Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas!

Urgh, Christmas. Bah humbug. Can you tell how much I love this season? What's that? I know - your happy, optimistic, bouncy instructor dislikes the holidays. Christmas in my home growing up was a 6 week cleaning, wrapping, baking, cleaning again, decorating, christmas card writing, cleaning some more, militaristic operation. This was topped off by a mass of gifts to open, followed by a mother who fell asleep at 1pm not to be heard from again all day. A whole lot of build up, stress and anxiety. It was exhausting, and not my idea of holly and jolly. Why then, as a married adult with children, did I feel the need to keep the tradition of misery going? Well, I did, for quite a while. Everything had to be perfect, home baked, wrapped to a tee. Christmas for me was a beautiful box with nothing in it at all.
I have been reviewing 2011 - and it's been quite a year! We've seen our little idea to bring fun and fitness to our community grow to heights we never thought possible. Our amazing clients have lost (combined) over 700 reported pounds. I see people each week looking fitter, stronger and more proud of themselves. I watch people come in the class and greet each other as old friends. I see people loving to move, and I am so proud to be a part of each fitness journey. I see each and every person who participates in any one of my classes making and maintaining positive lifestyle choices and I LOVE IT! I love to teach and inspire, and in return each of you teach and inspire me. The ultimate greatest thing? Watching you surprise yourselves. Too often we tell ourselves we "cannot". My goal is to inspire everyone to always try.  I have seen people achieve things they never thought possible, simply because they tried.
In 2011 I started running again, and ran a 5K, 8K and an ironman sprint duathlon. I stopped drinking diet soda completely (but started drinking coffee, so not sure if they cancel each other out), I started to enjoy cooking and baking again (much to the relief of my family who were totally sick of spaghetti and meatballs) and took a second honeymoon with my amazing husband after we retied the knot (he calls it making the same mistake twice!).  I read some great books, spent time with some great friends and said goodbye to some family relationships. All in all, a great year - in fact - the best year. 2011 has been so full of rich experiences and meaningful relationships that it could be nothing less. Thank you to each and every person in our lives for being a part of it.
So, I'm writing this on my messy couch, underneath our leaning Christmas tree, with the CORE kitty sitting by my right shoulder. My kids are writing stories, sitting at the coffee table by my feet. The presents are wrapped, the kids are excited, the garland is hung and the wreath is strewn. Every decoration is slightly askew an is very imperfect. There is dust on my ledge (I'll get to it soon!) and the windows have finger marks on them (Sean! get the windex). Baking will be done this weekend - in a glorious cloud of flour and sugar made by the whole family as we mix and create together. We've messed up the wrapping, but filled up the Christmas box.
Mmmmm. Drinking my coffee and surveying my life. Imperfect, maybe. But awesome? Definitely!

Wishing each and every CORE client and their loved ones a safe, healthy and happy Christmas and a prosperous and joyous 2012!  See you in the new year dear friends!

What's That? Snow? Say it isn't so!

Hey everybody!  It's been awhile since I've communicated with you via this blog. I'll explain later why the blogosphere has been silent  in my little corner.Right now I'm sitting on my couch, enjoying watching a sprinkling of snow falling off my roof. Somewhere in Canada, people are already up shopping, wrapping, baking and preparing for........Christmas. Duhn, duhn, duhn!  Yes- it's coming, it's inevitable. People will be holly and jolly, decking the halls, singing "Fa-la-la-la-la!".  People will be pushing and shoving in the malls to be the first to a deal, to get the perfect toy, to max out their credit cards. Tis the season!!
It is a season of overindulgence - of money, food, alcohol and stress. It's busy and overwhelming - much to do, time too short. But, truly - are we missing the point?
This is a time of year that we typically forget to look after ourselves. I'm not talking about eating poorly or over eating specifically - because we ALL do it - it's natural that when surrounded by rare treats we'll reach for those over our normal healthy fare. I'm talking about maintaining movement in our lives. I know - time, time, time. But with hectic days, family stress, extra workload, parties, etc... you can't afford to not make the time. Movement will reduce stress, help you cope with the holiday insanity. Exercise will energize you - help to keep you moving through late nights shopping, baking and wrapping! Plus - you'll be less likely to reach for too many of those delectable goodies! Most important - you'll relieve yourself of guilt - and enjoy eating a little more decadently than you normally would. So my advice these holidays? Make exercise and movement a priority to keep your days merry and bright!
So what's been happening in these months since I last blogged? My Dad has been in hospital in a vegetative state, following a suspected heart attack/stroke/diabetic coma. It's been a tough few months for us, full of reflections, sadness, and luckily - loads of very happy memories.  Lots of other great blessings have occured - Lisa Tiessen, Sharon Service and Teri Cathcart have all become ZUMBA instructors - and Lisa and Sharon are teaching and getting people moving already! I'm so proud of all of you!  We have a new website - designed by Serendipity Graphic Design - and it's GORGEOUS!  Wow - thank you Lisa Ruck for all your hard work - you are a design wonder!
I want to thank all of our CORE family for your support, love and energy during a tough few months - each class you give me so much joy and inspiration, and it is a joy and honour to know you all and watch you gain confidence, lose weight and meet/surpass your fitness goals!  It's been an incredible year!
Now - back to your regularly scheduled holiday craziness - I always have tonnes to say at Christmas - looking forward to next week already!

Kirstie, Don't Let Me Down!

I am going out on a limb here - I believe (crossing my fingers) that Kirstie Alley will maintain her weight loss and new healthy lifestyle.  I have been a Kirstie Alley detractor for years now - turned off by her public war on weight. She has made a career of being overweight and has (in my opinion) milked every second of notoriety out of this attention. Which is a shame - she is a talented and beautiful woman, regardless of her body size, and I hate to see anyone defined solely by a number on a scale or a dress size. We've seen her on Oprah, we've seen her promoting Jenny Craig, on a sitcom called Fat Actress - and she has ranged in size from healthy to obese and back again. This is a woman who needed more than a diet - she needed help for to resolve whatever it was that drove her to accept this kind of attention in her life.
Now she is in the best shape of her life - she looks trim and toned, and she looks relaxed and happy. Best of all - she is not on every magazine, every tabloid, every celebrity talk show. She is not splashed across any billboards trumpeting this amazing accomplishments. She has even started her own healthy lifestyle company - promoting clean and healthy eating and exercise. This is her time.
Too often I meet people who come to a fitness class, only to come and give me this feedback at the end of class- "I am exhausted!"  Well, that seems natural as they have just worked hard - but when I delve a little further, often this exhaustion is less exercise driven - but from deprivation through dieting. Many people will stop exercising, believeing that they can't do it, or that it's too hard. Yes. It is hard to exercise, enjoy it and reap the rewards when your lunch was 2 rice cakes and a bowl of salad.
Kirstie started to move when she did her turn on Dancing With The Stars. She didn't go in to use this as a diet tool - she was inspired to eat cleanly and healthily through moving her body.  Think about your last fitness class. Remember surprising yourself? Doing that crazy booty bump with new intensity? Completing a pilates teaser - with both legs up? Finishing a full set of split squats without taking a break?  That kind of pride in your own accomplishments inspires a desire to fuel your body with quality nutritious foods.
Good for you Kirstie - and everyone else who has ever surprised themselves. Now don't prove me wrong!

So get moving first, then follow up by treating your body like the temple it is. No matter what the size.

Falling Back Into Fall

Nope it's not fall  yet, but it's coming!  I know this means that summer is winding down and the happy season of vacations, children riding bikes all day, sun and white fluffy clouds, and sweet, beautiful, wonderful heat is almost at it's end, BUT.. no reason to dismay - fall has it's own glories.  Routine starts up, kids trot off to school, we reunite with people we haven't seen for a couple of months. Fall foods start to show on market shelves - squash, fresh apples, pumpkin and much more.  Fairs and fall markets pop up, showing us "city" folk much of what the surrounding countryside has to offer.  Corn mazes and straw pyramids are great ways to play an afternoon away. A day's entertainment can be found in a lawn full of fallen orange leaves. Apple pie replaces ice cream as dessert of choice, and fresh apple cider is warmed and seasoned with cinammon.

