Barre Life Workouts Tighten and Tone Muscles Making Oakville Moms Stronger!

The 2014 momstown Oakville Fit Mamas Challenge is underway!  Our first workout was at Barre Life located at 427 Speers Road.  We had 16 mamas try out the class tonight and have another group doing a class on Thursday night.  Barre workouts are relatively new (although rising in popularity very quickly) and can be classified as a dancer's workout…but without the dance. Barre Life sums it up as "Barre workout is a fusion exercise that combines Pilates, yoga, ballet and strength movements while using the ballet barre, resistance bands and weighted balls".  Barre workouts are suitable for any fitness level and you don't need to have a dance background (speaking from experience on this one)!

What I loved about this workout is that it focuses on tightening and toning your body while increasing flexibility.  I felt strong doing this workout.  I have never been an overly flexible person but I know as I get older (gah!), this is something that I need to take into account so that I can remain active for years and years to come!  I also liked the movements - took me out of my comfort zone (trust me, I am no dancer...soccer, hockey and skiing were my sports as a kid) and challenged me at the same time.  And are you ready for more great news about Barre Life?

Left:  Child care room.  Right:  Change room area

They have a lovely change room with showers, lockers and lovely bathrooms so you can freshen up post workout.  And while you workout, they also offer FREE (yup, you read that right) childcare every day from 9:30 -10:30am 7 days a week in their childcare room so you can bring your little one (6 months to 6 years) and get your workout in first thing in the morning.

We tried a Barre Classic class (recommended for beginners) but Barre Life offers a wide selection of classes such as:

• Barre Sculpt
• Barre Cardio
• Upper Body Burn

Check out a full listing of all the class types here.  Read what some of our mamas has to say about their Barre Life experience:

"I liked that it was not your usual cardio type workout, but more of a focus on posture and strength and stamina and stretching."

"Fantastic class. I didn't think I could get my legs up so high. I felt great after - much more relaxed and not so tight."

Visit their website or Facebook page for more information on how to get your barre on!

Why Running As A Team Can Help You Achieve Your Goals For The CIBC Run For The Cure

Whether you've already registered for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's CIBC Run For The Cure event or not (what are you waiting for - click here!), I hope you've been able to join a team or plan on recruiting some friends or family to participate with you.

Register now!

Here are my top five reasons why you need a team:

5.  If you registered your team of 10+ by September 20, you get team t-shirts!  If you missed that deadline, you’ll still get a 2013 t-shirt.  As I mentioned here, I got a t-shirt last year and it makes me proud to wear it.
4.  Things are always more fun when you are doing it with friends.
3.  Healthy competition!  Your team will push you to fundraise just a little bit more, run just a bit faster or        stop you from walking the last 0.25km when you've already come so far.
2.  More people on your team means more people taking the time to do something good for themselves.  Leading an active lifestyle is one of the ways we can prevent cancer.
1. Frankly, the more people we have supporting and raising awareness and funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the better.  1 in 9 women is expected to develop breast cancer in her life time.

Did you know that you can even register a team on the day of the event?  There is still lots of time to get some people together and do your part to create a future without breast cancer!

When the momstown Oakville team ran last year, we were a group of women who all had many different reasons to run and were at various stages in our lives.  Some brought their little ones in strollers, some walked the route, some were running for a 5km personal best time, and some (like me) were doing it in an effort to challenge myself and to start to make time for fitness again after having two children in the last few years.  Some had lost a family member to cancer, some were supporting a loved currently living with the disease and all of us were running to reduce the number of women that ever have to say 'I have breast cancer'.

So, who's making the list of people you are going to reach out to with an invitation to join you on Sunday, October 6th for the CIBC Run for the Cure?

