All of this excitement around trying to make myself and my health a priority once again, has gotten me pumped to surround myself with upbeat, positive and active individuals!
How often to we look for people to admire, to be role models in the big blue yonder? So often we look at celebrities and reality specials for solutions on our struggles – of the weight loss variety in particular. How often do we see an episode of “Last 10lb Bootcamp” or “Losing it” – or even a Weight Watchers commercial and search for inspiration there. I’ve got an idea for you: why not look in your own backyard? So many people…normal folks…without personal chefs…without 3 workouts a day for 3 months….people like you and me are doing amazing things in our own city everyday! Ever think to get inspiration, to get advice, to find support there?
Well, I’ve found an amazing amount of inspiration from a ton of people in Calgary – the wild and wonderful world of Twitter is mostly to blame. SO, why not share some of these, so we can all lean on each-other for support!
One of my favorite Twitter discoveries has been Champagne Fitness. I’ve written about Terri a few times. This blonde bombshell realized the power of locals connecting, and created an outdoor bootcamp in honor of her Twitter followers. Filled mostly with “tweoples” this has been a great way to connect with locals who are all striving to add a bit more fitness in their lives. Follow her at www.twitter.com/calgaryfitness or check out her website at http://www.champagnefitness.com/ – she’s got a Fall bootcamp coming up if you missed out on the summer ass kicking!
What happens when two “fitness fanatics” connect? Find out at http://www.nourishretreats.com/ – a fabulous idea that came to Terri and her business partner Kim McNeil (follow her at www.twitter.com/KimMcNeilYoga). This is an exciting business that fuses fitness, food and travel – ummm yes! (www.twitter.com/NourishRetreats)
Besides discovering excellent, enthusiastic and qualified professionals Twitter has proven to be a great vehichle for connecting with other folks who are battling the bulge, or simply getting out and kicking butt! Need workout inspiration? I recommend following some of these awesome Calgarians:
Here’s a list of those I get to workout with twice a week now at Champagne Fitness’ Bootcamp! Be sure to follow these fine folks as they venture through their various workout challenges, and the aches n pains we experience at Bootcamp: www.twitter.com/acdngirl www.twitter.com/MediaMindJen www.twitter.com/sarahdawley www.twitter.com/hydec www.twitter.com/YogiCrystal (who will be joining us soon!)
www.twitter.com/britzel www.twitter.com/Diegirl I was so fortunate as to connect with these 2 girls on twitter, and then meet them at Bootcamp. Both have impressive stories! Most recently, they have both started to run, and are currently training for a half marathon in Las Vegas…now that’s motivation!
www.twitter.com/Kait_Dee - Kait has had quite the weight-loss journey and is now super buff! She’s super fun to follow: she’s witty and generally great fun to have on your feed! Lookin for a fun read? Check out her blog at http://www.nomocameltoe.com/ (yes, even the title “No Mo Camel Toe” is a testament to this girl’s great sense of humor!)
Oh, and not to be forgotten are those of the male persuasion – cause it’s not just the ladies out there putting in the good fight! www.twitter.com/ThankASoldier Dave has lost 118lbs to date and is well on his way to reaching his personal goals. Of his success and triumphs, Dave writes:
“A year and a half ago I met MCpl Jody Mitic a Canadian soldier who lost both his lower legs when he stepped on a IED. This motivated me to get going as I was in an accident when I was 18 and due to that have only half a muscle in my leg. I started simply with walking, and working out a few times a week: Jody would motivate me to get going – soon, I started to lose a bit of weight. In December of 2009 I challenged myself to quit drinking and this was when I really started to see it fall off! In only one year and a half I have now lost a total of 110lbs and have a goal of 40 more. II walk 7km 3 to 5 times a week, hit the gym now four days a week, drink a lot of water and treat myself to a good junky meal once a week as a treat.”
Now if that’s not inspirational, I don’t know what is!
Bike enthusiast, Bruce (and bootcamp participant), is another great follow (www.twitter.com/BruceDruery)! Bruce shares his experiences on his bike (including a recent fab trip to Maui) and often tweets about his training: whether it be running or swimming, Bruce is an active Calgarian that’s always on the go!
