BODY BALL EXERCISES                   

Also known as balance ball, swiss ball and exercise ball, this training equipment can be used to improve your balance, core strength and coordination.  Perfect for those needing to improve sports specific skills, functional movements (like fall prevention) or just to spice up a boring fitness routine.  There are several different body ball exercises to choose from, just make sure they suit your level of ability as some can be quite difficult. 

Choose the right size body ball for you.  To test it, sit on the ball and make sure your hips are level or just slightly higher than your knees.   55cm (4'11" - 5'4")   65cm (5'5"-5'11")   75cm (6'0"-6'7")
  

              

Check out the great body ball exercises on the "TIPS" page.  Be sure that you choose appropriate exercises for your ability to prevent any injuries.  If you have just recovered from injury contact your physiotherapist or doctor before starting a new fitness program.  Please feel free to contact Michelle for any questions or concerns you may have about using the body ball in your exercise routine.

       

WINTER WEIGHT NO  MORE!

Not motivated by the dark and cold days ahead, well lets make some fitness plans to keep your weight loss goals on track. 

1) Winter Sports can be alot of fun.  There's skiing, snowboarding snowshoeing and skating.  Use your local indoor fitness centre to prepare for these great activities so you'll stay injury free all season long.  The bosu and balance ball are an excellent way to improve your agility, coordination and balance. And by strengthening your legs, core and upper body muscles you'll excel at these sports making them so much more enjoyable.

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2) Indoor Cardio Classes are absolutely perfect for those who hate to exercise in the cold weather.  There's spin, aerobic, zumba, latin dance, kick boxing and indoor bootcamps.  Contact your local fitness centre and schedule sessions 2-3 times weekly and you'll be as fit as a fiddle come spring.  Just remember to ask what level each class is so your not disappointed and bring plently of water to hydrate yourself.
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3) Outdoor Running and Power Walking are easy to schedule and cost next to nothing, perhaps the only expense is a good pair of runners. Start slowly with a walk/run schedule and progress from there.  Join a running group, Forerunners on 4th Ave, Vancouver, has excellent programs.  Be sure to well hydrate even though the weather is cool and always wear reflective clothing to be safe.  I would recommend to train with a partner if your exploring trail running and never use an IPOD when alone unless your absolutely sure of your surroundings.
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Click comment box below for Success Stories and more!

WEIGH-OUT TODAY!

Congratulations to all those who stayed in the TPD challenge till the very end.  Early this morning there were a few participants getting they're final workout in before hitting the scale. The top winners lost over 14 pounds each and there was a total of 175lbs lost by 30 people who weighed-out today "Bravo"!  I couldn't be more pleased seeing so many of you succeed!

                    

TIS THE NIGHT BEFORE WEIGH-OUT AND ALL THROUGH THE GYM...."YES" CREATURES WERE STIRRING WE WERE TRYING TO GET SLIM!  WE WORKED SO HARD THAT WE BROKE OUT IN  SWEAT.. ARE WE REACHING OUR GOALS........."YES" THAT YOU CAN BET!

Kale Chips            
1 bunch of kale
2 Tbs olive oil
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tsp salt

1) Preheat oven to 200
2) Wash kale thoroughly and let dry
3) Tear kale away from stem. Each kale leaf should be torn into about 6 or eight pieces
4) Place kale, salt, olive oil and lemon into a bowl and mix together with your hands, gently massaging the kale with the oil, lemon and salt
5) Lay kale out on a cookie sheet or pizza pan
6) Place in over and set timer for 30 minutes

At 30 minutes, remove from oven and gently unstuck kale from pan if it has stuck and replace for another 10-15 minutes until kale is dry and crispy

Allow to cool. Can store in fridge for up to a week

Dear TPDers!                                                   
So, we are in the home stretch and flu season has hit our home over the last while -- so, no workouts, 2 little feverish tots and perhaps not eating in the best way. As they say, "life gets in the way of losing weight". However, I have truly enjoyed the process thus far and have enjoyed fitting a little better in clothes once again. I am content with the progress I have made to date and look forward to the next one, perhaps, to get those last 10 pounds (pre baby)!!!

I leave this coming weekend for a week long programme in the States, so I will miss the final weigh in festivities on Sunday, but many congratulations to all of you on a wonderful event! Thank you to Michelle as well.
Hugs and best of luck,
Fiona

OMG BOOTCAMP IS FUN! 

We had such a great Sunday morning bootcamp everyone had worked off their turkey dinner before they even ate it.

One week away from weigh-out and most are still determined to see the challenge through to the end....bravo everyone! 

Family support!  

Compete with your spouse