Both my children are in school full time this year - and this has made me realize a few things. Despite years of counting down to this day, it is actually bittersweet. Just as my children become real human beings, we have to ship them off so that someone else enjoys those wonderful moments of discovery and wonder so beautiful to behold. Fall means something different to me this year (apart from FREEDOM!! Hahaha!). It's a time to make the promises of summer the reality of your life. Take the things that you have evaluated/experienced over the beautiful months and carry on these new habits, viewpoints, joys, and moments lived when the sun is not shining as brightly, the weather is not as ideal and time feels not quite as idyllic. Make each day unique and beautiful. And take some time to jump in a big pile of leaves!!

Playlist for Fall 2011 - Wednesday night!

Hola!  Here is the playlist for Wednesday night CORE ZUMBA class! Muy Caliente!!  Get ready to party and sweat for the health of it!
Warm Up: Turbina
Warm Up: Edge Of Glory (Lady Gaga)
Cumbia : Cumbia Lunera
Merengue/Reggaeton: El Amor, El Amor
Calypso/Salso:  La Mazucamba
Reggaeton: En Sus Marcas, Listos, Fuero
Bhangra/Punjabi: Tunak, Tunak, Tun
Pop/Hip Hop: Shake Senora (Pit Bull featuring T-Pain)
Samba: Xi Bom BomBom
Swing/ Salsa/ Reggaeton: La Perla
Cumbia: La Gota Fria
Merengue/ Bachata: Bimbola
Quebradita: La Nina Fresa
Greek/ Bachata/ Belly Dance: Yassou Ellada (DJ Andy Hughes and Aspacia feat. Lou Fatimus)
Flamenco: Flamenka (by Didulya)

Check out the link on our facebook page to the basic steps for ZUMBA Merengue and Salsa. I will be posting more basic steps videos as I find them. I have listed the above by original artists where possible, and many are available on ITunes by original artists. 
As usual, ZUMBA has provided us with amazing original songs and hot cover songs. I am SO excited to bring this to you!!  It's coming soon!!  Wepa!

The "Movement Movement"

  What an exciting weekend at CAN FIT Pro - Canada's leading fitness certification and educational company put on a weekend full of inspirational and informative sessions, starting with a great KeyNote Speaker, comedienne Meg Soper.  Meg spoke frankly and with great humour about life, love and laughter, the theme of the weekend. Richard Simmons, Patrick House (from the Biggest Loser), Silken Laumann (Olympic rower), Trish Stratus (WWE wrestler) and Tosca Reno were all present at the conference and trade show as well - lots of fun!
It is the biggest conference of it's kind - attended by 10,000 fitness professionals from all over Canada, making Canada the leader in fitness worldwide.
 "One in four Canadian adults is clinically obese, compared with one in three in the United States, suggests a new study that experts describe as a grim depiction of the state of public health on both sides of the border.The study — a collaboration between Statistics Canada and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conducted between 2007 and 2009 — concluded that 24 per cent of Canadians were obese, compared with nearly 34 per cent of Americans." (Globe and Mail, May 2011).
With an estimated population of 34 million people, that means that approximately 8.5 million people in Canada are at risk (or already suffering) of heart attack, diabetes, joint problems, emotional issues and much more. And this number is steadily rising. This is a devastating set of statistics, and one that we have the power to change.  Consider that there were approx. 10,000 fitness professionals at Conference on the weekend.  And each one of them wants to help - and has chosen a career specifically to make people healthier. I know that most people in the fitness industry work there not because they want to be fit, but because they want YOU to be.

Now hold on here, cause I'm not very good at math. 8.5 million obese Canadians + 10,000 fitness professionals + countless friends and family + dieticians and others in the wellness industry + Health Care/Doctors, oh you get the point.  It all adds up to the BEST chance for a healthy country in the world. Canada has a chance to be the healthiest country in the world. The passion demonstrated at conference this weekend proved that to me beyond a doubt.  All the people I know in the industry who constantly educate themselves and others, sharing their knowledge and passion with those who need inspiration, love and support. We are in the fitness business for you - to help make your life better, one squat at a time.  To make sure that you have every opportunity to live a long, healthy and pain free life.  To LIVE, LAUGH and LOVE to your fullest.

So I propose that no matter where you are in your own personal fitness journey, you take steps to improve your health and those around you. I'm calling it, the "Movement Movement"  and I want you and everyone you know, and everyone they know, and on and on to join it. Get moving. For health. For our children. For Life.

Playlist For Fall 2011- Monday Class

Warm Up: Born This Way (Lady Gaga)
Warm Up: Jamaican Cumbia (by Bachaco)
Merengue/ Flamenco: La Noche
Salsa/ Reggaeton: Rumba
Reggaeton: Shake it Up (by Mara)
Merengue/Pop: Mueve La Colita
Axe/Belly Dance: Ali Baba
Samba Pop: Para No Verte Mas
Swing: Zoot Suit Riot
Soca: Banana
Quebradita: Baila Menea y Goza
Cumbia: Luna Nueva
Reggaeton/Batucada: Boom Boom Mama
Salsa: La Vida Es Un Carnaval
Merengue: Sazon (hot tune alert!)
Bachata: Stand By Me
Cool Down.

There it is!  Many of these songs are available on ITunes via original artists (which I will always name where possible)  Wednesday and Saturday playlists to come!!  Woot!!

Wingardium Leviosa!

Often when I run, a specific song, or line of poetry or sometimes even a specific phrase (usually involving a curse word) comes into my head and becomes the mantra of my run.  This off course occurs AFTER the opening thoughts of every run which go something like this: "OhcrapwhyamIdoingthistomyselfmylegstheyburnouchcrapsavemefrommyselfturnbacknowohhowIhaterunning".
Yes, I really am that dramatic.  I went for a run today and had a specific planned route of over 10K. Now let me explain - I have been planning on doing this run for a long time, but have had various things get in the way - some valid and others, I admit, have been excuses. It is a challenging route, riddled with steep inclines, but is mostly all in the country with lots of shade and beautiful scenery. I was hoping this would make the journey worthwhile.
Today for some strange reason, the words "Wingardium Leviosa" were playing in my head - a sure sign that I have either (a) completely lost it, or (b) have to see Harry Potter 7.2 right away. Either way, a Harry Potter levitation spell seemed like the least likely inspirational mantra ever.  When I reached the top of an incredibly leg burning hill, I looked to the right and saw what had to be the most incredibly idyllic view ever of my beautiful hometown of Brooklin. Wingardium Leviosa, indeed!  Who needs a wand to create magic like this? I can create my own form of (albeit painful and torturous) levitation!
As I was running along, I kept hitting roadblocks. My tummy was crampy, the sun was hot. One of the roads has a blockage which I had to stop and climb over. I decided to change my route and head straight home, again not finishing the route I have been striving to complete. Oh well, tomorrow is another day, I thought - I'll try again. But then another spell crossed my mind.
Expecto Patronum: described as an incarnation of the caster's innermost positive feelings, such as joy or hope, known as a Patronus. A Patronus is conjured as a protector, and is a weapon rather than a predator of souls.  Hmmm. A protector, made from my most positive feelings?  Heck yeah!  I cast my own Patronus charm (which for me I am positive would take the form of a horse) and chased those positive thoughts every step of the way, along the original route, and even was able to up the pace the last couple of kilometres.   When I was almost home there was no need for spells. I was levitating all on my own.  
So next time you face an obstacle too great, a class too tough, an unreachable goal, dig  deep and cast your own Patronus spell. Simply take all of that potential and positive energy you have inside you and send it out to help you conquer the world, one step at a time.
Now Muggles, RICTUSEMPRA!  You can't resist my tickling spell, can you! I hope each of your days is filled with magic and laughter this August.

