My New Obsession....

I'm sure many of you have seen the new youtube sensation PSY.  I have to admit, at first I was like, who the heck is this werido, but after listening to the song a few times, it grows on you.  So much that I'm going to use it in my spin class today (I'll let you know how the participants react).  And doesn't the video just make you want to get up and learn his galloping dance moves?  No? Am I the only one?  Eep!  Watch the video and tell me after if this makes you want to learn the gallop.  I know you're all going to secretly try it when no ones watching....or are they watching......

"Food" For Thought

If  these guys still existed we wouldn't have a need for cardio equipment.  And it would be like having a free personal trainer....not allowing you to stop when you want, and always screaming in your ear for motivation.  Thank goodness these big dudes with little arms are extinct otherwise our business would be.

Move Over Lululemon, There's 2 New Brands Shining in the Fitness World

I was just at the CanFitPro conference over the weekend and attended the trade show which is open to the public on the Saturday (if you have never attended you should definitely consider going).  There were a lot of great booths this year but the 2 that stuck out for me were of course clothing based (ok, I have a slight obsession with clothes).  2 brands that I have never even heard of were Lolë (which stands for Live Out Loud Everyday) and Titika.  Bright colours and great quality is what puts these 2 brands in the same category as Lululemon.  Here are some of my favourite pieces.  Do you agree?

Titika

Lolë

Stroller Bootcamp

I'm back and with a new addition.  A handsome baby boy!!  Inspiration for this class came from him....and my other mommy friends.  It's tough getting out with a little one, especially when it's for yourself.  My *NEW* stroller bootcamp class will make taking care of your body SOOO much easier.  Come join us in Stouffville for a 45 minute workout and a social gathering with moms in the area.  Details are below and location is at the large park located just west of 10th line on Hoover Park.  Exact location is Sunnyridge Avenue and Raxlin Dr.  Can't wait to see you there....and your little one too.  Oh, and if you have other little ones, feel free to bring them along for the workout free of charge.  No equipment needed, just a blanket or towel to execute floor exercises.  Don't want to lug around a stroller?  Carry your little one in a carrier instead.

Tune Me Up Thurdays

Songs for stretching.  Sometimes it's difficult to find songs that would work for your stretch routines (whether on your own or in a group fitness class) but these songs will make putting your routine together a breeze.

Workout Wednesdays

Yesterday I asked the question, which piece of equipment are you least familiar with, on our Facebook Page.  The verdict......ViPR.  This piece of equipment has been around for a bit but is really starting to make it's way into fitness centres, in particular, to be utilized in group fitness classes.  It's already popular overseas and is just starting to get introduced into North America.  Equinox in the U.S. has started adding ViPR classes to their class schedules and it's really taking off.   Although there isn't anywhere in Canada to get certified just yet, I'm sure it won't be too much longer until we see this piece of equipment utlized in all commerical fitness centres.  If you visit their site you will notice that they are trying to make fitness centres in North America aware of their product.  Here's an article that's on their site speaking about getting a demo at your club.

ViPR on the road in the United States

Starting this month (February), PTontheNet will promte a year-long series of ViPR demonstrations at locations all across North America.

These demonstrations will give personal trainers, fitness managers, and club owners the opportunity to interact with ViPR as well as learning the science and behind it.

More dates will be announced as they are finalised so keep checking this site and our Facebook or Twitter for updates.

If you would like ViPR to make a stop at your facility, let us know and if there is enough demand we will make it happen. Email us at vipr@ptonthenet.com for more information.

Just Another Manic Monday

Shut Up and Smile
Freaking out about a speech?  Smile, look at the audience, and keep quiet for 2 seconds, says T.J. Walker, president of Media Training Worldwide.  It'll slow you down and create the impression that you're relaxed and in control.  The audience will then feel more comfortable, leading you to actually be relaxed and in control.  Now start talking. 

Run Fast
Bike hard.  Punch the heavy bag.  A University of Missouri at Columbia study found that 33 minutes of high-intensity exercise helps lower stress levels more than working out at a moderate pace.  What's more, the benefits last as long as 90 minutes afterwards.

Meditate
Researchers at West Virgina University found that 35 participants who underwent "mindfulness meditation" saw a 44 percent reduction in psychological distress over 3 months.  Just sit quietly for 10 minutes a day and focus on your breathing.