Hey Guys and Gals!

Gyms are opening again in my area! I hope yours is the same! With that being said I have a few items that I have on my radar for when gyms open up on the 16th that I want to add to my gym bag and I wanted to share them with you!

1. PINK ankle weights!

2. Digital Jump Rope

3. Stretch Strap

4. Vibrating Massage Ball

5. Spin Bike

The first four items are for the gym bag and I wanted to include the last item on my wish list for home because time spots are limited for gyms in my area. 10 people per slot. So to maximize time in the gym having a few options for at home cardio may be great during this time. I use to have a spin bike before I moved to my new house however now I just have a treadmill and my next cardio at home will be another spin bike because I love the bike it is such a great workout! You dont need a peloton (they are expensive) you can just get a good quality at home bike and download a spin app or look up a good class on YouTube to follow if you dont want to control the ride yourself!

Anyway I hope you like the ideas for the gym! And Im so happy we survived another lockdown!

Stay happy and healthy and remember if you need training, diet and supplement advice I am taking on 1 on 1 clients now!

SIGN UP NOW

Hey guys and gals! Im back again today with some last minute valentines day gift ides for that athletic dude in your life! In no particular order are some ideas for that fitness guy you've been crushing on!

Beats Studio 3

Amazing noise canceling headphones for training!

Hand Held Gimbal Stabilizer

These amazing accessory is great if you have someone who loves recording their workouts or tik toks.

Drone

This little guy can be set to follow your outdoor runner or athlete in a park or stadium and record! A great unique way to film for the outdoor enthusiast for their social media.

Iron Bull Strength Hooks

These hooks are great for an avid lifter. Unlike wraps they 100% help you grip heavier weights and take away the ability for other muscle groups to work.

Nike Metcons

Male or female this are my number one recommended gym shoe for the athlete that does it all! Run, Crossfit, weightlifting, cross training - this shoe is great for it all! If you dont feel like switching in and out of different shoes this shoe is the most comfortable and versatile training shoe on the market in my opinion.

Pso Spine Back Massager

This is a great tool for someone who needs help with recovery or has a sore back. This helps with mobility and is great to use on the go, at home or at the gym because it can easily be kept in your gym bag.

I could go on forever for gift ideas for that avid fitspo in your life but I will stop at these because they are some of my favourite! I hope you all enjoy my suggestions and have a happy and safe valentines day!

Hey Guys and Gals! I hope youre having a great week so far! Happy humpday! I wanted to come on and share with you guys a couple of Valentines Day gift ideas for your fitness Gal! They are in no particular order but I hope that they give you some great gift ideas!

Fit Bit Versa

Fitness trackers are a great gift - especially the versa. It is equivalent to the Apple Watch but at a much more affordable price.

Adjustable Bands

A set of adjustable resistance bands. These are great to be able to have during these uncertain times. You can adjust the residence, they're great for travel and are very affordable and effective.

Digital Fitness Scale

Because every fitness gal needs a digital scale to weigh and record their food. This one connects to your phone via blue tooth and can help with tracking.

Non Slip Booty Bands

No slip bands are an amazing addition to your gym back. These are non slip and are great for the booty workouts that every fitness gal loves.

Cami Tank Top/Bra

These are affordable camis/bras and they are light and padded. They are also great fitting, affordable and come in different colours.

Fitness Journal

I think that one of the greatest things in fitness is recording and tracking your progress. This journal is perfect for that. and specifically made for the fitness gal!

8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS:

A Proven Program to Reset Your Hormones, Repair Your Metabolism and Restore Your Fertility

by Dr. Fiona McCulloch N.D.

For years, an estimated 116 million women have been affected by an unidentified disorder that affects weight, fertility, female hormones, hair, skin and has risk for chronic disease—and most women don’t even know they have it. Answers and treatments are finally available.

The upcoming new book by veteran naturopathic doctor Fiona McCulloch, 8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS: A Proven Program to Reset Your Hormones, Repair Your Metabolism and Restore Your Fertility (Greenleaf Book Group, September 20, 2016), dives deep into the science underlying the mysteries of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) offering the newest research and discoveries on the disorder and a detailed array of treatment options.

“8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS is an encyclopedic-style book that has vast implications for PCOS, diabetes and weight loss, and it is the first book that introduces the idea of insulin counting,” says Dr. McCulloch.  “Insulin counting involves the measurement of how much a portion of any given food we eat raises blood insulin levels which can, if implemented, change the life of about one out of every ten women in the world—the percentage who suffer in silence from PCOS.”

