Tone-Ups Bootcamp

About a month ago I was lucky enough to receive an invite to a free bootcamp hosted by Skechers and Cardio-to-Go here in Toronto. I am always excited to try a new class so it was icing on the cake that I would also be receiving a pair of Tone-Ups at the event.

Free fitness class and free swag?? Umm...hell yeah!!

I arrived for the class unsure of what to expect so you can imagine my delight when I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to find Angela from Eat, Spin, Run, Repeat. Yay, a friendly face!! We chatted as we waited for the class to start and it was really great to see her again.

I forgot my DSLR at home so please excuse the poor quality. Blogger fail!

We also picked up our new shoes. Cute huh? They feel very different when you first put them on; super comfortable but "springy". I felt a bit like Tigger as I bounced walked around.

The class itself got under way and were put through a series of basic exercises that are said to be made more efficient with the Tone-Ups on because they force you to find your centre of gravity and reinforce the use of the heel. At first it was a little odd to have the sole of the shoe feel unstable but I adjusted fairly quickly and was able to get through the drill with relative ease.

I say relative because my legs are going to kill me tomorrow! In total we did over 100 lunges and squats as well as push ups and plank exercises. It didn't feel tough during the class but I already felt soreness in my quads as I climbed stairs during my commute home.

Overall I had a good time at the class and was glad to get a chance to test out a new product. Because the shoes are mine to keep (score!) I will probably use them for similar workouts (ie: Tabata) in the future.

Another possible side effect (although most likely just my bottomless pit of a stomach) was my raging appetite post-workout. I got home and quickly threw together the biggest salad I could in fear that if I didn't ingest something soon I'd start gnawing on the shoebox in my bag!!

Spinach, feta, tomatoes, red peppers, chick peas and poppy seed dressing? Totally hit the spot!

My thoughts on "toning" shoes

I believe that while there may be sound logic behind the structure of the shoe enhancing your muscle building ability during certain activities I also believe that people need to understand that there is no "get fit quick" solution out there. Whether its special shoes or pants, a fancy new gadget or an iPhone app., the bottom line is you have to do the work to see the results. The shoes aren't going to exercise, strength train and burn calories for you. If these shoes are motivation to get up and move then that is awesome! And if they increase burn by even 1%, well that's just icing on the cake (although, if we're being honest here, cake should be limited if you want to see those results in the first place)

FYI: The Tone-Ups are available in stores now and if  you want more information feel free to browse their website.

So tell me, have you ever tried "toning" shoes? What was the last thing you got for free?


Note: While I received the free sneakers for attending the class I have received no further compensation for reviewing this product. The opinions expressed in this post are my own based on my limited experience with the product.

Up We Go!

Because I had done quite a bit of running and biking in the last few days I decided to declare today a rest day, at least as far as those two activities were concerned. Instead I suggested a hike at nearby Blue Mountain and to my delight the Boyfriend was all for it!

After a few errands in the morning and a light lunch we headed into "Blue" for our little adventure.

Lucky for us we left our toboggan loving horse at home. Phew!

For those of you that are not from this neck of the woods, Blue Mountain is known for it's skiing and snowboarding. Its become so popular, in fact, that they have designed a village at the base of the mountain that has a very "Whistler Blackcomb" vibe to it. In the summer the area is home to many outdoor activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, hiking tours, zip-lining and more. If you are ever in the area I highly recommend a stay in Collingwood ON.

I've got to say we picked a perfect say for hiking. It was warm (but not too hot) and breezy enough to keep us cool once we started moving. Of course you add in the gorgeous sunshine with a view like this and you just can't beat it!

We started our trip at the top of the mountain and decided to take a free gondola ride down to the bottom. I'm slightly afraid of heights (by slightly I mean I usually panic and cause a scene) so it was kind of a big deal that I just hopped in and took the the ride down.

At the bottom we took a little tour around the village and then started our trip up. Being that its a pretty serious ski hill the hike up was steep. My calves and quads got a serious workout from all the climbing.

Living in the city I don't get a chance to enjoy nature as much as I would like, so a hike is always on my list of things-to-do when I get a chance to visit the cottage. Finding a way to incorporate fitness and the calm of the woods is a win-win in my books!

And of course there is the added benefit that the comforts of home (including non-out house style toilet facilities) are only a hop, skip and a tumble jump away. You can take the City Girl outta the city but you can't take the city outta the girl...

This might have added to the appeal too.

If you are one of my southern neighbours I will speak on behalf of Canada when I say you need to take a trip here if for no other reason then one of these babies. A Beaver Tail is deep fried pastry goodness coated in cinnamon and sugar. It's the pride of the nation (or it should be...it really, really should) Tomorrow is Canada's birthday so come up and join us for the party and the pastries!!

Before you ask I do in fact go hiking and then eat dessert before dinner. It's a special technique that you too can attempt if you practice long enough.

To somewhat make up for that deliciousness I came back to the cottage and did some strength training:

100 squats
50 lunges
50 crunches
50 oblique crunches
50 pushups
50 tricep dips
1 minute plank

Now that all the fitness stuff is out of the way its time for another BBQ and some lounging on the porch with an iced cold beer.

Have I said it yet today? Life is good!!


So tell me, what is your favorite outdoor activity? How are you celebrating the long weekend?

