Recap of the TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF

Date: June 14, 2015
Venue: Bruce's Mill Conservation Area
City: Whitchurch-Stouffville
Walk Length: 5 km
Check In: 9:00 a.m.
Start Time: 11:00 a.m.

 

What a great event for support of Diabetes and the JDRF. The walk was so unique you even got your own FITBIT! Thank you for the invite TELUS!

The Background

This was the 8th year of TELUS’ title sponsorship of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) signature, nationwide fundraising event, the TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes. As you likely know, the walk raises money for JDRF to continue funding critical research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications. This research helps develop advanced treatments to improve the lives of people living with Type 1 Diabetes.

 

The TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes is also a signature event in our TELUS Days of Giving initiative. In its 10th year, TELUS Days of Giving brings together 16,000 team members, retirees, family and friends across Canada and around the world to volunteer for local causes of their choice to make positive, heartfelt and lasting connections within the community. As a company that is dedicated to health and technology, the Walk to Cure Diabetes is a cause that’s especially close to our hearts.

 

The Challenge

The challenge, if you were keen to accept it, is to sign up for your local walk and encourage your friends, family and online community to join you. But that’s not all. We also want to provide you with a Fitbit, courtesy of TELUS, so you can prepare for the walk and track your progress.

The hashtags used were #actsofgood and #TELUSWalk hashtags and the @telus handle.

The Goal

The goal is simple –they wanted to get as many Canadians as possible walking for a cure and helping raise to awareness for the amazing work being done by the JDRF. They also encouraged people to donate to this very important cause.

We believe a cure will be found within our lifetime, but we must work together to be successful. Your help will bring us one step closer to finding a cure.  

Check out some of the photos from the event below:

image1 image2 image3 image4 image5 image6

 

Alicia Bell

Why do you get sore the day after your workout? What causes you to feel stiff and and unable to walk up the stairs? No, you are not injured. The soreness that you are feeling is called DOMS and stands for delayed onset muscle soreness. It can be mild to severe and everyone can be effected by it. Do not be afraid to exercise when you feel it because the more you move the quicker it will go away. Muscle soreness is most commonly felt when you begin a new workout program, change your current routine, or increase the intensityof your workouts. DOMS is caused by microscopic tears in the muscle which creates build up of lactic acid in the muscles causing them to become stiff and tight.

There are lots of methods that you can use to reduce the discomfortof DOMS. People often use static stretching, massage, cardio, epsom salts, or ice baths. You can prevent DOMS from being so severe by doing a proper dynamic warm-up rather than jumping into your workout cold. Make sure to always start with light cardio for 5-10 minutes before your workout. Prior to exercise use a foam roller to roll out your muscles. It is also recommended to cool down with light cardio followed by static stretching. A stretch should be held for a minimum of 30 seconds. Make sure to alter workout intensities each day in order to allow for proper recovery.

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Got An Exercise Ball? Try This Workout

Working out is challenging. Sometimes getting to the gym can be challenging, and if we workout on our own we don’t get that extra push that a personal trainer or an exercise class would give us. Do you have an old dusty exercise ball that you have had sitting around for months but havent touched? If you have an exercise ball at home here is a free DVD that you can follow. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced options for all of the exercises.  This video was shot with Zenzation/Pur Athletics some time ago. It was a learning experience. Go check it out! #trainitright

alicia with ball -  dry brush fliter DSC_0044(2)

5 Ways To Get Fit

Regularly changing your workout routine is a must if you hope to continue your weight loss or to increase your fitness level. This can be done by having a properly structured fitness program. The program should continually evolve to account for your progress and not to mention keep you interested in going to the gym.

Follow these tips to help increase your fitness:

1. You don’t always need to swap each exercise for new ones. If you like lat pull downs, by all means, keep doing it. Just try switching between eight to ten repetitions at your maximum capacity to as many as fifteen or twenty repetitions at a lighter weight to increase muscular endurance, strength or overall fitness.

2. Don’t be afraid to try something completely new, like kettlebells, balance boards or a TRX suspension training. If you are unsure of how to use the equipment don’t be afraid to ask a trainer, gym attendant or a friend.

3. Changing the number of days you workout or the types of workouts you perform on certain days. For example, many perform whole-body routines, which should be completed at least twice weekly.  You could try a split routine that targets half your body during each of two alternating workouts. By utilizing a split, you can perform twice as many exercises per body part during your sessions.

4. Workout routines can be sport specific or activity specific as well.  After all you don’t use the same muscles in the same ways in tennis as you do in cycling. Research the movements of your activity and incorporate beneficial exercises accordingly.

5. Finally remember to change your gym routine at least every four to six weeks and if you are unsure how to do this try getting a certified personal trainer to help you.

