Fitness Friday - North Vancouver Walking Tour

It is great to have visitors come to town because that is an excuse to show them around.  That is when I learned that walking and sightseeing is good exercise.  Of course I also love taking photos of nature and the scenery.  

Here's the North Vancouver Walking Tour that I did on Family Day.

Meet at Waterfront Skytrain Station and take the Seabus to North Vancouver.  On a sunny day the view from the seabus is scenic especially if you get a front row seat.  It is a fun experience for those who have never been on a sea bus.  

The first stop is Lonsdale Quay which is right at the seabus terminal.  Walk up the stairs to the very top of the Quay sign for amazing views.  I had to fight my fear of heights to get to the very top.  Luckily they had good railing and it is still less scary that Capilano Suspension Bridge.  

After seeing the view we ventured inside Lonsdale Quay to look at the shops that are inside and grabbed a warm drink.  This was before the start of the walk to Waterfront Park and along Spirit trail which is along the marina with views of North Vancouver house boats.

When you are finished walking along this side, then it is time to retrace your steps and return to Lonsdale Quay.  From there you can walk along the docks at the Shipyards on the other side.  There is a long dock that you can walk along to give you beautiful views of Vancouver.  We were lucky to walk along at sunset and witnessed gorgeous skylines.  It was picture perfect for visitors from out of town.  

Fitness doesn't always have to fast, sometimes, it is good to take a moment to be present, walk around and see the scenery that surrounds us.  

Fitness Friday: Yoga with Adriene #YogaRevolution

It is 2017 and I truly want to lose weight and keep fit.  Even though you can't see it, it doesn't mean fat is not there and I have felt a bit overweight for years.  With Fitness Friday I hope to keep exploring and traveling on my health and wellness journey as I find it is not getting easier the older I get.  

My "sister" from London was telling me about her daily routine and it included daily YouTube yoga practice.  I would have never though about doing yoga at home but with the cold weather it is a great idea to still be able to practice in the comfort and warmth of your own home.    

So I got my mat out and saw that Yoga with Adriene had a 30 Day Revolution Challenge in January.  It's a 31 day journey of daily yoga practice.  Even though January had already started, I loved the idea of a challenge and figured it is better to start late than never.  

So the yoga revolution began.  I loved her #YogaRevolution Day 1 practice so much that I did Day 1 & 2 in the same day.  One in the morning and one in the evening.  WOW!  Yoga is back in my life!  I felt calm and at peace after each yoga session.  I've already shouted on Twitter, told my friends, and am practicing everyday.  The best part about YouTube Yoga with Adriene is that it is free and easily accessible.  

Let's see if this can become a daily habit of yoga practice everyday.  After all itis the #yogarevolution.  It is great for yogis of all levels.  The sessions are around 30 minutes each so it is easy to squeeze in the yoga practice but in reality one I felt how it made me feel, I wanted to keep doing more.  Instead of watching TV, I calm my mind with the #yogarevolution and Yoga with Adriene.  Ease into Day 1.  

Fitness Friday: Keep Fit Without Committing

New Year's is around the corner and it is the time for everyone to make New Year's resolutions and promises for a fresh start!  Along with this comes the promise to workout and get fit.  This is the busiest season for fitness centres and gyms.  The memberships boost and then will fall dramatically before the summer and as the days get longer.  

So this year instead of being committed to a gym or yoga membership, there is a way to keep fit without committing.  GROUPON has coupons for all different types of fitness and is great for those who don't like to do the same thing all of the time.  It's best to keep fit and save money at the same time.  Here are some of the groupons for fitness that I've found for those in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

1.  Oxygen Yoga - This is a hot yoga studio that has unlimited one month long memberships for new members for only $49.  Keep in mind that sometimes groupon will have extra savings so watch out for those promotional codes.  Just type in Oxygen Yoga as the search function to see which one is closest.

2.  HIIT Fitness - High intensity interval training is good for your metabolism and they have a 10 punch card at their downtown location for $39.

3.  Zumba - Latin dancing that is also a workout for those who like to shake their booty.  The Zumba Latin Fitness Ztudio has a morning anytime 10 card pass for $35.  

