Saturday, July 20, 2013

How Fast Can You Pedal?

If you go to spin/indoor cycling classes you've surely seen this: someone pedaling so fast they look like the roadrunner (you remember those cartoons don't you?).  It may look impressive and they may be huffing and puffing but it's a very inefficient way to work and if the person is not skilled at pedaling fast they could injure themselves.

I too am guilty of pedaling at upwards of 130 rpms on my spin bike but after reading some more info I've readjusted.  I now use a heavier gear (I use Keiser bikes in my studio) and try to keep my rpms below 120.  Here's what I found: I feel more in control of my pedal stroke, I'm working A LOT harder and burning way more calories.  After instructing my class to do the same thing today I got the same kind of feedback from them.

I know it's going to be hard to convince some people to go slower, but as an instructor it's my job to inform and to provide a safe, efficient workout.  People generally don't like change and there will always be those who want to show off just how fast they can pedal, but the next time you're in a spin/indoor cycling class just try upping the resistance and slowing down your sprint and see how great it feels and how much better your workout is!



Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Guest Post: Improve Your Quality of Life During Cancer Recovery with Exercise

I was recently contacted by Melanie Bowen who asked if I would like to post an article she wrote on cancer recovery and exercise.  I think you'll really enjoy her article:



Improve Your Quality of Life During Cancer Recovery with Exercise


Undergoing treatment for cancer can be a physically and emotionally draining process for patients. While it may seem logical to avoid exercise during treatment, research actually suggests that physical activity during cancer recovery can greatly improve your quality of life. Cancer patients who exercise have reported an improvement in fatigue and anxiety levels as well as an increased self-esteem. The intensity and type of the exercises you do will depend on the status of your treatment. Make sure to include your physician as you plan your physical activity during recovery.

Light Activity Recommendation

Light activity is ideal for those currently undergoing aggressive cancer treatments. Often, light exercises may be very suitable for those battling pleural mesothelioma or other cancers that affect the lungs that make breathing difficult. This type of physical activity is generally characterized by being able to breathe easily, carry a full conversation and not break a sweat. Walking is an excellent choice for light exercise since it does not require any expensive equipment and can be done at your own pace.

Patients beginning an exercise program can start with a short, slow walk to the mailbox and work their way up to a longer walk around the block. Walking is shown to provide emotional benefits as well as an improvement in muscle strength, stamina and endurance. Walkers also benefit from a slowdown of bone loss and an increase in energy that serves to combat the effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Moderate Activity Recommendation

Those who are actively recovering from cancer treatment and beginning to regain their strength will benefit from moderate exercise. During this type of activity, the pace of breathing increases to a comfortable level and generally sweating will occur after about 10 minutes of exercise. If you are planning to begin an exercise program that includes moderate physical activity, consider implementing yoga into your daily routine. The benefits of this popular form of physical activity include a decrease in stress and fatigue, improved flexibility and better quality of sleep. Yoga studios are fairly easy to find in most communities. In addition, many cancer centers provide yoga classes to patients due to this exercise's ability to lower the increased stress and pain levels that often occur with cancer treatments.

Vigorous Activity Recommendation

Advanced exercise is suggested for cancer patients in the later stages of recovery who are looking to regain lost strength and improve their overall condition. This type of physical activity will generally result in deep, rapid breathing, sweating and the inability to carry on a full conversation. WebMD suggests running for those patients who are ready for an increased level of activity. The benefits of running for cancer patients include increased energy, improved muscle strength, endurance and stamina, and a slowdown of bone loss. Runners can begin at their own pace and work up to faster speeds and longer distances when ready.

Scientific research and patient experience show that the benefits of exercise during cancer treatment are vast. Wherever you are in your treatment, you can choose an appropriate exercise for your suggested level of activity. Whether you decide to walk, do yoga or run, with regular exercise you can expect to enjoy improved energy levels, increased stamina, a slowdown of bone loss, and many emotional and psychological benefits as well, so talk to your doctor and get started today.

Melanie is currently a Master's student with a passion that stems from her grandmother's cancer diagnosis. She often highlights the great benefits of alternative nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness.  To read more from Melanie, visit her blog for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. In her spare time, you can find Melanie trying new vegan recipes, on her yoga mat, or spending time with her family.

 

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Music Makes Everything Better!

A few months ago I did my first ever DJ Spin Night at Wholey Fit.  DJ Nick was awesome - so awesome that I've decided to make DJ Spin Night a regular thing!  If you're looking for an awesome DJ you can contact Nick at nickelbe@ohhithere.ca

Nick recently set up a new sound system for me at Wholey Fit and what a difference a nice sound system makes!  It's really not surprising though - music is so powerful.  It has the power to inspire, motivate, energize, change your mood, transport you back to a time and place you had forgotten about...it can even make the most excruciating spin class fun!

I'm about to teach my fourth class of the day and even though I'm tired I know the music will energize me and get me through the tough ride I have planned for tonight.  The next time you're feeling tired and don't really feel like working out turn on your favourite tunes and see what happens ;)

Keep an eye on my schedule for the next DJ Spin Night!  It's planned for Friday, May 24th - times to be announced soon!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Spin Versus Indoor Cycling - What's the Difference?