Also not to be forgotten is Dan, as he trudges through his challenge of following a doctor directed, calorie reduced diet: www.twitter.com/dantric or check out his blog at http://dantric.wordpress.com/
This is just a small smattering of normal people doing amazing things here in Calgary! So when you’re looking for inspiration, or even just for a little support: don’t forget to check out what’s happening in your own backyard…you might be pleasantly surprised!
Have you been inspired? Or maybe found support online? Gotten some awesome advice? Or a great referral? I’d love to hear your stories!
Until next time,
Jody
Showing posts with label Bootcamp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bootcamp. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
A Fab Quiet Weekend Away
Rob and I hopped in the car, and ventured West for a bit of quiet time this long weekend. Living in the heart of downtown, on a busy street, sometimes you forget what quiet sounds like - and we find ourselves longing for a bit of it.
We are so fortunate as to have some friends who own a condo in Sparwood (about 20mins East of Fernie) - and who are so generous as to give us the keys to use the space at our leisure. It's a small place, a quaint condo but it's just what the doctor ordered!
Sometimes I feel old when we sneak away on these little weekend hideaways. Many of our friends would rather meet at the pub or party-hardy, we'd rather just tuck away and enjoy some solitude. We jump at the opportunity to take in some quiet time for reflection, for reading...sometimes for nothing more than that. Rob and I often indulge in a fab meal or two (we seem to have adapted foody habits) and a few beers or glasses of wine.
If you haven't been before, I highly recommend venturing out to Island Lake Lodge just a bit of West of downtown Fernie. Aside from the absolutely spectacular backdrop (nestled amongst the Rocky Mountains with a crystal clear lake), the food is something to write home about. We went for a hike on the grounds first (had to earn our beer afterall!), and then ventured back to the lodge for lunch. We both sipped on Fernie Pale Ale (the Fernie What the Huck is AWESOME!, hard to hunt it down even in Fernie, but I recommend giving this light brew a try!), the Fernie micro-brewery churns out some truley delicious ales. For lunch, Rob had the Lodge Burger - a delightful conconction of avocado salsa, black beans...ok, maybe the beer got to me, I can't recall it all but it was amazing! It got served with some smashed fingerling potatoes - YUM! I had a veggie burger made with chick-peas and lentils, bursting with more flavor than can be anticipated in a veggie burger. Even meat-eater Rob was a fan of this dish! If ever you're in the neighborhood check them out at http://www.islandlakecatskiing.com/
Well, now we're back and I must get right back into routine. Consumed more beer than I would like to admit - but less than I would have 2 weeks ago (that's an improvement right?). Back to Bootcamp tomorrow - no question Terri's gonna kick our ass back into gear! All I can say to that is: Bring it on!
Until next time,
Jody
We are so fortunate as to have some friends who own a condo in Sparwood (about 20mins East of Fernie) - and who are so generous as to give us the keys to use the space at our leisure. It's a small place, a quaint condo but it's just what the doctor ordered!
Sometimes I feel old when we sneak away on these little weekend hideaways. Many of our friends would rather meet at the pub or party-hardy, we'd rather just tuck away and enjoy some solitude. We jump at the opportunity to take in some quiet time for reflection, for reading...sometimes for nothing more than that. Rob and I often indulge in a fab meal or two (we seem to have adapted foody habits) and a few beers or glasses of wine.
If you haven't been before, I highly recommend venturing out to Island Lake Lodge just a bit of West of downtown Fernie. Aside from the absolutely spectacular backdrop (nestled amongst the Rocky Mountains with a crystal clear lake), the food is something to write home about. We went for a hike on the grounds first (had to earn our beer afterall!), and then ventured back to the lodge for lunch. We both sipped on Fernie Pale Ale (the Fernie What the Huck is AWESOME!, hard to hunt it down even in Fernie, but I recommend giving this light brew a try!), the Fernie micro-brewery churns out some truley delicious ales. For lunch, Rob had the Lodge Burger - a delightful conconction of avocado salsa, black beans...ok, maybe the beer got to me, I can't recall it all but it was amazing! It got served with some smashed fingerling potatoes - YUM! I had a veggie burger made with chick-peas and lentils, bursting with more flavor than can be anticipated in a veggie burger. Even meat-eater Rob was a fan of this dish! If ever you're in the neighborhood check them out at http://www.islandlakecatskiing.com/
Well, now we're back and I must get right back into routine. Consumed more beer than I would like to admit - but less than I would have 2 weeks ago (that's an improvement right?). Back to Bootcamp tomorrow - no question Terri's gonna kick our ass back into gear! All I can say to that is: Bring it on!