Don't Spend Time, Invest It.

Those were the words on a sign I drove by last week. Hmmm, I thought. How does one invest time? 
I often read articles about small business, marketing, customer service etc... in order to help me serve my clients needs to the best of my ability. I was reading one such column this morning. It stated that it is more important to be the best person you can be, rather than being the absolute best at what you do.  To spend the time to know the people who work for you, or who hire you for a service. Finding out things about their lives, personalities, remembering when they are recovering from an illness, calling them when they are missed, celebrating milestones with them.  Taking each opportunity to make a relationship farther than "Hello" and "Goodbye" with a few pleasantries in between.
So time is an investment. A non-fail investment when you invest it in someone. It is so true that each interaction with a fellow human being can change your day, can start an amazing relationship, can help you understand them better, and through this understand yourself a little more.
So don't spend time. Use it wisely! To make your world, and someone else's a better place.

These Are A Few of My Favourite Things!

Oprah can do it, so why can't I? In fact, if any wants to help me start an "Annie taking over for Oprah" as world guru, trusted girlfriend and queen of all media, please let me know. I'm looking for a campaign manager!
A quick review, though, before I start the first annual "Favourite Things" episode of this blog.  My goals - you remember them, I'm sure, although I try daily to forget them! I am still working hard to find balance between work, home, family and friends. it's not perfect,but I'm doing my best to be present in whatever I am doing - and to give my best to the people to love me and need me the most.  I have had a massage with Pierre :) Instead of 3 riding tours, I have done 2 run races and a duathlon - and will be riding behind Sean in the 160K Ride4United Way in August.  Most of all - I haven't had a Diet Soda (or any aspartame) in over 6 weeks!  Woooohooooo! I never ever thought I could do it, and although I would charge like an angry rhinocerous to get one if given the chance, I am still steadfast in my goal - no going back! Thanks to you all for all your support  - it takes a village to raise an Annie! 
Back to my favourite things. I was thinking the other day of the many amazing things that I love about life, and in honour of the beautiful sunshine I think I shall share! All these things are free - so enjoy!
Clouds- I think their only function is to amuse and inspire creativity. What's better than laying on your back, sun beating down on your face, eyes squinting, and watching a scene take place in the sky above?
Gummi Worms- I'm not sure whether these are actually food, but am willing to take the chance for an occasional treat!
Singing into a Fan- Go ahead, try it, I dare you!
The First Bite of an Apple- Always a surprise, and the sound is incomparable.
Pool Noodles- Hmm, strange, squishy synthetic material, amazing bouyancy. Who knew!
Opening the First Page of a Book. It's like opening a door to a new realm, and if you listen closely you can hear the voices of all who have opened it before you.
Marshmallows- Like the Gummi Worms, the jury is still out on whether this is actually a food, but boy is it convincing when stuck with a tree branch and toasted to a delicious golden brown over a glowing fire.
Weather Reporters-  Love how saying exactly the same thing over and over can be made exciting and new every fifteen minutes. Also, kudos to all who risk life and limb clinging to a swaying telephone pole while reporting from the centre of a category 5 hurricane, simply so that I (sitting safely on my couch 100's of miles away) can understand the full impact of the "weather event".  Plus - how can people that are wrong so often, smile so sublimely all the time!  Highest. Self. Esteem.Ever. Weather reporters rock!

Canada-  Best country ever!  Thankful every day for waking up (and being a citizen, yay!) of this awesome and beautiful land. We really need to stop complaining about the little inconveniences that come with being Canadian and put things into perspective. To say we are lucky is an understatement. No one has what we has  - let's work hard to keep it this way!
Horses- You can see heaven in their eyes.
Coffee- need I explain?  Didn't think so.
Musicals- Movie or theatre - no difference I love it all!  I often imagine my own life as a musical, and it's not unusual for a conversation in the Tiffin home to turn into a full song and dance number.
Six degrees of seperation- Nothing cooler than meeting someone and then finding out you share mutual connections/friends/DNA. it's a small world, after all!
Flying- Strange, because I am terrified to fly. I do, however marvel over our ability to do so. As a child (and actually, I still do)believe that God Himself lifts each and every plane up, then gently blows them on their way. Miraculous!
Lists- I love order and accountability, and lists are nice, neat and tidy ways to keep everything as it should be!  I would have a list for my lists if Sean hadn't vetoed it.

There are so many things that I think are amazing!  If you have any favourite things,  please share. Also, we look forward to hearing about any goals or personal bests you have reached, either health/fitness or otherwise. Stay cool, drink lots and lots, and enjoy this glorious weather, friends!

Incredible Use for Bungee Cords

Duathlon is over!  It's the day after, and I am still feeling the afterglow of completing the first of many duathlon events. It was the most wonderful, terrifying, painful, exhilerating and heart stopping thing ever!  Had a great 2K sprint, 20 K cycle and an okay 5K run. I totally underestimated the pain caused from jumping off the bike and attempting to run. So I lost a lot of time on the run, and ran way slower than normal. But I kept going, kept smiling, kept feeling positive and enjoying the moment - and I finished. With my cheering section waving their signs, little hands reaching out for a high five and calls of encouragement from those present, and the words and thoughts from many others that I replayed in my head to keep me going. Awesome.
I watched the start of the Iron Man triathlon held at the same event.  The first people out of the water wore pink swimming caps, and were connected to each other with a bungee cord. Throughout the day I saw many such pairings - running, on tandem bikes, swimming - and I found out that they were blind athletes, tied to an athlete competing with them as their eyes. I ran a portion of the 5K run behind a pairing like this (until they left me in the dust) and overheard snippets of their conversations as we ran.  They conversed much like any other pair of runners, except occasionally a warning or instruction from the guide. "Watch for a dip" or "turn back to the right" to keep her runner on the path and competing safely. I find it so unbelievably inspiring. Not only the athlete who has the impairment, but the athlete who trains and runs with them. How unselfish and caring to aspire to be your best simply so that someone else can excel. There is no rest time - the guides must be at peak fitness to ensure that their blind partner can compete to the best of their ability and in complete safety. Also, the guide must be alert to a plethora of hazards that we take completely for granted as sighted people.   I can barely keep my eyes open through a race, let alone stay alert and be responsible for another human being. And the sighted athlete makes sure that their partner crosses the line ahead - this is truly about celebrating the amazing accomplishment of their partner, not about their own performance. The relationship between these two people is incredible. Swimming, biking and running together with just a bungee cord and a whole lot of trust to connect them.
I have seen bungee cords used in many ways - in fact I used two myself to secure my bike to the rack. But this is seriously the best use ever. Connecting people together to make dreams a reality.

When we left the park we heard that the same pairing that came out of the water first together was still leading the triathlon.  Now that's inspiring!