4.  Cyklus Vancouver - Indoor spinning classes located downtown Vancouver have a 5 class pass for $70.  That is also the new client special on their website so this is a good deal on Groupon IF they have an additional promotion.

As for me, I've decided to go with Oxygen Yoga in New Westminister that is close to the skytrain station and on my way home.  That'll keep me busy for January and then I can revisit in February to see what I want to try next.  That's my style to reach new heights and keep fit without committing.

Fitness Friday: RSVP 33 Dance Class

National Blog Posting Month

Blogging Everyday in November

#NaBloPoMo Day 18 - RSVP 33 

RSVP 33 is a dance party.  It's a six week dance class party and the next party starts in the new year January 2017.  What a great way to get fit and have fun!  Vancity Girlfrineds Carolyn has already signed up and can't wait to get the party started.  So tempting!  Since I'm not a very good dancer I'm hesitant to sign up for dance classes but RRVP 33 seems different.  As RRVP 33 says on their website 

"We're different.  For your six-week workshop, everyone learns, grows, and dances together."

Motivation for fitness is hard to find so I always love to try new things.  Six weeks seems like a short commitment and a reasonable investment at $100 for six classes.  Plus you get to move to some cool music!

  

Fitness Friday: Carrot Rewards

National Blog Posting Month

Blogging everyday in November

#NaBloPoMo Day 11 - Carrot Wellness Rewards

I was first introduced to Carrot with someone running up to me and said "Do you like Scene points?  Download Carrot."  For me that wasn't enough, I needed to find out more.  Especially since when I asked "How long does it take to gain enough points for a movie?"  The answer was unknown.

Of course it is not a surprise that I caved and signed up for a free Carrot Reward membership which is supported by BC Healthy Families to help educate the public on nutrition, fitness, and more.  I have to admit that they are improving the program as time passes.  

Firstly download the app on your cell phone.  I found it difficult to enter the code to give my friend the referral code.  That seems a bit unclear but I have passed along my code to others and have received the 100 bonus points so I guess the system figures it out.  My bonus code is:  mariak6718 

It is a good thing that you are signed up now when it has paired up with Fitbit which makes life a lot easier.  Before I had it paired up with Google Fit on my phone but I would often not carry my phone everywhere with me.  So I am happy that it is now paired with my Fitbit.  

Be careful the first few weeks because they track how many steps you take to figure out how many steps will be your personal goal.  After they determine that you will need to reach your goal daily before they give you 4 points daily.  

To earn more points they also have quizzes that you can take to learn about fitness, nutrition and how to be healthy.  I find the quizzes quite fun and educational.  I'm hoping with the Fitbit to be motivatd to meet my daily fitness goal and gain more Scene points.  Find out more on the website:  https://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/carrot-rewards

Vancouver Event: MEC Grand Banana in Stanley Park

National Blog Posting Month in November

Daily blog challenge

#NaBloPoMo Day 6 - MEC Grand Banana Running Series

Mountain Equipment Co-op started its own MEC Running Series that are chip timed races throughout the year to keep people motivated to keep training and running at an affordable rate.  It's the no frills of running races.  That is exactly why it appealed to me.  I definitely need motivation to go outside in the winter and to get in shape.  Luckily I found a friend who was willing to go with me otherwise I would have stayed in bed.  Like I said I need motivation!

The meeting place was at Devonian Park at the end of Georgia and Denman Street.  Parking was difficult to find but we found a lot beside White Spot on Georgia St.  Then we ran to get registered and ready for the race.  The leaves on the trees were all a beautiful orange red and there were booths that you would normally find at other races.  They had Kind Bars, smoothie samples, massage, Starbucks coffee and treats, refillable water and energy drink, and bananas after the race.  

We joined the MEC Grand Banana 10KM race around Stanley Park.  The route followed the seawall and it was picture perfect.  Perhaps this stopped me from getting a better time since I was taking pictures of the fall scenery.  Actually let's be real, I didn't train for the race at all.  The route was clearly marked and I went my own pace with running and walking.  Best part was knowing that I was doing something good for my health and my body agreed!  MEC has their running series every year so watch out for their running race series in 2017! 

