So what is oil pulling?

Oil pulling originated in India as a folk remedy. It works like this: every morning, you take a tablespoon of oil, (any oil will work, although coconut oil seems to be the Internet’s favorite), and swish it around your mouth for 20 minutes without swallowing it. After 20 minutes, you spit the oil out.

What are the benefits?

• Whitens teeth
• Strengthens the gums
• Prevents cavities and gingivitis
• Helps get rid of acne, eczema, psoriasis
• Detox
• Hangover cure
• Clears out sinuses and helps with allergies

If you’re interested in natural remedies for common ailments and are looking to try something new consider giving oil pulling a try!

Tags: oil pulling, teeth, health, natural remedies, Shailene Woodley, organic, coconut oil

We’ve all been there: doing the same thing at the gym 3-4 times a week and wondering why we aren’t seeing any progress. It’s really easy to get stuck doing the same old boring workout routine. After all there are only so many machines at the gym, and when you only have half an hour to get your sweat on, it’s easy to go for the default, whether that’s 30 minutes running “rolling hills” on the treadmill, or “cross training” on the elliptical. It is even easier to stagnate this way because in the beginning this workout routine probably made a huge difference in terms of muscle tone and endurance. That’s the beautiful thing about the human body: it evolves. But evolution also means adaptation. So while even the same old cardio exercise is better than none, when the body gets used to doing the same old thing, you stop seeing change.

This is where I have gotten with my workouts. My hectic schedule means that I don’t have time to take different hour long classes at the gym that keep my workouts fresh and challenging, and when I do get to the gym, I don’t have the motivation nor the time to get creative with my workouts.

In comes the rowing machine. I was hesitant to try it because it just didn’t look that challenging from the sidelines. But we all know appearances can be deceiving. Like other machines at the gym, the rowing machine is as challenging as you make it, but with one key difference: it’s structured to incentivize you to compete with yourself. The machine makes you want to beat your previous rowing time, which pushes you to work harder. It’s more like a game than any of the other machines at the gym and it works your whole body without you necessarily realizing it. Every time I do the rowing machine and select the 2000 meter race, I want to beat my previous time: this means I row faster and harder, continuing to challenge myself. I always feel the results the next day and after just four 10 minute rows, I am starting to see results. Perhaps this is why the rowing machine began making such a comeback a couple of years ago.

The following workout from Men’s Health is what I am going to try at the gym next time I go: The 20-minute fat-burner:

* Set the rowing machine at a resistance of four.

* Then perform sets of 10, 15, and 20 power strokes—pulling the handle to your torso as fast and as hard as you can.

* Separate the power strokes with 60 seconds of easy rowing at about 50 percent of your full effort. Repeat the cycle until you've rowed for 20 minutes.

Tags: rowing machine, cardio, gym, workout, fitness, progress, muscle tone, fat burner.

I’ve always found that for me, the best way to know if something works for my body is to try it and form my own conclusions. However, this is sometimes hard to do when on any given day someone or something is telling you what to eat, how to eat it and when. One example would be coffee, which until recently was considered unhealthy. Coffee has never worked for me. Not only do I crash after drinking it, but it also makes me feel dehydrated. For that reason, when I need that extra surge of energy in the morning, I drink Matcha green tea.

Matcha is a powdered green tea that consists of entire tea leaves. The powder is dissolved in water, bringing you the benefits of the whole leaf. It is potently green, and looks strange in a mug, but the few inquisitive looks you might get are definitely worth the benefits.

The more of it I drink, the better my skin looks, the more energy I have, and I don’t crash or get dehydrated like I do from coffee. So it definitely works for me, but try it for yourself!

Here are six reasons why Matcha is great:

1. High in antioxidants: This is what’s responsible for that glowy, younger-looking skin and Matcha provides 17 times the amount of antioxidants found in blueberries, and 7 times the amount in dark chocolate.

2. Boosts memory and concentration: The amino acid L-Theanine boosts serotonin and dopamine production which enhances mood, promotes better concentration and improves memory.

