Posts from — January 2010

I have a confession to make. I have become a DAVIDs tea addict. Each weekend I love to head to the store closest next to me and pick up a couple of new teas. No matter what mood I am in I always leave DAVIDs tea feeling happy. Maybe it has something to do with how friendly all of the staff are – they really seem to love their job. As the woman today said how could they not as there isn’t really anything stressful about tea. Very true. 

My top 3 picks to have: 
-Bear trap
-The Skinny  
-Glitter and Gold (available this winter only!)

So, after a winter workout why don’t you treat yourself to a tea at DAVIDs tea. You won’t be disappointed. Make the trip even better by bringing along a friend to catch up with.

This week I did some yoga at a place where I am a bit of ‘newbie’ – only been there once before. It was my first class with this teacher and right away I didn’t feel right in the class. There just seemed something too rushed about it. By the end I just wanted to get out of there.

What happened?

Not being the most flexible person I am not able to do this pose without bending my knee. My hamstrings just don’t seem to allow it. While get into the pose the teacher just came and started to yank my leg up into the position where she thought I should be. My issue with this is:

1. She didn’t ask if that was ok.

2. Since I have never been in her class before she doesn’t  know me and I don’t  know her which to me means she doesn’t know my limits yet. 

So, if you are a yoga teacher that does this please don’t. Approach people like me gently and don’t try to force us into positions. Maybe in time we will be able to get there, but not the first class.

In an earlier entry I wrote about Quad Spin’s 3 hour spinning class for Haiti. A great initiative and just after finding out about this I discovered that even more studios were organizing events in support of Haiti. Many of them a part of the Toronto Fitness for Haiti effort – something I just happened to stumble upon.

This morning I attended one of these classes at Core Studio and in just that one hour class over $900 was raised and will be donated to Doctors without Borders. Amazing. Just think of what would happen if even more studios offered their time and space. 

To find out more on events happening go to Fitness for Haiti’s Facebook page (or if you own a studio think about how you can help!)

I have a friend who currently gets up three times a week before 6 a.m. (a.k.a. the middle of the night for me). The reason for this madness? She does a 6 a.m. boot camp three times a week. Absolutely crazy, but very impressive. This friend has now inspired me enough to wonder if I too could workout in the morning? (Please note that in the past I have attempted to get up 30 minutes before my regular wake up time to do a brief 20 minute core workout and I have failed miserable each and every time.)

My requirements for a suitable morning workout:

-I have to go somewhere. If I say to myself I’ll go to the gym downstairs I will fail.

-It has to start at 7 a.m. and finish at 8 a.m.

-I need a facility where I can make myself presentable for work.

-I need to be able to get to work by 8:30 – 8:45 a.m.

Where I went?

I ended up going to Core Studio this week for their 7 a.m. Pilates boot camp. Since I pre-registered I knew I had to go. Surprisingly it was rather difficult to find a place that met all of my needs, especially timing ones.

How it went?

I only ended up having to wake up 45 minutes before my usual time, but it still felt way too early. I had prepared eveerything the night before, so all I had to do was throw on some clothes and go. Being lazy (and not wanting to take public transit) I called a cab to take me to the studio.

The class itself was good, although I think I was a little more irritable than usual when the teacher tried to correct me. I did find myself slightly panicked with time as well and kept checking the clock. Think this is more a personal trait of always needing to be on time…

Final thoughts?

Not entirely convinced that morning pre-work workout are right for me, but will try them once a week for a month to see if it is doable or to be perfectly honest something that I want to attempt.

Yesterday I received an email that made me happy. I had been wondering if any of Toronto’s fitness facilities would be organizing  anything in support of the recent earthquake that hit Haiti. I’m happy to say that Quad Spinning has organized a special spinning class this Sunday. The three hour cycle will take place at their Quad east location on Queen (3 p.m. start)  and all proceeds will be going Doctors without Borders (applied towards Haiti relief). Great idea.

So, how do you get involved?

Spots are limited so you need to pre-register. The suggested donation is $20 and you can spin for as much or as little time as you like. Even if you can’t make the cycle donations are still welcome. Check out their website for more details.

If anyone has more information on other facilities doing things like this let me know.