Last week I was invited to try out a Pilates class at Body Harmonics. I have heard a lot about the studio, but have never had the chance to check out any of their classes.

The class I did was taught by Body Harmonics’ owner and founder, Margot McKinnon and was machine-based. I didn’t manage to take any photos of the room with the machines, but you can find a photo of what they look like here.

At the start of the hour long class, Margot explained that the moves she was going to take us through would give us a taste of what Body Harmonics had to offer. Since she had never worked with any of us in the class before we weren’t going to be as focused on form unless we were doing something really wrong. I imagine it is quite difficult for a Pilates teacher to teach a class without correcting since it is normally such a detailed workout.

One of the main things  that I liked about the class was that it challenged both my body and my mind. What was really neat was how Margot would take you through a move and then revisit it later on in the class as a way to show you how your body could open up in such a short time. Who knew I could be so flexible?

We also got the chance to use “the foam roller”.

If you have never tried out a foam roller go and buy one now! It is the best (and pretty reasonably priced) way to open up your body and challenge your balancing skills.

At the end of the class we were also asked to stand up, close our eyes and just think about how our body felt after this class.I wish I could feel like this all day and every day. Wow. After even an hour class I felt stretched out, less stressed and less hunched. Not sure if the last one makes any sense! Oh, and my abs were also looking more defined

As for the studio space…it is beautiful. Had a very modern feel to it and was very clean. Definitely no qualms about walking around barefoot here!

If anyone if interested in trying out Body Harmonics they have an introductory special – $45 for an introductory consultation and one week all you want Pilates. For more details on this and their offerings check out their website!

It all started innocently enough. A 5 km run here and a 10 km run there. Supposedly it was a great way to get some exercise, meet some new people and see the city of Toronto.

But, after a while these short distances became boring for the one I love. In want of a greater challenge she decided to try out the half marathon and this time last year the full marathon. Now barely a day goes by without deep heat permeating my nostrils and the cupboard bare of Advil save for the empty container.

Weekends are often spent cheering at various races and carrying fuel belts that have been flung my way en route. Apparently it doesn’t matter how many cheering locations I get to en route – it is never enough. I also have also found myself ’signed up’ for a few 10km races in the hopes that  someday I too will join the ‘Running Room cult’.

With the half and full marathon successfully completed I now worry that she needs a greater challenge. Perhaps the ultra? Please God no.

Vacations while dating a runner are definitely interesting too. Runners often try to coincide their holidays with a big road race in an exotic locale. I never thought I would be holidaying in Washington D.C. this October, but of course that is when the Marine Corps Marathon takes place.

That said I would not have it any other way. My girlfriend is fit and happy. Besides how else would I learn about products such as Body Glide sunscreen and anti-chafing stick?

I thought it would be interesting to have the other half write up what it is like to date a runner, so he gets all credit for this entry.

Chances are you probably don’t watch Rogers Daytime TV, so I thought I would pass along this great Rogers clip which is all about Passport to Prana! Passport to Prana is this great concept which allows you to check out a number of yoga studios in Toronto for only…$30! Such a great deal. Check out their website for more details!

“We’re driven by our love, respect and obsession for authentic, all natural, fresh food. We do our best to celebrate real food and try not to mess around with honest taste that high quality, pure and simple ingredients have to offer.” ~ Delica Kitchen

For a while now I have been wanting to check out Delica Kitchen at Yonge & St. Clair. I finally had the chance to pop on Saturday after my Spynga spin class.

Delica Kitchen has got to be one of the cutest places in Toronto to grab food to go. When I walked in I truly wanted to try everything, but as I was on my way to meet friends for brunch I only treated myself to one of their “mini”desserts and a coffee (I thought I deserved something sweet after my 45 minute spin class!)

The flourless dark chocolate espresso bite I had was excellent – I wanted more, but I restrained myself!

One of the other items I wish I could have had were the homemade oreo cookies and the weekly tart!

My verdict?

I think I want to work at Yonge & St. Clair, so I can eat lunch here all the time.

This past week was a bit of a whirlwind. Lots to do at home and at work. I’m hoping that this week goes by just as fast because I can’t wait to get to the long weekend part! Don’t you just love long weekends?

Since I have been extremely relaxed with my blogging over the past week (a.k.a. not posting!) I thought it may just be easier to do a few of my week’s loves and hates.

The “loves”:

• Making it through a tough 10km tempo run. I may not have loved this run while actually running it, but I was mighty proud that I made it through.
• Going to a boot camp class with a colleague. It was a fun way to pass an hour and to also incorporate some form of strength training into my life again!
• Checking out two Toronto restaurants which were participating in Summerlicious
• Making this smoked salmon concoction with wild rice:

• Getting to eat some delicious corn:

The “hates”:

• The two blisters on the sides of my big toes -I was a bit lazy with replacing my running shoes this time round and now am having an ongoing battle with blisters Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make blisters heal faster?
• Not having a favourite Pilates teacher around anymore – I have taken a membership at a studio which I love. Part of the reason I love it though was because of a certain teacher. Now she’s gone and I have lost some motivation to sign-up for classes there. Sigh. Sometimes I hate change.
• The fact that summer is coming to close in a month. Why does summer ever have to end?