Active and Healthy Lifestyle

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Why torn glutes are uncommon

oh man, i tore my butt muscle (?) You rarely hear of someone who pulled their glute in training, or is "out with a glute strain".  But you DO hear of the common hamstring injury, "blowing a hammie", or "blowing a disc" in the lower back.   But, if you think about it, what's the common denominator?  What separates your lower back from your hamstrings ?  Your glutes of course!  The glutes have become the centre of attention here in the gym scene and…

Goal Setting or Wishful Thinking?

goal setting or wishful thinking ? January can be a time where everyone is setting good intentions for the year ahead, making promises they know they won't keep, and setting standards for themselves that are downright ridiculous.  Lose 10kg, stop smoking, drink less alcohol... Does this sound familiar? While these aren't MY goals, I hear these outrageous phrases every time I turn on the TV, radio, social media, or just listen to people passing by. If you think back over…

Healthy Lifestyle Collaboration

keeping a healthy lifestyle can be challenging...  That's why this post is for you! I've collaborated with 9 other health and fitness enthusiasts to bring together a world of ideas on how you can stay fit and healthy, even through challenging times.   You can read back to my  previous post Top 3 Ways to De-Stress, and then read below for more ideas on a healthy diet and active living. Top Tips to have more energy   How to stay motivated…

Top 3 Ways to De-stress

Top 3 Ways to De-Stress: Physically & Mentally Following up from a previous post, Less is more part 2, we wanted to share with you our top 3 ways to help de-stress, relax, and refocus during hectic times in your world. Let's get straight into it.  I can get very overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, and emotional when I feel like I have too much to do and not enough time.   We all deal with stress differently, so by sharing what works for…

Creating Balance: Part 1

what does balance mean to you? I've been thinking a lot about "balance" and what it means to people these days, particularly my clients and all of you.  I've seen a lot of people get sick and run down because their lives have gotten so hectic they have forgotten to make sure they are taking care of themselves.  They've been going full steam ahead, with work, the gym, the kids, jam-packed weekends, weddings to attend, social events, work deadlines, and just TOO MANY THINGS!…

Less Is More: Part 2

One of my favourite things to repeat in the gym is: "you're only as strong as your weakest link"  This is so important to remember when you are pushing yourself to lift more weight, run faster, or add an extra training day into your routine.  Is adding more weight really going to make you stronger ? Is running faster really better for you ? (PS - if you've missed our intro post Less is More: Part 1, you can read it…

Is Open Plan Living Making Us Fat ?

I can't help but snack and nibble whenever I work from my makeshift kitchen table office or when I'm relaxing on the couch.  It takes a lot of self control for me NOT to keep grabbing some nuts, fruit, or anything else I can snack on.  It would be so much easier if the kitchen was far away, or at least out of sight.  Then it dawned on me.  Is Open Plan Living Making Us Fat ? Having an "open concept"…

Quick Tips for a “Healthier” Long Weekend

Long weekends can often mean less exercise, more eating, and more drinking.  This also means feeling sluggish and tired for the following week.... NOT GOOD!   Wouldn't you rather return from the long weekend feeling refreshed and happy?  This is much more rewarding than being an over-indulgent gluttonous pig (let's be honest, ha!).  So let's cut to the chase.   tips to help you get through the long weekend on a healthier note:  1. Pick one day to enjoy the treats.  Easter weekend often brings a…

Avoid the Holiday Bulge!

The silly season is upon us, and for those of us in the fitness industry, this means the "calm before the storm".  Personal trainers and fitness clubs can expect slower business during the last few weeks of the year before the busiest time of year directly after we ring in the new year.   Its unfortunate, but the fitness industry capitalizes on people getting fat over the holiday season and preys on their insecurities. Don't be a stat! Every year we are…

How everyday tasks are ruining your posture

I can't help but analyze most people's posture with the way they walk, their differing shoulder heights, and what compensation patterns they exhibit.  We often think that we can't get injured unless we are being careless and that overuse injuries are for people who spend hours each week playing a specific sport or doing something highly active and repetitive.  But what about the Average Joe just doing tasks of everyday living? Let's put this into perspective.  A few weeks ago I was vacuuming our…

It’s All About Balance

Over the past few weeks,  I have been reminded about how important balance is.  Balance in our work lives, balance in our diets, our stress levels, our exercise programs, and in basically everything we do.  Working in a gym for most of my career to date, I am often surrounded by people who struggle with finding their balance.  I've met people who train in the gym every single day.  Every day.  They even ask if we are open on Christmas Day.  I meet…