Phobophobia

Cited as "the fear of fears", phobophobia kind of goes hand in hand with the well worn phrase, "There is nothing to fear but fear itself". What is to fear about fear? ( I dare you to read this entire blog three times fast, LOL!) We all fear something, some of us many things, some of us have fears that cripple our everyday lives. What do you fear?  What makes your heart drop into your throat, your heart pound faster, beads of sweat growing on your forehead?
My husband is the calmest, most even keeled person I have ever met. But put a scary movie on and he turns into a jumping, trembling, screaming, Scooby Doo like charicature of himself.  I have friends who are afraid of spiders, heights, dogs, tooth brushes, you name it. But there is usually something that has happened in their past that has started these fears on their path to phobia. These fears are rational, based in fact and previous experience.
What about other fears? Such as fear of gaining weight, fear of failure, fear of judgement. There is no way to quantify these fears. These fears are life stopping, irrational and difficult to overcome. After all, we cannot control how other people percieve us, how they react to us, how our actions will be viewed.
My family went to Wonderland together for the first time last weekend.  Upon hearing that he was tall enough to ride many of the highest rollercoasters, he proclaimed,"I want to ride The Bat!!" Did I mention that he is seven and normally very sensible?  We took him to see it and he was still game. Deep breath, Mum, okay - go for it. So off he trots with my hubby. I watched his face, unsuspecting as to what was to come, as they raised his cart up to the top. As they dropped them into the first run, I could see what could only be described as pure, unadulterated terror.  Umm, I felt like the worst Mum ever. How could I not have talked him out of this?  He wasn't even tall enough to look over the seat in front of him. Major Mum fail, right there. As he tottered, dazed, off the ride, he had a mixture of terror and amazement on his little face.  It didn't deter him from trying an array of other coasters and rides for the rest of day (although none quite that large again, thank goodness). But he walked onto that roller coaster, fresh faced and excited, not knowing what to expect. No fear.
I have lots of fears. Some rational (flying, roller coasters and Heffalumps) and some irrational. I fear people's judgement, I fear failure, I fear not being a great Mum (especially after the Bat debacle). I fear mostly for my children - and fear that they will grow up with the same fears as I have.  I want them to be free of fear. 
If I were to break down my fears, they are all about not being in control. After all, I would bungee jump, cliff dive, para sail, zip line, extreme bike etc.. not without fear, but with enthusiasm. But the thought of flying makes me break out in a cold sweat. I have no control over that. And rollercoasters? Can't stop or go when I want them to. Can't take that at my own pace. Can't blame myself if something bad happens. Judgement?  Can't control what other people think of me.  And I can't live my children's lives or make them happy and productive. So I reach a stalemate.
How to let go of fear? Take it step by step.  Collect proof that what you imagine won't happen. Scared of starting an exercise regime? Start by making calls and meeting fitness pros. Then when you are comfortable, book a class or private session.  Find a place where fear is easily put aside and you feel safe, then build from there. 
As for me, I rode the Fly. It's no Behemuth, perhaps, but it's a step in the right direction. And none of my fears were realized. I am still living, I didn't fall out, have a heart attack, cry like a baby, or any other scenario that I dreamt up while in the line up with my family. 

Let go the fear of fear and take on the fear straight on, one step at a time. Surround your self with people who support you. And take the plunge.

Busy like bees

Teach a class. Make a bed. Paperwork. Doctor's Appointment. ZUMBA class. Overtime at work. Kid's soccer practise. Make dinner. Eat dinner. Pack lunches. Grocery Shopping. Meeting. P/U something important.  The song "Flight of the Bumblebee" is the the theme song for today's culture. Run faster, get more done. Flit here.  Fly there.  Never really be present anywhere.
I volunteered for a school trip to the zoo, and in my group were 5 boisterous boys.  They bounced, hopped, ran and jumped excitedly from one animal to the next, so excited they were to see as much as they could.  When we got to Stingray Bay, they changed. One look into the tank full of stingrays and sharks (which they could pet, I might add) and the boys were different. Their little hands reached in gently to touch the animals as they swam by and their excited voices explained each experience to anyone who would listen. They stood still, rooted by this unique experience, remaining captivated by the opportunity to share this moment with these incredible animals.
I have often wondered what the huge attraction is with yoga. Now don't get me wrong, I love yoga - and as a long time yogini, I believe in it's power and effectiveness - especially in cleansing the spiritual and emotional being. But, why, on earth - do we pay for the opportunity to lay on an uncomfortable mat with a bunch of strangers? 
I suspect it because we seek an opportunity to be still. To be present, without distraction, and to enjoy that exact second in time. To record it, and store it up for when life becomes hectic and overwhelming, as it too often does. Those boys at the zoo still have the skills that are born into us all - to stop everything, and just enjoy.  They went from 110mph to stillness - without guilt - only true, in the moment, don't want to miss a thing enjoyment.
That's why we go to yoga - to be in stillness - to be forced to look within ourselves, to be present, and to bathe in the quiet, in the studio, and eventually as we become more practised, in our heads. 
Breathe deep. Close your eyes. Be grateful for the life you have. And try not to be so busy that you miss it.
Namaste!

Confronting yourself.

I always try and look for the beauty in everything and everyone. I love looking people in the eye. I think it is the greatest compliment you can pay someone to acknowledge that you see them, and aren't just looking at them.  Strangely, though, I notice that I do not accord the same respect to myself.  It is with criticism and hardness that I view my own self, and rarely do I have the guts to look myself straight in the eyes.  I suspect that this is not a phenomenom solely invented by me.  I know that we are trained now to strive for an ideal, and less or more than that results in a harsh personal conversation.
I have been doing yoga this past week. Hot yoga. I find that yoga is the perfect balance for me to find peace in mind and body.  But the yoga studio has mirrors. BIG mirrors. Big, shiny, recently cleaned to a spotless state with Windex mirrors. I am standing in tree pose, and as usual I choose to gaze ahead and pick a focal point on my tummy in the mirror. My large and rapidly growing with each second round and jiggly tummy. My eyes fill with horror as I create the amazing growing person right before my eyes. The horror!  I look sneakily around at the other class participants to see if they have noticed that I am now twice the size that I started the class at. My concentration (already in peril) is now shot and I break the pose, stepping out. I glance at myself in the mirror, phew!! Temporarily restored to merely squishy, and jiggly, a state I can handle. 
How ridiculous, that merely looking at one's tummy can cause someone to pick apart, criticize and blow out of proportion each little imperfection, each tiny flaw, instead of seeing what was good in the mirror.
We flow into my favourite pose - Dancer's Pose - and I set my gaze ahead.  Somehow I was aligned to look directly into my own eyes, and I realized with fascination, that they are blue. And bright. And that I could look into them and see things. I can see the smile creases around my eyes (aka wrinkles). I can see 30 something (ha - I'm not spilling my real age) years of life and love reflected there. And when I widen my gaze, I see the best Dancers pose I have ever done.  Chest lifted proudly, back leg kicking strongly back and reaching towards my head.  Balance leg strong, firm, and rooted in to the mat.  Superb!  So for the rest of the class I made sure to look straight ahead and confront myself, just as I am. Sweaty. Imperfect. And freaking amazing. After all, this body puts up with me every day. The least I can do is love it. 

Hello, Sweet Pea!!

Nature puts everything into perspective. It humbles us with its strength. It shames us with it's fragility. It makes our eyes widen with awe when we stop and recognize it's beauty.  Nature assaults the senses, and every day it reminds us that miracles can happen.
Now, I haven't blogged in a while.  I expected to be full of words to share after my succesful 8K run.  None came (I know - a rare miracle, for sure!) I couldn't find any inspiration to share with you all. Not even a funny story, or quirky tale to pass along. Truth is, I've been in a little bit of a funk.  Post run, I felt exhilarated and proud, and then nothing.  My last week has run something like this: Daughter with reaction to bug bite. Son away for four days, and I felt a little like I had lost a part of me. Husband is working unpredictable and long hours.  Some sadness and tension in my workplace. Uncertainty about the future.  Saying goodbye to people as many of my classes wrap up for the summer.  The  fear of the financial drain during these lean summer months. No sleep.  The feeling of my knee swelling up while teaching a class, and worrying that this injury would impact my ability to meet my own fitness goals, and to continue helping other people to achieve theirs.  And I have given up Diet Coke. Almost two days now.  I have felt grumpy, irritable, sad, hopeless and (I may have already mentioned this) GRUMPY!! I have just felt completely out of sorts. 
This afternoon I decided that I would do some yard work and discovered that underneath my overlong lawn, that there was a veritable jungle of weeds. The baskets that I worked so hard on are dying a slow death, despite the fact that they look so gorgeous from inside my house. Every living thing in my yard was crying for attention.  Did I mention we are having a big party in 6 weeks??  The lawn looks like a replica of the Sahara Desert, except the desert is more green and lush.  In pure frustration, I sat down in the middle of my backyard and spent some time screaming silently inside. Where were all the beautiful flowers whose seeds I planted last month??  Where? I cried, in silent anguish, where?? Why me?? (yes I am sometimes THAT dramatic)  So I plugged in my lawn mower and went at the depressing task of trimming this wasteland of plant life.  I bent down to pull out a weed and realized that it was actually a real plant. One of the seeds I had planted. And then I noticed another. And another.  Sweet Peas!!  Some perspective was to be had here. A challenging week  - yes.  Reasons to feel less than perfect  - sure.  Tragic and life changing - nope.  Through all the tangle and trauma that is the environment known as my backyard, some beauty has managed to grow, miraculously.  So am I all better now - did the sweet pea change my entire outlook on my poopy week? Not at all. But it did give me something beautiful to look forward to.

