Leslie does not let age or osteo-arthritis stop her from being active, healthy and positive.

I am a retired early childhood educator.  The special-ness of old age appeared to me in the form of osteo-arthritis.  So after a “woe is me” moment, I chose to take it as a hard blessing and as a challenge to remain positive and learn new ways of moving and to live fully.  I enjoy painting, drawing, writing, sewing, knitting and crochet among other things.  

ESF:  What is your favorite type of exercise?

Leslie:  Yoga is my favorite type of exercise.  I especially love Yin/Yang yoga; holding deep stretches but also with a little bit of flow and breathing practice.  I have accepted using a chair to help with difficult poses and I know as the arthritis advances I will need to use it more often.

ESF:  Tell us about your typical day.

Leslie:  I no longer have typical days but on any given day you could find me doing a variety of things such as babysitting my grand nieces before and after school, housework, volunteering at church and at special events, arts and crafts, swimming, walking on Fraser St. to do errands and of course getting outside for some exercise and attending at least two to four yoga classes per week.

ESF: What is your favorite food?

Leslie:  I love dried fruit, especially dried cherries.  The organic dried cherries are best because the flavor is more noticeable.

ESF:  Favorite drink?

Leslie:  Water!  So cool and refreshing and a wonder of life!

ESF:  Any words of advice to share?

Leslie:  I have learned that exercise and movement help you to focus on positive elements and teaches you strength of character and how to get through the hard bits of life.  Don’t forget the motion of life.  Breathe it in and give yourself a healthy attitude with peace, joy and freedom.  Live your life!  Don’t sit and watch.  Explore and laugh with abandon!

Leslie is a true role model for all of us when we think we can’t do something.  She has signed up for the Commit to Fit Summer Challenge along with 30 other Eastside Fitness members and will make sure to exercise at least three times per week over the summer.  Will you join her?

Ahhh summer!  The perfect time to get fit, get active and get healthy outdoors.  Right? The truth is, as summer rings in with the sounds of the ice cream truck,  your best of intentions often end up with the same fate as a raspberry ice pop in the hands of a toddler… slowly melted away before you know it or in a heap on the scorching pavement.   At the end of three months you find you have accomplished the following: one early morning jog around the neighborhood track, 20 push ups at the playground near your campsite and a handful of hiking, cycling and canoe day adventures where most of the physical activity comes from wrangling all the equipment, kids and friends into a car.

As opposed to the shorter, two or three week holiday chaos in December, the summer holiday season lasts for three long, slow, sultry months.  Although it is wonderful to take a break, kick back on your porch swing (do people still have those?) and enjoy an occasional ice cream cone, it is also important to make sure you are including some thoughtful, deliberate movement into, if not all, most of your days.   Thoughtful, deliberate movement?  What is that?  Exercise!  Can you exercise at least three times per week over the the 12 weeks of summer? Here are some strategies that will help you maintain or increase your fitness this season:

1. Plan ahead – Look at a calendar and mark your vacations and any other special events you have going on.  Now look at the days that there is nothing special going on.  Can you fit an hour of exercise into those days?  If yes, schedule it!  Look to see if there are at least three of those scheduled exercise days each week.  If yes, that is great!  If not, is there anything you can do to add some exercise into your vacation or special event?

2. Be flexible – Maybe you can’t attend your usual bootcamp or yoga class or fit in your usual Sunday run but maybe you can:

• bring a pair of running shoes on your vacation and explore your campsite, the beach, the trails, a new city
• workout at the playground while your kids play ( have a plan in place including 3-5 exercises you would like to do while you are there)
• ride your bike to your friends barbecue
• “run” errands – post office, drop off a library book, banking or even picking up small, light items from the grocery store
• drop in to a yoga class or check out a run club in different city

3. Keep cool – It’s hot in the summer and that can be uncomfortable and unmotivating.    Try to workout in the mornings or in a shady spot.  Wear sunscreen and keep hydrated with plenty of fluids including eating foods like watermelon, grapes, cucumbers and celery.  This includes when you are not working out.

4. Find motivation in a group – Challenge your friends to see if they can stay on top of their exercise this summer.  Pre-book or reserve your spots in  group classes that you will be able to attend over the holidays then don’t forget to mark them in your calendar.  Invite your friends and colleagues to join you in the classes or set up calendar appointments with your friends for your evening run around the neighborhood.

Nobody said it would be easy to exercise over the summer but it will be worth it when autumn comes along and you don’t feel like you are starting from scratch.  Remember, “A one hour workout is only four percent of your day.”   You can DO THIS!

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.

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!

Your Challenge:  Exercise 3x per week for 10 weeks between June 21st and September 21st!

We know that summer can be a challenging time to maintain a regular fitness routine.  With vacations, camping trips, barbecues, kids off school and summer temperatures, it can be difficult to fit in exercise.  But no matter how challenging it is, it is important to keep your body healthy with deliberate, thoughtful movement.  With a little bit of planning and a lot of encouraging group support, we know you can meet this exercise challenge and Commit to Fit!

Step 1 – Look at your summer schedule.

Step 2 – Choose at least three days per week for 10 weeks that you can fit in an hours worth of exercise.

Step 3 – Register below and make the commitment.

It costs nothing to accept the challenge and you have lots to gain.  Once you complete the challenge you will receive the following:

Age is no excuse to avoid exercising or learning new things!

Join us on April 27th between 12pm and 4pm to help us celebrate one year of fitness and yoga in our neighborhood.

What is happening at the party you ask?

• Demonstrations of some of the classes and programs we offer at the studio
• “Burpees for Kidsport” – Darnelle will be doing one burpee for each dollar donated to Kidsport Vancouver.  Will she do 400?  500? Or more???  She is up for the challenge so don’t be shy, donate a dollar so all kids can play.
• ONE DAY ONLY SALE   “Commit to Fit” One Year Unlimited Pass for $40/month and “6 Pack” Drop in passes for $43
• Drinks and refreshments.
• Information, sign up and registration available for summer workshops and the “Girl Power” summer camps.
• Registration opens for the Commit to Fit Summer Challenge!

Spread the word, bring your friends and family.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Commit to Fit Pass – One Year Unlimited Yoga and Fitness Classes

Now is your chance to make a real commitment to your fitness.  I don’t like to sound like a cheesy, mega gym advertisement but it’s hard not to when we are giving an opportunity for one year of unlimited fitness and yoga classes for $40 / month.

As you know, our One Year Anniversary Party is coming up on April 27th 12pm-4pm. As part of the celebration we are offering the new Commit to Fit Pass at the special price of $40 / month.   The passes will be available online or in the studio on that day only.

Please also note:  April 27th will be the last day to purchase any of the passes we offer at the current prices.  After that, our prices will be increasing slightly.  Also, on April 27th only, our 6 Pack of classes will be available for a special price of  $43!

Commit to Fit Challenge – Summer Fitness Challenge

In honor of these special passes we are also issuing a Commit to Fit Challenge!  The challenge will take place over the summer months – June 21st – September 21st.  Registration for the Commit to Fit Challenge opens on April 27th and will be available in the studio or online.

All you have to do is:

• Pledge to exercise  at least  3x per week for 10 weeks between June 21st and September 21st
• Attend at least 15 classes at  Eastside Fitness ( Of course you are welcome to do all 30 exercise days at the studio if you wish!)
• Document other, non esf exercise and submit to Wendy or Darnelle either online or at the esf studio  (running, hiking, canoeing, SUP, classes at other fitness studios, gym workouts etc all count as exercise).

When you have completed your Commit to Fit Challenge, you will be rewarded with:

• A special Eastside Fitness “Commit to Fit” Shirt
• A 6 Pack of classes to use for yourself or as a gift
• A chance to win a special health and fitness prize pack  and most importantly
• Increased health and fitness and a head start on your fall fitness routine!

FAQ’s:  

1) Do I have to have a Commit to Fit One Year Pass to participate in the challenge?

No. You can use any type of pass to attend the classes at Eastside Fitness.

2) Can I attend classes at other fitness studios?

Yes.  Please let us know what classes you attended at different studios.  However, you do have to attend at least 15 classes at Eastside Fitness.

3) Does the Tuesday night run club count as a class at Eastside Fitness?

No.  It does not count as a class but it does count as an extra exercise session. 

4) If I go on a 4 hour hike one day, does that count as 4 exercise sessions?

No.  It will count as one exercise session.

More details will be available in the coming weeks to stay tuned and get ready to Commit to Fit!

#gpsart

The gauntlet has been dropped! A challenge has been issued!  What image can you make in our neighborhood or elsewhere using a gps tracking device on a run, walk, hike or cycle?

Last Thursday at our weekly run club workout, Jacquie Scarlett, one of our BMO Half Marathon team members brought up the idea of making images using gps tracking devices.  The idea is not new and if you search #gpsart on Twitter or do a Google search on the subject, images such as these three below will appear:

 This “alien” drawing looks to be created using a simple grid pattern.

 A “dog face” would be a little more complex to make.