3. Full of catechin, EGCg: Catechins are one of the most potent antioxidants, and EGCg is the one most recognized for its cancer-fighting properties.

4. Detoxifies the body: Matcha is a natural detoxifier because of the high levels of chlorophyll.

5. Burns calories: Although the metabolism boosting properties of tea haven’t been conclusively proven, Matcha is said to help the body burn fat about four times faster than average.

6. Fortifies the immune system: Matcha is packed chock full of vitamin C which helps the immune system do its job. But it also has potassium, vitamin A, calcium and iron.

I have recently become obsessed with Tabata workouts. Tabata is high-intensity interval training that can be done in four minutes. Yup, just four minutes. The workout gets its name from Izumi Tabata who discovered that high intensity interval training improved athletes’ aerobic and anaerobic systems after conducting tests on two groups.

The exercises are generally cardio heavy, but you can also design your own Tabata that includes strength exercises. Each exercise is done for 20 seconds, with a rest period of 10 seconds between each set.

If you’re thinking that a four-minute workout is too good to be true, you really do have to give it a try. You will be sweating and out of breath before the four minutes are up as long as you give each exercise your all.

I usually do 2-3 four-minute sets, depending on how much time I have. My favourite Tabata is this one by Alicia Marie. This one from Men’s Health is also great.

Go ahead, skip the hour at the gym without sacrificing your health or your physique!

It was wonderful to get to lay in the dimly lit room, under a soft blanket with classical music playing softly in the background and no possibility of electronic or other distractions. It was the bliss of implicit permission to do nothing off my to do list and not feel bad about it.

Laying there, I realized this was the first time in weeks that I was truly relaxed and it required effort. I became aware of the value of allowing myself at least ten minutes every day where I do nothing but breathe deeply and let go. It’s not as difficult or intensive as meditation, but it feels beneficial nonetheless.

From now on I am going to try and make this “stillness” a part of my daily existence.

My “quiet time” experience reminded me of a TED talk I had watched months earlier, where Pico Iyer discusses the value of stillness and the concept of home. If you’re interested in the talk, click here!

The elusive work-life balance

Between work, attempting to have a social life and trying to get eight hours of sleep per night, I’ve been having a hard time keeping up with my work-out routine. I love sleeping, so I am definitely not the type of person to get up at 5 a.m. for a gym session. As a result, what used to be a five-day per week exercise regimen has quickly devolved into three days on a good week. I don’t think I’m the only one to have this issue.

My solution?  Get the most out of my workouts by doing Jillian Michaels videos. There are three great things about Jillian Michaels’ workouts:

1.       Her videos are available on YouTube and most of them are only 30 minutes long.

2.       The only props needed are a mat and some hand weights.

3.       There are a lot of different videos with different levels of difficulty: everything from full on cardio and strength to core-focused workouts to yoga. This means that you can always push yourself harder and the variety will keep you from getting bored. My favourites are the 30 minute shred and the 50 minute banish fat, boost metabolism videos.

If I don’t have 30 minutes, then I do the 100 workout.  It is twenty minutes of strength and cardio that will get you out of breath and on your way to that summer body!

100 jumping jacks

90 crunches

80 squats

70 leg lifts

60 jumping jacks

50 crunches

40 squats

30 leg lifts

20 jumping jacks

10 minutes of running

1. Banish fat : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTT4W8ygJ7w

2. 30 day shred: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Pc-NizMgg8

Hi! My name is Victoria and I am Slice’s newest blogger.

For my first post, I’d like to talk about lemons. Lemons have kind of a bad rap in pop culture, what with everyone always wanting to turn them into lemonade. But lemons are actually an easy and delicious way to get more out of your day and diet.

Since September I’ve started every day with a mug of warm water and the juice of half a lemon and now it has become such an integral part of my morning routine that my whole day feels off if I don’t do it.

Here are 7 reasons why you might want to make lemons part of your morning routine:

1. Boosts your immune system 

 Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain and nerve function and helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances pH

 Although lemons are acidic on their own, inside the body they are alkaline, which means they help balance the body’s pH level. A balanced pH is essential to good health.

3. Helps with weight loss

 Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings.

4. Aids digestion

 The warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis—the waves of muscle contractions within the intestinal walls that keep things moving. Lemons and limes are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen ama, or toxins, in the digestive tract.

5. Acts as a gentle, natural diuretic

 Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body thus releasing toxins faster keeping your urinary tract healthy.

6. Clears skin

 The vitamin C helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well.

7. Hydrates the lymph system

 Lemons are great for keeping you hydrated and preventing adrenal fatigue! When your body is dehydrated, or deeply dehydrated (adrenal fatigue) it can't perform all of it's proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, stress, constipation and a bunch of other stuff that’s not very fun.

Source: www.mindbodygreen.com

Victoria Abraham is a serious foodie, and when she’s not enjoying all things gastronomical and writing about it, she likes to read, work up a sweat in spin class, take in as many live music shows as she can and travel whenever possible. 

Headbands haven’t always been the cute and chic accessory piece that they are today. Everyone remembers those dreadful things our mothers used to make us wear so she wouldn’t have to watch us tuck our hair behind our ears minute after minute. Well, headbands are back in full force and today there are more options than ever.

Sweet and fun, these fashionable hair pieces are a great way to keep your locks stylishly in place. There are bow and glitter bands for flirty occasions, thin and braided for a more classic look and wide or oversized headbands for everyday combinations. In any case you can give your locks a new look with this hair accessory that suits any style, from banged bobs to waist-length waves.

I’ll be honest, I’ve never been much of a headband girl but these adorable wraps and braided styles are hard to resist and possibly my new favorite accessory. Simply adding a new headband into the mix of your rotation can add that boost you need to get through your next meeting, afternoon or workout. Because let’s face it, the better we look, the better we play!

Infinity refers to something without a limit. And our Infinity scarf is just that, it has no limit to the amount of ways you can wear it. It's ability to be multi-functional is why this scarf is a "must have." Not only can it be a scarf it can be transformed from a wrap to a top to skirt and everything in between.

I have been asked by many people over the last couple months to demonstrate the countless ways to wear this item so here it is:

The Simply Scarf

The Double Up

The Knotted Scarf

The Summer Dress

The Off the Shoulder

For all other options check our our Facebook page which includes "The Mini Wrap, The Hood and The Skirt". And if you haven't picked up one of these Bamboo wonders, what are you waiting for?

With New Year’s resolutions of going to the gym, joining a yoga class and getting fit, I have found myself explaining the function of our Chill Towels more than ever. I thought this would be the perfect time to give our customers a little more insight to the Chill Towel!

Chill Towels are 100% terry cloth towels that are pre-moistened with a patent pending All-Natural cooling solution. Each towel is hygienically sealed and individually wrapped in a resealable package. Chill Towels provide instant cooling, without refrigeration, right out of the package! (No soaking, no wringing, no waiting.) 

Towel features include:

A self-cooling solution that contains only purified water and natural botanicals. No harsh chemicals. It's naturally refreshing.

Chill Towels do more than cool you down. They are hygienically sealed and contain antiseptic properties.

Resealable packaging allows you to use Chill Towels again and again!

Chill Towels readily drop to 20˚- 30˚F below your normal body temperature with a simple shake, quickly relieving users from the effects of heat.

Towels are 100% cotton. Packaging is 100% plastic. Products are 100% recyclable!

Even without prior refrigeration, Chill Towels cool you down straight from the package

So if you’re looking for something to cool you down during your workout, stop by and grab a Chill Towel!

For more information and frequently asked questions https://www.chilltowels.com/index.php/company/faq

Perhaps you, like many others in Canada, have discovered the magic of yoga pants. But the question is...why are they so great? Why does everyone wear them? Well, I'm here to inform you that there are several reasons why these magnificent soft pants are in such high demand.

