Fitness

October 19, 2014 In Family Fitness, Fitness, News By Vancouver Health Coach

Getting Physically Fit Before Pregnancy

Four years ago I made a promise to myself… I would never again join a gym that required more than a month-to-month commitment. You see, despite all my best intentions, I have a really bad habit of not going to the gym. This became especially apparent to me a few years ago when I joined a gym that was literally a few steps away from my apartment. There was absolutely no excuse for me not to go to the gym and yet I still couldn’t motivate myself to go on a regular basis. That’s when I realized that no matter...

October 19, 2014 In Family Fitness, Fitness, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

How Exercise Reverses Aging

The best anti-aging solution isn’t for sale, in fact it’s free. It can also help you lose weight, think better, sleep sounder and give you a stronger heart. Solid scientific research proves this one thing can help you live longer, stronger and happier. It’s called exercise. The key to a successful fitness plan is persistence, so if just squeezing back in your pants and looking better isn’t quite enough motivation for you, here are some powerful reasons to lace up those sneakers and break a sweat. Turning Back the Clock on Aging Back in 1966, a group of 5 young men took part...

October 16, 2014 In Fitness, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Resisting self-consciousness in group fitness activities

When it comes to achieving goals, a lot of people respond well to external accountability. After all, how can we rely on our own self-discipline 100% of the time, when we are feeling, responding creatures with all sorts of moods and fluctuating motivations? Because it can be all too easy to justify one's way out of a workout on any given day, some choose joining a structured group setting to keep them on track: boot camps, running clinics, 30 day challenges, and group personal-training packages. Yet there are others, who although dream of accessing that group accountability magic, are afraid. Afraid...

October 13, 2014 In Ask The Expert: Health & Fitness Advice, Fitness, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Ask The Expert: Healthy and Fit Travelling Tips

Ask The Expert is a health & fitness advice column. If you have a question for one of our Fitness Goop experts, please email [email protected]. This question was asked by Jennifer from Vancouver B.C, Canada. My work requires that I travel and spend time away from home. I am finding it very difficult staying healthy while travelling from one city to another. I am feeling fatigued, having a hard time making good food choices and having a hard time working out without my own gym. What advice can you give for avoiding getting sick and keeping fit while travelling?” Hi Jennifer, first...

October 12, 2014 In Fitness, News, Spotlight, Workouts By Vancouver Health Coach

The ABCs of Smart Training: Part 1

When designing a training program, it is wise to follow the concepts outlined in the ABCs of smart training. Apply them during all training and encourage them in daily activities. Following the ABCs will help increase training potential, improve skills, decrease recovery time, and minimize potential for injury. If you are new to exercises or have any injuries or aches and pains it would be best to get clearance from your Physician before beginning this or any other exercise program. The exercises may look easy but when you are beginning they may be more difficult than you thought. A1–ATHLETIC STANCE AND...

October 11, 2014 In Fitness, News, Workouts By Vancouver Health Coach

Tennis Warm Up (Upper Core & Arms): Part One

Whether you're getting ready for a match or just hitting with friends, following the advice below will help you optimize your on court time and prevent injuries. Part 1 of this 3 part series outlines upper core and arms warm-up. Part Two will outline lower core and legs warm-up and part 3 will outline on court warm-up strategies and post play stretching tips. Always Warm up to play or practice, don't play to warm up.   Since most of the effects of warm up are temperature related some form of general warm-up should be done before hitting a single ball. Slowly but...

October 5, 2014 In Fitness, News, Yoga By Vancouver Health Coach

Hot Yoga Tips: Preparing for Your First Class

If you have ever taken an Ashtanga, Bikram or Vinyasa class you know that the room is heated to temperatures between 90 and 104°F. Because of this heat, there are a few precautions that you should follow. Here are some things to keep in mind before your first class. Drink water and lots of it. Heat in the room acts as a detoxifier for your body and promotes increased flexibility. In turn, the heat promotes sweating, which leads to dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water before class and this will help prevent dehydration. Speaking of water, try not to eat...

October 2, 2014 In Fitness, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Bring Your Own Boot Camp

Boot Camp programs are popular this time of year as a means to prepare for the very dreaded BATHING SUIT SEASON. Sure, it’s great if you can convince yourself that this is the Summer you’re not going to allow a few rolls and dimples to ruin your day at the beach. But let’s face it – unless you gave it your best shot before pouring yourself into Spandex (a material obviously woven by Satan’s handmaidens), you’re not going to fully enjoy the warmth of the sun on your Back of Many Creases. It’s not necessary, however, to hand your money over...

October 1, 2014 In Fitness, News, Workouts By Vancouver Health Coach

Core Stability Bridging (Part Two)

This is the second of a three part series of Core Stability Training. All of the exercises can be made more difficult using external resistance from balls and stretch bands as well as balance equipment like half foam rolls, wobble boards or balance pods. The trunk muscles help transfer energy from the legs through the core (trunk) to the upper body and arms. This is especially important in rotational or asymmetric swinging sports like tennis, golf and soccer. Begin with Base Work (see the previous article Basework & Bridging: Part One) Start by lying on your back with knees bent up to...

September 24, 2014 In Fitness, News, Spotlight, Workouts By Vancouver Health Coach

Getting Your Groove Back When Your Fitness Routine Gets Disrupted

Sometimes we can find a groove in our fitness routine, in which we're motivated to workout every day, we're feeling optimal and hitting our fitness goals - what could be better! - And then everything comes to a screeching halt. Any number of unforeseen events can come along and pull you away from your groove: Getting the flu, an injury, a family emergency, personal crisis, prepping for a special event, moving, your favorite running route getting blocked off, or a relaxing holiday that becomes extra relaxing. Returning to fitness after a disruption? Go easy on yourself. Many people tend to revert...