Body Flow

Last week I went to a BodyFlow class at Goodlife Fitness.

It is a combination of Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates.

It is supposed to build strength and flexibility while leaving you calm and centred.

I really enjoyed this class. 

 I had never done Tai Chi before, but I really enjoyed that part of the work out.

It wasn't overly strenuous, but it did work a lot of balance and flexibility.

The core part of the workout included a lot of pilates moves and my abs were kind of sore the next day!!

I think this is a class that you get out of it what you put in,

there are progressions for almost all the moves, so its great for beginners, and you can challenge yourself as much as you feel comfortable.

I definitely want to go back!

The best part... is Goodlife fitness offers 3 free trail passes so you can check out the gym before you commit.

And if you do decide to get a membership it is only $28/month.

To find a club or a bodyflow class near your go here:

http://www.goodlifefitness.com/ 

BootCamp

Bridal Bootcamp

Bikini Bootcamp

Survivor Bootcamp

Bootcamps are a huge trend right now - usually targeted at women

They are usually out of the gym, sometimes outside, are high intensity, and a great thing to do with your girlfriends and to switch up your workout

The combine :

circuit training

Somtimes hand to hand combat

Strength

and Yoga

Some companys include nutritional support and a full fitness assesment as well

Make sure you do your research, check out the companies credentials...

what training do they have - personal training, kinesiology... are they "nutritionists" or dieticans (which actually requires school)

Also check reviews from people who have done a bootcamp with the group or company.

Sign up with a friend and get ready for summer!!

Here are a couple links for calgary/canada

Click Here Here and Here

Hot Yoga

Bikram Yoga.. also knows as Hot Yoga

Classes usually run for 90 minutes, the room is typically around 105F/40C and 40% humidity.

The room is hot and the work out is intense so your body warms up really fast, and trust me- you sweat.
The purpose of the hot room is to heat up your muscles to help them be more efficient and to increase flexibility.

.

For the last few weeks I have been doing on Monday mornings

And I am actually enjoying it.

The work out is hard - if anyone tells you yoga is easy, or its just stretching.. they obviously haven't done it.

Your legs are shaking, you are sweating, your muscles will be sore the next day.

And besides the physical benefits, a lot of people practice yoga for the spiritual benefits. The class I go focuses on self love - and while at first it seems hokey - maybe its not such a bad thing to spend 90 minutes on monday tell yourself that you love yourself and your body.
The meditation period at the end it relaxing, and rejuvenating.

If you are looking for a new type of exercise I would definitely look for a class.

Before you go here are some things to consider:

-Start with a class suitable for beginners - and make sure the instructors know you are new

-It's definitely beneficial to be in a class with an assistant/adjuster who can help you with your poses

 -Despite some reports you wont burn 1000 calories a session - you will burn lots, like any strength class -but not that much
-And any weight that you've lost immediately after a work out is WATER WEIGHT - all you did was sweat -out a bunch of water and now you are dehydrated.

You should be drinking at least 3 cups of water during your work out

and 3 cups for every pound you lost during your workout!

Remember - like with any new work out program you need to check with your doctor first
Especially since the heat - if you have issues with blood pressure, or don't do well in the heat I would consider doing a non-heated class.

Have you ever done yoga, power yoga, or hot yoga? What did you think?

women are catching up with the men!

Historically, Men have always been a lot more active than women. But that is changing. According to the Life Mark Health "Healthier You" newsletter, activity levels among women in Canada are increasing.


This is great news since Heart Disease is the number one killer of women in North America and the risk can be largely reduced by regular exercise.
Next time you are planning a date with your girl friends why not try to do something active. We need to get all women in Canada moving.
Here are some ideas of what you could do with the girls besides high calorie martinis and restaurant food.
Go for a walk - in the park, by a river, go for a hike (here is a link for Canada Trails - you can find information about hikes in your area, they even have information for Hiking groups)
Bike ride or roller blading - you probably haven't put on your roller blades since 1999 but it could be fun!
Jazzercise - yes it does still exist and it is targeting women stating 'its a fun thing to do with the girls"
Yoga - I know a lot of women who go to yoga, so why not get together with your friends and take a class
Join a recreational team - softball, kickball, volleyball, soccer... there are recreation leagues in almost all cities, you can play co-ed or I'm sure there are all women's leagues.
if there is something active you do with your girlfriends, let us know in the comments!