First of all, and most obviously, Canadians love yoga. We all have such busy, bustling lives, and we all like the idea of doing an activity allows us to find our inner peace and I can certainly appreciate the need for a chance to slow the world down, even if it's only for an hour. And every time I do, I wear yoga pants. After all, they're pants specifically designed for the exercise, and they come in fun colors, so who wouldn't want to wear them to class?

The second great thing about yoga pants is that you can wear them to places OTHER than yoga class. It's incredible. The truth is, we all love wearing sweatpants, or just lounge-wear in general, but can't always do so because others may view this as "trashy." This is where yoga pants come in. Not only are yoga pants equally as comfortable as sweatpants, but they're also classy. You can wear yoga pants out to the grocery store without looking like you just rolled out of bed, even if you did, in fact, just roll out of bed. It's a new up and coming beauty trick. You can wear the equivalent of pajama pants, but still be looked at with the utmost respect. I wear yoga pants to school, to the mall...I even wear them to work, and everyone accepts them as if they were slacks. It's beautiful.

Another benefit? Yoga pants are inexpensive. In all honesty, the most popular fashion trends aren't always the cheapest, like Ugg boots or Coach purses, so this one is worth taking advantage of. I've often found myself in a dilemma over spending money to look great, or taking the less expensive way out and looking a little less fresh. The great thing about yoga pants is that you will never have that problem. A pair of pants from Slice are well manufactured to last long and are somewhere around seventy dollars, which in my books isn't so unreasonable. If you think about it, most jeans cost more than that, and you can't even wear those to work. Yoga pants are like the double whammy: they aren't pricey, and you'll probably get more use out of them than any other pair of pants you own.

One other thing that I have to point out about yoga pants is their ability to be unbelievably flattering while still maintaining the utmost comfort. Who would have imagined that someone would invent a piece of clothing that had all the features of sweatpants, but could still make a girl's butt look so good? I love the thought that on my absolute worst day when I go to Wal-Mart or 7 eleven for a slurpee, my butt will still look sensational. (This gives me a sneaking suspicion that yoga pants were designed by a man, so that all men could reap the benefits and enjoy the view.) Now, instead of people judging me for walking around in my most disgusting, ripped, ten-year-old, Russel-brand sweatpants, I can put on yoga pants and be looked at with admiration.

The truth is, yoga pants are so popular because they're versatile. They come in every color and appeal to buyers of all ages and backgrounds. High schoolers wear them. Moms wear them. Yoga-goers wear them. They look good with practically anything, and you can wear them year round. (P.S. They also make yoga shorts more specifically for the summer months, which are just as good in every way.) Yoga pants may technically just be a form of lounge pants, but they look more professional, so they can pass as an acceptable form of clothing to wear on a daily basis. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?

In short, yoga pants are a stroke of genius. I highly recommend you get on board, if you're not already.

I wanted to pass on a few comments from some of our loyal customers.

 “I like that I can wear sweats without looking like a bum. They flatter my figure rather than make me look sloppy,” Ali - University of Regina student

“This type of figure-fitting bottom wear has become so popular that it has even become an alternative to jeans, Jess - a sophomore business student

“I think jeans are really uncomfortable when you have to sit in class all day. Yoga pants are super comfortable and still cute,” Casey - a high school student

Yoga pants have become such a fashion staple that many women will style them with a nice outfit and disguise them as trendier leggings.

“I like that you can pair them with everyday outfits. They are actually really stylish if you do it right. No one knows you’re secretly wearing the most comfortable pants on earth,” said Jess

Yoga pants also have an appeal for their versatility. There are many different styles of yoga pants, so women are not limited to wearing the same style every day. Rain or shine, hot or cold, there is a pair of yoga pants for every occasion.

“I like crops in the summer, but I like the pants cut like leggings in the winter to wear with boots. I also like classic yoga pants such as flare and straight leg to wear casually,” said Tracy, a busy working mother of 3

What is it that makes this phenomenon so comfortable to wear? Yoga pants are generally made out of cotton, spandex or a Lycra-blend for pricier pairs. The material allows stretch, yet hugs the body to create a flattering affect.

