Tag Archive for Exercise

| February 4, 2013
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A Year of Firsts

Photo by Powel Loj

Photo by Powel Loj

Rediscover Your City Today

By Natasha Tsakiris

Do you remember the first time you learned to ride a bike? What about driving a car? The first time you learned to read or tie your shoes? Do you remember the excitement and pride that you felt as a child when you discovered you could accomplish something new?

When was the last time you did something spontaneous?

In the spirit of the New Year, I made some resolutions and goals: exercise more, write more, and many others. The most important goal I made though is to be an adventurer of sorts, using each and every day as a chance to learn and grow. In short, to experience a year of firsts.

With Toronto bursting with culture and exciting things to do, see, and taste, now is the perfect time to rediscover the city and maybe even rediscover yourself. You may surprise yourself and pick up a new hobby along the way.
So get ready to get your hands dirty, your body moving, and your mind learning with these fun options to keep you busy this winter. Read more

Category: Arts & Entertainment, Lifestyle | Tags: , , ,
| January 16, 2013
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How do you spend your leisure time?

Reading

Chillin’ Out

By Rebecca Taylor

If you are like me, after a long day at work or school, you like to kick back and relax. Often, just sitting in front of the television or putting on your favourite movie does the trick. But after a really awful day, my all-time favourite mode of de-stressing is grabbing an ice cold beer and reading a book.

How do you spend your leisure time?


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Category: Blog | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| January 9, 2013
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Stick To It!

Tips to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

By Jessica Herrington

It’s January… and you know what that means. It means you dig out that old gym bag from the back of your closet; it means you dust off those running shoes and rescue your bike from being used as a clothes hanger; it means you Google “healthy eating” and you resolve to plan out a nutritious meal plan for each week; it means you stock up on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and a stack of fitness magazines. And although you start off your quest for a “new” you with as much vigour as an Olympic sprinter, towards the end of the month that effort often starts to dissipate. So how can you maintain that enthusiasm and ensure you reach your goals? Make a resolution to stick to your resolution by following these five simple guidelines:

DSCF2041 edit

Photos by Jessica Herrington

 

1. Be specific

It’s easy to say you want to start eating healthier or you want to lose some weight, but being vague makes it easy to stray from your goals by giving you too much leeway. You’ll find yourself justifying eating that plate of nachos because it had tomatoes in it or because you took the stairs instead of the elevator. Try being specific about what you want to achieve, such as saying you want to incorporate vegetables in every meal or you want to be able to run at a steady pace for 30 minutes straight.

DSCF2048

2. Be realistic

One surefire way to fall short of your goals is to make them unattainable. Are you really going to give up eating all your favourite foods? Are you really going to lose 20 pounds in a month? Be honest with yourself when setting your goals, otherwise you’ll end up feeling discouraged, deprived, and resentful.

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Category: Health & Wellness | Tags: , , , ,
| December 22, 2012
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Stay in the Groove!

Playlists to Keep Your Legs Moving

By Jessica Herrington

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or an eager beginner, you might need a little boost here and there when it comes to giving it your all in a run. Winter is a time I find it especially hard to get moving. Thankfully, music can be a powerful motivator and performance enhancer; the right tune can be just what I need to push myself hard for those last 60 seconds. I’ve included two playlists—one for those who are partial to pop, dance, or hip-hop (provided by fellow runner Stephanie Chow), and one for those (like me) who like metal, rock and alternative. These are our go-to songs for a powerful run.

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/666_is_money/

Photo by 666 is Money

The ordering of songs is crucial. I put those with a slightly slower tempo at the beginning for warm-up, those that are faster make up the bulk of the list for higher-intensity running, and I again put a couple of slower ones at the end to cool down. Use one of these playlists to get your blood pumping and kick your run into high gear.

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Category: Health & Wellness | Tags: , , , , , , ,
| March 22, 2012
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Profile: Shawn Adams

Archery

Archery instructor shares why this ancient art is gaining new momentum in 2012.

by Amanda Grinstead

If you’re looking to try something new and fun on the Danforth, archery classes with Shawn Adams are right on the mark! On the Danforth spoke with Adams to learn more about the growing popularity of this sport and how he got his start in the business.

On The Danforth: How did you become involved with archery?
Shawn Adams: I was working at a medieval fair in Michigan. I saw an exhibit for archery and wanted to learn more about it.

OTD: What motivated you to start teaching archery lessons?
SA: Well, being a student and teaching it went hand in hand. I was giving medieval talks at Casa Loma, and they asked me if I could do some archery classes. In 2007, I took a lot of courses and received coaching from a top coach in Ottawa and made archery my life that year. I immersed myself in it.

