INSPIRE #9: Katie Yavis

This is Katie ~ she is awesome.

Over the past few years, I have trained with a lot of amazing and inspiring people.  One of these people is an amazing woman named Katie Yavis.  I look up to her and hope I model for my kids what she models for her kids (and gran-kids!)  She is so positive and energetic ~ her smile is infectious!  Not only that but she is strong and healthy!  Thank you Katie for setting the bar high and inspiring me to reach it!

Here's her interview:  

1. What is your health/fitness history?

I have always been fairly active and in good health.  I didn't play school sports as I was a figure skater and spent most of my out of school time at the rink.  Once I was out of school, I started playing Slo-Pitch and now at almost 56, am still active in both.  I play ball with my daughters, sons and son in laws and am on a Provincial Gold Medal Synchronized Skating Team.  I plan on continuing with these sports until I absolutely cannot any longer, then I will manage the teams.  I pride myself on being in good health and very seldom get sick or don't feel well.  I think my genes are credit for that as I am not that careful about what I put in my body.  Just being honest.  LOL:)

Katie (second from the left front) post gold medal win!

2. What does your exercise routine look like?  How long have you been a member at Excel?

I have basically been with Excel almost since their opening as both my daughters, Taryn and Kailea, introduced me to the gym and I started coming to work out with them and just loved it.  I started by purchasing a Groupon, got hooked, started paying monthly and then began in the Child-Minding room to subsidize my membership.  I can now happily say that I have worked out at Excel with my daughters, sons, step daughters, son in laws, daughter in laws, sisters, nieces and loads of friends.  It is truly a family.......

Family that trains together, remains together!

3. Thoughts on meals.  What is a typical set of meals/snacks throughout the day for you?

I exercise at Excel at least 5 days a week and sometimes if my work lets me, 6.  Because of the fact that I own a swimming pool company, depending on what my busy days look like, I bop all over the day trying to get a work out in.  I am not usually consistent with time of day but strive to make an appearance every day they are open.

4. What is a typical set of meals/snacks throughout the day for you?  

Hmmmmmm, now this is a tough one.  I love to eat and because of how physical my job can be, I tend to eat what I want.  I do not have a sweet tooth, so that is a good thing.  That being said, I love meat, cheese and bread.....ouch.....when I am really being a good girl, I try to eat yogurt and fruit with an egg for breakfast,  a salad with tuna for lunch and dinner is usually some type of chicken, rice and veg.  Snacks for me are usually fruit of all kinds.  I struggle mostly with portion size..........I can eat most men under the table.......Oh and I love wine..................

5. What would you say is your biggest strength in fitness?

I believe my biggest strength is that I am just a little bit stubborn, and am just trying to keep up with my workout partners, which are usually my daughters.

6.  What would you say is your biggest weakness in fitness?

I would have to say that my biggest weakness is a physical one.  My shoulders and upper body tend to limit what I can do and it drives me crazy because my lower body is so strong from skating, but I am working towards evening that out.  

7.  What would you say is your favourite work out?

My favourite workout is probably a Cardioruption type of class with a strength component.  I also love to hate Ryde mostly because of the way I feel after it's over.  I  am so excited to get back to Excel after 3 months away in Mexico to try out all the new additional classes being offered.  Barre excites me a lot.......

8. How do you keep motivated day-to-day?

Motivation for me comes strictly from the people around me.  I love to be active and love to be around people who are active.  (Did I mention that I have 9 grand children?....lol)  I'm gonna say something really goofy right now, but I am training for Life............I would love to say that I am training for a marathon, or a Tough Mudder or a Mudderella, or an Iron Man,  but basically my life is all of those things, so I am in constant training for the next day. (Did I mention I have 9 grandchildren and am kept pretty busy running after them as well.......it's constant......) 

9.   If you could be any superhero you wanted who would you be and why?

If I could be any superhero, I think I would like to be called "Super Nanny".  Super Nanny can play leap frog with 9 grandchildren, pick them all up at their respective schools on time, support them all as they play hockey, soccer, baseball, skating, ballet, dance, and football, have the best pool parties and make the best BBQ chicken on the planet......all while promoting exercise and good health........That's who I wanna be..................yah, Super Nanny.........

Katie ~ I think you already are SUPER NANNY!

Raising the "Barre"

Okay sitting down to write this blog post took effort!  Why?  I just finished the new class at Excel by Jaymie called "Barre".  To put it bluntly ~ that was probably one of the most challenging and intense classes I have done.  I love high intensity classes and strength training but they are extremely challenging in a different way.  Barre is intense as in your legs start "shaking" as you go thru the series of exercises.  There is a precise focus that takes place.  Feeling muscles in areas you never knew where there.  IT WAS AMAZING and I AM SO HAPPY TO HAVE ACCESS TO IT NOW!!

A little while ago I connected with Jaymie to find out more about this area of fitness that I had never heard of until recently.  

Jaymie hard at work!

Here is her interview:

1.  What is Barre(fitness)?

"Barre is a full body workout concentrating on targeting the hips, thighs, seat, abdominals & arms.  It is a low impact workout, protecting the joints.  Through small isometric movements & utilizing the Barre, you are taken through a series of movements which target & tone certain areas of your body.  You work to 'shake' meaning your muscles are reaching the point of fatigue-this is your goal to work towards for each muscle group.  After, you stretch to elongate the muscles while they are warm.  It is through these small isometric movements & working your body to 'shake' while listening to upbeat music you create long lean muscles without the bulk."

2.  How and when did you get involved in Barre?

"I started taking Barre classes about 5 years ago (2010) while living down south in Nashville, TN.  Once I started taking Barre classes I couldn't stop as it was within 10 classes I noticed a change in my body.  As an avid Barre 'goer' I was given an opportunity to teach, which unfortunately I couldn't because I didn't have a green card, but I continued my practice knowing that one day an opportunity might come my way where I could teach back home in B.C.  I was fortunate enough to be exposed to many great teachers as I continued going to Barre throughout the Southern States as my finacee & I moved around while he pursued his NHL career.  Not only does Barre provide me with physical benefits, it has been great for my mind, as you have to clear your mind of needless thoughts in order to stay in your practice."  

3.  What can I expect to do in a class?  Is it an overall body workout or focused on certain areas?

"Barre is a full body workout concentrated on targeting the hips, thighs, seat, abdominals & arms.  Each strength section is followed by a stretch in order to create long, lean muscles without adding the bulk.  The class requires a lot of concentration, creating mental benefits similarly obtained by yoga.  The Barre is utilized for a portion of the class & other work is done on yoga mats.  Yoga blocks, bands & balls are used to work deeper into positions & are or can be used throughout the class."

4.  What fitness level is Barre typically for?

"Classes are the same level so it accommodates people of all fitness levels.  The position & movements are basic, it's how deep you work in them that make the difference."

5.  What should I wear?

"Comfortable workout attire like yoga capris/pants...nothing too baggy as it can get in the way of movement. The class is completed in bare feet or in Barre socks, which I also sell."

What she says is so true about benefiting both the body and also the MIND.  You are so focused on the small movements that nothing else makes its way into your mind.  It is so refreshing!  Amazing new fitness class at Excel paired with an amazing instructor equals happiness!  Thank you for sharing your passion with us Jaymie!

Class in Action!