Fitness Friday - 30 Day Squat Challenge

As a part of National Blog Posting Month in November, I am blogging everyday.

#NaBloPoMo Day 4 - 30 Day Squat Challenge

  

Fitness Friday is fantastic alliteration and November is also the month where my work place decided to get fit before the holidays and participate in the 30 Day Squat Challenge.  

What is the 30 Day Squat Challenge?  There are many different versions and initially I was told we started with 30 squats and it would go up to 175 squats a day!  Say WHAT?!  I knew I couldn't do that.  I'm still a good sport and went along promoting the squat challenge and looking forward to taking part in it.  Luckily my words were heard and they found the 30 Day Squat Challenge that is beginner friendly.  Day 1 started with only 15 squats.  Thanks goodness!

It is Fitness Magazine's 30 Day Squat Challenge that has different squats to tighten and tone your tush.  Find out the details here:  http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/butt/exercises/30-day-squat-challenge/

Now after day 1 of the squat challenge I realized that I am out of shape.  After day 2 I realized this is more different than it looks and almost fell on top of my colleague.  And after day 3, I have the words of encouragement and technique ringing in my ears.  

"Push your butt out, Sit down, Knees are too forward, Don't fall, Don't curve your back, Don't fall.  Weight in your heels.  Getting better.  3 more.  Now the other side.  Not bad.  Yay, I'm done!"

All of this has spurring this blog post because a year ago I was going to hot yoga and then tried a gym membership and then life which stopped it all.  I know that after all of this, I need work, and I need more activity and fitness in my life.  

But I don't want to spend a lot of money.  So I'll continue with the 30 Day Squat Challenge no matter how difficult it is.  It can make me sweat which is a good thing.  Hopefully at the end of the 30 Days I'll have fitness goals and workouts to keep me going.  I'll continue with my exploration of fitness with #FitnessFriday in November.  Come back to read the about the fitness journey!

April Challenge - YYoga 30 Day April Challenge #atozchallenge

Hello Vancity Girlfriends,

This is the year of health and fitness and I have fallen in love with YYoga again because of their holiday special.  Last year I bought a 10 class pass for $110 and the downfall is that YYoga is a little bit of a commute.  But I have tried to make it worthwhile.  I procrastinated until its expiry date of March 31st but through that time discovered Warm Yin Yoga, YRide, and Pilates Fusion.  

What is the April Challenge?  

In April YYoga is having a 30 Day Challenge where you can pay $135 for a one month pass and try to go to YYoga everyday for the entire month of April.  When you go to a class you get entered for prizes and this is a wonderful way to stay fit, motivated, and mindful.  I wish I lived across the street from a YYoga studio.  

If I did I would do it!  I'm sure it would be transformative.  One day....

YYoga Website:  http://www.yyoga.ca/


Or find a way to do your own Active April Challenge and find time for fitness, and health into your life.  It might be going to the gym or yoga studio, walking or running with a friend, stretching at home or meditating everyday.  It's good to mix it up to motivate yourself a bit more.  I know I would get bored of doing the same thing everyday.  

It's just a way to bring a bit of fitness into your life for 30 days and after that who knows, it just might end up becoming a healthy habit.

I'm joining the Blogging from A to Z for the first time this year in 2016.  

YYoga Free Fitness or Yoga Class in February

February is here which means so is YYoga's #SpreadLove campaign which spreads love by giving everyone a free fitness or yoga class at any of their 13 locations between February 2nd - 16th.  My girlfriend introduced me to YYoga a few years ago and even though I don't go on a regular basis, I love getting a chance to go in February.  Even though I already have a 10 ticket pass that I bought during the Christmas promotion, the #SpreadLove campaign has sparked me to actually use my pass and get a free class too with my friends.    

If you've never been to YYoga this is the perfect opportunity to try!  I'm returning to my favorite yoga instructor's class during this time (Rebekka Walker).  Perhaps I'll spread my heart to try other yoga instructors.  