Tips For Running Your First 10KM Race

On Sunday, September 22nd I will be running my first 10km race as part of the Oakville Half Marathon. And before you listen to the voices in your head that say "I could never run a 10km race", just hear me out because you can run a 10km race too.  It all started in the Spring when my sister and I were lamenting over the lack of exercise we had been doing and wanting to make a change.  A few days later she called me up and said, I think I might sign up for a race as it would give me something to work towards.  My response?  Great idea!  She found a 10km race in Oakville that was in September, several months away so that we'd have time to train, and we both signed up as did a few other mamas I know.  Am I a runner?  No.  Have I ever done a race before?  One.  The 5km Run For The Cure in Burlington last year with not one pre-run completed before race day (not something I would recommend!).

momstown Oakville's 2012 Run for the Cure team

We're now only three weeks away from the big race and here is what I have learned and what I wanted to share with others who may be even remotely thinking about doing the same thing.

1.  My sister had a good idea, signing up for a race makes a big difference.  I never would be running as far as I am if I wasn't signed up for a race.  Once you sign up for the race, chances are you will tell people that you signed up and this is another factor in making sure you do it!  Race day is also fun - people cheering you on, maybe a t-shirt or a race bib, and usually some free snacks at the end.  I got a t-shirt when I did the 5km race and every time I pull it out of my drawer I still feel good that I did the race.

2.  Find a running buddy.  Without my running buddy I never would have run as often or as far as we have (thanks Nora!). We chat during our runs and naturally, you will push yourself more if you are running with another person. She says I improve her pace and she pushes me to do longer distances.

3. Keep it realistic.  There are lots of options for training such as signing up for a running clinic, doing an online program or just setting your own weekly goals.  Don't join a running group that commits you to 4 nights a week if there is no way that you will get there.  It will discourage you.  As a mom with young kids, its a constant battle to make time for myself to exercise so I have been running 1-2 a week, slowly increasing the distance.  We've also been running what is knows as 10 & 1's meaning we run for 10 minutes and walk for a minute.  In my head I always tell myself that I was in labour for longer than 10 minutes so I can certainly get through 10 minutes of running if I birthed two children!

4.  Try and enjoy it, but no pressure.  Not going to lie, losing weight is a nice by product of exercise but don't make it the sole reason that you commit to doing a race.  You may lose weight, you may not, depending on if you change your diet or how often you are running.  Remember that making an exercise program a priority is an improvement in your life if you haven't been doing that before.  You are also setting a good example for your kids, improving your overall health and wellness.  I have also enjoyed seeing different neighbourhoods during the course of our runs and now that the leaves are starting to change, the scenery is getting even better.

5.  Evaluate.  Overall, have I enjoyed training for this race?  Sort of.  I have enjoyed seeing my friend more often as we've been running together once a week.  I have enjoyed feeling my muscles work, accomplishing new things and challenging myself, but I don't think long distance running is for me.  I just don't enjoy it that much.  I've never gotten the runners high or felt like I could run for hours (apparently this really does happen to some people!).  I think a perfect race for me would be 8km and I'd rather work on getting faster for a shorter race than aiming for longer distances.  I have learned that there are tons of different types of races like mud runs, runs with obstacle courses, etc and I think these might be more my style.  I need to change things up so am also thinking about a mini triathalon as I think I would enjoy it more. The running has made me think about what type of activity I do like and has reminded me how much I enjoy playing team sports like soccer or hockey so I am trying to work that into the rest of my year.

So, after all that, have I convinced you that you too can run a 10km race?  You can, I promise you, you can. I encourage you to push yourself towards a fitness challenge that might be a bit of a stretch.  My guess is you'll surprise yourself just like my fellow momstown Edmonton mamas did when they signed up for a half marathon!  Read more about their journey here.  It's pretty incredible what you can accomplish when you push yourself outside your comfort zone.  Stay tuned for my post race blog post and wish me luck!

momstown Oakville moms lose over 100lbs and 50 inches in our first ever fitness challenge!

A big congratulations to all the momstown Oakville moms who participated in our first ever fitness challenge! Last night was the final weigh in and these Oakville moms knocked it out of the park!  Everyone did really well and whether they were in it to lose pounds, inches or just to become more active I think the challenge was a resounding success.  As a group, we lost 113 lbs and 52 inches in 6 weeks!