Since opening Wholey Fit I've had a lot of people tell me they can't find me when they google 'spin classes'.  (If they googled 'indoor cycling in Kits' I'm second on the list).  The word spin, or spinning is a name that's trademarked and can only be used when describing indoor cycling classes that are done on the actual 'Spinner' bike (I have Keiser bikes so I can't advertise my classes as 'spin' classes).

'Spin' classes and indoor cycling classes are basically the same thing: an instructor lead ride on a stationary bike that's specially designed to mimic an outdoor bike feel.  The classes are set to music and your instructor is there to lead you through a safe and challenging cardio workout that hits your legs just right!  

Unfortunately some people think that 'indoor cycling' is only for serious riders who are looking for technical rides that will improve their outdoor rides.  While there definitely are some indoor cycling classes that do just that (such as iRide at Wholey Fit), there are also many indoor cycling classes (such as any of my other Cycle classes at Wholey Fit) that are just fun, high energy, heart pumping workouts.  We do sprint drills, hill climbing drills and everything in between using music and our enthusiasm to motivate you to keep on pushing!

There are 'Spin' courses and 'Indoor Cycling' courses that instructors take (some studios only hire instructors that have done the 'Spin' course), but there are only so many things you can do on a bike, so what you learn in either course is quite similar - though there definitely are some differences.

The main difference between any class is your instructor.  We all have our own unique styles - some of us are super peppy, some a little on the technical side and some of us just love to provide a new and exciting workout each class and watch our participants get a great workout - as an instructor there's nothing more satisfying than knowing that my participants had a great time in my class and can't wait to come back for more!

So the next time you're looking for a spin studio remember to check out indoor cycling studios too.  Ask if they offer a free trial class (Wholey Fit does) so you can try it out and make sure it's the right fit for you. 

Friday, April 12, 2013

Drink!

Don't forget to drink your water!  Water is so important for keep your body operating properly.  Even being just a little dehydrated can affect brain function, workout performance and metabolism!  Most people are chronically dehydrated and don't even know it.  Don't wait until your thirsty to drink - drink now and drink often ;) 

Here are some tips:

* Carry a water bottle with you EVERYWHERE

* Drink one glass of water as soon as you wake up and then one before each meal

* Flavour your water with lemon, lime, grapefruit, cucumber....the possibilities are endless!  Just make sure you're flavouring it with something NATURAL (if you can't find it in nature, it's not natural!)


* Grab your water bottle and come for a workout at Wholey Fit!  The workout will encourage you to drink ;)

So drink up and reap the benefits!

Friday, March 29, 2013

Tabata Bootcamp


It's been a quiet 2 weeks due to spring break.  It's given me a bit more time to plan my Tabata Bootcamp!  This is such a great program.

Tabata Bootcamp is an 8 week program that is based on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) using the 20-10 Microburst Training Protocol.  Members participate in weekly workouts that will result in true, successful weight loss and muscle gain. These exercises are combined with metabolic tracking, and 24/7 web support that help deliver amazing body transformation results.

I did a 'test camp' and it was great!  My testers got results and they really enjoyed the short but intense workouts.

The next session starts Monday April 8th - the perfect way to get ready for summer ;)

Monday, February 25, 2013

DJ Spin Night at Wholey Fit!

On Friday Feb. 22nd I had a grand opening celebration for Wholey Fit and it was GREAT!

I hired DJ Nick (nickelbe@ohhithere.ca) and he really made the evening an event to remember!  With the awesome music and light show the spin class was over before you even knew it and it left you wanting more!

We had a full house with a wait list.  I'll be planning future DJ Spin Nights, so if you missed out on this one, keep an eye out for the next one ;)


Saturday, January 26, 2013

Fresh Legs!

I teach A LOT of spin classes (indoor cycling) and for about 2 weeks I was having a real problem with leg fatigue.  I couldn't spin as fast and my left leg was aching during each class.

I remembered my cycling coach telling me to use cold water on my legs to help me recover from strenuous rides and it definitely worked for me before so I tried it again.  The very next day I felt an improvement.  I've been continuing to use cold water every day and today (after about 4 straight days of cold water showers for my legs) I actually felt like I'd taken time off (my legs felt that good!).  My speed was up, the aching was gone and I felt great! 

If you're having problems with fatigued legs here's what to do:  when you take your post workout shower, take the shower head and place it on one of your legs.  Slowly start turning the water to cold so you get used to it.  Once you get it as cold as you can stand it, rinse your legs for about 30 seconds each.  Then turn up the heat, wait about 30 seconds and repeat.  I do 2 rounds. 

Looking for some great spin classes in Kits/Point Grey (indoor cycling)?  Come to Wholey Fit!  First class is free!

Friday, January 04, 2013

I Feel SO Good Now!

Taking a break is great (and necessary!), but nothing feels better than getting back into the routine!

I spent a week in Powell River pretty much just sleeping, eating everything in sight and visiting with my family - it was a blast :)

I taught my first class on Wed. at 9:30am to a group of 10 'eager to get back at it' participants and I'm not gonna lie - I thought it might kill me!  I kind of love that feeling though ;) 

It's only day 3 of being back in the saddle, but I already feel stronger.  It really takes no time at all to get back in the swing of things!

So if you're looking for some fabulous indoor cycling classes (aka spinning) in Point Grey/Kits (we're on 4th Avenue & Alma) come check out Wholey Fit!

There are also Boxing classes (no experience necessary) and some really FUN interval training classes. 

What's keeping you from trying something new and fun?