Just Breathe

Last weekend I grudgingly donned my IPod and Skechers and headed out on a run. I am running an 8K dash for Camp Oochigeas this Sunday and the July Duathlon is fast approaching, so whether I like it or not, I have to start logging some miles. I love exercise, but truthfully, running is not my thing.  I enjoy doing it with other people, but on my own I have the attention span of a gnat, and a negative voice in my head that screams at me constantly.  While I have had some moments of enjoyment during my solo runs this spring, they have been few and far between. Mostly it's a battle.
So I had not even bothered to psyche myself up before this run, resigned to the fact that likely it would hurt, would bore me and I would come home sweaty but dissatisfied.  And so I set out.
It was a beautiful day - idyllic almost, with the lilac bushes in full bloom along the side of the road, the sound of lawns being mowed, the laughter of children happy to be finally playing outside. The IPod was spewing favourite songs that were helping me pick up my aching feet.
I love Grey's Anatomy. I feel like Meredith Grey, the main character, and I have lots of common ground.  I have had plenty of times in my life when I have been, "dark and twisty" as Meredith has described herself. I have a complicated relationship with my mother. I have my own McDreamy knight in shining whatever (although mine is WAY better) who has stood by me through thick and thin. I have dug myself out of bad situations and have risen from the ashes of my own self destruction.  So it's probably no surprise that there are lots of amazing  tunes from the show on my IPod, and that I identify lots of my own major life experiences in the words and music. I've often laughed that it could be my own personal soundtrack. 
I was running down a country road, contemplating the deep mysteries of life. Actually I was not so quietly cursing and complaining about my aching legs, but I digress.  One of my favourite songs came on, and it made me laugh. I love irony, and the song is called Just Breathe - something which I was struggling with at that moment in time.
I powered on, enjoying the freedom of running, with the song infusing itself into my pores. I felt that song, right at that moment, and turned my chin up towards the sun.  Spreading my arms out to the sides to feel the air rush past my sweaty arms, I felt free. It seems so cliched, but I have spent much of my life wondering who I am.  And the answer to that is varied, often complicated and often simple. But at the heart of me is that girl, running free and strong down the road towards the next challenge. Full of joy and life. A survivor. Dark and twisty no more, I am happy now to just breathe.

Do or do not....there is no try.

Do or do not...there is no try.  A quote from the eternally wise, and suprisingly relevant Yoda.  I saw that quote poste on Twitter and it kind of haunted me. And haunted me some more.  So in the modern way of information gathering, I turned to Google for answers.  Starting first with YouTube to get the quote in context (see link below) and then a search to find out other pearls of Yoda wisdom.  What I discovered is that I think Yoda is on to something.

Last Tuesday it was (surprise!!) raining. In desperation to actually put in some time training for the duathlon which rapidly approaches, I hit the gym.  While pounding the track, I got into my groove and spent my time people watching.  Each lap I passed a man I often see walking there. He obviously suffers from some physical ailment as he walks with a leg brace. Noticeably absent is the cane I used to see him lean on as he walked around and around.  Also I noticed that every three laps or so he would step off the track to hobble up and down the stairs located nearby.  He smiles as he goes around, and I notice that he seems to be people watching and enjoying the sights and sounds, just like I am.  I have been a member for almost two years, and I have often seen him taking his many steps for fitness and rehabilitation.

We have all had times in our life when we have the choice to do or not. And often our answer is to say, "We'll try". But Yoda is right.  There is no in between with doing. We waste our time and our efforts by not believing we can do all the things necessary to make us happy and healthy beings. We sell ourselves short by convincing ourselves that the effort is good enough, and that the results don't matter. When it comes to the things that change lives, ours and others, it is necessary that we do. So next time you are faced with a challenge, place one foot in front of the other, and remember the words of the wise one.  Help you he can.

Check out Yoda in action   http://youtu.be/PcjnbIF1yAA

No Pain, No Gain??

When I have a client experiencing pain, it greatly upsets me.  I become a part of each and every person's health journey and not only feel the joy of the highs, but the pain and sometimes awful suffering of the lows.  Exercise is awesome. Movement is necessary. But with all programs, comes the risk of injury. So the question is, "how much pain is too much, and how do I, as a fitness professional, help a client manage their injury while still staying on track to meet their goals?"  It is these times in a person's path to wellness that can make or break the process.  Injuries can derail a fitness program completely, allowing the client to walk away and become discouraged and give up. Or it can be a turning point for the better. A chance to change up the exercise routine, embrace new methods and find a new connection with your body.  Pain is our body's way of reminding us of both it's incredible strength and it's extreme fragility.  Our bodies talk to us through pain, so it is best we listen, and respect it's input into the process.
I have a client who is suffering right now.  She is one of the hardest working, most dedicated and kind people I have ever met. I believe in her, and I assure you, she will reach all of her weight loss and fitness goals.  But she is in the midst of injury right now.  And that really can take a toll on the process. How are we going to get through this and come out stronger, fitter and ready for the next challenge?  Together, that's how. The best way I can help every client achieve their best is to walk, squat, lunge, lift and run beside them the whole way. Sometimes we'll have to modify, change course or even rest.  The end result - happy, healthy bodies for life - something worth fighting for! 

Monkey See, Monkey Do!

We are inundated with information, guilt campaigns, diet and exercise fixes, infomercials and magazines filled with the "latest" thing that will make you healthy - today!!  It is impossible to sort the wheat from the chaff and make sense of what, where and how we are supposed to live in order to attain a "healthy" life. 
CORE hubby and I volunteered our time at a Family Fitness Night at our children's school last week. It was a fantastic opportunity for families to have fun, try new ways to be active and learn and participate in activities that promoted healthy living.  But the overwhelming trend was parental supervision and less enthusiastic child participation.  Many parents took this opportunity to encourage their children to get moving, but did not take part themselves. 
My scientific data collected from that night:  parents who took part, whether first time exercisers or long time fitness buffs, had children who enjoyed, got sweaty, smiled and had a great time. The families connected through movement and the kids were enthusiastic and excited for the next challenge. 
We want the best for our children, and spend much of their early years reading, discovering and putting into practise the things that we believe will enable them to live long, healthy and happy lives.  The best thing we can do is quietly model the behaviors that we know are proven to help them live this ideal. Monkey see, monkey do! 

The Girl On The Bike

One thing I tell people when they are starting out running is to look up.  Take in the surroundings, see all that is going on around. If your eyes are trained downward, you'll miss all of the small, beautiful things that make the true pleasure of being outside and giving your all.  And sometimes you see something so spectacular that just the thought of it makes you smile.
Yesterday I was driving home from a class when I saw a girl on a bike. She was standing tall on her pedals, arms outstretched to the sides and the wind caught her hair and cascaded it out behind her.  Her arms moved to some undecipherable rythm, her throat was upturned - her eyes cast upwards towards the blue sky. She was beautiful in her freedom, and there was freedom in her beauty.  I would never recognize her if I saw her on the street, but I will never forget her.  That is living in the moment, being who you are, and living life to its fullest. The wind on your hair, the sun on your face, and movement so simple and pure.
So keep your eyes up - and don't miss a thing! 

