Across BC, all students young and old will get a full two-week break. This year might once again look different as we enter into our second spring break pandemic. However, we must look on the bright side as it should surely better than last as we are able to get out a bit more. Not sure what to do? We already got ours planned, see below for some of my families safe planned Spring Break activities. Read More→
Archive for Getting Outdoors
Pandemic aside, we all know when the weather turns, some of us begin to hibernate indoors. It is certainly not a bad thing, especially if you are sitting beside the fire, with a book in one hand and a hot cocoa in the other. But we all know that too many days spent in is not always the best. Did I forget to mention that it is dark at 4:30pm too?
So how can we beat the cool rainy days and still give our body all the feel goods we need? Read More→
Fourty years ago, a Marathon of Hope began. Some of you will have remembered where you were or maybe the season you heard of a young boy embarking on a journey of running from St.John’s, Newfoundland all the way across Canada to finish in Vancouver. That man was Terry Fox. Today is the annual Terry Fox Run. A time to remember a legend, one that said nothing is impossible. He ran 42km a day with a prosthesis leg, which was said was unheard of because it was not made to run on. Bad weather, running into the wind, chafing, dealing with cancer were the things he was dealing with as he ran each day.
Today my three young children and I ran for Terry. Due to COVID, running events needed to be done virtually, the tag line was ‘One day, your way’. We did just that, we started our day with a run to commemorate Terry Fox. I have three children under 5, so a half mile run is a big deal for a 2-year old. But it wasn’t about the distance it was teaching them about a legend, encouraging them that we can do anything and not giving up in the hard times.
Maybe you know where I am going with this, but if you have a few minutes watch Terry’s story. See a young man at 18 years old as he was told he had a tumor in his leg. It had to be amputated. As a competitive runner, I cannot even imagine losing my leg, let alone running a marathon a day with only one. Terry took something tragic and said I am going to do something great with my story. I want to live a legacy; I want to do what others would think are impossible because all things are possible if you try.
Are you feeling fatigue because of COVID? Have you let COVID tell your story or did you tell COVID, I choose to beat you?
These last 6 months sure have not been easy for anyone, a lot of us are living in our first pandemic. But I want to encourage you that you can not let it take from you. Just like Terry we too can conquer tough times. What Terry did was a lot harder than what most of us are currently dealing with. I encourage you to spend time with the close family and friends that you have chosen to bubble with, take time for yourself, commit to getting outside and exercising, read, and maybe even learn something new.
Sam Mitchel, past coach of the Toronto Raptors says it best,
“Tough times, make tough people.”
Photo Credit: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EiX2cHXVkAYKNVe?format=jpg&name=medium
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MaryAnna Robbins CSEP-CPT, OFC RHEP – Group Exercise, Resistance Trainer, Yoga & Pilates Fitness
In my last blog, I didn’t feel that I gave you enough hikes to explore. I felt I wanted to share more hikes that you can enjoy during these last weeks of summer. As promised, here are a few more of our most favorite hikes. Read More→
Hiking in British Columbia has endless opportunities. It seems like everywhere you turn there is a trail, a mountain, a river to explore. Two years ago my family and I moved across the country from Ontario to beautiful BC. As a family we began to explore BC and all it had to offer. Two years later our new hobby has grown to a new level. Read More→
Exercise
Go for a run, take a bike ride, create a backyard circuit, climb the stairs, or do some yoga. Stuck indoors? Then live stream an exercise class. If you do not have weights, use your body weight to continue building strength. Read More→
Staying Motivated and sticking with your workout plan isn’t always easy.
Here’s how to stay motivated into the cooler months. (Excuses & Solutions)
Excuse “It’s too hard to get out of bed on cold, dark mornings!”
Solutions:
● Create Heat – make sure the room is warm when you get up. Or better yet, put your workout clothes on the radiator so they are warm and ready to go.
● Find a Friend – find someone who will commit to joining you in the morning for walks or workouts and hold you accountable for showing up. Accountability can make all the difference!
Excuse “I may be out of bed but I still don’t want to workout.”
Solution:
● Dress the Part – the truth is there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices. If you’ve balked at the cost of higher-priced outdoor gear, just ask anyone who’s used them: The price is easily offset by the increase in enjoyment, comfort, and enthusiasm. Or, maybe it’s time to treat yourself: New gear might be the bribe you need to get outdoors.
Excuse “It’s too much hassle”
Solution:
● Keep it Simple, Smarty (K.I.S.S.) – the best way to overcome our excuses is not to create them in the first place. If you have to drive too far in the snow or ride a cold subway across town, you’re creating extra hurdles that will attract excuses.
Go for a 25 minute run around the office block at lunch, do 3 laps of your neighbourhood first thing, or switch things up at the gym by using only the machines you don’t have to wait for. You’ll finish a quality workout with less hassle and at a pace that feels rewarding.
Excuse “I can’t find the same passion or fire to do it regularly”
Solution:
● Use mini-goals for major rewards – set small targets that create the focus and discipline to stay on track. Always write your goals down, making them specific, measurable and achievable, and track progress so you can reward yourself for the results.
