have to call the Personal Trainers tomorrow to thank them for the incredible soreness and pleasure I got from taking it to the limit yesterday.
Plus, can you believe I've put on more muscle again (that would be the only explanation for the weight gain). Now, that's the kind of weight gain I like!
Once again, happy birthday Goodlife and thanks for showing me how to Live the Good Life.
At the celebrations yesterday, I decided to take some time with the personal trainers and get some measurements. Measuring where you are is important to be able to see how far you've come along and besides, I'm always ready for a challenge.
I did some basic measurements plus three quick tests: Crunches, Push ups, and Squats. The personal trainers timed each one and helped me through crazy repetitions to push my limits. Let me tell you - I was exhausted by the end but felt exhilarated. I taught my class tonight and really wasn't sure I'd get through, but found a way. Now that I'm home, I'm laughing at my pain, and will have to call the Personal Trainers tomorrow to thank them for the incredible soreness and pleasure I got from taking it to the limit yesterday.
Plus, can you believe I've put on more muscle again (that would be the only explanation for the weight gain). Now, that's the kind of weight gain I like!
Once again, happy birthday Goodlife and thanks for showing me how to Live the Good Life.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Finding your Fitness Magic
Sometimes small changes can make such big impacts that we are surprised by the results. What I learned is that sometimes, even one tiny change over a short period of time can become a turning point that can boost self-motivation levels sky-high, in effect, changing lives, like it did with me.
I used to be a regular member of the gym like many other folks. I would go pretty regularly, between 2-3 times per week. I had difficulty getting out of bed on Saturday’s because it was my only chance to sleep in a little, and sometimes, it just didn’t seem worth it. When I did go, I enjoyed it probably as much as most people did.
In December, 2005, I found myself taking holidays from my full-time career and happened to speak to a friend of mine. He knew I had difficulty finding the time to go to the gym because my toddler’s normally running under foot. It was early in my holidays when he indicated I had a great opportunity to go to the gym at any time for 2 weeks since my son would be at daycare. What a fabulous idea and I never even considered it!
I ended up going to the gym a total of 8 times over the 2 weeks – or 4 times per week. When my holidays were finished, I was hooked. The simple change of 4, made such a dramatic difference in my motivation. I can not explain what happened except to say that everything seemed rosier - everything seemed more fun, happy, and sweaty! I felt exhilarated, and I’m sure my endorphins somehow reached a peak that they had not reached before.
I became completely addicted and continued going 4 times per week well into January. From there, I took additional steps including eventually becoming a fitness instructor at the same gym I used to be a member of.
Of course, my friend, never in a million years would have guessed his comment of “hey you can go work out as often as you like” would have taken the turn it did. I have, of course thanked him immensely for kicking me into gear.
My outlook towards exercise completely changed from “I should exercise and I sort of enjoy it.” to “I love exercising and can not do without it.” With that change in attitude, it is amazing the way the excuses all disappear.
If you’re already doing something, but you haven’t really made that mental leap, I ask that you consider trying something out. Make an investment in tweaking and trying something a little different for 2 weeks to see if you can hit on something a little magical. You may find that it will change your life.
How to help find your Fitness Magic
I used to be a regular member of the gym like many other folks. I would go pretty regularly, between 2-3 times per week. I had difficulty getting out of bed on Saturday’s because it was my only chance to sleep in a little, and sometimes, it just didn’t seem worth it. When I did go, I enjoyed it probably as much as most people did.
In December, 2005, I found myself taking holidays from my full-time career and happened to speak to a friend of mine. He knew I had difficulty finding the time to go to the gym because my toddler’s normally running under foot. It was early in my holidays when he indicated I had a great opportunity to go to the gym at any time for 2 weeks since my son would be at daycare. What a fabulous idea and I never even considered it!
I ended up going to the gym a total of 8 times over the 2 weeks – or 4 times per week. When my holidays were finished, I was hooked. The simple change of 4, made such a dramatic difference in my motivation. I can not explain what happened except to say that everything seemed rosier - everything seemed more fun, happy, and sweaty! I felt exhilarated, and I’m sure my endorphins somehow reached a peak that they had not reached before.
I became completely addicted and continued going 4 times per week well into January. From there, I took additional steps including eventually becoming a fitness instructor at the same gym I used to be a member of.
Of course, my friend, never in a million years would have guessed his comment of “hey you can go work out as often as you like” would have taken the turn it did. I have, of course thanked him immensely for kicking me into gear.
My outlook towards exercise completely changed from “I should exercise and I sort of enjoy it.” to “I love exercising and can not do without it.” With that change in attitude, it is amazing the way the excuses all disappear.
If you’re already doing something, but you haven’t really made that mental leap, I ask that you consider trying something out. Make an investment in tweaking and trying something a little different for 2 weeks to see if you can hit on something a little magical. You may find that it will change your life.
How to help find your Fitness Magic
- Try different activities and/or classes and always give them each a chance. Typically 2-3 times for any one class to determine if you like it or not.
- Do a variety of things every week to keep the interest level up.
- Try changing the activity level over a 2 week period. Try playing with shorter visits, more frequency vs longer visits, less frequency.
Good luck, and please share your success stories.