I'm in a food mood!

If you know me, you know I love food.  I love how it looks. I love how it smells. I love the colours, textures and the pure beauty of it. Fresh fruit and vegetables are so colourful, and amazingly, none are quite the same. All unique, subtly different in taste, size or shape.  My favourite place to shop is the farmers market - where food comes alive, a painted picture of goodness and sunshine, flanked by the humanity of the people whose hands turned the soil that grew them.  One of my favourite things is that surprising feeling when you take the first bite into something, and it surprises you by surpassing your expectations.  Mmmmmmmm..........
I have not always had such a comfortable relationship with food.  For much of my life it was a chess game, dancing between desire and necessity.  Fear of "bad food", eating too much, too little, carbs, no carbs, take out butter, wait!  margarine is bad for you, low fat, no fat, homemade, store bought. Proteins and dairy and grains, oh my!  Much of my life was dedicated to thinking about, obsessing over and hating either food or myself, depending on the day.  This is not unusual in society today. We are inundated with information that tells us how to eat, what to eat, why to eat.  But we have been eating and surviving for thousands of years before the advent of media. We are born with the ability to know exactly what and how much we need.  Babies are the most wonderful example of this. Unaffected by social mores, they eat when hungry and stop when full.  They eat enough to meet their needs and satisfy their hunger.  Wonderful and perfect.  Somehow we need to start trusting ourselves that we have everything inside us to eat the right amount of the right foods.

People often want to know what diet I adhere to.  Truth is, nothing is off limits for me, but I try to adhere to an 85/15  rule of thumb.  As I respect and love my body, I want to treat it well, and to keep it running with quality fuel. To me, this means fresh, whole foods - as close to nature as we can get.  We choose local and organic produce, and free range, organic, local eggs and meats. Whole grains.  Food with an expiry date.  Unprocessed when possible. Then I fill my body with these quality foods - 85%  of the time.  The other 15% is free choice, baby - whatever I want!  Baked goods (made at home or locally), "junk" food, fried foods - you name it.  I try and choose these prepared in a healthier way when possible, but hey - a girl needs her fats as well!  It's normal to have a variety, and to take the negative connotations off of all foods. There's a place for everything.
The result of this - I feel good.  I have energy and strength enough to face each day and it's challenges. I can play with my kids, ride my bike, do my job, and maintain a healthy, balanced life.  Life is good - and so is food! 

Running the Race

Last Saturday I ran my first 5K race. Seriously.  Worst.  Longest.  Most Torturous.  Painful.  Awful ..... thirty one minutes of pain. No other way to describe it. I have not been feeling well - battling a chest cold, I haven't trained properly.  I stopped three times on route to hack up a lung.  I almost cried when every time I turned a corner another uphill and subsequent muddy downhill awaited me.   The race was over for me about two minutes in when the little voice in my head said, "you can't do this".  I never got into a happy place, and let the negative feelings defeat me before I had even started.   I never let myself look around and see that I was running through a light fog, in an idyllic forest setting, over small bridges, under canopies of tall trees.  I missed the beauty and freedom of what I set out to do, and instead let self doubt seep in as "not good enough" became my mantra, running on repeat in my head.
One thing I love about running is that no matter how I set out, I always return a little changed. It helps me to learn a little about myself each and every time.
I finished. It hurt.  But I am determined to try again. And no matter how fast or slow my feet move, I will make sure that the little negative voice stays at home and build time in my run to stop and smell the roses.

Life is beautiful!

A challenge, of sorts.... I have two clients who have chosen to work toward the Heydenshore Hoedown 5km run/walk at the end of July.  If anyone is interested in joining a team of CORE friends in this goal it would be wonderful!  We are not looking at a competitive situation, just to help each other achieve this shared goal of participating, finishing and enjoying!  Let us know!

Hmmmm. What?? How are my 2011 goals going? Ummm....how do you like this weather we're having...

As a health professional, I should be eschewing the virtue of commitment and resilience - the ability to work towards and achieve that which is important to you. Employing willpower and using every tool in your arsenal to complete the task or goal you have set yourself. You can do anything!  Nothing can stop you!  Work hard, sweat harder, feel strong, live long, you know (and have probably heard) those or other familiar words of encouragement coming from my mouth at one time or another.  These words are true, and every time I ask you to surprise yourself, always remember that nothing you accomplish surprises me. I see what you put in, and what you get back, each and every time I stand in front of you. 
My goals?  Oh, well. Mmmmmmhhhhh........  fine!
Big fat zero accomplished of these goals. Have yet to have a massage. Family time? Well, it's there - but difficult to balance as I work mornings and nights, Sean in between.  Three cycling tours?? Haven't even gotten on my bike.  And the worst?? Still drinking Diet Coke as if it is the only thing that will sustain me. Yes, yes I am.
But - I have decided to do a duathlon this summer (and signed up - so there is no backing out), and will be doing my first 5km running race this Saturday to "test the waters". We have all got Friday off, and will be spending it how we all please - together.  I asked my daughter if she wanted to ride her bike while I went for a short run, she agreed.  That short run ended an hour later with her and I slapping high fives after having some of the best conversation we have ever shared. A warm, sweaty hug was shared and acknowledgement that this was a must-do again.  My son woke up at midnight the other night with sore legs, which turned into an hour long leg rub, cuddle and conversation on how we could accomplish world domination, one toot at a time.   We have decided to do the "Ride 4 the Rouge" as a family and enjoy a bike tour together for a great cause.  So the family time might not be entirely conventional, but we are outside, together  - laughing and smiling. Plus it makes our snuggly time all the much more enriching.  The little bums are so tired they actually stay still!
Someday my massage will come. Someday........
And Diet Coke - say it with me - "You can do anything!" "You are strong" "Nothing can stop you!"  Ah, thanks - I needed that!!  Back to the drawing board, but determined to kick the habit, one can at a time.

Happy Easter everyone! 

ZUMBA playlist April/May 2011

Sharing the songs with my ZUMBA amigos! See below for the songs you will (and have) been hearing in class for April/May.  Love to keep it fresh and fun! Please let me know if you have any suggestions or favourite songs you would like to hear.  I will reiterate that if you want any if this music, please search by title on ITunes, then purchase from the original artist - not anything labeled Zumba Fitness - the only legal place to purchase Zumba music is on zumba.com or through a ZIN member (moi!) which I would be glad to do for you upon request.
5 Letras - reggaeton
Volare - (Gypsy Kings) flamenco
Baila Pa Emociona - calypso warmup
Mueve La Cadera  - cumbia/samba
Cumbia Arabe - cumbia
Pegate -(Groupe Treo) merengue
Don't Let Me Down - swing
Zumba He Zumba Ha (DJ Mam's feat Soldat Jahman & Luis Guisao) French Reggaeton
Bomba Camara - salsa
Que Te Meuve - merengue
La Cumbia De L'Amor - Cumbia
Hella Decale - (DJ Mam's feat. Doukali & Soldat Jahman) French Bollywood
Na Ponta do Pe - Samba
I Love Salsa - salsa
Sahara Oasis - belly dance
And of course our favourite cool down tunes!

Hope you enjoy the spring music - looking forward to keeping our music and choreography fresh and fun!!
Cuckoooo!

Spring is Springing!