OTD: Do you think archery is a sport that everyone can enjoy and excel at? Why?
SA: Yes. It is something anyone can excel at. Just about anyone can reach a fairly high level as long as they apply themselves and are determined. There’s something strangely exhilarating about it, and there’s a romantic factor with archery. We all had an ancestor involved with archery at one point or another. We all had an ancestor who probably used a bow. You can’t say the same about a hockey stick or a tennis racket, because those sports weren’t part of our survival.

OTD: What skills do you teach in your classes?
SA: I teach students about body positioning. Just about every reflex we have with archery is wrong. Students walk in and usually focus on the target, and that’s what they care about. But their body positioning is the key factor.

OTD: Where do you host your classes and how many weeks do the programs run for?
SA: I teach classes out of Eastminster United Church (310 Danforth Avenue) and at Casa Loma. I teach weekly sessions on Wednesdays at Eastminster United from 6:30-9:30 pm and the programs are monthly.

OTD: What is the average cost of your classes and workshops?
SA: It is $80 if you have your own equipment and $100 with a bow rental.

OTD: Is there a growing number of people joining archery? Why do you think that is?
SA: Definitely! The media is really pushing archery this year. There are a lot of movies coming out this year with strong archery content; where the main character is an archer. There’s The Hunger Games, the Pixar movie Brave and The Avengers’ character Hawkeye also uses a bow. I’ve already had some people join my classes because of The Hunger Games. They read the novels and it inspired them. So I think movies will be a very powerful factor this year. Interest is also greater because of the Olympics this summer since archery is one of the sports in the Games. Archery is getting a lot of attention in the media.

OTD: What is the best way to contact you with questions and sign up for classes?
SA: I can be reached by email at shawnsarchery@yahoo.com or through the Facebook page: Shawn’s Archery Instruction Toronto.

Category: Health & Wellness | Tags: , , , , , , , ,
| March 14, 2012
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Lose weight without sacrificing your favourite foods

photo by Sanja Gjenero, Croatia, 2009.

MyFitnessPal, an online calorie-counter and daily exercise journal. We put this free weight-loss tool to the test.

by Cassandre Cadieux

Is it your goal to look and feel better? You’re not alone. According to the Heart and Stroke foundation, more than 36% of Canadians are overweight, and over 23% are obese. That means a majority of the population is in danger of developing heart-related or other illnesses, merely because of weight issues. There are hundreds of reasons why weight is the furthest thing from everyone’s minds, but what Canadians need to know are some simple tricks to weight loss that work: moderation and paying attention to what we are putting in our bodies.

photo by Sanja Gjenero, Croatia, 2009.

MyFitnessPal (MFP) is an online tool that allows its users to track what they are eating and what they are burning off everyday. The concept is simple: users input their fitness goals and the website automatically calculates how many calories, carbohydrates, and other nutrients they should be consuming on a daily basis to reach their goals. Exercise can also be logged into the system, and the calories burned are taken into account on daily food allowances. That means that if you input that you did 30 minutes of circuit training and burned 350 calories, the system updates your daily calorie intake to include those extra calories. It even has a free app available for download on any smartphone or tablet to help with easy food and exercise tracking on the go. This means that while you’re doing yoga or grabbing a quick lunch, you can input the information on the spot without having to remember it later in the day. MFP’s simplicity makes it easy to integrate into your daily routine while also teaching users that they can still eat the food they love even if that includes shortbread cookies, as long as it’s in moderation.

photo by Cienpies, Uruguay, 2009.

Like other calorie-counting websites, MFP includes a social media tool that allows users to meet other people from all over the world and share their weight loss journey with them. It is unique in the fact that it is much more like Facebook than a blog or forum, creating a sense of community. Users can interact with ease and about anything, discussing topics outside of weight loss, such as their obsession with karaoke. Unlike calorie-tracking websites, MFP isn’t complex and is suitable for users who are on the move and need something easy to navigate, with no complicated bells and whistles.

It takes some effort to achieve your goals, but MFP makes a calorie-counting lifestyle a pleasant experience as it is more than just dieting: it is a social affair. With MFP, your body will be beach-ready in no time.

Category: Health & Wellness | Tags: , , , , , ,
| February 27, 2012
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Relight Your Fire

Relight Your Fire

5 tips for reigniting your fitness passion

by Lindsay Ulrich

For many, fitness can follow a boom-and-bust pattern.  Many people can be deep in an intense fitness regime for multiple months, only to find themselves and worn out and too tired with the responsibilities of everyday life, the next.  Since the only thing more difficult than starting a fitness schedule is re-starting one, here are some tips for any wayfaring workout devotees who are trying to find their way back home.