And with a little more planning, a person could get really creative!

GPS Art is  a method of drawing on a map by running, walking or cycling while using a global positioning device to make an image out of your route.

Not being one to back away from a challenge and recognizing a GREAT IDEA when I hear one, I immediately starting thinking about how we could write out the words “Eastside Fitness” using the streets and alleys throughout South Hill, Cedar Cottage and Little Mountain.  The run we did do last Thursday is a far cry from art, but on closer examination I have decided, if you really use your imagination, it looks like a pair of broken sunglasses.

Okay…so it’s not really art BUT I am committed to making something more interesting!

Apparently, the folks at Wellpepper  have already got “their people” to spell out “Wellpepper” on a route in Seattle!   I am anxiously awaiting the viewing of this masterpiece.

The more I think about the project, the more I see what a great way it is to motivate people to get active outdoors.

• Technology geeks will have fun working with apps such as RunKeeper, Strava,  or others to plan and map routes.  Other details such as distance, pace, elevation information and calorie expenditure are also available for analysis and comparisons.
• Artists can get creative and think of interesting ways to use the technology to make more complex and thought provoking pieces.
• Community activists can use the maps to highlight certain aspects of their neighborhoods that are proud points or that need attention.
• From a fitness perspective, the only way the art and technology come together is through a person getting out running, walking or riding!

Exercise combined with art, technology and community!  It’s a win-win-win-win!

I think it will be fun to celebrate GPS Art with an exhibition of the collected works.  So to all who are interested in taking up the challenge: What image can you make on your runs, walks or bike rides this spring and summer?  Save your work.  Post it on our Facebook Page and tweet it.  Be sure to tag @eastsidefitness, @wellpepper, @theyogashack and #gpsart .  

Stay tuned for incoming works and for details about the exhibit!

We are getting ready to fly our Eastside Fitness colours at the 2013 Vancouver Sun Run.  The 10km event takes place on April 21st.  Last day for registration onto our official team was March 15th and I was very excited at the end of the day to see that we did, in fact, have the minimum number of 10 participants to qualify as a real team!  What this means is that each and every person on our team roster has to start and cross the finish line in order for us to appear in the team standings which are published in the Vancouver Sun on Monday April 22nd.  Last year, this accolade eluded us!  This year will be a different story!

For some of our team members, simply getting to the start and finishing lines will be a huge accomplishment. It gives me goose bumps thinking about it. I am already so proud of them and thankful for their courage to try!

Others in our motley crew have run a few 10km races in the past and are looking to better their past finishing times.  That’s called a “pb” in runner speak and stands for “personal best”.  In order to accomplish this they have had to step up their running game by adding speed and strength sessions at the track, adding hills or tempo runs mid week and running slightly longer distances on the weekends.  Even with this commitment, nothing is guaranteed and it takes a lot of gumption to make an attempt knowing that “day of” situations arise and sometimes, in fact, often times, “pb’s” don’t happen.  Trying is what “pb’s” are all about.  I’m already proud of each team member in this category!

Still others on the team have run countless 10km races and even much farther distances.  You might think that this event will be a walk in the park for them but you would be wrong!   These amazing team members will be attempting a  place in the  TOP 100 Female finishing times.  This is “pukey” hard and will require at least a  sub 6:50min/mile pace for the entire way!  High level fitness, concentration and self belief will be what it takes.  And again, there are no guarantees.  The most amazing part is that they are doing it for no other reason than to represent our tiny, east side, fitness studio in the big leagues!  Thank you!!!!

Our Eastside Fitness Sun Run Team is all about: Courage to try, team spirit, fitness and fun!

And now, I am proud to introduce our 2013 Eastside Fitness Team Members:

Theona ” I didn’t Know you weren’t supposed to eat Burritos before track” Russow!

Ruth “I will walk, run or crawl to the finish line” Michaels!

Anna “Don’t tell me how long I’ve been running for” Young!

Winnie “How come every time I enter a race it rains?” Leung!

Harriet ” just completed another (insert inconceivably long distance run) run with Run Keeper” Fancott!

Janet “What? I just got another pb?” Webber!

Lara “When’s the Team Party?” Spence!

Darnelle “Always snores during Savasana” Moore!

Pearly “Who signed me up for this?” Li!

Benny ” I always do what Anna tells me to” Li!

We are so excited for this event!  If you would like to participate in the Sun Run you can still register and train with us on Tuesday and Thursday nights.  We are also seeking a helper to be at the finish line with blue and white helium balloons (so we can find you among the crowd), holding our jackets and warm post race clothes!  Only a few weeks left to go!

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