See You at the South Hill Festival

By Darnelle Thursday, 23 May 2013

Girls jumping on the giant hopscotch on their way to a dance performance at last year’s South Hill Festival – Awesome photo by Harriet Fancot

Wendy, Darnelle and Andrina will be at the South Hill Festival this Saturday, May 25th from 12pm – 4pm. There will be tons of fun things to see and do at the Eastside Fitness booth:

Help draw and jump on our Eastside Fitness giant hopscotch
Show off your skipping skills
Enter our contest to win an Eastside Fitness prize pack
Join the Commit to Fit Challenge
Get free nutrition information and advice
Learn about our upcoming workshops, summer camps and other programs
New members can purchase a “6 Pack” for $36 so they can check out a variety of classes (tell your friends!)

There will also be demonstrations and performances (including belly dance with Leona and the John Oliver drum line), crafts, games, a food fair, information about the neighborhood and don’t forget to fill in the survey being conducted by Vancouver Farmer’s Market to see if having some type of Farmer’s Market would be viable in South Hill. Hint: there is talk of a Friday evening “Night Market” featuring artisan products!

So come on out! Meet your neighbours, have fun and support our amazing, growing community.

The REAL Women of Eastside Fitness – Sierra

By Darnelle Monday, 13 May 2013

Sierra D.

When this neighborhood mom couldn’t find a suitable, local, affordable fitness class to attend with her toddlers after their morning nap, she decided to organize one herself!

I am a writer, editor, wife, mother of young children, neighbourhood mobilizer, homegrown enthusiast, word nut, and picture book buff into keeping it real local. I’m also an active board member with South Hill Neighbours Society, an organizer for Women’s Fitcamp classes and Many Hands Fruit Share, and I blog at Mighty Little Acorns.

ESF: What is your favorite type of exercise?

Sierra: I like social exercising. Specifically, I get a kick out of interval training, anything that mixes it up on a regular basis and the Bhangra dance class at Sunset Community Centre.

ESF: What is your least favorite type of exercise?

Sierra: I sincerely dislike running, especially solo running.

ESF: Tell us about a day in your life.

Sierra: I wake up early with my boys, get Dad out the door to work, do a little social media work, a little housework, and maybe build a fort while we get ready for the day. I head out the door to a playgroup, Women’s Fitcamp class, park, or library with me pushing my two tykes in our double stroller. We inevitably run into friends and neighbours, pick up groceries, jump in puddles, and throw some chestnuts before heading home for lunch and nap time. I then get in two hours of writing and editing work in while planning dinner. After a snack we head outside to play until dinner. We usually have a family dance party after dinner and before bath and bedtime for the boys. Then it’s back to the computer and laundry until my husband and I work on our family budget, have a bath, read a book, play cards, or watch BBC TV shows.

ESF: What it inspires you?

Sierra: People inspire me. I like learning how other people accomplish things: how they get their to do list conquered, or run their business, or figure out what to make for dinner, or live a fulfilling life. I take notes.

ESF: What is your favorite healthy food?

Sierra: My favorite food is fruit and veg from my own garden followed closely by fresh bread and butter.

ESF: What is your favorite indulgent food?

Sierra: My favorite indulgent food is a homemade strawberry milkshake!

ESF: Coffee or tea?

Sierra: Tea all the way.

ESF: What is your favorite drink?

Sierra: My favorite drink is tea: black, green, red, herbal, iced – I like it all.

ESF: Words to live by?

Sierra: Lately I’ve been living by “don’t ask, don’t get”. It’s not very deep but it’s motivating.

ESF: Fitness goals?

Sierra: My fitness goals involve keeping our women’s fitcamp going strong, riding my bike more this year, getting back into backpacking and kayaking once the kids are old enough, and keeping up with my growing boys!

We are so inspired by people who find creative ways to fit exercise and healthy living into their busy lives. Keep up the great work! Women’s Fitcamp is held on Monday and Friday mornings at South Hill Church. The best part is that there is childcare on premises and the classes are reasonably priced to encourage as much participation as possible. We are so proud to have Sierra in our Eastside Fitness extended family! If you are interested in the Women’s FitCamp contact Sierra at womensfitcamp@gmail.com.

Are you ready to COMMIT TO FIT?

By Darnelle Tuesday, 7 May 2013

Between the weeks June 21st – September 21st, for 10 weeks we will support and encourage each other to keep active!

Your Challenge: Each week attend at least one class at Eastside Fitness and commit to exercise a minimum of twice more. This can include anything from running, cycling, hiking, swimming – anything that keeps us moving.

Simply email info@eastsidefitness.ca with the subject line “Commit to Fit” each time you exercise during the challenge and we will keep your tally.

Eastside Fitness is here to encourage you to achieve this goal! Once you complete the challenge you will receive the following: