Author:Vancouver Health Coach

Introducing the Kettlebell

For all of you who are new to the word Kettlebell, it is not a completely new kid on the block in the fitness industry. Kettlebells have been used for nearly 100 years in countries such as Russia. More recently in North America, Kettlebell training is exploding in gyms due to its simplicity and it's effectiveness. What is a Kettlebell? The kettlebell is a strength training tool similar to the dumbbell only shaped differently and usually made out of cast iron. Resembling small bowling balls with thick, large handles the sizes of these weights begins at 4kg (8.8 lbs) and goes up...

Drinking in Moderation

According to the drinking guidelines published by Health Canada, moderate drinking for men is defined as: no more than three drinks on any one occasion with no more than three occasions on any given week or no more than two drinks on a maximum of five occasions per week (stated another way, a maximum of 3 in 3 or 2 in 5). For women, moderation guidelines suggest no more than two drinks per occasion on no more than three occasions on any given week (2 in 3), or no more than one drink on a maximum of five occasions per week...

What are Kellan Lutz’s Workout Secrets?

While most Twilight fans have been in awe over Taylor Lautner's physique, there is another actor from the movie that is getting a ton of attention for his ripped body. Recently, Kellan Lutz was interviewed about how he stays so fit and he shares a few of his workout secrets. Lutz, admits he gets bored easily while working out at the gym and can't just lift weights without listening to music. He also claims to hate running, although he is often seen out with his dog "Kola". So what sport, in particular, does Kellan like to sink his teeth into? He...

Top 5 Natural Deodorants

Even if you don't have bad body odor, chances are that you’re applying an underarm deodorant in an attempt to leave you fresh and approachable. Interestingly, how many of us actually take the time to review the ingredients in our deodorant, or even know if it is safe? If you're concerned that your underarm deodorant may increase your risk of cancer or other health issues, why not choose a product that does not contain these chemicals.  Here are some of the best organic deodorants available that really do absorb wetness and will leave you smelling fresh. Weleda's deodorant sprays (rose, citrus and sage) are third-party certified by various organizations including BDIH, NaTrue and...

Hoping for Coping: What are Coping Skills?

It usually happens in the first session with a new client. At some point in exploring why they’re coming to therapy, ‘coping skills’ will come up, typically as something the client lacks, or has a desire to possess more of, or wants to effect a trade-up in  – “I need better coping skills.” “Coping skills? No problem, Aisle 8, right next to the canned tomatoes...

Depressed, or Just Unhappy?

How can you tell if the low mood you're experiencing is a sign of clinical depression, or if you are simply unhappy with your current lot in life? Although it can be hard to differentiate between these two mood states, one telling difference is that someone who is unhappy can generally identify a few attainable changes they could make to make themselves happier not the change of winning the Lottery, but rather changing a relationship dynamic, or improving exercise or nutrition habits, or changing jobs. For example, someone experiencing a clinical depression may also be able to do that, but would...

Immune System: How does it Protect us from Chronic Illness?

For the immune system to work properly, two things must happen: first, the body must recognize that it is being threatened by foreign microorganisms. Second, the immune response must be activated quickly before many body tissue cells are destroyed by the invaders. In our environment, we are constantly exposed to viruses (such as those that cause colds and influenza), bacteria (such as those that cause pneumonia and food poisoning), parasites, and fungi. In a healthy individual, the immune system is efficient in the removal of these harmful organisms. However, when the immune system is overworked or weak due to chronic...

Hard-Core training with BOSU Balance Trainer

If you haven't already seen this blue and oddly shaped ball in your gym or fitness studio, you will soon because this fitness item is one of the best to hit the gyms in a long time. BOSU stands for "Both Sides Up" or "Both Sides Utilized" depending upon whether you are talking about the BOSU Balance Trainer (the product) or BOSU (the philosophical approach to exercise). Millions of people from all over the world now train with the BOSU Balance Trainer including many of the world's top athletes. But you certainly don't need to be a top athlete to...