Preparing for Marathon Training

Well I did it. I officially registered for the Niagara Falls International Marathon.



Website

 I haven't ran more than 5 miles in weeks but I signed up for 26.2 of them this morning. Maybe I have officially lost my mind. I guess only time will tell...

Prior to registering I put together a training plan that more or less was intended to map out my long runs and determine the feasibility of working up to at least two 20 mile training runs. According to the plan, which is dependent on a fitness base that allows me to start at around 8 miles, its possible. Then again the plan doesn't have to actually run all those miles in the rain/heat/gross humidity so really, what does it know right?

Just kidding...well sort of.

Here's a basic outline of my plan otherwise known as Marathon Training for Dummies Who Think that They Can Run Marathons When Really They'd Rather Be Sleeping (in bookstores soon!):

Running:

• Minimum 3x per week
• One long run eventually building up to 20 miles maximum, per week
• One fartlek run of 4-5 miles per week
• One hills/speed training session weekly
• Two 20 mile training runs total

Cross-Training/Strength Training

• Minimum 2x per week
• Includes body weight training, spinning, yoga, weights, biking

Nutrition

• Wholesome foods like whole grains, fruits & vegetables, lean poultry, legumes, dairy
• Less (much less) refined sugar
• 2L of water per day
• Less processed foods

The 3 "R"s: Rest/Relaxation/Recovery

• Minimum 1 rest day per week (up to 2 later in training)
• Regular foam rolling and stretching
• Minimum 3 sports massage appointments
• Minimum 7 hours sleep per night
• Stress reduction through calming activities: yoga, bubble bath, reading, walking

Other

• New shoes within the next two weeks

I have decided to start marathon training earlier then originally anticipated meaning that I officially start on Sunday June 5th. I will be posting weekly updates so stay tuned for the good, the bad and the ugly (which I hope is not lost toenails) of my first attempt at training for a marathon.

Wish me luck!!


So tell me, have you ever trained for a full or half marathon? What parts of training did you love the most? What did you hate? Would you do it again?


Attention Toronto Bloggers/Health Enthusiasts:

Details for the June 12th meetup have been sent out via email. If you are not on my mailing list yet, send me an email and let me know you are interested! (health.happiness.skinnyjeans(at)gmail(dot)com)

Back in the Saddle....Literally!!

Finally, after days of dealing with a slight physical ailment and the flu I woke up today feeling like I was finally starting to get back to my old self. My chest still felt slightly congested but I had my long lost friend Energy back and I was ready to hit the gym and burn some of it off.

I taught a bootcamp style Tabata class at lunch and while I actually instructed more and worked out less than usual, it still felt really, really good to sweat (and not the kind of icky sweat that comes with the flu...blech!!)

After work Cynthia and I headed to a spinning studio nearby to take an intense spin/strength training class that really forces you to push yourself to every limit. Needless to say that the class was a toal butt kick and felt amazing!! And much to surprise I didn't cough up a lung. Yay me!!

There were definitely some happy endorphins floating around after that class!

And some serious sweat too!

You gotta love crazy, sweat drenched girls snapping photos in a random parking lot in the middle of the city. You truly know you are a blogger when.....

We are a wacky bunch huh??



I'm so glad to have bounced back from this illness and grateful that I am healthy enough that a down and out flu is really the worse ailment I've had to deal with in a long time.

I'm also so glad that I am feeling well enough to head out to celebrate my birthday and my friends' musical talents tomorrow night when I go see FIRExFIRE headline a show at a club downtown. The band is awesome and I am so proud of my friends, not to mention excited to hang out and party with some really cool people!! Oh, and I have been asked to assist the band with some social media related endeavours which is such a cool project to be involved with. I won't say much more then that for now but know that I am so freakin' pumped!

And on that note I should really head to bed. After two serious workouts I'm going to need my beauty sleep to get ready to dance the night away tomorrow!

So tell me, after being sick for a few days what's your favorite part about feeling healthy again?

So Now What??

First off I want to thank everyone for their kind words and sympathy on yesterday's post. I spent a good part of the day feeling pretty blah (the rain and a sore throat were not at all helpful in that department ) but I did perk up when I found out that Cynthia had gotten a PR and a colleague of mine qualified for Boston at the race. I'm all about celebrating other people's success when I need a pick me up!!

Oh and a scrumptious breakfast makes a big difference too

Yes I made those and yes you can come over next Sunday. I also believe in celebrating the yum!

Now that the 1/2 marathon hype has come and gone I'm starting to contemplate my next move. While I am planning to maintain my cardio base in preparation for the 30k in August I also want to take a temporary step back from all the detailed training and focus a little more on cross training for the next month.

The thing is, as much as I enjoy running I enjoy cross training just as much, if not ever more. I love the feelings of strength and power that I get from strength and cycling, not to mention that my body responds well to them too.



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So here's the idea: No formal training plan until mid-June. Instead I will run once on the weekend (long) and at least once throughout the week (tempo or speed) and focus the rest of my energy on some of the other things I really like. All things considered I hope to maintain most of my endurance but also return to training with a refreshed outlook, ready to take on some personal distance records (PDRs).

Mixing things up a little? Works for me (and my unhappy knee)!!



So tell me, how do you keep your physical activity fresh and interesting? If you run, do you ever take a break?