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The One Part Of Training We All Have A Tendency To Leave Out

When an athlete has tight hamstrings the quadriceps will work harder because they are working against the hamstrings to compensate. This causes both the quadriceps and hamstrings to fatigue and sets the stage for a poor performance or makes the runner prone to injury.Tight hamstrings are a huge contributor to lower back pain, knee pain and leg length differences. If the hamstrings are tight and don’t fire properly, neither do the gluteus maximus and this causes the erector spinae to contract first, followed by the glutes and then the hamstrings and this puts massive stresses on the lumbar spine causing back pain. This also can happen to you!
The following are some great stretches for your hips and legs. Hold each stretch for a minimum of 30s and repeat each stretch for both the right and left leg 3 times. Make stretching a priority and part of your daily routine.




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 Different Styles Of Sports Bra's For Your Training

There are a lot of options for sports bras from fashion sports bras, sport specific and even general. We all like a different fit, feel and style. I have narrowed down a few of my favourites from this season made by the well known brands; Under armour, Nike and Adidas. Check them out below and find out which bra would work best for you.

UNDER ARMOUR

“Gotta Have It Bra”

underarmour gotta have it

According to Underarmour this bra has “Super-smooth, double-layer HeatGear fabric delivers superior next-to-skin feel and lasting comfort.” It has mid-impact support, an under armour moisture transport system that will keep you dry, its light weight and is available in sizes Ato C.

“High Impact Bra”

Underarmour high

This UA bra is made specifically to eliminate rubbing and chafing and has comfortable straps with stretch technology so it will eliminate digging into your skin. It is also made out of soft fabric and has a power sling for support. The great thing about this bra is it is available all the way up to a DD size.

NIKE

 “Shape 2.0″

nike2

This Nike bra is made out of their Dri-FIT fabric to wick sweat and keep you dry. It is a padded bra with molds that give you shape and support. This bra also has a mesh lining for ventilation and is a racer back design.

“Pro Core Stacked Elastic Sports Bra”

nike

According to Nike this bra is made with sweat-wicking stretch fabric. It also has reinforced elastic straps that has internal nylon stabilizers for less stretch and enhanced support during your workouts. The elastic is doubled around the chest for more support.  It also has an open back . It is made out of Nike’s Dri-FIT fabric to  keep you dry.

ADIDAS

 “Supernova Racer Bra”

adidas2

This Adidas bra has  CLIMACOOL to keep you dry. It is also very supportive because of its mesh inserts on the front and back. Because of the elastic chest band there is even more support. It also has racerback straps. This bra has good ventilation and has reflective material for late night workouts. Be careful with sizing because Adidas tends to be a little on the smaller side.

 

“Techfit Bra”

adidas

This Adidas Techfit Bra is made with CLIMACOOL ventilation that is designed to remove heat and sweat. It is a has great support and is also a racerback design. Be careful with sizing because Adidas tends to be a little on the smaller side.

Follow Alicia on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/trainitright

For Better Fitness Success, Stop Using the Word "Mistake"

Mistake - train it right - trainitright

This article was sent to me by my good friend and photographer Ajani Charles. I thought that I would share it with you. Stop using the word "mistake." Let me know what you think of the article. I thought that it was a great read. Which is why I chose to share it with you. All humans make mistakes. And while they're completely natural, the word implies a dead end of sorts, rather than a learning opportunity that will make you better at life.

http://vitals.lifehacker.com/stop-focusing-on-your-mistakes-for-better-fitness-succe-1683397239

Cardio Ultra - Train It Right - trainitright

 

Check out the newly released shoe from Reebok. I love the colour choice. I am glad to see Reebok going back to their cardio roots. This would be a great shoe for cardio workouts. I would love to give it a try. What do you think?

http://www.reebok.ca/en/women%27s-studio-cardio-ultra/M45499_510.html?cm_mmca3=V0K652K4FBPCIWDG&cm_mmca1=CA&cm_mmca4=391216589&cm_mmc=ReebokBrandEmail_MKTG-_-Newsletter-_-Sport_Studio_20150106_CardioUltra-_-A1_CardioUltra

  • AdaptAMove upper with bonded mesh and a flexible cage for multidirectional support
  • Low-cut for mobility with PlayDry linings for moisture management
  • Tri layer forefoot foam for incredible cushioning at the ball of the foot
  • Evolved arch support, moulded tuck board and strong heel for stability and cushioned pressure points
  • TurnZone and radiating flex grooves for 360 degrees of mobility

 

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Helping You Train It Right - New Online Programs Available

Introducing a new platform for online personal training from Train It Right. You can get online programs that are specific for you via an online app called trainerize. Alicia customizes everything to suit your needs and you get to track your progress. You will have access to video and your program anywhere via the app. To Find out more visit: http://trainitright.com/blog/online-programs/

Happy New Year! Keep it right and Train It Right!