Tag Archives: exercise

Boys, Family, Goals, health & fitness

Be Seven Women Working out in Minus Seven

2 Comments

I have been fortunate to play on many teams, work with many colleagues and be involved with many groups.

As my mom as my standard, I have met some exceptional women.

This morning’s working out with Krista K as our leader and five other women in minus seven degrees weather beside the still lake, was truly exceptional.

The quality of heart, friendliness and athletic determination of these women is always inspiring. IMG_7034.JPGIMG_7033.JPGAll ages and stages of life are represented by these women, and no matter the weather or season of life they take time to take care of themselves.

Daily.

Intentionally.

With kindness.

Our leader and guide is what brings us together and the reason we choose to exercise in minus seven degree weather. I don’t think I have know a better trainer with an eye for how different bodies should move properly as well as knowing when I am trying to slack off. “Shoulders down Joanna. Squat down farther.”

Krista K, our detailed-oriented, friendly leader not only creates incredible workouts, but manages to jump in to help children that have been brought along.

IMG_7036.JPG

IMG_7037.JPGHere is Krista rolling a soccer ball up a slide to my son.

And if anyone can tell me how it is possible that I haven’t done the same workout TWICE in the SEVEN months I have been going to Krista’s classes, I would like to know!

Here is my three year old OC and I working out together: I am doing triceps, he’s on the playground.

IMG_7035.JPG

Extraordinary women.

Incredible morning.

Amazing Trainer.

There are no better adjectives to describe this morning of seven women working out in minus seven!

Boys, health & fitness, Parenting

Be Where You Are

5 Comments

I have returned to “The Gym”, something I swore I would never do after ten years of competitive sport and countless hours in “The Gym”.

I am loving working out again!  It is fantastic to be active with a group of women who are so inspiring.  I love lining up in a row on your bike/treadmill/stepper chatting away and sweating.

My boys reminded me that I need to stick at my own level.

It is easy to get next to my friend, Penny, who does spin classes two to three times per week and cranks out rpms on the bike that would make Lance Armstrong, without drugs, sweat.   I need to learn to be okay where I am.

Today, my boys pulled out a few crafts from the cupboard behind out kitchen table.  Our five year old, JC, pulled out some paper and a pencil and began writing a story about nighttime animals.  Baby OC, pulled out the playdough and started pounding away. Our three year old, CC, got out a pirate colouring book and went back and forth and back and forth with his favourite blue felt.

Image

Whether I want to write a new story, pound away or just go back and forth, back and forth, the most important thing when it come to my mental and physical health is for me to be okay with where I am, in this moment, in this day, even at “The Gym”.

Note to self: I also need to continue to allow my children to be where they are.

Goals, health & fitness

Be a Beginner

11 Comments

I am always amazed at watching my 5, 3 and 1 year old boys.  They are always trying something new, trying to figure something out, moving around, climbing on things and generally just moving through their world in a different way each day.  I was inspired!

I decided that my three goals for this year are to laugh more, love more and make more mistakes.  My type A personality loves the t’s crossed neatly if you know what I mean.

So, today I tried to include all three of these goals into one activity: Zumba!  A year or two ago I said that I would never try Zumba and that I would never join a gym again… well never say never people!  I did both of those things this morning.  My very wise neighbour had, over time, convinced me that I should try Zumba.

IT WAS INCREDIBLE!  It was fun, I made a fool of myself and I got some great exercise.  It was one activity where I had to solely focus on what I was doing. I couldn’t worry about the boys at home, what I was going to cook for dinner or the pile of laundry.

Here is an image that I got off the web that sums up the experience for me:

Now off to have a rest, I am sore!

What are you going to do this year to “be a beginner”?  What new pathways are you going to create in your brain?

Book, health & fitness, Uncategorized

Be a Gamer!

2 Comments

This post is for my Gamers: Danielle on 29th Cres., Angela in Edmonton and Rea in Spain!

Do you want to be a Gamer?

Image

In the past two years, I have played this game 4 times now! (Three times with groups of women and once on my own.)

I have learned about my food addictions, my habits (healthy and unhealthy), my love of exercise and my need for water and sleep.

Mostly, I have learned that I need a community of women, like an old-fashioned quilting bee, to have around to inspire and encourage me. Rea, Angela and Danielle have been these women for me. We have played the game twice together (almost!).

We have learned about each others flossing habits, run ins with rice pudding, setting goals, feeling less fluffy, how to post on facebook so that everyone doesn’t now you are smooching your husband, BB’q sardines, playing for money, what to do with leftover food, and RIP 60.

I have learned moderation with food and unhealthy habits and how to replace these things with healthy habits, exercise, sleep and water! I could talk about this game all day long! I love it!

Need a little inspiration in your life? Check out the book. GAME ON!