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→
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→
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.
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!
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.
Have a happy and healthy holiday season from your friends at Curtis Health!
By Kerri McBeath
Remember when you were a kid and you went to summer camp? Some may not have pleasant memories, but most kids enjoyed getting out of the city and spending some time away from their parents and siblings and getting their first taste of independence.
So this summer, how about if you send yourself to fitness summer camp? I don’t mean pack up your sleeping bag and head to Camp Lake in the Woods – I mean while you’re on holidays and away from the gym, make sure you continue working out so you don’t have to get back on track in September.
To keep on track with your regular fitness workouts, you should be incorporating all the components of fitness: cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance and flexibility. Below are some suggestions:
Cardio Endurance: Swimming
Muscular Strength and Endurance:
Golf (lower body and core)
Hiking (lower body)
Canoeing and kayaking (upper body and core)
Flexibility: How about a nice outdoors yoga class?
All over workout: Swimming; Tennis anyone?
Remember that the reason parents send their kids to summer camp is so they can experience new things and meet new people, as well as have fun. Make sure you’re experiencing these things too.
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