A big thank you to all of our sponsors!  momstown Oakville moms loved trying so many places and workouts that were new to them. To recap, here are the workouts we did:

Spinning with Quad Spin

Bootcamp with Fitdolls

Pilates with The Belle Method

Zumba with Binu

Sports training with The Sports Academy

Body Pump and Yoga led by one of our own momstown Oakville mamas

Whole Body Vibration Training with T-Zone Oakville

And we had a nutritional seminar with Living Force Nutrition.

For our final weigh in, we gathered together at Whole Foods where Ryan from Fitness on the Go took our measurements and we weighed in.  Ryan was professional and encouraging and stayed around to offer us some tips and tricks to continue down our healthier path.  I asked him what three exercises would he recommend to start each day with and he suggests push ups, squats and the plank.  We also talked protein powder, weight lifting and of course, his area of expertise, personal training.  Be sure to check out the Fitness on the Go website to learn how you can get Ryan to come and whip you in to shape right in your own house!  A very easy option for moms - get that workout in while baby naps upstairs!

We also had Paula from Body by Vi speak to the group about her transformational change (she lost 32lbs in her first 90 days and then another 50 lbs after that!) using the Body by Vi weight loss system.  Paula delivered great information about what worked for her, answered all of our questions and handed out some tasty samples!  In addition to samples from Paula, samples of Nature’s Qu Quinoa Cereal Embrace Foods were also given out.  Adding protein to your breakfast was a great tip we received from our nutritionist seminar and quinoa cereal would be a fabulous way to do that.

And then finally it was time to announce the winners!  

Congratulations to Jody who lost the highest percentage of body weight (9% in 6 weeks)!

Congratulations to Stacey who lost the most inches (10.5 inches in 6 weeks)!

I love that we could all get fit together and inspired one another to make healthy lifestyle changes and try new things.  Another benefit to being a momstown mama!  momstown Oakville is working on our next fitness challenge starting in mid September.  Want to join us?  Sign up here!

momstown Oakville Moms Try Out Whole Body Vibration Training at T-Zone Oakville to Tone and Tighten!

momstown Oakville's final workout as part of our fitness challenge had use experiencing something new as we headed to T-Zone Oakville.  Located in downtown Oakville, T-Zone has many fitness options that are really unique.

To start off, did you know that in just 10 minutes you can reap the following benefits from using Whole Body Vibration (WBV) Training:

Increased muscle strength
Improve Blood Circulation
Enhance lymph drainage
Exercise and oxygenate your body
Build bone density and fight osteoporosis
Increase metabolism, burn fat and raise energy levels
Tone and tighten skin
Decrease cellulite
Reduce back and joint pain
Rehabilitate injuries quicker
Decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels (stress hormone)

Interested to learn more yet?  Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about WBV training.

Is Whole Body Vibration Training Credible?

The Russians have been using it since before the fall of the Berlin Wall to strengthen their athletes. In Europe it is widely used in gyms, by sporting teams, chiropractors, physiotherapists and Personal Trainers.

Does It Really Work?

Take some time and research the internet, there is research from all around the world on the many benefits of Whole Body Vibration. It was actually proven to work over 40 years ago with space travel.

Still curious?  Get more answers to frequently asked questions here.

momstown Oakville moms really enjoyed trying out these machines.  Candace, the owner of T-Zone Oakville spent lots of time answering all of our questions and walking us through using the machines.  Because this workout only takes 10 minutes (but is equivalent to a 1 hour workout!) this is a perfect fit for moms with young kids - you can spare just 10 minutes, right?  You also can do WBG in regular clothes so it really does take no time at all.

T-Zone Oakville - Whole Body Vibration Training

T-Zone Oakville also offers other classes in their studios such as Jazzercise and Yoga.  In addition to doing a WBV workout, we also did Jazzercise!  I had never done Jazzercise before.  Our instructor, Bev, was great at taking things slow with us newbies but also made the workout fun and challenging.  And I felt like I was dancing on Broadway for some of the routines...always an added bonus in my book!

Jazzercise with Bev at T-Zone Oakville

T-Zone Oakville always offers a complimentary introduction Whole Body Vibration Technology so make sure to contact them to give it a try for yourself.  Membership and drop in rates are available.

Here is what some of our members said about WBV Training:

"As they said, I slept really well last night after using the machines"

"I love that you can get a workout in but it only takes 10 minutes!"

Make sure you visit their website to learn more about Whole Body Vibration Training and about the other classes offered through their studio.  This trial was the perfect way to end our fitness challenge as we all got to end on a note of trying something new which is one of the goals of the fitness challenge!

Wednesday night is our final weigh in, stayed tuned for the results and the big winners!

momstown Oakville moms train like athletes at The Sports Training Academy

momstown Oakville moms completed another fitness challenge workout last night at The Sports Training Academy.  The Sports Training Academy offers a wide range of sports training in the areas of hockey, baseball, golf, gymnastics and overall sports performance training.  I'll admit that I don't think that many of the ladies knew what to expect going in to this workout but I know that we were all impressed (and tired!) by the time the workout was over.

The Sports Training Academy's fitness expert Steve Teel took us through a 70 minute workout that included extensive stretching and hard core strength training.  Steve did a fantastic job at explaining the stretches he instructed us to do and everyone doing the class could be heard commenting on how the stretches felt great and were really effective. Steve was really upbeat the entire time and really encouraging too.   While we were stretching, Steve talked about the importance of mobility and the ability for your body to have balance and agility - something that many kids today are lacking even if they compete in sports on a regular basis.

After we stretched, we moved into some circuit training.  When I saw the huge ropes lying on the ground (that weigh 28 lbs each!) I immediately thought of the tv show Biggest Loser!  They often do workouts using things like a rope, kettlebells and medicine balls - all things that we used last night as well.

Steve led us through a circuit that included planks, side planks, pushups, pop squats with a kettlebell. squats with a medicine ball - sounds fun, right?  Fun might not be the word (although we did have quite a few laughs while working out) but it was an incredible workout that was challenging and made me feel strong.

Here is what what some of our members had to say:

"Best workout!!!" - Michelle

"I felt just amazing this morning - That stretching alone was gold last night!" - Melanie

I was talking to my husband when I got home and when I described the workout, he thought it sounded great and mentioned it was a type of workout that appealed to him as well.  If you'd like more information about working out with The Sports Academy training team, please email the owner, Mike Kennedy.  The Sports Training Academy also offers birthday party packages, after school programs and summer camps too!

momstown Oakville moms get fit and have fun with Zumba with Binu

momstown Oakville moms participated in another great workout last night as part of our fitness challenge. We got movin' and groovin' with Zumba with Binu! This was my first time doing a Zumba class and while I expected it to be at least a little fun, it was incredibly fun and I was pleasantly surprised.

Here are my three favourite things about last night's workout:

1.  I had a goofy (albeit sweaty) smile on my face the whole time.  It really is fun!

2.  This workout reminded me of being on vacation.  What??  It's true!  I felt like I was at an all inclusive resort in Mexico feeling the vibe of the nightly entertainment when they get everyone involved in the dancing.

3.  I was also reminded of dance parties with my university house mates, loved those and loved that this workout felt just as fun.

Bottom line?  This is a really fun way to get fit and Binu is an amazing instructor with great energy.

There was a pretty big group of participants last night and it ranged for many people having their first Zumba experience to those that had done a few classes before.  At the end of our class with Binu, we all agreed that her choreography was easy to follow and that none of us felt lost.  The music was fantastic and we had a great variety in the steps and routines that were used.  I had a lot of energy during the class and could feel my mood being elevated as I got more and more into the workout.

Getting down and funky!

Shaking it up!

I had a hard time getting good pictures as we barely stopped moving for the entire 60 minutes!  After we jumped, danced, shook, moved and grooved, we did end the class with some ab work and some stretching which was a nice way to wind down and finish up the workout.