In her book, Dr. McCulloch also introduces the key health factors that must be addressed to reverse PCOS. Through quizzes, symptoms checklists, and lab tests, Dr. McCulloch gives readers the tools they need to self-identify which of the factors are present in their bodies and what they can do to treat them. Readers will be empowered to be the heroines of their own health stories with the help of this unique, step-by-step natural medicine system to heal their PCOS, and since PCOS is linked with specific genes, helping their daughters with their reproductive and overall hormonal health.  Further, women will learn about the tests, which are important to understand when speaking with doctors. Medical professionals, who understand that conventional medical treatments for PCOS are not very effective overall and who are increasingly seeking reliable, scientifically-backed source materials from naturopathic doctors, will find this to be an up-to-date new source for materials written for practitioners.

8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS also includes the following topics:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) may induce PCOS after a single exposure for two generations onward
• Insulin resistance is a key component of PCOS, and insulin counting may help women reverse their PCOS
• One in ten women suffer from PCOS which is related to risks for weight gain, slow metabolism and diabetes and 50% of those don’t know they have it
• 70% of women with PCOS are considered to be insulin resistant or heavy
• PCOS also causes distressing cosmetic symptoms including hair growth on the face, hair loss from the head and acne which can result in low self-esteem, depression and anxiety
• Environmental toxins and genetics have been linked to causing PCOS
• Women with PCOS have a different reproductive cycle and often hit their reproductive peak later impacting family planning
• Insulin counting has a wide range of implications for PCOS, diabetes and weight loss
• Evidence-based natural medicine and supplements impact autoimmune conditions and thyroid conditions

Fiona McCulloch, N.D., founder and owner of White Lotus Integrated Medicine, is a naturopath practitioner having worked with thousands of people seeking better health over the past fifteen years. She is a data-junkie who specializes in evidence-based therapies for PCOS, thyroid health, autoimmunity, weight management and infertility among other unique conditions that can all benefit from a system reboot.

Dr. McCulloch is also a medical advisor for IVF.ca: Canada’s premier fertility community and is on the medical advisory committee for the PCOS Awareness Association. As a woman with PCOS herself, she is dedicated to increasing both awareness and research of this important condition that has far reaching effects on the lives of so many women. When she was a young girl, Dr. McCulloch would spend hours “compounding” mixtures made from plants and trees in the woods near her house.  Today, Dr. McCulloch is a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (2001) and the University of Guelph (biological science).  She is married and the mother of three boys.  She can be reached on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. 

Dr. McCulloch’s new book, 8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS, will be available on September 21, 2016 on Amazon and all fine booksellers. 

Retired Teacher Pens Book to Help Deal with Loss of a Pet 

Do you have a child and an older or sick pet? This book is for you then. This beautifully illustrated book "The Time of My Life" by Karen Nicksich and Illustrated by Earlene Gayle Escalon.  List price of $41.99 is for you. The book is a bit lengthy as it is 73 pages with color illustrations throughout but it is well worth the read if you are looking to help your young one understand the passing of a pet. It is available in both hardcover, also available in softcover and Kindle editions. I received a softcover signed copy with book marks as well.  I will keep this signed copy with me for years to come as I have pets and someday hope to have children. I definitely think it is a good book to keep in your reading library even if you don't have children yet.  It is beautifully written and easy to follow for any age.

Karen Nicksich the author is experienced the unconditional love and devotion the came from her dog Max for eleven years. When he died, she decided to write a special book that seeks to help anyone who has lost a companion animal and to help children better understand the passing of a pet.

Her book, The “Time of My Life”, tells the story about a young girl named Anna who lives with her family at the Lilac Doggie Rescue Ranch.

Anna shares many of the most important things she learns about staying healthy and being happy from a wise old tree.  The Wise Old Tree told her:

• Stand tall and be proud of who you are.
• Go out on a limb to help someone, be it an animal or a man.
• Remember your roots so that you may always be grounded, and respect what nature has given you.
• Drink plenty of water so that you will always be healthy.
• Be content with your natural beauty and that of others.
• Show kindness to all animals, big and small, and in return, you will teach the animals to do the same.

With the help of Duke the Great Dane, Anna and the animals at the ranch learn about the importance of “Divine Time” and being “Grateful” as they celebrate the life and passing of one of their dearest friends, an aging golden retriever named Dante. The story is told through the wisdom and love of angels, a Wise Old Tree and the many animals living at the ranch.

