The Hormone Diet Detox

It is downright hot today and after a weeks and weeks of rain, it is a very welcome change :)

With all my excitement about the #Fitblog Planks Challenge, I totally forgot to mention that I started a detox.

You may remember that the doctor advised me to follow this book (which is fantastic, expect a full review next week).

#Fitblog Planks Challenge, Week 3: Belly Talk

Happy Memorial Day to my American friends!

You may have noticed my lack of postage this weekend.  I have decided to follow in the foot steps of some of my fellow bloggers and try taking the weekends off from blogging.

There are a few reasons for this:  I have noticed that my readership has been very low on the weekends, especially as the weather gets warmer (people would much rather be sipping mojitos than reading my blog ;).

Also, I have found it tricky getting the post in on the weekends with my busy schedule.  I don't want to write random posts just to get something out there.

Quality is much more important than quality.

Healthy Baked Granola Makeover

I have been living off smoothies lately. (This one is still my all time fave).

Fitness, Fun and Renewing Your Passion

I was uber excited to get this in the mail yesterday.

The Can Fit Pro Fitness Conference is something that many of us Canadian fitness pros look forward to every year.  It is a fun (and exhausting) weekend of workshops, lectures and products about all that is health and wellness.

Awesome Abs, Part 1

Here is one of the most frequently asked questions I get from my clients:

How do I lose the love handles and get awesome abs?

For the record, these are not my abs :)

How To Build Your Fitness Business, Part 2

You may remember in Part 1, I talked about some business strategies that can really help you get out in the community and build your brand.

In Part 2, I am going to talk about what doesn't work as well based on my own business building experience and the things I have learned from other pros.

Planks Challenge, Week 2: Partner Up!

I hope everyone had a fantastic long weekend, I know I did.

Just got back from the cottage with the sun, sand, food and family.  Just check out the view!

What I am Loving Right Now...Again

Before I jump into today's post, I want to share what arrived in the mail yesterday.

Passport to Prana: Mystic Pointe Yoga

It is so nice to be feeling better.  Sorry for the late post, but I am playing catch up today.

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes.  It's funny, because I said to myself at the beginning of the week that I was going keep my workouts gentle.  My mind already knew that my body needed rest and on Tuesday, my body spoke loud a clear.

Now, for the post I was going to share yesterday.  Remember when I got this?

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

I had a lovely post planned for today, but I will be honest with you, I feel awful.  The sick has set in and I am going take another day of rest.

So in the spirit of other bloggers who embrace Wordless Wednesday, I am going to share with you some of my favourite pics and posts.

Self-Esteem and Body Image

Healthy Apricot Loaf Makeover and A Sick Day

I had a long list of things I was going to accomplish today. Tackling the laundry, working on some posters for this sale, writing a few articles and the list goes on.

But I woke up today feeling sick.  Achy, tired, hot, just plain yucky.  My first instinct was to feel guilt (like many of us) about the things I wouldn't be able to do today.

#Fitblog Plank Challenge, Week 1: Tips and Technique

It is a dreary Monday in Toronto, but I am happy nonetheless as today is the first day of...

Garage Sailing for Fitness Finds

Out on my run the other day I noticed a sign at a church up the street for a yard sale and decided to stop by to see if I could find any fitness treasures.

The sale was pretty small and I picked up a few Christmas videos for my niece and nephew to watch with us this year.

On my way home, I saw that there was a sale at another church so I stopped in thinking it would be similar to the first one.

Wrong.

#Fitblog Plank Challenge

With all the Blogger issues over the last few days, I almost forgot to post about a brand new challenge!

Artwork by @leavingfatville

Coping with Chronic Pain, Part 7: Medications

As many of you know, Blogger was down yesterday, which explains the last of postage from many of your favourites :)

But I am back, and have some good news to share.

I finally got an appointment with a chronic pain specialist (you can read all about my adventure in the links at the bottom of this post).  There are a few steps we are going to take, but the first one was this:

When To Break Up With Your Personal Trainer

Breaking up is hard to do.

But there comes a time in some relationships when you know you need to go your separate ways. 

Your relationship with your personal trainer is just that, a relationship and for many reasons, there may come a time when the relationship stops working for you and you need to move on.

This is tough for many of us to do because we tend to feel a loyalty and even a friendship with our personal trainers (PT).

Be strong.

Remember, this is professional, not personal (OK, it could be a little personal), but it is about you reaching your fitness goals and if this person is no longer meeting your needs, it is time to part ways.

Here are 10 reasons you'll know when it is time to say goodbye to your trainer.

Move of the Month: Double Leg Stretch

I am in a pilates state of mind after a killer class last night and thought I would share another move with you.

(So excited, next month, I am having a photo shoot with more moves to come for the blog and my website :)

The double leg stretch is a very challenging pilates exercise with much room for error and injury.  Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Remember to keep your abdonimals contracted and slightly imprint (or press) your lower back into the floor for support.
• If you are a beginner, decrease the angle of your arms and legs by simply pointing them to the ceiling.
• Watch for tension in your neck and shoulders.  If you are feeling any shake or stress, take a rest and then continue with the posture.

Lets get started!

Spring Eating and Meal Makeovers

I often find that as the weather shifts from cold, dark and gloomy to sunny, bright and warn, so do my eating habits.

I move from craving this:

The Power of Family

Just a quick post today, I am zonked after a busy (and wonderful) weekend.

One of the many highlights was going on a walk with one of my favourite munchkins:

Top 5 Healthy Makeovers

I just realized today that I have "madeover" over 30 different desserts.  Not too shabby, if I do say so myself,

Because it is Friday and you might want to have something delicious to make for the weekend, I thought I would share with you my top 5 favourite makeovers.

#5 Gingerbread Cake

Indoor Vs. Outdoor Walking/Running

A gorgeous day today, absolutely perfect weather for an outdoor run.

Speaking of running, I tweeted earlier this week that I set foot on the treadmill for the first time in years and I have to admit, it wasn't so bad.  I still prefer to be outside, but I actually found it tougher than my outdoor runs.

This got me to thinking about the reasons why.

It could be because my body is very used to my outdoor route and the feel of the pavement.  It could also be that I was doing much more hill work.

The feeling of the treadmill is very different, and I think I am going to start incorporating it into my weekly regime as a way to mix up my workouts.
(I am as shocked as you are:)

With that in mind, I thought I would put together a quick post comparing indoor and outdoor running/walking.

Indoor (Treadmill) Walking/Running

Crazy Fitness Gimmicks...Again

I admit it.  I bought this a few years ago.

The Ab Glide.

Chocolate (Not-So-Coffee) Cupcakes

Sorry for the late post today.  We were out looking at more cars this morning and alas, are still torn. (You can get in your 2 cents on this post :)

Now, for my funny baking adventure.

PIPES Challenge, Wrap Up and Resolutions Re-Energized

It is the beginning of the month and that can only mean one thing...

It's time to re-energize those New Year's Resolutions! 

Sunday To-Dos and Buying a New Car

Ah, Sunday.  And the first day of May to boot.  I am so looking forward to the warmer weather, how about you?

On the docket for today...