Posts from — September 2009

Be a ninja for an afternoon

Have you ever wanted to know what it takes to be a ninja? Well, now is your chance. On October 17, Casa Loma is offering a 3 hour Ninja Combat Workshop. In this session people will learn how to move, think and fight like a ninja. On their website they write that you will “discover how to use your shadow as a shield, walk without sound and win without fighting.”

I’m also guessing that this is going to be a pretty intense workout and would also  be the perfect gift for the guy or girl in your life who still remember and heart Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

All skill levels are welcome and people above the age of 14. To learn more all you have to do is email operations@casaloma.org. To register you need to call 416.923.1171 ext 205/215.

This Toronto workout tip is courtesy of my friend and former colleague who also happens to be doing some great work looking at past & present Toronto.

Week 4 measurements...next week

Well, week 3 of my recently extended Booty Camp experience is now complete. For those of you who haven’t heard I took the plunge and signed up for the next four week session; mainly because the whole experience has been so fun, but also because I have a funny feeling I’ll be seeing better results after 8 weeks!

Week three was a tough week. I did three booty camp sessions (one was a make up one), coached my for women only running clinic and ran my own half marathon on Sunday – yes, I may be nuts. The good thing is that I actually felt really strong during yesterday’s half marathon which to me means that Booty camp must be working!

There were two things that I discovered during week 3 of Booty Camp:

1. Each location is unique and challenging in its own way. What do I mean by this? As I had to make up a session I went to a different Toronto location. There were a lot more hills in this one, so the instructor was really able to kick our butts with the cardio. On the flip side there weren’t a lot of places for things like one legged squats and tricep dips.

2. The workouts get progressively more difficult, but still doable. I’m not sure what an “eccentric pushup is” but I was doing them. I also was doing a lot of squats and have a funny feeling we may be moving toward things like squat jumps.

Up next…Week 4 and mid-point measurements. Not sure how these will go as I think I may need to cut out a few poor food choices to see maximum results!

Today I’m off to pick up my half marathon race kit. It is strange to think that this time last year I was going to this exact same expo to pick up my race kit for my first full marathon.

A lot has changed in my life in the last year, but the one thing that has remained constant for me is that running has made me believe in myself and in what I can do. In the blog I kept last summer I wrote:

Crossing that finish line has made me realize that I can achieve the things I set my mind too. Impossible really is nothing.

With less than 30 days to go until my next marathon I know that one of the most important things I need to do is keep my mind focused on crossing that finish line. The physical ability is there, yet at times the mind plays cruel tricks on you and makes you think that you can’t achieve your goals. But I know I can.

Good luck to all of you running your first race this weekend in Toronto! Believe in yourself!

To read what it was like for me to run my first marathon you can check out the blog I kept throughout training.

The Shock Absorber

We’re now three weeks into our post-holiday lives. While some of us may be having a difficult time easing out of our lazy summer schedules many of us will have started new training programs or classes, refreshed and ready to devote ourselves to an all-around healthy lifestyle.

Why not treat yourself to a new sports bra to give you the support and motivation to help you achieve success?

There are a few reasons why a well fit sports bra can improve your workout or compliment your sports activity.

Firstly, our breasts are supported by two ligaments called Cooper’s Ligaments, which suspend our bosoms and help to keep them in their natural position. These ligaments can be pushed to their limits and can stretch out or break if not well supported. This can happen if the bosom dramatically grows for nursing or as we age. When this happens the breasts start to fall out of their normal shape and will lower and change in firmness. While for some this is unimportant, for others it is desirable to keep the ladies up and at attention.

A sports bra can encapsulate or compress the breasts. One style will usually better suit each individual. To best understand what happens to your bosoms when you are active stand naked in front of a mirror and jump or jog on the spot. Observe how the breasts move around, up, down, back and forth, side to side. Imagine running without a bra or even without a supportive bra. Hardly fair for the ladies, is it?

To get the best support and the most comfort try one of the following types of bras:

Try a bra that encapsulates the breasts, which will control the movement in all of the above directions. It will pull in on the sides, separate in the middle, support from below and contain the upward bounce. This bra will be most noticeable by its non-stretch upper band that rests above the bosom.

You can also try a compression bra that pushes the ladies down, pancake-ing them to the chest wall. The result is often less movement because less of the bosom comes away from the body. These bras are recognized by the lack of individual cups and a band like structure across the chest.

When trying on sports bras it is best to work with a bra fitter who understands your size and the product you are trying. She takes information about what your activity is and brings you appropriate styles. A bra fitter will have you try different styles to help you find the style you will like best for your activity and lifestyle. As well, she will ask you to jump or jog on the spot so you can compare the support of the different bras you are trying.

Bras come in cups A-J cup, 28-44 back! With this many sizes it makes sense to find the one that best suits your individual shape. A sports bra is just as important as a good pair of shoes and should be replaced when the band has stretched out.

Tips for shopping without a bra fitter:

1. When the bra is on make sure you have pulled your bosoms into the cup to confirm you are filling out the cup.
2. Make sure the straps have been adjusted so they are comfortable to shrug. Alert: If you are shorter and there is no strap adjuster, beware that you may not have the ability to adjust the tension to properly support you.
3. Replicate movements that you will be making in your activity to make sure there are no restrictions or friction.
4. Jump or jog on the spot to confirm you are receiving the support you need.

At secrets from your sister we offer a great fitting service, so come on in and let us help you find a great supportive sports bra. As an extra motivating factor…this month $1 from every sports bra sold will be put towards a small business loan which will go to a lucky member of Kiva.

Next month tune in for:
Tips for moms: When to get your daughter her first sports bra.

This post was written by guest blogger, Jennifer Klein. Jennifer is the owner of secrets from your sister.

Credit: Zazzle tshirt

This weekend one of Toronto’s biggest running events will take place – the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront. This marathon is marketed as “Canada’s #1 big city marathon”. I have no clue how many people in total will be running, but I know that it will be busy. I also know that it will be a great weekend for picking up all sorts of goodies.

Even if you aren’t a runner head down to the expo and stock up on all sorts of goodies. There are usually some great deals to be had on shoes and clothing! You will also be able to pick up some samples of products like Clif bars and all sorts of sports nutrition type thing!

There will also be some fun exhibitors there and you may be able to pick up some Christmas stocking stuffers! Never too early to start! Last year I picked up some pairs of Dirty Girl undies which have some great slogans on them and are super comfortable! Perfect gifts for any runner in your life!

PS: If you have some time come cheer some of us runners on! I’ll be running the half marathon!