Category — Trends

It has been a while since I have done one of my local loves and the one today is all about fitness!

Mid Month Motivation: Two local women, Eva Redpath and Robyn Baldwin, have just launched a mid month motivational series all about fitness and nutrition. Both Eva and Robyn have backgrounds in fitness and are now sharing tips via this video series. The first video talks about different levels of pushups, nutrition bars and water consumption. The video was not too long and is the perfect thing to watch on your lunch break (that is your company doesn’t block access to YouTube!). My only slightly negative comment was around the spelling of the word entrepreneur in the video. Incorrect spelling is a pet peeve of mine. Watch now I’m probably going to spell something wrong in this blog post! Lol.

Elevate to Exhale: Sorry for the late notice on this one, but if you have some time to kill this coming Monday (June 21) you may want to check out Elevate to Exhale. Spearheaded by Spynga this summer solstice event offers different types of fitness’n'nutrition sessions throughout the day. All session are free and will take place at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Toronto’s trails: One of the reasons that summer makes me happy is because I can finally make use of Toronto’s trail systems. I really love running on these trails and highly recommend checking them out.

I hope you are all having wonderful weekends! I’m a little bit under the weather today – all week I haven’t been at my usual energy levels and then today I woke up with a cold. So have spent most of the day in bed and watching reruns of Top Chef! B just bought me a cookbook I have been wanting for a while (Good food for all) to cheer me up, so I think I may spend the rest of the evening looking over recipes I wish I had the energy to make!

Kettlebells have always kind of intimidated me, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I agreed to go with a friend of mine to a 45 minute kettlebell class at Energia Athletics this morning. It’s been a while since I tried out a new type of workout, so I thought it may not be a bad idea to switch the things up this Saturday morning. She’s been going for awhile and loves it!

So, what exactly is a kettlebell class? That was the question I received this morning from my Dad. My answer? “Umm, I think it’s a strength training class that uses weights kind of shaped like kettle.” Not entirely incorrect as the weights are kind of shaped like kettles! But technically a kettlebell class  ”uses kettlebell weights combined with energetic, fast paced movement to build endurance, strength, flexibility and lean muscles while burning lots of calories” (Energia).

The class itself is split into a few different components – a warm up, skill building bit where you learn some of the basic moves, a power circuit and then the cool down. There isn’t a lot of ‘moves’ to learn in the class I went to, but all of the moves you do learn require a lot of thinking. There were plenty of weights to choose from but I stuck to the 5 lb baby. I was encouraged a bit to go up in weight, but 5 lbs was more than enough for me. I also have learned over the years that my body responds better to lighter weights. Is funny all instructors always tell me don’t worry you won’t bulk up with heavier weights, but I actually do. So, I have decided to just follow what is right for me.

Overall thoughts? It was fun and a good way to start a Saturday morning. Was also a great ‘quick and dirty workout’ as the instructor said. I was also warned that I would be sore after my first class. I can definitely attest to that. I am already sore! Instructor was also good with newbies. Word of warning if you do the class – you’ll be asked to go in the front row so she can keep an eye on you!

While I may not have been old enough to remember Jane Fonda’s fitness heyday I do know that she is kind of a fitness icon and would be fun to see in action. I mean who doesn’t want to say that they took a class with Jane Fonda?

On May 1, people will have their chance as Ms. Fonda is hosting the first ever World Fitness Day in Atlanta. According to their website this day will be “will be a spectacular exhibition of fun, high energy, entertainment, and celebrity trainers joined by thousands of workout participants”.

Sadly I don’t live in Atlanta , but thanks to technology I can still participate. You can watch the event online via Ustream at www.worldfitnessday.org and www.facebook.com/JaneFonda.

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.