YYoga Burrard (Downtown Vancouver) is the location that I go to because it is easily accessible by skytrain.  The tea room with David's tea is a great place to relax before or after your class, or spend a bit of time in the dry sauna.  I'm looking forward to my escape from the everyday at YYoga.  Namaste.

Find out more here: http://info.yyoga.ca/spreadlove/

BlogHer Writing Lab Wednesday - Tradition of New Year Resolutions

"Why do you think we have the tradition of trying to change ourselves at the start of the year?"

In ancient times, they would make resolutions or promises to Gods in hopes of receiving a good year.  That still resonates in today's society.  I think that our nature is to stay safe but to grow we all know that it is about CHANGE.

What better way to instigate change than to ring it in with a new year!  It's like a fresh start and we can forget the past and learn to live in the present with resolutions for a healthy and successful lifestyle in the new year.  

One of my biggest new year's resolutions is all about FITNESS for 2016.  I want to lose weight, be healthy and fit.  That is a tough call and much harder now that I'm over 40 years old.  But since I am motivated I have already found a New Year's fitness center that will open in the neighbourhood.  

I live near Metrotown and Good Life Fitness is opening Sovereign on January 13, 2016.  It's going to be a 24/7 gym so there will be no excuses and with my premium membership it includes access to all locations and being able to bring a guest anytime all for around $56/ month.  

I'm looking forward to losing weight as my new year's resolution so I can be fit and healthier and have the confidence to do.  Wish me luck!  

Subscription Box Sunday: Fabletics

If you workout, do yoga, or run, and want new active wear then Kate Hudson's Fabletics is for you!  My girlfriend shared this subscription box with me because there are perks for referring friends ($10 off your next outfit) and the first outfit is half price at 50% off so that's $25 for a set of workout clothes.

Similar to other subscription boxes, with Fabletics, you take the fit quiz so they know what you are looking for and what type of fitness you do.  You can choose for example if you want yoga capris or running shorts.  

The VIP is the subscription box where you sign up for a new outfit a month.  So regular price that is $49.95 for an outfit.  The outfit is shipped at the beginning of the month and you have until the 5th of the month if you wish to skip a month.  The skipping a month is a great feature as I'm not sure if I would need or want a whole workout outfit each month.  I guess it would depend on how frequently you workout and how rough you are on your clothes.  Or another way to see it is how good quality your workout clothes were in the beginning. 

I love the idea of Fabletics and often return to the website to browse.  I haven't yet bitten the bullet to actually subscribe to Fabletics, but I know two girlfriends who have and they love it!  If you want to give yourself some new active wear to go with your fitness New Years Resolutions that are around the corner, then you want to check it out.  

Fitness Friday - Oxygent Yoga Killarney

Hello Vancity Girlfriends,

When I first heard of Oxygen Hot Yoga, I cringed inside.  Let me tell you a bit about my first hot yoga experience at Bikram's Hot Yoga.  I decided to try it out to see what hot yoga was all about and it was definitely not a traditional zen yoga class.  The room was very hot and the instructor and rules were strict.  I was not a yoga guru so after the class, I was happy that I survived or I thought I had survived.  Instead I ended up getting a cold like flu symptoms and that didn't go away for an entire month.  Perhaps the heat brings out the toxins and it was releasing.  I'm not sure what happened, but after that experience, others would even remind me to not go to hot yoga.

Then years later a colleague started talking about Oxygen Yoga which was a new infrared hot yoga.  He talked and talked and talk because he was a yoga guru and loved Oxygen Yoga.  I still didn't think to go because the location was not close to my house.  

Time passes on and my girlfriend invites me to a free Oxygen Yoga Killarney class that was within walking distance of my house.  A free class?  I had nothing to lose so I went with her to a Hot Yoga Deep Stretch class with Carlene.  The studio was small but the instructor gave me a yoga mat to use and she started her class by letting us know where the exit doors were and invited everyone to take breaks and to escape if need be.  WOW!  That was a completely different experience.  I had done yoga before but doing hot yoga in an infrared studio at 38 to 40 degrees makes you sweat.  It was hard for me to hand the heat and stay in class so I rested a lot and took the child pose.  Since the class was small with only four students, it didn't really matter what I did.  This was in the beginning when Oxygen Yoga Killarney just opened.  

