Worth Repeating: Indoor Vs. Outdoor Walking/Running

The weather has been just lovely the past few days in Toronto.  The perfect weather to walk or run outside, which I have been fully taking advantage of.  

However, I know that the cooler, darker weather is just around the corner and many of you will be taking your runs/walks inside so I thought this post comparing indoor and outdoor running/walking might helpful.  Enjoy!



Indoor (Treadmill) Walking/Running

Pros

• You can do it any time (if you have one in your home) and it very private
• You can walk/run in all kinds of weather (however, you may still need to get to the gym)
• Provides some cushion to support the knees
• Can provide a challenge if you are used to outdoor walking/running
• Equip with tools such calories burned, pace, incline and decline (on some models)
• Are able to read or watch TV during your workout, which can be a motivator

Cons

• Can be a costly investment
• Not as convenient if you don't have one at home and are unable to get to the gym
• Walking or running in place can get boring for some people

Outdoor Walking/Running

Pros

• The fresh air and exploring the wonderful places in your neighbourhood
• Can be a challenge if you are used to treadmill walking/running
• Able to run/walk with a partner or as a group
• It is free, with no line ups or waiting for equipment
• Achieve a greater feeling of accomplishment (this one is hard to explain, it is like you have actually "been" somewhere)

Cons

• Can be weather permitting (although many people get out there, cold, rain or shine)
• Easier to lose track of time as the numbers are not right in front of you
• Not very private

Time for you to weigh in!  Indoors or outdoors and why? 
Do you find one harder than the other?



Stay Healthy,
Tracy

Wordless Wednesday: Can Fit Pro Fitness Conference

Worth Repeating: Finding the Best Trainer for You

Hiring a personal trainer can be one of the best decision you make to better your health and fitness.  I have done several posts on what to look for when searching for a fitness professional and thought this would be another post worth repeating.

Source

Exercise Review: Stress Relief Yoga

I ran more today than I have in over 3 months since I sprained my ankle.

I only did 4 2-minute sprints and they were very slow, but I got out there and I did it.

However, when I got home my ankle, knee and hip were not happy with me. (Isn't it amazing how all things are connected in the body?  When you injure one thing, you can mess up other body parts...but that is a different post. :)

After I did some foam rolling, I decided to break out a yoga DVD for a much needed stretch.  I choose Stress Relief Yoga with Suzanne Deason.  It is the perfect length (only 20 minutes) and great for stretching.

It has been a long time since I have done an exercise review and thought this would be a great opportunity to share. 

Source

Move of the Month: Swimmer

Looks like it is going to be a gorgeous weekend!  I am going to spend some quality time with the family and I am hoping that most of that time with be spent in the sun. :)

Now, lets get to the good stuff! The move of the month for June is the pilates swimmer.

This is an excellent exercise to primarily work the lower back, but it also requires full body strength.  We often neglect the lower back in favour of a few more crunches, but it so important to balance opposing muscle groups.  We spend a lot of time in flexion in pilates, so we always want to make sure we work on extension.

Make sure you check with your doc before you begin any exercise program.

15 Minute Workout: A Quick HIIT

This past weekend was a hot one in Ontario.  I hope you all managed to stay cool.

As the weather continues to get warmer, it often becomes easier to use the it-is-too-hot-to-workout excuse.

While it is very true that you should avoid strenuous activity outdoors during peak hours (approx. 11am -4pm), that doesn't mean that you have to forgo the workout altogether.

This HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) routine is so quick, you will be done in the same amount of time it would take to think about another excuse not to do it.  For more about HIIT, check out this link!

The best part is that you don't need any equipment and it can be done anywhere.  Get ready to get your sweat on!

As always, check with your doctor before you begin an exercise program.

4 Tips for Promoting Your Business at an Event

After a few crazy weeks, I think I am finally back to a semi-normal blogging schedule. This makes me happy, I have missed it. :)

In all the craziness, I forgot to share another event I went to a couple weeks ago.

CPTN Fitness Conference Highlights

I had the pleasure of volunteering at the CPTN Dare to Be Excellent Conference this past weekend and I have to tell you that it was an amazing event of fitness, networking and fun!

5 Reasons to Take a Spinning Class

I taught a spinning class this morning for the first time in almost a year.

It felt glorious.

60 Minute Workout: Power Circuit

You know I am a big fan of interval and circuit training.

The great thing about it is that no matter how much time you have, you know you are going to get an intense workout.

I have called today's routine a "60 minute workout", but truthfully, it is an "any time workout".  If you only have 20 minutes, simply do the circuit once.  If you have 40 minutes, do it twice.

You are still going to reap all of the benefits and feel great when you are done.

Check out the end of the post for some links to exercises you may not be familiar with. (and always check with your doctor before you start a new exercise program.)

Online Personal Training Giveaway

I promised you a fitness giveaway on Friday and I always deliver on my promises. :)

How about the chance to win a personalized fitness program?