Binu leading the group and getting our feet in the air, followed by some stretching.

Here is what some of our members had to say about the class:

"I loved her energy! It was a great class and not too hard to follow the moves." - Stacey

"I am sore today....a good sore.  I love workouts like that because you get so caught up in the fun and dancing that you forget you're working so hard." - Jody

Binu's current session goes until March 31st (daytime and evening options, click here for the schedule) and you can join anytime. Classes will be prorated based on number of weeks left in the session.  First class is always free! You can drop in if room is available. Drop in fee is $15. If you sign up for the session regardless of how many classes are left, the price is cheaper.  Binu offers weights classes for women as well and most of her classes are run out of the Sports Training Academy in Oakville.

Hope you take advantage of the free class option and try out Zumba with Binu - you won't regret it!

momstown Oakville moms get long and lean with The Belle Method Pilates

The momstown Oakville fitness challenge continued this week as Oakville moms got a chance to experience The Belle Method Pilates.  There were so many moms that wanted to give this workout a try that we split into two groups so that everyone had a chance to participate.

For those unfamiliar with Pilates  it is a body conditioning routine that builds flexibility and muscle strength. It puts emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing, and developing a strong core and improving coordination and balance.The Belle Method of Pilates is the creation of Nikki Bergen. Their fitness philosophy, specifically designed for women, combines the core technique of Pilates the intensity of boot camp and the zen of yoga.  I have done Pilates classes in the past and always admire the lean and muscular physique of those who practice it regularly.  

Learning about The Belle Method

The group was mixed with people who had done Pilates before and those that had never done a class.  We used Pilates mats, small weighed balls and flex bands to add intensity and challenge to the workout.  What I noticed right off the bat was the targeted intensity that I was feeling during the exercises!  Pilates also focuses on areas that have been exhausted by pregnancy and carrying around young children - your hips, your lower abdomen, your core, your chest and spine.  The instructor often referred to these areas during the workout and explained how these areas may be feeling week and it was usually a synonymous nod by everyone participating indicating that they did indeed feel weakness and fatigue in these areas.

It's always inspiring to be led by someone with passion and Nikki and The Belle Method team are full of passion!  They have a genuine interest in helping women become more fit and healthy.  Their positive and upbeat demeanour make the classes a pleasure to take.  Another interesting fact about The Belle Method is that they provide specific workouts for breast cancer recovery patients - so great to have someone trained to help breast cancer survivors begin to strengthen their bodies again.

Here's what some of our members had to say about their class with The Belle Method:

"One of the best workouts I've had in a long time. Surprised I cam walk this morning. Seriously considering going back, even though I have access to free classes at work!" - Mylene

"I liked it and am feeling it in my abs and legs. Nikki was great!" - Derryn

The Belle Method classes take place at ellephysio in Oakville and have three sessions a week that you can choose from.  Their next session will begin during the last week of March, check out their calendar for details and on how to register.  You will absolutely see results from these workouts!

momstown Oakville moms spin their way to fitness with Quad Spinning

Last night momstown Oakville moms completed our first fitness challenge workout.  We starting things off by working up a huge sweat with Quad Spin West.  Led by Micheline, the owner and Candace, our instructor for the night, we went through a fun, fast and high intensity workout that left us all feeling great!  For anyone who hasn't heard of spinning before, its an indoor cycling class, usually one hour in length (including a warm-up and cool-down) with a focus on tempo, timing and rhythm. The classes have interval training (hill climbs, sprints, standing up on the bike) which are the basis of the classes and take participants through easy, medium and intense energy output levels.

Before we even got started last night, everyone was impressed with the kids area that is right next to the spin studio.  It's all glassed in so you can see the area easily and was well equipped with lots of things to keep kids entertained while you get in a spin workout!  The area isn't supervised, so your children would have to be old enough to entertain themselves, but they could see you the whole time, and you can easily see them. Pure genius to add this in and make it easier for moms to be able to get in a workout!