1. Start small

When you think about returning to your regime, chances are you’re thinking that to exercise again you’ll have to start with where you left off. Whether this deters you from working out, or tempts you to want to return full-blown into the routine you were once used to, you should slow down and reconsider.  Remember that it’s been a while, and you’ll probably have to start building up your strength and endurance back to where it was.  You don’t want to burn yourself out. This takes time and patience and if you rush into it, you may be setting yourself up for disaster.

2. Try Something Different

A common reason that people stop exercising is simple boredom.  Routines can get lacklustre fast, so try to switch it up.  Most gyms and classes have a one-free-trial policy, so look online for lessons or classes near you and drop in for yoga, pilates, dancing lessons, karate, or capoeira.

3. Focus on Today

Regret can be a workout crusher and motivation destroyer!  Try not to feel guilty about lost workouts of your past and focus on what’s within your power now.  Keep your focus on the fact that you’re getting physical activity in your life again, instead of on the gap between where you are now and where you used to be. Think forward and focus on your future workouts.

4. Get Motivated

Getting mentally pumped before a run or workout is important.  Luckily with YouTube, it’s also really easy to check out videos of your favourite fitness icons.  If you focus on fitness-specific videos, it can also be a great way to learn new exercises, or incorporate new exercises into your routine that cater to any specific needs you might have.

Some YouTube recommendations:

BodyRock TV http://www.youtube.com/user/charliejames1975

Yoga with Esther Ekhart http://www.youtube.com/user/yogatic

DietHealth http://www.youtube.com/user/diethealth

Pilates Anytime http://www.youtube.com/user/PilatesAnytime?feature=pvchclk

5. Start

The hardest part of working out is putting one foot in front of the other and getting out the door. Luckily though, that’s all you have to do to get started. Put your shoes on and start walking – momentum will carry you from there!

Category: Health & Wellness | Tags: , , , , , , , ,
| February 22, 2012
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Head Out to Workout

Debbie Schiel, Luxembourg, 2006.

Learn to enjoy the cold winter weather by trying some new outdoor activities that will boost your heart rate and your happiness.

by Amy Postma

When winter hits, the snow and cold weather can be depressing and uninspiring. There are, however, still many ways to enjoy the outdoors and have fun with your fitness. Winter is a great chance to change up your fitness routine and keep you interested in your exercise program. Depending on what muscles you want to target and what sort of workout you are aiming for, Janet Hughes, certified personal trainer, suggests trading your indoor workouts for outdoor options, such as ice climbing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or hockey. These workout substitutions can help create a natural cross-training program as well as “changing the demand on the body and eliminating the potential for repetitive use injuries,” Hughes explains.

photo by Debbie Schiel, Luxembourg, 2006.

If you are looking for options close to home to fill in time between visits to the gym, you can make use of your neighbourhood by heading to a local park. Go for a refreshing winter hike on the Lower Don Recreation Trail, or head to Withrow Park with your children, nieces, nephews, or young neighbours for some snow activities. Not only will it be fun to relive your childhood, you will get an unbelievable workout climbing the tobogganing hill, rolling giant snowballs, or hauling kids on sleds across the snow. For skating options, Withrow Park and Riverdale Park both have outdoor rinks open to the public for ice-skating or pickup hockey. If you are looking for an intense cardio workout, you can use a neighbourhood park to create your own winter boot camp routine. Create a circuit by weaving in and out of stationary swings and doing chin ups on the monkey bars. You can combine this with skipping rope, jumping jacks, or climbing up the jungle gym. If you are limited on free time or really want to stay close to home, even the mundane act of shovelling snow can be seen as an opportunity to burn calories instead of a dreaded chore.

In the wintertime, safety when exercising outdoors is of the utmost importance in order to get the most out of your workout without doing damage to your body. With ice, slush, and snow, the options of hurting yourself by slipping, falling, or freezing through wet socks are endless. Hughes offers the following tips to ensure you maximize both your workout and safety:

  • Stay hydrated with fluids that are at least room temperature
  • Be aware of all safety precautions for the activity in which you will be participating
  • Save stretching for after your workout when your muscles have been warmed up
  • Dress in reflective clothing, as it gets dark very early in the winter
  • Dress in layers so that you can alter your clothing to help keep you warm but not sweating throughout your activity. Sweat can be dangerous as it can decrease your clothing’s insulation quality and will cool your body once it has evaporated
  • Have a snack handy when exercising outdoors — it takes a lot of energy to stay warm and you may find yourself in need of some extra energy sooner than normal
  • Above all, use common sense
Category: Health & Wellness | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
| February 15, 2012
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Flexible Fitness