Monday, April 14, 2008
6-pack on the Beach
People are telling me to post fitness related pictures.
Are you crazy?!!!! I'm not posting any photos of my body parts.
See the stunning 6-pack there? :)
Monday, April 7, 2008
It's getting hot in here
I used to think that I was cold because I didn't have much fat on me. In Fall, Winter, and Spring, I used to complain about the cold Canadian weather and was the person sitting right in front of the fire whether it was a fireplace fire, or a campfire. I longed for summer heat so that I could stay warm.
This past weekend was a wonderfully warm Toronto weekend with weather in the teens (celsius). We still had snow on our lawns and some of our backyards, but the above 0 weather felt so incredibly warm, I ended up in shorts and short-sleeves outside. Other sane people in my neighbourhood wore jackets over their short sleeves, or long sleeves, and it occurred to me that I've completely turned the corner. Rather than being the person who used to be bundled up more than others, I became the crazy one who can not seem to wear much more than shorts and short sleeves in any and all weather.
In the past few years since I raised my personal fitness levels to new heights, my greatly improved circulation has allowed me to say bye-bye to bulky sweaters. My wardrobe has changed so that I no longer wear winter clothes - all my clothes are lighter spring/summer fare all year round with the occasional light sweater. And my skin? Healthy and glowing just like they advertise on TV, except mine doesn't cost me any creams and crazy claims.
I know circulation, staying warm and looking rosy cheeked may not be the highest priority in most people's fitness goals, but it happens to be a nice side effect that I was reminded of today.
This past weekend was a wonderfully warm Toronto weekend with weather in the teens (celsius). We still had snow on our lawns and some of our backyards, but the above 0 weather felt so incredibly warm, I ended up in shorts and short-sleeves outside. Other sane people in my neighbourhood wore jackets over their short sleeves, or long sleeves, and it occurred to me that I've completely turned the corner. Rather than being the person who used to be bundled up more than others, I became the crazy one who can not seem to wear much more than shorts and short sleeves in any and all weather.
In the past few years since I raised my personal fitness levels to new heights, my greatly improved circulation has allowed me to say bye-bye to bulky sweaters. My wardrobe has changed so that I no longer wear winter clothes - all my clothes are lighter spring/summer fare all year round with the occasional light sweater. And my skin? Healthy and glowing just like they advertise on TV, except mine doesn't cost me any creams and crazy claims.
I know circulation, staying warm and looking rosy cheeked may not be the highest priority in most people's fitness goals, but it happens to be a nice side effect that I was reminded of today.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Loving your body
I know EVERYONE writes this: I am new to this blogging thing. I'm really new and it occurred to me that I've got a post in my main blog, that the fitness-minded here may be interested in.
I wrote this just a few short weeks ago, however, this fitness blog was only born yesterday (or something like that). Check out my other post on Misguided Reflections and body-image issues.
Plus, if you want to know more about the recent history and motivations behind the writing of these blogs, click here.
I wrote this just a few short weeks ago, however, this fitness blog was only born yesterday (or something like that). Check out my other post on Misguided Reflections and body-image issues.
Plus, if you want to know more about the recent history and motivations behind the writing of these blogs, click here.
Fitness is a Frame of Mind
An Introduction to this Blog
“How can I lose about 20 pounds before my holiday? How do I tone my muscles? How can I stay on a diet? How do I get rid of the fat right here (pointing to body part)?”
Unfortunately (or fortunately), I will not be able to answer these and other questions. There are diets, and fads, pills, creams, and even hard work and other things that may (or may not) be the answer you are looking for. To put it simply - that answer is not here. Keep searching elsewhere if you’re looking for recipes, exercise routines, or other items of that nature.
What I hope instead to offer, is to help you get, and maintain the right frame of mind for success in your health and fitness goals. Hello, and welcome to my space.
My intention is to share my experiences and thoughts on the things that have helped me on my path. I am amazed at the changes that have already occurred and it is with that amazement that I wish to share with you. This sounds so cliché, however if I could do it, so can you.
I want to share with you my path, in the hopes that you might get some benefit out of it while on yours. I intend to share some struggles, hopes, fears and of course successes too. Welcome again, and I wish you continued success and your frequent return to this space.
“How can I lose about 20 pounds before my holiday? How do I tone my muscles? How can I stay on a diet? How do I get rid of the fat right here (pointing to body part)?”
Unfortunately (or fortunately), I will not be able to answer these and other questions. There are diets, and fads, pills, creams, and even hard work and other things that may (or may not) be the answer you are looking for. To put it simply - that answer is not here. Keep searching elsewhere if you’re looking for recipes, exercise routines, or other items of that nature.
What I hope instead to offer, is to help you get, and maintain the right frame of mind for success in your health and fitness goals. Hello, and welcome to my space.
My intention is to share my experiences and thoughts on the things that have helped me on my path. I am amazed at the changes that have already occurred and it is with that amazement that I wish to share with you. This sounds so cliché, however if I could do it, so can you.
I want to share with you my path, in the hopes that you might get some benefit out of it while on yours. I intend to share some struggles, hopes, fears and of course successes too. Welcome again, and I wish you continued success and your frequent return to this space.
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