RESOLUTIONS IN FITNESS!!!

Now is the time for new year resolutions. Fitness is near the top of most resolution lists. It is the busiest time at most gyms, but a month later while those memberships keep being charged, the number of times we walk through those doors slowly dwindles. How many of us really attain our resolutions? How often are they a little too lofty, and we fall off track?

May I suggest ditching the full blown spontaneous “resolution” and instead choosing a smaller well-planned somethin’ somethin’ to keep you focused and motivated? Committing is key! You can commit to a small outdoor group that trains together, a spin class, a running group or yoga class. What makes you tick? If you are like me, find an event and sign up for it. Other ways to keep motivated are by committing to meet a friend consistently -no bailing-out allowed Sometimes just the measure of paying to be part of a fitness program or for a trainer can be all you need to keep you committed. The group and those precious pennies can keep you heading to session when it’s difficult getting out the door. Whatever you decide, make it SMART!

Yup you heard me, SMART! You’ve used this in your evaluations at work, and it can be applied to health goals too! Start by making your goal functional rather than numbers based. For the majority of us setting a functional goal is much healthier and more realistic.

SMART:Specific- Measurable-Attainable-Realistic-Timely. Try to make it functional AND specific with time constraints included! Instead of saying I will lose 10 lbs or 4 inches; set a goal that you will run 10km by July, or will bike consistently 3 times a week for 3 months. Maybe, you will be able to wear a jean-size smaller or do chin-ups by the summer; or you will drink 2 litres of water and run that hilly route without stopping. With SMART goals you will be able to measure your progress and stay focused.

Next MAKE A PLAN and schedule your must-do weekly fitness activities. Make you and your health one of your top priorities. Just as you wouldn’t reschedule an important meeting, keep that time for you.

Now write it all down! Make it your mantra. Let someone else in on your plan, post it on the fridge or screen saver to keep you on track. Try colouring in each day you meet that days goal. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss an occasional day- DO celebrate your daily achievements!

Finally, we need to take in to consideration what we are putting in our mouths! If you aren’t eating well then how km’s you run won’t be as relevant. Know yourself and eat well. Make these goals smart too!

SMART goals will help you get to where you want to be whether working towards a big “resolution”. It takes 30 days to create a habit, make fitness yours. Fitness is a lifestyle!

Winter Workouts!

Well, it's official, the winter season is here! The snowy and rainy season here in the Sea to Sky corridor has arrived, and although we are starting to get in to our holiday party season and we want to hibernate it is important to try and find ways to keep that workout mojo to work off those extra glasses of wine, continue to get outdoors for a breath of fresh air and maintain that fitness.

For many of us it is a time to hit the slopes or Callahan to get back on our skis. FUN ....yes.... sore.....Y-E-S!!!! If you aren't cross training and strength training in preparation you'd better get on it! Cross training with strength and working on changes of direction and stability can get you ready for ski season to keep those legs lasting just a little longer and to keep you from getting injured!

What about those hardy runner-types..... well remember to consider you gear! For days like today I'd throw my Yak-Traks on my shoes. You can get them at local stores like Valhalla or any running stores around. The snow is no excuse to stay inside- and actually I loved it on my run yesterday ...there is something about the quiet surreal little flakes on a quiet evening run in the winter!

Don't forget to wear layers- and in this town REFLECTION! That can be a band on your sleeve that you velcro around your arm, reflective jackets AND in this town I usually wear my headlamp. Others can see you and you can see where you are going. Keep those ankles safe and sounds

Other gear to think about are what kinds of tops to wear in the rain? Personally I am on a merrino wool kick! It keeps you warm when its cold and cool when its hot. It takes several runs before it gets stinky too and when its sopping wet it still keeps you warm. That said it is not wind resistant so think of a shell for those rainy days. Most outdoor runners know this already but never forget to stay Far far FAR away from anything cotton- brrrrrr wicking clothing is essential.

If those tootsies get cool consider wool socks also!

Don't be surprised if you are sore in spots you haven't felt for months as your body works hard to keep you safe and stabilized.

Don't be surprised if you see our workout groups out in the snow and out in the rain- we westcoasters are hardy folks- we know from experience that we won't melt and we won't be cold that is for sure if we are working our butts off! Embrace your own west coast hardiness and hit the slopes, the cross country ski hills, the outdoor fitness groups and the running shoes- or cozy it up and give er on that treadmill. Lunge your way to better stability and keep those eggnog lattes and extra party eats in check.

Happy holiday training everyone!
By the way the website is up so check out our new years resolutions programs to see how we can help you get back at it! www.mantraliving.ca

Balance

I've found my place of balance-or at least where I have chance of trying to achieve it anyhow. A place I can calm myself and lower the rev's of my life. Sometimes finding balance is a "do" or a "how" rather then a place. It is what you "do" who you have relationships with and a "how" to get to that balanced just right place you need to be true to yourself.

Maybe its spending the time to hum yourself a song or make your family and friends a nice meal. Maybe its letting go of relationships that are taxing or stopping that hamster from running around on that wheel in your head all night long. Going out for tea and a shoulder to cry on or kicking your own butt up the Squamish chief to sweat it out. Whatever it is- we all need it. We all process the world and all the information that comes at us differently.

I think I've found my place for balance. It is taking me a while of course to stop that hamster of mine and stop spinning my wheels. Never having lived in a small town before I have a lot to learn. I remember my first week here thinking how the heck can I possibly do it? How can I hide it if I have a bad day with complete strangers smiling and waving at every corner....there is no anonymity. But with less anonymity comes wonderful community and relationships- it doesn't take long before you start to be the one waving and smiling at everyone passing by.

For me.... I found that balance in a place. For now anyhow ....it's Squamish, but it could be anywhere.... yoga on the spit with the mtns and ocean in view whether you're in a downward dog or balancing pose. Breakfast or a trip to the market to eat peaches fresh off the tree or a swim in the lake. Browsing in some funky shops downtown with a fabulous cuppa in hand or rolling through half nelson bike trail. All I know is for now this is it for me! To me it is like a deep full chested, belly emptying sigh.....and its soooooo gooooood

Find yours-
Chandra
ps this photo is from Nepal- it is the last place I remember the belly emptying sigh :)

Back at it.

It is amazing how a break from the things we love (by our choice or not) can make such a difference when we come back to them. How the little goals can be huge- after 10 weeks after a major ankle injury and pulled tendons too boot my first full childs pose! How exciting- time to take on Jen's yoga challenge 30 days- good for the mind, good for discovery, good for proprioceptive training of the ankle and a fresh new outlook on things-

Yoga and a long weekend in seattle meeting up with good friends--- a weekend good for the soul