Excuse “I’m bored with my workouts”
Solution:
● Step out of the ordinary – take a Yoga or Pilates class. They are easy on the joints and provide great lasting benefits. Do you need a mental break from a tough season? Cross train with a different sport that doesn’t require a stop watch or a power meter. This will help ease your mind from information overload so you can stay active without stressing over stats.
You love biking. To and from work; cycling to the grocery store; it’s your go-to weekend activity and at the gym, the exercise bike is the only piece of cardio equipment you will go on. You love biking. And it’s your way of maintaining your fitness level. Recently though, you’ve experienced a plateau in your conditioning. It’s been weeks since you’ve observed an increase in your fitness level. To top it all off, your biking legs are constantly sore and it’s become increasingly difficult to push yourself to your cardiovascular limits. What’s the solution?
Cross Training.
What is cross training and what are the benefits?
Holiday season is upon us and along with joyous festive events comes the challenge in keeping a healthy YOU. Less time to meal prep, tempting goodies all over the office, social outings, alcohol and less time for exercise. This is not a good combination for staying healthy.
Below are some tips for managing the next 4 weeks and entering 2019 feeling fabulous!
- Eat a healthy snack or meal BEFORE you head to that party. A satiating bowl of homemade chili or hearty soup can curb the temptation for goodies.
- Make a healthy dish to take to the pot lucks. Bringing a red pepper hummus and vegetables to dip, spicy homemade nuts, or vegetarian chili means that you know there will be something that you can eat. This is especially important if you are on a restricted diet, vegan, vegetarian, celiac or gluten intolerant.
- Be aware of alcohol consumption: Have a glass of water or sparkling water between each alcoholic cocktail. This will help you to decrease the amount of alcohol you consume and it helps keep you hydrated. Or better yet, volunteer as the designated driver. This can mean a lot fewer calories (sugar) and a better morning! J Often food choices have a direct correlation with the amount of alcohol we consume.
- If you are suffering from digestive issues try having some apple cider vinegar or lemon water about 10 to 30 minutes before you eat. You can take a TBSP of ACV on its own or put it in a glass of warm water. Both ACV and lemon water aid in digestion.
- Plan ahead and use a slow cooker or crock pot for your meals. That way you can be out shopping and come home to a hearty ready to eat meal.
- Ensure you are getting quality sleep. Incorporate a sleep ritual which prepares you for the 7-9 hours recommended to support healthy immune and nervous systems. Turn off the screen time an hour before bed as EMF can disrupt sleep.
- Eat foods that support your immune system. Stress and a busy lifestyle can challenge our immune system. Incorporate garlic, onions, ginger and turmeric into your meals as often as possible. Start your day with warm lemon water with ginger and turmeric. Add fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut for healthy gut flora. Red peppers, citrus and berries for Vitamin C and antioxidants. Spinach and broccoli raw or lightly steamed to get the most from their packed nutritional value.
- Eat foods that support your nervous system and limit stimulant intake. Almonds, walnuts, poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds, kelp, leafy greens, cold water fish, ginger and basil are a few ‘nervine’ foods. Snack on some raw almonds, walnuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Replace coffee with green tea to decrease coffee consumption and increase antioxidants.
- Exercise! Don’t miss out on your exercise routine. It may have to alter slightly but if you plan ahead and schedule your workouts they are less likely to be missed. Exercise can be a great stress coping mechanism. Do low intensity if feeling especially stressed and ensure a post workout stretch, relaxation and rehydration.
- Incorporate realistic stress coping strategies. Your usual stress management routines may not be feasible at this time of year. Find moments for down time, deep breathing, walking in nature, gratitude journaling and ‘me’ time. Keeping a positive attitude is proven to decrease the negative effects stress can have on your health.
If you need more individual assistance please contact me.
Let the festivities begin! You are ready!
Happy and Healthy Holidays!
Nancy Coles RHN
nancy@curtishealth.com
Although we designate this time of year for celebration, the holidays can also take their toll on physical and emotional health. Here are some tips to help you have a healthy and happy holiday season.
- Stay Active. Holiday parties, relaxed work schedules and cold weather all lead to excuses for skipping workouts. Schedule your workouts and even take advantage of the season. Sledding, ice skating and just running around snow are great ways to stay fit!
- Prevent Illness. Tis’ the season for colds and flu. Remember to wash your hands regularly (especially before eating), stay hydrated and ensure your diet includes immune system boosting foods like cruciferous vegetables.
- Safety First! Winter weather means icy surfaces. Slow down and ensure proper footwear to reduce the chance of a fall.
- Mindful Travelling. Prepare for long lines and inclement weather. Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going to reduce the stress of arriving late.
- Reduce Stress. Practice daily mediation and stretching, and add a weekly yoga class.
- Practice Kindness. The holidays can be especially challenging for friends and family who suffer from depression and seasonal effective disorder. Take an active and positive role in the lives of people who may need your help.
- Take Care of Yourself. The holidays are all about giving, but be careful not to over extend yourself. Treat yourself to simple things – a mid day nap or the pumpkin spiced latte you’ve been craving.
Have a happy and healthy holiday season from your friends at Curtis Health!
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