Posts from — June 2009

For the last couple of weeks I have been seeing a personal trainer with my friend. Although this is not a cheap thing to do I think it has been helping me realize a few things about my own fitness levels.

1. I really should be incorporating some form of strength training into my fitness routine. Running alone has really not improved my cardio levels. Two sessions with this trainer and I am questioning whether I can even call myself fit. After running two marathons this is pretty pathetic.
2. It actually isn’t a bad idea to pay someone to develop a routine for you that both challenges and switches things up for you.

Personal training can set you back around $80-120 per session, but my tip is to find a friend who is reliable to share the costs with. They also should have similar fitness goals as you. Added bonus: it is nice to have someone next to you that really understands the pain you are going through!

If hiring someone isn’t an option, but you are looking to get some new ideas and inspiration I suggest you turn to the Internet. There are some fantastic online resources out there that show you how to do everything from a jump squat to a proper bicep curl. Check out ehow.com, Fitness magazine and Women’s health. I also found this great video on eHow.com on how to do a proper jump squat which apparently is ‘the move’ to get strong and sculpted legs (or at least according to Yahoo Health).

How to do Jump Squats Leg Exercises

Brunch @ Live Food Bar

For me food and workouts go together. I love nothing more than going to brunch after working out – especially on the weekends.

Lately, I have been trying to choose “healthier” brunch options, though. Gone are the days when I could eat my way through four pieces of buttered toast, a cheese filled omelet and potatoes without instantly gaining 5 lbs. So unfair.
One of my most recent finds (thanks to a friend) was Live Food bar near Davenport and Spadina. Described as Toronto’s “organic raw food restaurant” this place is sure to satisfy your healthy eating needs – and your non raw food needs as they have “cooked offerings”.

What was on my plate?

The Chef’s Seasonal Omelet made with tofu and asparagus.  Accompanied by a side of tempeh ‘bacon’, Ezekiel sprouted toast and even some potatoes. It was delicious and satisfying. Next time I go I’m going for dinner and trying out their “spaghetti” which is made with zucchini.

They also have a great patio where you can soak up the summer sunshine. Go there after a long Sunday run and you won’t be disappointed.

I don’t think I ever would have gone to Dynamic Conditioning Center if it hadn’t been for my friend setting up an appointment to tour the gym. After looking at the website I just thought that there was no way that I would ever enjoy a place like this – their online presence just oozes testosterone. But after getting a tour of the place and invitation to try out one of their group classes I thought why not give it a shot?

Two days later I am in the Power, Agility and Speed class. I had no idea what I was in for as there was no description of the class online, but apparently it was going to help work on my coordination and improve my running. These days I’ll try anything to improve my running. The class was only 45 minutes long which was perfect – I don’t think I could have gone on much longer. The class was made up of some speed drills, core work and a mini obstacle course at the end. I found myself tackling things that I don’t think I have done since I was last in middle school – it actually kind of reminded me of being in a gym class which at my age was kind of fun and nostalgic. The one thing I will say, though, is that the trainer who was leading the class didn’t seem entirely engaged or interested in the participants.

I also tried out a couple of personal training sessions, but it seemed a bit disorganized in terms of pricing. One person said one thing and the other something else. I kind of like to know what I am getting myself into before committing to something financially. So, I don’t think I would recommend this place for personal training. That said I would say go and try out one of their group classes as it is something different and actually kind of fun – they even have an obstacle course! Prices are kind of high, though, for these classes – around $25 per class.

Passport to Prana

According to Passport to Prana’s website “Passport to Prana is your ticket to some of the best yoga classes in your city”.

So, here’s the deal.

You pay $30 for 48 yoga classes – math isn’t my strong suit, but I’m pretty sure that breaks down to under $1 per yoga class. A number of yoga studios throughout the GTA are participating and with your passport you can try all of them once.

All you need to do is buy the passport, check out the studios’ schedules, present your passport upon arrival at the studio, get it stamped and off you go to class.

How do I get this?

You  can either buy the passport online on their website or a few studios sell them.

Simply put you can’t go wrong buying this passport. What have you got to lose?

The only downside I foresee is that you may soon be receiving 48 different yoga studios’ newsletters.

Got questions?

Follow Passport to Prana on Twitter @PassportToPrana

People doing Zumba

So, after reading the recent article in the Globe and Mail about the latest fitness craze that is taking over Toronto I am kind of curious. What is Zumba? It has been a while since I have been in a dance class, but I’m pretty sure my dance skills have not really improved since I was last in one.  After reading the article, though, I am kind of curious. Maybe it is something to do with the fact that I would be burning up to 700 calories in one Zumba class. I also think it is sometimes good to try something that will put you out of your comfort zone. 

I wonder if I could convince someone to come with me. I am going to see if I can round up some friends to try this out. After all it is better to be embarrassed with a group of friends rather than alone!