Until next time,
Jody
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Another weekend comes to a close.
So, turns out my will-power and returned focus on healthy eating has paid off: 8lbs in week 1! No need to leave comments on how un-healthy this is - I know this is not normal: more than likely just the mini-donut and beer weight coming off Post-Stampede. My expectations never were this high, and they certainly won't be next week. Still, talk about a wake-up call for how crappy I was eating before!
I managed to catch a hot yoga class on Friday. After Thursday's Bootcamp session I was excited to get a big of a stretch on. Turns out, this would be the most difficult hot yoga class I have ever attended (www.bodhitreeyoga.ca). Sasha led us through an intense spine strengthening practice - much more challenging than any practice I've done before (and I do pride myself on having been through some toughies). Felt great Saturday morning though!
Hit the gym on Saturday after missing Saturday morning yoga. I turned my focus onto posture as per Terri Champagne (www.champagnefitness.com), and as highlighted before, I can suddenly feel muscles working in excercises I didn't know targeted that muscle! ie - shoulders in lateral lunges, abs in bicep curls. It's the craziest thing and has added a huge dimension to my training. For the first time in a week, my workout left me feeling energized, invigorated and...wait for it...NOT SORE! My muscles were fatigued for sure, but 1 day later I can comfortably conquer the stairs - YAY!
So, back into routine again tomorrow. I plan on hitting yoga tomorrow evening, and maybe conning Rob into a bike ride down the river - with the weather as nice as it is in Calgary this time of year, how could you not?!
As always, still looking for your experiences, testimonials and referrals on Calgary personal trainers, fitness instructors and nutritionists!
With gratitude,
Jody
I managed to catch a hot yoga class on Friday. After Thursday's Bootcamp session I was excited to get a big of a stretch on. Turns out, this would be the most difficult hot yoga class I have ever attended (www.bodhitreeyoga.ca). Sasha led us through an intense spine strengthening practice - much more challenging than any practice I've done before (and I do pride myself on having been through some toughies). Felt great Saturday morning though!
Hit the gym on Saturday after missing Saturday morning yoga. I turned my focus onto posture as per Terri Champagne (www.champagnefitness.com), and as highlighted before, I can suddenly feel muscles working in excercises I didn't know targeted that muscle! ie - shoulders in lateral lunges, abs in bicep curls. It's the craziest thing and has added a huge dimension to my training. For the first time in a week, my workout left me feeling energized, invigorated and...wait for it...NOT SORE! My muscles were fatigued for sure, but 1 day later I can comfortably conquer the stairs - YAY!
So, back into routine again tomorrow. I plan on hitting yoga tomorrow evening, and maybe conning Rob into a bike ride down the river - with the weather as nice as it is in Calgary this time of year, how could you not?!
As always, still looking for your experiences, testimonials and referrals on Calgary personal trainers, fitness instructors and nutritionists!
With gratitude,
Jody
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Happy Thursday!
Everything like Wednesday feels like a downhill ride to Friday - so yay! It's Thursday!
Off to another session of Bootcamp tonight. Thanks to Tuesday's drills I'm feeling abit like I'm walking around like a 90 year old man...then I caught a view of myself in a window reflection: it's not like a 90 year old man at all, but like I've been riding a horse for a week. Aye-aye-aye. I know it'll get easier...until then, I'm using the tub to brace myself as I squat down onto the toilet. EEK!
4 weeks until the next trip to YVR for a wedding, now that's motivation to get my ass in gear: I do have a pretty dress to wear, afterall! SO, starting today I am following the "Extreme Fat Smash Diet" ...I don't know why they call it "extreme." It's not like I'll be drinking water, cayenne and honey for 3 days - on the contrary! Dr. Ian K. Smith wrote this book, and it's based on eating whole, real foods, minimal wheat, minimal dairy and loading up on veggies, lean proteins and fruits.
