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Choosing the Gym that’s Right for You
New Year’s resolutions may be long-forgotten, but with summer fast approaching, many people will find motivation to start working out again—and maybe even join a gym. With so many different gyms and ways to workout, this can be a daunting task. It’s easy to get roped into paying more for extra services when you don’t even know if you will enjoy them. A good place to start is comparing the differences between working out alone versus joining group workout sessions. In the Danforth community, there are two different big-name gyms, each with very different ways of operating. One of them is GoodLife Fitness. At GoodLife Fitness, each member has access…
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Hot Yoga: what is it and 7 things you’ll want to know before going!
Hot yoga is practised in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. After months of listening to some of my friends rave about this trend and others mock it, I finally decided to give it a try.
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3 Great East Side Independent Gyms
Toronto’s east side is brimming with high-level independent gyms that appeal to a broad range of fitness fanatics.
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Barre Fitness: How to Look and Feel Your Best
What would you do if you knew you were meant to be a ballerina? Likely take ballet classes. Well I did, and I blew it. I was seven years old, and my mom demanded that I acquire a talent. The only song I could marginally play on the recorder was Ba Ba Black Sheep, and even that raised cries of alarm. We all knew I wasn’t meant for sports; I just didn’t have the coordination. So, what else was there for a seven-year-old who was hopelessly inept? Ballet. As soon as my mom signed me up for classes, I was ready—pink tutu, tights and all. How long did I last?…
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8 Ways to Set Goals and Stay Motivated
Every new year, we use our resolutions to admit to the world ways in which we want to better ourselves. For a lot of us, it’s about being healthier, wealthier, and wiser. But, by the time we’ve gotten all of the turkey and wine out of our system, our resolutions have begun to waver and fade. Here are some tips to bolster your determination without burning yourself out: 1. Think of it as a Challenge A “goal” is an ideal image that floats above our heads, nice and neat like a finished painting. For all its positive connotations, thinking of a resolution as a goal can disconnect it from the…
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5 Tips on How to Start Ballet as an Adult
Have you ever watched a famous ballet performance—The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, or Swan Lake—and wished that you had taken those ballet lessons when you were younger? Whether you’re 22 or 52, don’t let your age stop you from trying something new. Unsure where to find a beginners’ class? Check online or call your local dance studio. If you really have no idea and you’re in the Toronto area, Canada’s National Ballet School has adult classes you can sign up for. Ballet is as much an exercise of your mind as it is of your body Pull up, turn out, keep your shoulders down, point your toes, and remember the exercise.…
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Lower Body Blaster
Moderate and advanced exercises for toning your lower body BY ANISSA STAMBOULI If you spend most of your day sitting in class or at work, or while away the winter hours on your couch watching Netflix (no judging), then your glutes and thighs may be due for a tune-up. The following exercise should take between 45-60 minutes, including light stretching at the end. Be sure to warm up with at least five minutes of non-intensive cardio or stretching, and have a bottle of water and some upbeat music on hand (OTD TIP: Girl Talk, All Day) *Most of the following are intervals, meaning you will do the first exercise, and then jump…
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Don’t Run Your Feet into the Ground
How shoes contribute to your head-to-toe health BY ANISSA STAMBOULI A person’s confidence is reflected in the way that they carry themselves. Matching shoes to a style of life is very important, but so is matching shoes to a pair of feet. Whether you’re athletic, chic, or casual, having the proper shoe can make all the difference in your physical well-being and performance. “Get your shoe measured properly by an expert. We spend so much time in our shoes that the wrong fit will kill your day,” wrote Running Room is a great place to have your feet evaluated. By observing the way you walk and the arch of…
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Play On: Refresh Your Workout
Fresh Playlists to Keep You Moving! By Jessica Herrington I am continually on the lookout for new, pulse-pounding songs to add to my iPod to push me through those sweaty, endurance-testing workouts. Remember: music is an awesome motivational tool. I previously created two stimulating playlists for you here. For those of you looking to update your workout playlist, I have composed another two, based on genre preferences, to keep you going. Use these songs to beat boredom and refresh your current playlist.
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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.…