It has been a long, dark winter. Each morning as I woke up and groggily dragged myself over to the window, I would crack one eye open and be momentarily filled with hope. Each morning I got grey skies, cold, damp and well, winter. Winter! Imagine - winter in Canada. I really don't know what I expected.  I know that I am an eternal optimist, and that I always try to look for the good in everything, but not even I can wish away the snow in our beautiful northern country. 
One of the reasons that I love being a fitness instructor is that I get to see people beat the odds. I see people take steps to change their lives. I see smiles bloom, where self doubt once festered. I see posture change from "please don't look at me" to "look at me world!"  I see waistlines shrink, eyes brighten, steps quicken, smiles broaden and bodies strengthen. I see personal transformation occur in each and every class, and celebrate each victory, big and small, with all of the people who take part in our programs. 
Last weekend I had one of the greatest experiences of my life.  I got to lead a class of over 130 people, aged 1- over 80 years old.  Simply amazing - the energy in that room was inspiring - and I can still see the smiles of each and every person who came.  We danced for Gillie Beans. To make a video and celebrate a life cut too short.  We danced together. We laughed together. We remembered a special girl, or met her for the first time. No one left unchanged.
The sun shone, it's warm rays bathing us in it's light. Ribbons waved, laughter carried in the breeze, something special was in the air. 
Spring is a very subjective thing. I know there is a specific date that marks its official beginning, but everyone has that one special thing that makes it real for them.  The first robin, hopping along on the front lawn.  Crocus popping out of the still frozen ground.  That first family walk together in the new warmth. Easter. When does spring begin for you?
I realize that for me it is futile to check out the window each morning for signs of spring. I see it every day.  Every time something beautiful comes to life before my very eyes, and every single time that I see hope and joy arise triumphantly to chase the grey clouds away. 
Spring is springing. Bask in it!

Death and Taxes

The only to "fer sures" in life, right???  Well, as it is almost April, I figured I should address the whole taxation issue.  There are a few things in life that are much more positive and that I guarantee are "fer sures".
(a) exercise makes you feel good - seriously good.  Nothing makes you prouder of yourself than completing your first full teaser pilates exercise, legs off the ground and all.  A sense of awe at your own totally insanely strong body after completing a hard core, sweaty and groovin' ZUMBA class.  The amazing moment when you recognize that you surprised yourself.
(b) when you realize that you CAN do so much! And that these accomplishments cross over to all aspects of your life. You can call on the same personal strength when dealing with a crisis as you do when you push yourself beyond your expectations during a physical challenge.  You use the newfound confidence to take on and succeed at new challenges at home and work.  You reach the end of the road and instead of looking ahead and bemoaning how far there is to go, you look back and take pride in how far you have come.
(c) that you can make change happen.  Maybe it's small. Maybe you feel that it is insignificant. But when you choose to move and to strengthen your body, you feel each change and notice the huge difference it makes.  When you proudly jump just a little bit higher, lift a little bit more, run a little bit farther.... well, you notice that a little bit is really a whole lot.  So the next time you turn away because you don't feel your small contribution makes a difference?  Turn back and go for it - the smallest steps change lives!
Confidence. Accomplishment. Pride. Strength. Exhilaration. Joy. All "fer sures" when you live your life taking care of an amazing and wondrous person - you!  So, while death and taxes aren't going anywhere soon, let's join hands this April and spend less time worrying about those things we can't change, and instead celebrating all that we can.

Truly, anything is possible!

Time to check in on my goals for 2011 again.
Me time - not in the way I expected
3 bike tours with hubby - change of plans slightly
Time with family and friends - working on it
aspartame addiction - still rampant.
So a big, fat goose egg on the goal front for me. Not exactly a good role model for change and inspiring positive change in others.  But let me explain....
I have challenged myself to do something new this year. As much as I will enjoy tackling 160km with Sean in the Ride4UnitedWay, truly it is Sean's goal.  I will gladly trail along behind him, moaning about my sore butt and complaining strongly about the entire process, but I really don't think I am avidly excited about pursuing this as a fitness goal. I am relieved, actually, because this way when Sean beats me, I can reassure myself that I didn't train specifically for it anyway. :)
So, in my typical "bull in a china shop" way, I boldly declared my intention to try a sprint Triathlon. Until Sean (always the voice of reason!) mentioned that I don't run, and cannot swim. So he gently suggested that I rethink that as a goal for 2011, and maybe take some time to learn to swim this year in order to do it in the future.
So I have settled on a duathlon - 7km of running, 25km of cycling. Not worried about the cycling, but RUNNING?!?!?  seriously?? I haven't run since, well, my much more youthful days. I honestly run like a rhinocerous, clomping and snorting along, head down - barreling ahead madly. How on earth am I going to do this? I have spent the last week alternately talking myself out of this and pumping myself up.  So I thought I had better just run and see how it felt. You know, before I completely let the negative voices talk me out of this whole crazy idea.
And you know what? I have run 4 times this last week, culminating yesterday in completing 5km - a feat which I never thought possible. Ever. Seriously - I still can't believe it. It may not seem like a lot, but after nearly defeating myself before I even tried, it is incredible to be now confidently looking forward with great glee to a trial 5K trail run I have entered in a few weeks.   I will definitely have times in this process where I get discouraged, sore, frustrated and unmotivated, but I am determined and excited
So don't let yourself be defeated. If you want something, don't sell yourself short - you will always surprise yourself! For anything is possible. Even beating my aspartame addiction. Eventually. Right??

It's finally over

February - the month so ridiculous that we had to shorten it's duration to make it tolerable. Now I don't mean to be negative, but February was the blahest of the blah this year! If it wasn't for my amazing classes ( read - you all!) it would go down in Annie history as the officially most grey and bleckie. But  it's now  March and I am determined that even if it is grey and damp, my outlook will not match the weather!  I have booked a few days off of teaching to spend time with the family, March break is coming, lots of exciting stuff is happening! 
But, I confess, I have still not stopped drinking Diet Coke. I need rehab.
So, ladies and gentlemen, my point is this. Today is what matters. Yesterday is gone, and do-overs aren't possible. Let's not dwell in what was (or wasn't) or spend time stressing about what is to come.  Every moment we spend worrying about another day robs today of it's opportunity for happiness.  Give each day a chance. It is precious, beautiful and unique. Hmmm. Just like you.

Things you may not know....

about me!!!  I am always trying to spend the little bits of time we have together to find out more about you. So, know I have you captive I'm going to tell you some random things about me. Some you may know, some may surprise you (I hope!)
-my favourite colour is pink (although it used to be black)
-favourite food - Dairy Queen Blizzard (preferably Oreo)
-place of birth - Wentworth, Essex, London, England
-I don't often cry and have been accused of having broken tear ducts
-am extremely goal oriented, and somewhat of a perfectionist
-LOVE to read - and will read almost anything once.
-wish I could sing:) and desperately wanted to be Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music. Used to practise "the Hills are alive..." everytime I saw a suitable rise of green grass. OK, I still do.
- think that dancing is the most pure form of personal expression - because anyone can do it and it's always beautiful.
- have battled with my weight, and dropped over 100lbs after my second child was born
- I believe that each one of us can change the world in our own way
- love horses. love every single thing about them - they are magnificent animals. Worked all my life with them before getting married and settled down.
- dream trip - to go to Israel, Egypt and Palestine
- would like to go on a Mission trip to a third world country
- I don't love Christmas
- exercise keeps me sane, calm and centered
- have shook hands with Cher, seen Gordon Ramsey and  Shaggy up close,and talked to David Cassidy.
- have two children (aged 5 & 7) and would love a couple more
- am afraid of heights
- have two cats and a bunny
- am the youngest child , two older brothers
- if I won the lottery I would give most of it away
Well, that's a little bit of my craziness - and next time I see you, tell me something random and interesting about you!  Because I really want to know.

My Goals - How are they going??