California, 2005

In the Danforth area, it is only a short walk or jog away to the nearest facility to get your fitness fix.

by Amy Postma

The Danforth is lined with a variety of different gyms, studios, and spas, and the opportunities to get creative with your workout are endless. From Latin dance inspired fitness classes to full service gyms, East York offers it all. Read on for a selection of what is available as well as what deals to look out for:

photo by Simon Cataudo, 2003, from www.sxc.hu

Energizing and Fun:

• Felinity Inc: offers classes for women, focused on mind and body fitness. They include fun options like pole dancing, hula hooping, Zumba, and Fatblast. In addition, they offer girls night out parties as well as drop in classes.

• Hannan’s Belly Dance Studio: has ongoing enticing promotions as well as flexible payment options, such as drop in rates and free classes in exchange for volunteer time. And if you are a new student, your first class is free.

• Joy of Dance Centre: check out their monthly class specials, as low as $10. They offer a multitude of options including traditional Latin dance styles, belly dance, and Zumba.

High Intensity:

• Japan Martial Arts Centre: offers both kickboxing and karate classes for all levels with private classes available.

• Extreme Fitness: offers flexibility and variety with an extensive lineup of classes including step, spinning, yoga, and bootcamp. They offer a 7-day pass to test out the club before committing to a membership.

• Energia Athletics: take part in drop in classes in cross-training, running, yoga, kettlebell, and spinning. Try your first week of unlimited classes for only $20.

Photo by Ayeyah, California, 2005

Yoga:

• The Yoga Sanctuary: includes a diverse and broad range of classes and offers new students 10 days of unlimited yoga for $20.

• Moksha Yoga: specializes in hot yoga, and also offers new students 10 consecutive days of yoga for $20.

• Vital Breath Studio: offers classes in yoga and qigong, a meditative, calming exercise, for all levels, with private classes available.

Innovative:

• T-Zone Vibrations: provides an exercise technology that provides low-impact vibration muscle engagement. The machine is used for many health benefits, including toning, weight loss, and rehabilitation, with much less time commitment than traditional exercise.

• Elements of Fitness: Offers personal training and massage therapy as well as Power Plate Certified Training, which also works your muscles through vibration. Your first consultation is free.

For a full listing of health and fitness clubs and their addresses, check out the Danforth BIA fitness listings.

Category: Health & Wellness | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
| February 13, 2012
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Keep Sweating, Frosty

Footprint in Snow

5 Ideas to keep you active during the cold month

by Lindsay Ulrich

It’s chilly out there!  We Canadians know that winters can be ruthless, and as the weather grows colder it’s easy to want to curl up and lounge on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate or bowl of soup.  The transition between seasons can be tough to bear, but it’s important to stay active this winter in order to avoid falling into a sedentary sinkhole.  Though skiing and snowboarding are great winter sports, they aren’t always practical for someone looking for consistent exercise.  Here are some accessible options to try.

 

Try something different - Try replacing a part of your routine with something simple at first.  Walk to the store instead of drive, or try winter biking instead of using public transport.  You never know, you might end up liking the change.  Or try something really different, like using your free time to take up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try, like ice sculpting, tango lessons, martial arts, or archery.

Join a gym or league – Winter is the perfect time to buy a gym membership, or participate in an indoor sport or league you’ve been interested in.  While it’s cold outside, you can be working up a sweat inside with spinning, yoga, pilates, playing hockey, or kickboxing.

Lace up – Whether you prefer shinny or figure skating, the city has you covered. Toronto has over 90 free public skating rinks, and the city updates its page daily regarding the status of their rinks. Outdoor rink info can be found here (http://www.toronto.ca/parks/skating/outdoor-rinks.htm) and indoor rink info can be found here (http://www.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/indoor-rinks/index.htm).  Be sure to check online for indoor rink hours and allotted rink activity schedules.

Boot up – There’s nothing like the magic of a winter walk.  Whether solitary, or accompanied by your friends or loved ones, a winter hike can refresh your spirits and inspire appreciation for the beauty of the season.  Grab a sturdy pair of boots and get outside!  Get some fresh hiking ideas at torontohiking.com, (http://www.torontohiking.com/tohi/) or check out the Toronto Outdoor Club. (http://www.torontooutdoorclub.com/)

Suit up – Change into a snowsuit and be a kid again — go tobogganing, make snow angels, or build a snow fort. Relive the snow-loving days of your youth and make a mess in that fluffy white stuff we too often love to hate.

Category: Health & Wellness | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
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