Healthy Efforts - worth the effort!

This week I had the opportunity to see Lisa Taylor of HealthyEfforts.ca. She's a master herbalist and natural health consultant that specializes in iridology, sclerology and tongue analysis. It was very enlightening. I highly recommend that you take the time to make use of her services. She was able to tell me lots about my current health and make recommendations on how to maintain and further improve my general well being.

Don't wait until you have health issues and become frustrated with traditional medicine. She has the ability to give you insight into your health and if necessary, give you suggestions on what to ask your doctor.

Thanks Lisa!

Adventure Boot Camp Ventures Indoors...

Boot campers continue to amaze me with their energy and enthusiasm!

Boot Camp Training Put to the Test!

Today I had the opportunity to do a VO2 Max test at Fit Metabolism with Jason Hagen. Campers will be happy to know that Jason had a bucket at the ready and I was close to using it. (Nice for you to see the tables turned...) Jason knows physiology, fitness and nutrition like no other. I knew I was in good hands with him as he promised I wouldn't have the 'big one' on the treadmill.

I've never done anything like this test. I was really nervous starting; I thought that I may embarrass myself by getting a score of a decrepit old lady. After all, I'm definitely not a cardio junkie by any stretch. I am a true gym rat and incorporate short sessions of HIIT (high intensity interval training) 3-4 times a week.I wondered how I'd feel and considering my stubbornness, wondered what would possess me to push the red button to stop the test. As it turns out, I may be stubborn, but I'm hooked on oxygen and lack there of made pushing that button pretty easy. Jason and his assistant, Erin, cheered me on as they knew when I'd fail based on the readings on the metabolic cart. They pushed me to my max and then counted me down an additional 15 seconds.

I was pleasantly surprised with my results; my cardiovascular fitness level far exceeded my expectations. An outstanding score for a fit 13 to 19 year old is 41.9 ml/kg/min, my score was 45.6 ml/kg/min. This test indicates that at 46 years of age, I have the cardiovascular fitness level of an athlete half my age. This tells me that my training techniques are sound in not only maintaining an age appropriate cardiovascular fitness level, it actually makes me 'younger'. That is, my cardio fitness level is that of a much, much younger person (I'm no teenager even though my fitness level would indicate so). The good news is that I'm YOUR guinea pig: all the workouts I give you, I've done myself. So, by doing my boot camp style workouts, you will also turn back the hands of time where your cardiovascular system is concerned.

I'm really impressed with Jason and Fit Metabolism. If you're at all interested in your cardiovascular fitness level and corresponding biological age, this test is well worth it. This isn't the only test offered at Fit Metabolism. The next test I'm going to go in for is the RMR, or resting metabolic rate. This test uses technology to determine exact caloric requirements. I'll tell you all about this when I take it.

Jason has incredible success with his clients, many of them boot campers. He uses this technology and more to help clients reach their ideal weight. If you are wondering how your metabolism is working and how to get into the shape of your life, Jason will get you there. Of course, Jason will encourage you to continue boot camp as he supports your nutritional program.

You can reach Jason at Fit Metabolism: 403-452-0900 or www.FitMetabolism.com

Fall Girl's Getaway!

Hey Girls,
I have 12 spaces in the upcoming ABC Girl's Getaway Sept 25-27th. Take a look at the video and how much fun we had at the June retreat. Contact me if you need details for registration.

'Time' article is misleading info!

I wanted to post some facts from the ACSM (American Council of Sports Medicine), sort of a rebuttal to a Time magazine article that was out lately stating that exercise makes you fat.

Message Points: Exercise and Energy Balance Exercise and Weight Management
• There is strong evidence from the majority of the scientific literature that physical activity is an important component of an effective weight loss program.
• Physical activity is one of the most important behavioral factors in weight maintenance and improving long-term weight loss outcomes. In fact, participation in an exercise program has proven to be the very best predictor of maintaining weight that was lost.
• Effective weight loss and maintenance depend on a simple equation called energy balance: Calories expended through physical activity and normal lifestyle functions must exceed calories consumed.
• It is a myth that exercise can actually prevent weight loss by leading exercisers to overeat. Research and common sense disprove this notion. Look around the gym or the jogging trail. If this were the case, wouldn’t those who regularly exercise be the fattest?

Other Benefits of Exercise
• Exercise and physical activity have been proven to help prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, anxiety, depression, obesity and diabetes.
• Studies show that when students are more active (through physical education, classroom activity, play, etc.) they improve test scores and attendance and experience fewer discipline problems and sick days.

Policy and economic implications
• Physical activity and exercise are key components of workplace wellness programs, which have been shown to return $2.90 to $5.96 in cost savings for every dollar invested by the employer. Participants in workplace wellness programs have reduced absenteeism, error rates and health care costs; they feel more alert, have better rapport with co-workers, and enjoy their work more.
• Physical activity and exercise must play a vital role in health system reform. Cost savings from healthy lifestyles can help fund broader coverage for the underserved.
• Stimulus funds designated for electronic medical records should include fields to record each patient’s physical activity level. Exercise IS medicine and should be measured as a vital sign like blood pressure or cholesterol levels.


You can see the Time article here.

Don't let misinformation get you comfortable on the couch!

Beach Training

Just thought I'd share my gym with you!

Boot camp is great when the weather is good!

Looking good girls!