Well, not so well. I am still hopelessly attached to Diet Soda, going without for any period of time has me drooling rabidly and mumbling "aaaasppartame" incoherently everywhere I go.  I still haven't had another massage (although I have had some "me time" today with a warm blankie and a good book). My plans to cycle the Ride 4United Way with hubby would be best served if I actually got on my bike. And I have so hopelessly overscheduled myself that the hope of enjoying time with family and friends seems more a dream than reality. 
So I'll have to restart my engine, and prepare myself to attempt to follow through on my goals. All of them will change my life in small but positive ways, and all are totally achievable. One stumbling block? Me! I have to let go of the fact that these small changes aren't in the bag already. I like checking things off my list, getting my stuff done.  And in this rare instance, I have not lived up to my own lofty expectations.  Time to forgive myself and move on - something I hope that we all can do if we haven't yet achieved our New Year's goals or resolutions. Not give up, but forgive, move on and grow stronger.  Cause if I can give up aspartame - you can achieve anything, trust me!!

Go for it this year friends!

Sharing the Light

this was a strange week in many ways.  Snowmageddon took over the GTA - it's bark was way worse than it's bite, thankfully. Some of our classes were cancelled just in case.  I have been very tired, and feeling the effects of the winter blahs, probably much like many of us are feeling at this dark and bleak time of year. I have been tempted a number of times to wrap myself in a blankie, watch a talk show and eat ice cream direct from the carton.  We can rarely afford the luxury of some pure, unadulterated sucky me time.
So, feet dragging at times, I got myself up to the classes I had running. It was at times a difficult task to remove myself from the couch, but I constantly preach that often the times we least want to do something, the more we truly need to do it.

There are two moments that I would like to share with you from this last week in my CORE life. I was hired to teach a ZUMBA class to a group of women of all ages on Tuesday night, and the ladies were ready to party!!  It was an energizing, rowdy and all around amazing hour of ZUMBA fitness. But the moment came as the opening strains of "Let It Be" started our cool down routine. As I often do, I closed my eyes at the beginning of the song to ground myself and relax into it's familiar tune.  I realized that something this time was different.  Above the CD recording, I could hear the voices of the women in the room, singing along, raising the ending of the class from fitness cooldown to spiritual moment.  It is perhaps not public knowledge, but the choice of Let It Be is of great significance to me. You see, I knew a little girl. She was amazing. And I saw her dance - before I ever knew that God was going to make her His angel so soon. So each time I play this song, I model my movements after her, and blow her a little kiss to heaven.
It was an unparalleled moment, so completely unrelated to that little girl, and yet it created in that room the most beautiful rainbow, with its colours connecting us all in that moment.
Today I taught a class and there was a girl with Down Syndrome. She shyly hung out at the back of the room, unsure of what was to come. As the opening strains of music played, and the class settled into it's familiar rhythms, I could see her face.  She was alive. The music sang out from inside her. She was glowing. By the end of the song she was front and center, and giving the rest of the class a lesson on "Feeling the Music 101".  She left the class at the end, stopped at the door, and turned around to shyly smile at us all before she left. 

We all know life has some unexpected things in store for us.  We never know who's life we may change, or who may change ours. And we never will, if we allow ourselves to stay wrapped up, comfortable and avoiding the opportunities we are presented each day.

Why I LOVE what we do!

When Sean and I started up this fitness venture in September, we had some lofty expectations and absolutely no idea how much work it would be to take even the first step on the ladder to making those come true.  Patience, dedication and commitment have definitely become keywords in our lives. If you know me, however, you know that patience is not my strength. 
We are now about 6 months into this adventure and I love to look back and remember all the people who have come to be a part of our CORE family.  It doesn't matter whether it is a class of two people or twenty, the most wonderful part is watching people's faces relax, fill with delight and laughter, and watch them transport away from the everyday into the right now.  It is wonderful each week to look forward to seeing our fitness friends, old and new, and to see how changed they are when they walk (or shimmy) out of class.
So, like I preach to my clients, it will take a lot of patience to achieve the quantifiable results that we want, but in the meantime, I am going to enjoy every second of this amazing opportunity and with the people who let me into their lives each week.

Quality, not quantity!

Thinking alot about goals this year.  As  someone starting up their own business, you'd think I had a lot of them, but truly I am a little adrift right now.  I am in the challenging position of having to live looking no farther forward than today, which is tough. I like goals. I like to quantify my life - to be working towards something. I love the feeling of completion when a goal is reached. Satisfaction and pride in myself. But also, the fear of failure, the intense burn to succeed and the unrelenting voice telling me that anything less than completion is failure.
So I'll be setting goals for myself that result in a better life for myself and those I love, and examining what I hope to accomplish with each goal.  Choosing goals that result in a positive feeling, represent a lifelong change, that are attainable via a process that makes me feel good about myself and the world around me.
No more numbers.  No one gets lasting satisfaction from defining themselves by a number.  If weight loss is your goal, at the end of the day no one feels the benefits numerically.  You don't need to be defined by a number that, although we assign it power, basically means nothing. What means a lot, however, is the ability to pick your children up, to play your favourite sport, to live without pain, to enjoy your life.  No specific number can represent that kind of life change.
No matter your goals, don't sell yourself short by choosing quantity over quality. Make choices that reflect the life that you most desire to live. And then make the choices that will make those goals a reality.
We want to hear from you! We invite you to share a goal you have for 2011 with us.  All responses recieved before February 1st will be put in a draw for a free ZUMBAWEAR "wild" racerback tank!!

Now to put my personal goals out there in the universe:
(a) to have a massage regularly with Pierre from pURe Relaxation ( me time!  what' s that?)
(b) to cycle in three charity tours this year with my husband, including trying the longest km Ride4UnitedWay
(c) to let myself enjoy completely time with family and friends and make time to spend with everyone we love
(d) to stop my crazy diet soda addiction :(

Can't wait to hear yours!

Find Your CORE: Trends, Hype and

Find Your CORE: Trends, Hype and: "So, every industry has its trends, it's fads (remember the pet rock? wish I had thought of that, LOL!) Sports, athletics and competitive gam..."

Trends, Hype and

So, every industry has its trends, it's fads (remember the pet rock? wish I had thought of that, LOL!)
Sports, athletics and competitive games play into two key areas of human nature. Our love of movement, and the desire to achieve. Thus, we have been participating in these from the very origin of the species.  Many other forms of movement have also been around for centuries, most of them connected to what I call the "Mind/Body Movement"  These activities include Yoga and the many forms of martial arts.  These examples are not going to go anywhere, because they are natural forms of movement and exercise, and we don't do them just to get fit. We do them because we love the aspects of them that challenge us as a whole person. 
"Fitness" as we call it, was mostly born of a desire to get better at the aforementioned activities. To achieve a  level of body preparedness that will help us to be the best we can be at the things we love. 
With the onset of increasingly inactive and overprocessed lifestyles, fitness has become the go to industry to "fix us up" after we allow our lifestyles to damage us.  Interested in a quick fix, often promises of gym attendance and increased activity go quickly by the wayside as we become discouraged, disgusted and ashamed.  A vicious cycle can occur, over and over again, as we continually become overwhelmed with unattainable and unrealistic goals, and intense pressure from the media, society and mostly, ourselves.
Life has changed. Social times are no longer set around sporting or physical activities. Time is short, and time to prepare delicious, home cooked meals is even shorter.  We are tired of trying to keep up.
We all struggle with prioritizing, scheduling and with our own percieved inability to measure up. So let's stop trying.  Nothing is going to fix itself overnight, on its own, and without effort.  Changing your lifestyle and fighting against the current of popular opinion is not a quick fix, but it can be achieved.  With patience, hard work, and love for yourself and the process you are undertaking, everything is possible. So choose the things that you love, and use them to motivate, enliven, and ultimately succeed in achieving the results you desire. And that should simply be to care for a body that will help us to be the best we can be at the things we love.


Please feel free to share/comment and let us know the things that you love that motivate you!!