Fun and Fit All Summer Long

hop

As much as we all love the long, hot, lazy days of summer, keeping active is an important part of a healthy Canadian lifestyle.  Here are some creative games and ideas to ensue you and your kids stay physically fit without the constraints of organized team sports.     SIDEWALK HOPSCOTCH Hopscotch is a wonderful way to get kids hopping. It can be played on any flat surface, like your driveway, the sidewalk, or even on your … [Read more...]

How much exercise do we really need?

exercise

Most of us, in moments of extreme honesty, would likely admit that no, we’re probably not getting enough exercise. We say that, though, not really knowing where we sit in terms of the exercise we are getting relative to the exercise we need.       But there is a quick and very accurate way to gauge how we are doing: get a pedometer. They’re cheap, you don’t need a fancy one, though lots of libraries now have ones … [Read more...]

MMA Fitness

MMA

Punching, kicking and sweating may sound like your toddler’s temper tantrum but now it’s your turn to punch and kick you way to a healthier and more fit version of you. Mixed Martial Arts and UFC are not just for men, there is growing popularity among women who love to watch MMA and who are looking for an MMA-inspired workout tailored to them.   Many gyms and boxing facilities offer variations of kickboxing classes but some women … [Read more...]

Water Safety

Water Safety

What a luxury it is to be surrounded by oceans and sparkling, inviting lakes year-round in Canada. I know more than a few people are willing to trade in their skates for swimsuits, inner tubes and canoes right about now.  While it may seem a long way away, we’ll be running to the beach and cleaning out the pool in no time.  Now is the time to make sure you and your family are prepared for a safe summer in the water. Aileen Nauss, a water … [Read more...]

The Five Stages of Biking

Biking

The milestone of riding a bike is a big one for kids, while for parents, it’s one of those sweet and special moments that live, forever, in our minds as they grow. Nowadays, thanks to amazing new equipment that gets better every year, you don’t have to wait for your child to reach that two-wheeled milestone before you can get out and enjoy those sidewalks and bike paths, together. Stage 1 - Baby: The biggest determinant of whether your … [Read more...]

On The Run

RUn

It's 5:30 am. It's still dark. Very dark. And quiet, too. The kids are asleep and the house is still.                 I grab a banana. No cheese, no butter...no pancakes. I wash it down with some water. No coffee this morning. No wine last night. I pull my running shoes on, a $180 investment into an activity that was supposed to be free, and I mentally prepare myself for the next solid hour of … [Read more...]

What’s a Snack and what’s a Treat?

Watermelon

Spring is just around the corner (says the optimist) and with that will be all the outdoor activities we’ve promised ourselves we’d participate in more. Indoor or out and no matter the weather, it’s important to refuel with the proper foods after an activity. It’s also a great time to get your family into the habit of healthy snacks and nutrition.     It’s not uncommon to overfeed our kids and obesity numbers in Canada … [Read more...]

Don’t Hibernate… Participate in winter activities!

Snow Day

Parents and caregivers… if you lead an active lifestyle, then chances are your kids will too. This winter, get moving and show them that being active is part of the healthy Canadian way. Start with Family Day, which is observed on February 20th in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario. Saskatchewan in motion recommends February 20th be named Family Activity Day... In fact, let’s make every day Family Activity Day! Need some tips … [Read more...]

Winter Fit Tips

Tobag

It’s no surprise that people fall off their fitness wagon once we can see our breath in the air and we want to hibernate and catch up on the episodes of “Extreme Couponing” on our PVR. Instead, let’s bundle up, head outside for a bit of childhood fun and with a bit of effort at no cost, you can make it a great workout. Fitness trainer, Wendy Novotny, lives in Winnipeg (and they do not let cold weather stop them from being outdoors) … [Read more...]

The Cost of Healthy Living

healthy living

There’s no question that leading a healthy lifestyle requires financial sacrifice, but considering the long-term returns, it could be the most worthwhile investment you ever make.             Experts say there’s nothing more valuable than your health, so scrimping to buy fresh food and juggling your family’s balance sheet to ensure your kids can participate in hockey, soccer, baseball or squash is well … [Read more...]