I am busily working away on updating my website and to celebrate it's upcoming re-launch, I would like to offer one lucky reader this very cool prize package including:

• A one month personalized training program
• 24/7 email support
• A copy of my ebook, Women's Strength Training Myths Revealed!

To Enter

Tell me how a workout plan would help you reach your goals.

Optional Addition Entries (Leave a Comment for Each)
Follow me on Twitter
Like Commit to Fit on Facebook
Like Custom Fit Consulting on Facebook
Follow my blog (via RSS)
Tweet about the contest ( @tracy_simmons Online Personal Training Giveaway http://bit.ly/JQ9lmq )

Winner will be announced on Monday May 14 May 21.

Good luck!

Stay Healthy,
Tracy

Wordless Wednesday: Training Like A Competitor

Friday Favourites: Low Cost Advertising for Small Business

Friday Favourites are back and this week the focus is on building your business.

Whether you are a nutritionist with a home-practice or a chiropractor with your own clinic,
you need to do some form of advertising to attract clients.

Many advertising strategies don't come cheap, but does costly always equal more effective? Sometimes, but many small business just don't have a large advertising budget.

So, here are a few ideas on how to advertise on a shoestring:

A flyer that I used last year to advertise my bootcamp

45 Minute Workout: Cardio Blast

I miss running.  There, I said it.

As many of you know, I sprained my ankle just over a month ago. Although it is steadily getting better, I am being overly cautious as I don't want to put myself in a position where I might twist it again.

I am truly amazed how much I miss running given my love/hate relationship with it.  Hopefully, I will get into some physiotherapy soon and see what they suggest.  In the meantime, I will keep hitting the pool and walking my little heart out.

I could also do today's workout.

This calorie torcher requires very little equipment and space, is intense and guaranteed to make you feel like a million bucks when you are done.

As always,. check with your doc before you start any exercise program.

Passport to Prana: Body to Bliss Yoga

Last Sunday afternoon, I dusted of my Passport to Prana for a much needed yoga class.

My body has been feeling quite tight lately, so I wanted to do something gentle that involved a lot of stretching.  I decide on a 90 minute Meditation/Yin/Restorative class at Body to Bliss Yoga in Vaughan

Move of the Month: The Roll Up

I hope you had a great weekend and had a chance to get outside and enjoy the nice weather.
I tried out a new yoga class on Sunday (review later this week) and it was glorious.

I had every intention of getting this post up yesterday, but I wasn't feeling so hot so I took the day off. I am feeling much better today and very excited to share. :)

The Move of the Month for April is the pilates' Roll Up.

This exercise helps you to work on spinal articulation and it strengthens your abdominals.  The Roll Up is suitable for all levels, but check out the modifications below to increase or decrease the exercise difficulty.

As always, check with your doc before you begin any exercise program.

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Women's Fitness Q & A: Weight Loss Plateau and Knee Weakness

On Facebook and Twitter over the last few weeks, I asked you to ask me any questions you might have about women's health and fitness. Today, I am going to tackle a few of those questions in the next overdue installment of...

Q: Why when you are losing weight do you plateau? I have lost 10lbs and now I have been holding at the same weight for 2 weeks.  What can I do to break this? - Shannon

30 Minute Workout: Super Set Circuit

I am going to be heading up north tomorrow to spend Easter at the cottage and will happily be baking cupcakes tonight to bring with me.  (Perhaps you will see a new recipe on the blog next week. ;)

It has been a while since we have been up to the cottage and I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend away.

Now, are you ready to sweat?

I am not going to lie, this workout is tough.  This good news is that you are going to be done in less than 30 minutes (depending on how many times you repeat the circuit)  You are going to love it.

As always, check with your Doc before you start any exercise program.

The Toronto Yoga Show 2012

It was Yoga Conference and Show time this past weekend and I please to report that it didn't disappoint. 

I didn't attend the conference sessions this year, but I did walk the trade show floor and came across some pretty cool finds from tasty treats...

Product Review: Under Armour Bra

I wear sports bras every day and when Under Armour contacted me to test drive their bra, I jumped at the chance to try something new.

It is very challenging to find a great fit, so the folks at Under Armour went right to the source and interviewed athletes to find out what they look for in a perfect sports bra.

The Under Armour bra features:

• Soft, removable cups for comfort.
• Mesh venting so you stay cool and dry.
• "Smart" UA fabric for moisture-wicking.
• Seam-free interior edges for anti-chafing.

It also comes is a variety of cup and closure sizes so you can find the one right for you.

So what did I think?

I loved:

• The material.  It was comfortable and definitely moisture-wicking.
• The thick straps. They provided lots of support and did not dig in.
• The seam-free interior.  The bra did not dig into my under arms like many of the bras I have tried.

I wished that:

• That the bra came in a higher band size.  Mine fit, but one size up would have been a bit better.
• The front of bra sat a little bit lower.

Overall, I really like the bra and would definitely recommend it.  Check out the Under Armour website for more information.


Do you have a favourite sports bra?

Stay Healthy,
Tracy

Disclosure:  I received these product for free to review, but the opinions are my own.