I highly recommend this book and thank you so much Karen for allowing me to review it! Please go get her book.  Click the link below to take you to the books amazon page:

http://www.amazon.ca/The-Time-Life-Karen-Nicksich/dp/1503585077/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1450065640&sr=8-1

 The Accidental Athlete - Review

Author Stephanie Atwood specializes in health and wellness books and products. Stephanie Atwood has a M.A. In Communications and is certified as a Run Coach, Trainer, and Nutritionist (sounds like someone else you might know hehehe).  Anyway she has an "Empowered Athlete Series." I recently had the opportunity to read "The Accidental Athlete."

If you are a runner or any type of athlete what so ever you will find that this is very relatable. It is also a quick read with a great message, Stephanie the author describes her experience finding and holding onto the lifeline that is movement! As a fellow accidental athlete, her story is a reminder of how far many of us have come through fitness and community.

You can find the book here: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00BIBRX28

Thanks for the great read Stephanie.

Lifting Straps By Rip Toned Review #riptoned

These LIFTING STRAPS  By Rip Toned come in a pair of cotton padded weightlifting straps for both men and women. I was recently sent them to try for free. I actually have only used lifting gloves or grip pads throughout my long history of fitness and training. I never had the opportunity to use straps before. I was a bit nervous but they were easy to use and very sturdy. I  definitely was not disappointed and was very impressed. Why have I never used straps before?!?!?

A little bit about why these were a good product for me: I had a motorcycle accident last May which left me with 7 stitches in my hand and reduced grip strength. I am strong but I have been unable to hold the weight that I know I am capable of lifting to lift it. I quickly put the straps to use and I have to tell you these straps have helped me lift heavier than I was  able to before.

I also like that they give you a Product Guarantee. They are actually the ONLY Weightlifting Straps Backed by a Lifetime No-Hassle Free Replacement Guarantee.

Why use lifting straps? According to their website "Quality no slip weight lifting wrist straps allow the confidence, safety and leverage critical to achieving your body’s peak performance and health we all so desperately seek."

This straps are great for a variety of reasons:

- Lifting Straps overcome a weak grip allowing you to lift more weight while building your ideal body
- RipToned lifting straps provide an element of safety to your exercise when losing your grip could cause injury
- Great quality material for long lasting use
- Rip Toned workout wrist straps will not stretch giving you complete peace of mind
- Provides solid grip without slipping for maximum lifting power
- Top notch stitching and product workmanship
- Durable cotton material with thicker than most neoprene padding
- Comfortable one size fits most design
- Washable for easy care

Get yours here you won't be disappointed if you lift heavy and/or have difficulty gripping when you lift.

Thanks Rip Toned these straps will forever be in my training bag!

I was recently sent the MiniSuit arm band to use while training. I quickly grabbed my headphones and headed to the gym. This is by far one of the best armband accessories that I have used. Thank you @minisuit for the workout arm band  #MiniSuit #MiniSuitarmband #ArmedPower It's now my fav workout accessory  and you can get it here: http://bit.ly/1otnbML My favourite part was the key holder so that I can slip my key into it when I workout. I also loved how comfortable it was, and how it protected my phone from sweat!

Introducing the SPORTY from Minisuit. Exercise your right to a Minisuit case that is also a Sports Armband. This dual functional feature makes Minisuit's case cover the perfect accessory that you've been looking for. The lightweight, water-resistant neoprene material is flexible yet sturdy, while providing a discreet look that will never clash with your gym wardrobe. Built-in key holder is a secure feature to hide your gym key! Precise cut-outs allow access to earphone jack. Seize the moment and arm yourself with the perfect case from Minisuit today! Perfect fit for: Apple iPhone 5 5 5S 5C, iPod Touch 5. Device/earphones/extender not included. Armband Extender/headphones available separately. Material: Lightweight soft neoprene that is molded to twist and bend but will not stretch out of shape. Washable with gentle soap and water, then air dry. Can keep sweat away from your phone. Functionality: Exercise your right to a case is also a Sports Armband. Stays put while you run. Touch screen works through the clear cover! Bonus Safety Features: Built-in hidden key holder to help you minimize carrying extra things when hitting the gym! Reflective strip around border to enhance 'Jog Safe' precaution. Sizing: Arm band is small enough to fit smaller arms, yet adjustable velcro allows up to about 14" biceps. If this is a plus - get it! Option A: 12.0-14.0" [30.4-35.5 cm] or Option B: 8.0-11.5" [20.3-29.2 cm]

If you get it, I hope that you love it as much as I do!

TRAIN IT RIGHT GUYS!