Monday, June 23, 2014

Support Buddy

It is summer time!  This is probably my favourite time of year but with the wonderful hot weather comes things like camping, drinking, hotdogs, etc.!  You may find yourself falling off the wagon a bit more during these summer months.  You know what?  That is completely okay!  It is truly about balance.  If you are going camping you might find yourself indulging in a little boozin' or eating a little of those not-so-healthy camping type foods.  A trick is to just plan ahead.  Don't feel guilty ~ enjoy it!  And then when your little vacation is over jump back on the wagon ~ back into your healthy routine.

One element that can really help you stay on track this summer is finding a good support system.  Now when I say support system I am talking about a friend (or family member) that can give you a little nudge when needed.  Give you positive reinforcement when you need it most ~ on those hot days when going to your fitness class might be the last thing on your mind!

It does not need to be someone you are close too or see everyday ~ it can be a friend that attends the same training facility as you ~ someone that is like minded and aimed at improving his/her own health and fitness.  There are a few folks that I attend Excel Fitness with that I text almost daily to check-in.  If you think someone is expecting you to be somewhere you are much more likely to follow thru ~ even on those super hot days.  And afterwards I sometimes throw a little text their way just saying what a kick-ass job they did.

I have a couple folks that are my support system too ~ they notice if you didn't come to class and they won't let you get away with slacking!  Having a person or two as your support system also makes you feel like you are working on a team ~ aiming towards similar goals.  It is nice to have that connection and help folks reach those goals and they help you reach yours.

This summer you may not train as hard as you usually do but really try your best to make this summer a healthy one ~ with a couple caesars or smores here or there!  Find a friend at your gym to help you out ~ a little text can go along way and keep you accountable.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

My GO-TO Health&Fitness BLOGS

The internet is bombarded with tons of information.  Some of it is of value and some of it is not.  Almost daily I check out a few of the ones that I really find educational and useful.  Here is a list of the ones I find helpful:

Precision Nutrition  This is one of those blogs that I can be on for too long if I am not careful!  They provide information on a variety of topics and are very reputable.  I first found out about this company thru my training facility Excel Fitness.  Here is an piece about their approach: "Precision Nutrition is the largest private nutrition coaching and research company in the world.  Yes, we do plenty of clinical research and consult with many of the top universities & organizations around.  But that's not what sets us apart.  Where we're unique is our coaching for clients and professionals.  It's personal, it's research driven, and it's life changing.  Plus, it generates new research that we can apply in the future.  So the cycle of awesomeness can continue."  These guys are the real deal and SO worth checking out!

Dr. Joey: Live well, Eat well…Naturally   If you have checked out some of my previous posts I am a big fan of Dr. Joey Shulman.  I really like her approach and find her beliefs & ideas coincide with mine.  If you want information on nutrition she is a go-to source PLUS she is Canadian! 

RunSoulCycle  The Toronto based author of this blog named Heather is a very inspirational woman.  She practices what she preaches and covers a wide gamete of topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, physical education and wellness.  I find her posts very interesting and useful.  From the rundown on power bars to exercise ideas for the workplace to a wicked playlist (click here), she has GOT it covered!


Some of the Blogs included at LiveStrong Bloggers
Livestrong Bloggers  Livestrong has done something really cool ~ they have taken a huge number of bloggers and put them in one place.  You can research a variety of topics using a variety of sources.  Here is their run-down on what Livestrong Bloggers is: "LIVESTRONG Bloggers are all experts in a particular area of fitness, nutrition, health and/or weight loss.  There are many different - and sometimes opposing - ideas about the best choices to ensure that we each live the healthiest and happiest life possible.  The bloggers may not always agree with each other, and in fact, may present conflicting ideas on food and fitness.  This is because one philosophy of eating and exercise may not fit all people.  Exposure to different principles of nutrition and different types of exercise can help us each achieve our own optimal levels of fitness and happiness.  It is our hope that everyone in the LIVESTRONG.COM community will benefit from exploring these tips, recipes and exercise suggestions."  

MUST READ & FOLLOW ~ 2 more amazing blogs by lovely ladies from Excel Fitness: 

Catt Conditioning  Rhonda Catt, one of the owners and trainers of Excel Fitness, writes a fantastic blog ~ from techniques to tips ~ Rhonda has got you covered!

Unapologetically Present  Fitness instructor & nutritionist from Excel Fitness, DIna, writes a stupendous blog related to health, wellness, fitness and nutrition.

An good article that details 60 must-read blogs about health, fitness, wellness can be found here.  I am slowly making my way thru the list.  If you do have one (or some) blogs that you think rock, please comment below ~ I would love to check them out! Happy information and inspiration gathering!