Quad Spin West Kids Area

We had many first time 'spinners' last night so Micheline and Candace made sure that everyone was seated properly on their bike before we began.  We then went through a 60 minute class which was infused with good music and motivation to push ourselves.  The hour went but quickly and I felt great afterwards!  If you love working out to music, this is a perfect class for that, they pump up the volume and use the music to do different intervals as you can sprint to the beat or get your rhythm going up a hill based on the song being played.

momstown Oakville moms spinning up a sweat!

Quad Spinning has a great drop in special and also has a “take us 4 a spin trial pass” for newcomers or for any spinner who has not been to quad in over 6 months. You can either drop into your first class for only $10 or take the 2 week “take us 4 a spin” trial pass for $33.

Here's what some of our moms had to say about Quad Spin West on our message board:

"Ok, I hate spinning. But tonight? I actually liked it!! It's the first time I've worked out in a looooong time and I was driving home feeling exhilarated!" - Stacey

"I loved the class, and really enjoyed getting to try a place I haven't been before. Music was great which really helps. Would definitely go back!" - Sarah

Quad Spin offers several types of classes including a Live DJ Spin class (how fun does that sound!!). Check out their website for more information.

momstown Oakville is a community that provides fun and friendship for moms. If you would like to get connected check us out! A membership is only $45/year and a 12 month subscription to Today's Parent is included! You even get to try us for 4 week FREE!! Register here.

Kicking Off momstown Oakville's Fitness Challenge - Here We Go!

On Wednesday the first ever momstown Oakville fitness challenge kicks off!  Oakville moms are excited to get moving and get healthier while being supported by the awesome momstown community.  There are 6 great workouts lined up, nutritional support from Living Force and our personal fitness consultant, Ryan, from Fitness on the Go who will be doing our weigh ins and taking measurements.

Here are the workouts that momstown Oakville moms will be giving a try:

Quad Spinning

Fitdolls

The Belle Method - Pilates

Zumba with Binu

Junior Academy to Elite Athlete Training

T-Zone Oakville - Vibration Technology

We'll also be doing a Body Pump class led by one of our own momstown Oakville mamas!  Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook to find out how the challenge is going and to see pictures of us in action! We'll also have support and tips being offered on the momstown Oakville message board. The fitness challenge is 6 weeks and there will be two winners - the person who loses the biggest percentage of weight and the person who loses the most inches.  

Good luck to everyone participating!

momstown Oakville moms getting fit with a fitness challenge

I'm so excited for the very first momstown Oakville fitness challenge!  Join other Oakville moms and get fit this January.  We have six great workouts planned as well as the support of a nutritionist and a personal trainer.  All classes will take place in the evening and there will be a starting, mid point and final weigh in and measuring of inches.  Each member will contribute $20 and the money will be split between the winning team and the winning individual.  You must sign up for the challenge by January 9, 2013.

Not a momstown Oakville member?  Purchase your membership for just $45 a year and come get fit with us!  For more information on how you can join us for the challenge, please email info.oakville@momstown.ca.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Fitness on The Go

Quad Spinning

Fitdolls

The Belle Method - Pilates

Fitness4Life - Zumba

Living Force Nutritional Consulting

Sports Training Academy

Fanatical - Uncontrollable - Insane - IT'S MANIA

In three short weeks all momstown across Ontario are going to be hosting the biggest party YET!

AND

EVERYONE IS INVITED

and I mean EVERYONE!

This is the day to see what actually goes on it our world

"A month in a day the momstown way"

Fantastic interactive activities will run throughout the day including:

- Toddler Olympics
- Mom & Baby Fitness
- Baby Sign Language
- Music demonstrations
- Planting station with child-made Mother’s Day gift
- Educational make & take craft for moms
- Coffee Circle for mom & baby
- Special children’s entertainer mid-day
- Picasso’s in the Park
- momstown circle times with parachute, songs and bubbles.

Questions?? No problem - Send us a email!!

katie.mcintosh@momstown.ca