His plan involves "3 Cycles" - gradually adding more excercise as we go along (along with more food on days where more excercise is required).
Cycle 1, Day 1 looks like this:
Breakfast: 2 egg whites or 1 whole egg with 1 cup of fruit or 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed juice
Meal 2: 1 cup of sliced fresh fruit
Meal 3: 1 small salad with 3 tbsp of low fat dressing
Meal 4: 1/2 cup lentils, chickpeas or beans 2 servings veggies
Excercise: at least 60 mins cardio, try to incorporate different excercises (ie walk, bike etc).
SO, it is definitely a cut in calories for me...but I think it's worth a try. The plan is sensible, and requires fresh, healthy foods (no wacky theories here). I'm hoping having an exact outline on what to eat is going to help me stay on track. The book also outlines when to eat, and when to excercise to maximize effectiveness.
I'll keep you all posted on how this goes!
Cheers,
Jody
Off to another session of Bootcamp tonight. Thanks to Tuesday's drills I'm feeling abit like I'm walking around like a 90 year old man...then I caught a view of myself in a window reflection: it's not like a 90 year old man at all, but like I've been riding a horse for a week. Aye-aye-aye. I know it'll get easier...until then, I'm using the tub to brace myself as I squat down onto the toilet. EEK!
4 weeks until the next trip to YVR for a wedding, now that's motivation to get my ass in gear: I do have a pretty dress to wear, afterall! SO, starting today I am following the "Extreme Fat Smash Diet" ...I don't know why they call it "extreme." It's not like I'll be drinking water, cayenne and honey for 3 days - on the contrary! Dr. Ian K. Smith wrote this book, and it's based on eating whole, real foods, minimal wheat, minimal dairy and loading up on veggies, lean proteins and fruits.
His plan involves "3 Cycles" - gradually adding more excercise as we go along (along with more food on days where more excercise is required).
Cycle 1, Day 1 looks like this:
Breakfast: 2 egg whites or 1 whole egg with 1 cup of fruit or 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed juice
Meal 2: 1 cup of sliced fresh fruit
Meal 3: 1 small salad with 3 tbsp of low fat dressing
Meal 4: 1/2 cup lentils, chickpeas or beans 2 servings veggies
Excercise: at least 60 mins cardio, try to incorporate different excercises (ie walk, bike etc).
SO, it is definitely a cut in calories for me...but I think it's worth a try. The plan is sensible, and requires fresh, healthy foods (no wacky theories here). I'm hoping having an exact outline on what to eat is going to help me stay on track. The book also outlines when to eat, and when to excercise to maximize effectiveness.
I'll keep you all posted on how this goes!
Cheers,
Jody
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
1st Bootcamp session...completed!
So, last night after work I hopped on my bike and rode down to Prince's Island to meet up with some great Calgarians and to get my ass whooped: it was the first session of Bootcamp, hosted by the enthusiastic & wonderful Terri Champagne (www.champagnefitness.com)
First things first - Terri introduced us to the importance of posture. If you've done yoga or pilates before, you're probably very aware of these things: head placement/alignment, pelvic & abdominal strength to promote alignment and shoulder blade placement. Seems simple enough. Try it! I think having my awareness brought to these things has just made any and all of my workouts more challenging. Something as simple as the squat has taken on a new meaning! I'm excited to continue exploring posture and how it affects my strength training.
Least favorite part? Well, if you know me even half-an-ounce you'd know it's running. I don't just hate running, I loath it...I avoid it with every inch of my being. I know that it's a great way to get into shape quickly - in fact, I even joined a running group once in hopes I would be compelled to enjoy the sport. Nope. Still hate it. Needless to say, Terri did a phenomenal job of balancing out the activities. Bootcamps I have participated in have always been 80% running, and I was thrilled to see it as a component to our workout, but not the focus of it.
All of that aside, I had a chance to put some faces to some Calgary tweeps I've been connecting with. Hope to have more of a chance to chat as the weeks go on (had to sneak away abruptly, Rob was meeting me at Eau Claire for a movie...that we didn't get tickets for...bah!). It's super challenging to meet new people as an adult in this city if it's not at work...so I'm pumped to be getting out there and meeting everybody!
