Blog - a healthy way to healthy

Life is so busy. We are all juggling 101 things and although we have the best of intentions when it comes to our health and making smart choices, sometimes stress, exhaustion, or the chaos of life gets the better of us. We often want to make better choices but we might not know what they are, or just need some fresh inspiration & idea.

I know I have my go-to options for a healthy snack or lunch if I am running around the city. I thought I would not only share my favourite options but ask a few friends who are personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and work in the health & wellness sphere to share their go-to’s as well.

Regardless of where you live (or if you are traveling) on the West or East Coast or in Canada or the US, you have a full list of options that you can go to.

So far in this “How to use X” series I have covered everything from cardio staples, such as the bike and the treadmill, to strength staples, such as dumbbells.

Today … the kettlebell!

Don’t be fooled by the Bosu’s bright blue squishy dome-like exterior; it is not a children’s bouncy toy or a ginormous whoopee cushion! The Bosu is a multi-faceted, medium-sized piece of exercise equipment; incorporate it into your cardio warm-up, use it to spice up traditional weight exercises such as squats or lunges, or use it to breathe new life into your core routine.

So far in my “How to use X” series I have tackled everything from how to use the treadmill to how to use cables.

I have — until now — shied away from a column on the “all-in-one gym.” Why?

Recently I have been writing a series of “How to use X’ blogs, covering how to use everything from cardio machines such as the elliptical and the treadmill, to free weights, to small pieces such as the stability ball and foam roller. I even broke down how to properly warm-up and cool-down. By now you are all glorified exercise mavens — or at least on your way there!

What have we not talked about thus far? Larger pieces of workout equipment such as cable machines or full home gym equipment. Today we fill the void.

Most of us have an enemy living inside our own head! (Reflect on that. Most of us walk around with a “non-friend” in our heads. We spend hours with someone being mean to us — not believing in us. That saddens me to my core. No wonder so many of us overeat, drink too much, and under exercise.) Most of us are extremely cruel to ourselves. We need to learn to be on our own side!

I love that I can legitimately wear yoga gear 24/7, am comfortable strutting around a gym and know what to do with dumbbells, barbbells, bosu & stability balls, TRX and a whole slew of other fun fitness gear. And get this…I actually think working out is fun…yup..FUN! But I know I am part of a minority here. I know that LOTS of people just generally dislike (or maybe go as far to say…despise) the gym. So what to do?

It’s so easy for us to go back to old habits when we are tired & stressed….that’s why our snacks (especially in the evenings) often look the same. The solution? Plan ahead and have some snack options on hand, so when you are tired or stressed you have something already in the fridge (or cupboard) to easily reach for. Give these coconut oatmeal balls a try.

So far my “How to use X” blogs have covered how to use equipment — everything from the elliptical, to the treadmill, to dumbbells, to the foam roller. The basic premise is that it is one thing to own a piece of equipment, but to use it — and stay injury free — you need to know how to use it!

Today, the piece of equipment I am covering is the body itself!

When it comes to reaching any health goal, consistency is key! What is more “convenient” than your birthday suit! (And no, you don’t have to be naked!)

Plus, it is finally spring. The nice weather is here — use it as motivation to get moving! Who doesn’t love being outside?

Basically, slather on some sunscreen, grab your hat and some water, and get outside!

I see it all the time, maybe you’re guilty of it too? Women in the gym and at fitness classes using 3lb and 5lb weights. There was a time years ago when reaching for the 5lb weights was my default too. Sweating through a class or thinking you are doing the work that will get you the results you they desire. I mean you’re sweaty, your arms are burning..it’s gotta be working…right!?!?!?