Now I have been going there for the past three months and it is easy to get attached.  After my free class, I bought the one week for $10 trial and it was easy to use that to try different classes and times and instructors.  Then I continued to buy the $49 introductory unlimited one month pass.  I discovered that going to hot yoga at 6am was a great way to wake up and the class size was always small (less than six students which it continues to be so).   Great news for students the monthly rate is just $65 a month for unlimited classes.  That makes me want to be a student again.  http://oxygentraining.ca/blog/info-for-new-students/

Also I have heard that Oxygen Yoga always has Black Friday sales which is around the corner on November 27th.  I'll keep you up to date on Fitness Friday!

Fitness Friday: Super Sister 30 Day January Challenge

Hello Vancity Girlfriends,

It's Fitness Friday and I wanted to let you know about a 30 Day Fitness Challenge that I'll be trying out with the Super Sister Fitness.  They have YouTube daily workouts.  I first tried to do a 30 Day Fitness Challenge with Super Sisters in October for their Lean Halloween Challenge.  My friend asked me to try it out with her so I did and we motivated each other to do the daily workouts.  Truth be told, I only lasted 4 days.  I know that's pretty sad.  

So when I saw that they had a January 30 Day Fitness Challenge, I was up for the challenge.  Come on, my goal last time was 4 days so that shouldn't be too hard to beat.  Plus all of their workouts and challenges are free.  There's a calendar for the January Challenge that you can print out and follow along.  Then everyday they will email you the workout.  Of course you can join the other Super Sister Fitness participants on the Facebook group for the January Challenge.  

Yesterday was New Year's Day and they were nice to us!  All I had to do was watch a Form Video on how to do some of the exercises properly like squats and the plank.  Today is the big day where we have to do our first workout routine.  The workouts are short with doing each exercise for 1 minute and then changing to the next exercise for 1 minute and so on.  The total workout time can be completed in 20-30 minutes with running shoes and a mat at home.  

Come back again next week on Fitness Friday for an update on my 30 Day Fitness Challenge.  Thanks for reading!

Super Sister Fitness Webiste:  http://supersisterfitness.com/

Fitness: Fitbit Aria Scale

Dear Vancity Girlfriends,

Christmas came early this year and I got a Fitbit Aria Scale!  Yes, that's what I had on my "Wish List" and then voila it's Christmas in July.

Now Christmas is usually the time when we start to think about our New Year's Resolutions and fitness and healthy lifestyle.  For me, that's all starting now.  Of course Vancouver decided to bring on a summer heat wave and hotter temperatures than usual so it is a bit difficult for me to exercise in 30 degrees when I'm sweating just sitting and watching TV.  August has just begun so I have another month or two to work out my healthy lifestyle routine.  

My Fitbit Aria Scale is just the beginning.  It's a part of the Fitbit series and I already wear my Fitbit One everyday to track my steps (yes, this is a pedometre).  What I like about my Fitbit One is that it is linked to my data and automatically tracks my daily steps.  (I also can't cheat my steps this way).  I can set goals and see how far I'm coming along.  They have a weight feature where I can enter my weight manually, but I never did, so that's where my Fitbit Aria Scale comes into play.

Now with my Fitbit Aria, all I have to do is step on the scale, which records the data in the same place as my Fitbit One.  I can see how much I weigh, % of body fat, and BMI.  Now the sad part is that it can be a bit difficult to see where you stand, the motivating part is that you can get better and maybe I'll be halfway there by the time Christmas comes.  

I now need to get together a fitness regime and healthy meal planning to go with my Fitbit Aria Scale.  Did I forget to tell you that it will only tell you how much you weight, but you still have to do the work to get fit!

So with that in mind you can expect to see more upcoming posts on meal planning, fitness and how I'm doing to reach my healthy lifestyle goals.

Currently I am overweight slightly and my body fat percentage is a tad above normal so my lifestyle goal will be to get into the normal range by the end of the year and keep it there.  

Thanks for reading and we'll see you again next time!

Vancity Girlfriend Maria