Excited for the challenges that lie ahead,
Jody
First things first - Terri introduced us to the importance of posture. If you've done yoga or pilates before, you're probably very aware of these things: head placement/alignment, pelvic & abdominal strength to promote alignment and shoulder blade placement. Seems simple enough. Try it! I think having my awareness brought to these things has just made any and all of my workouts more challenging. Something as simple as the squat has taken on a new meaning! I'm excited to continue exploring posture and how it affects my strength training.
Least favorite part? Well, if you know me even half-an-ounce you'd know it's running. I don't just hate running, I loath it...I avoid it with every inch of my being. I know that it's a great way to get into shape quickly - in fact, I even joined a running group once in hopes I would be compelled to enjoy the sport. Nope. Still hate it. Needless to say, Terri did a phenomenal job of balancing out the activities. Bootcamps I have participated in have always been 80% running, and I was thrilled to see it as a component to our workout, but not the focus of it.
All of that aside, I had a chance to put some faces to some Calgary tweeps I've been connecting with. Hope to have more of a chance to chat as the weeks go on (had to sneak away abruptly, Rob was meeting me at Eau Claire for a movie...that we didn't get tickets for...bah!). It's super challenging to meet new people as an adult in this city if it's not at work...so I'm pumped to be getting out there and meeting everybody!
Excited for the challenges that lie ahead,
Jody
Monday, July 19, 2010
The little achievements in life...
I have conquered yet another Monday! I know it seems like such a small, menial thing - but I figure hey! why not celebrate these little things in life? ;) Mondays can be such a drag...the start of another 5 day string of work before another short burst of 2 days of freedom...or it can be a celebration! I HAVE CONQUERED MONDAY!
On to other things...I'm super nervous about the commencement of Bootcamp tomorrow. I am afraid of being the last man in the pack...the only poor soul who cannot handle the beating that will undoubtedly rain down on us. Oh well, once must start with a step, and a step starts with raising the right foot, placing it down, followed by raising the left foot, and placing it down in front of the right. One thing at a time. One bootcamp session at a time. And so it begins...
I've been pleasantly suprised by the reaction to what I have dubbed my "Social Experiment." I'm still on the hunt for more stories, referrals and perhaps professional support. I should maybe comment, in an effort to clear the air: I am not looking for free services, or a charity hand-out...but I am absolutely looking for all the help I can get! I guess I am looking for a partnership - let's team up, share with the world that it can be done! :) SO, keep those posts coming!
I should be heading to yoga tonight, and maybe I will to one of the later classes...but I think after Stampede, it is time for me to clean up my apartment to better coincide with what I want to happen with the rest of my life. It is so hard to be grounded and focused when you walk into an untidy home that is in need of a little love and TLC (I'm no hoarder, but I do have 2 cats and this place is in desperate need of a dusting & vacuum!).
Anyways...enough for now! Looking forward to meeting some enthusiastic, exciting new Calgarian faces tomorrow (and eek, a wee bit nervous too!).
With gratitude,
Jody
On to other things...I'm super nervous about the commencement of Bootcamp tomorrow. I am afraid of being the last man in the pack...the only poor soul who cannot handle the beating that will undoubtedly rain down on us. Oh well, once must start with a step, and a step starts with raising the right foot, placing it down, followed by raising the left foot, and placing it down in front of the right. One thing at a time. One bootcamp session at a time. And so it begins...
I've been pleasantly suprised by the reaction to what I have dubbed my "Social Experiment." I'm still on the hunt for more stories, referrals and perhaps professional support. I should maybe comment, in an effort to clear the air: I am not looking for free services, or a charity hand-out...but I am absolutely looking for all the help I can get! I guess I am looking for a partnership - let's team up, share with the world that it can be done! :) SO, keep those posts coming!
I should be heading to yoga tonight, and maybe I will to one of the later classes...but I think after Stampede, it is time for me to clean up my apartment to better coincide with what I want to happen with the rest of my life. It is so hard to be grounded and focused when you walk into an untidy home that is in need of a little love and TLC (I'm no hoarder, but I do have 2 cats and this place is in desperate need of a dusting & vacuum!).
Anyways...enough for now! Looking forward to meeting some enthusiastic, exciting new Calgarian faces tomorrow (and eek, a wee bit nervous too!).
With gratitude,
Jody
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