Whether or not the trend of yoga pants will come to a definitive end is a mystery, but with their ability to combine comfort and style, the women of Saskatchewan seem to think not.

“I don’t think the trend will come to an end. Yoga pants are about comfort, and comfort doesn’t go out of style,” Krista -a yoga instructor

After a year of threatening I finally did it. I booked my husband in for a pedicure. His feet weren’t gross or anything but after going with my girlfriends for years and raving about it to him, I thought it was time that he experience it for himself. Of course, like any man, he was hesitant and quite skeptical but all it took was the first dip into that warm foot bath to flip his thoughts one hundred and eighty degrees!

Pedicures are more than just a relaxing trip to the spa they’re an investment in your health. The average person takes 8000 to 10 000 steps a day, that adds up to about 115 000 miles in a lifetime. Cutting, clipping and cleaning of the nails prevents nails from growing inward and causing infection. The elimination of dirt and bacteria from your feet will also help prevent nail diseases and disorders and helps eliminate foot odor. Exfoliation, or the sloughing off of dead skin cells, prevents the cells from accumulating and causing bunions or corns, which can be painful. Removal of the dead skins cells also encourages newer skin cell growth which creates a smoother, more appealing foot.

The most enjoyable part of the pedicure is the massage of course. The lotion used in the massage moisturizes the newly exfoliated skin, and massaging promotes circulation in the calves and feet. It can reduce foot pain from being on one’s feet all day and can help maintain the health and performance of the muscles. And let’s face it, a nice time out for this pampering can reduce stress.

If your guy is a guy’s guy like mine and you’re having trouble getting him to the spa to enjoy one of these perfectly enjoyable pampers then here are a few tips:

Book him a pedicure. And not just at any spa, at a spa that encourages male customers to come and enjoy the experience. Some places might even have a men’s night where they offer snacks, drinks and perhaps even turn the big game on.

Choose a spa with some privacy. Most men don’t want to be situated up against a large window for the whole world to see someone working on his feet.

Purchase a gift card for him before you book the appointment. Not only is this a great way of getting the man in your life to experience the salon, it’s an ease for him as a first time client so simply say “ it was a gift”

Go with him. Make it a couple’s day or even a date, this way he will have someone with him for support and comfort. Or better yet, convince one of his close buddies to go too. There is nothing better than enjoying something with someone you care about.

Just the word pedicure makes most men turn and run but maybe after making him an offer he can’t refuse your man will enjoy his pedicure as much as mine did. Good luck ladiesJ

Obviously the amount of calories you burn depends on how hard you dance but there are so many other benefits to this great activity. Dancing will increase your endurance, strengthen your muscles and increase your flexibility. It’s a wonderful activity for people with heart problems because they are solely in control of how hard they move.

Dancing is a social activity. Studies have shown that strong social ties and socializing with friends contribute to high self-esteem and a positive outlook. Dancing provides many opportunities to meet other people. Joining a dance class can increase self-confidence and help build social skills. Because physical activity reduces stress and tension, regular dancing gives an overall sense of well-being.

And the final overall reason that I personally love dancing…it’s universal! People from all walks of life can come together and create a great bond by simply moving.

So if you are looking for something to do on this fine day, get up a bust a move!

Many people have complimented me on my new wardrobe piece in past two weeks but they also ask “how does that work?”  So I thought, since there has been so much interest I would explain exactly why I love my new Jet Set Top so much.

This top is so versatile and stylish, that I believe it’s a must for every woman. It can be worn with a simple sports bra under it after the gym or yoga class

 or turned to the side for a night out on the town.

Many times I simply wear it as a wrap to accent a decorative tank.

And on a cozy fall day I wear it as a loose scarf.

So pick up your own today and find out what style suit you….maybe they all will!

I only recently started exploring the many benefits of nuts and in particular almonds, but I never realized there were so many. One of the most unique health benefits is their ability to boost brain power, and who doesn’t want that?

Many women will already know that almonds are great for your skin. By adding almond oil or milk to your skin care routine, you can look forward to soft, smooth flawless skin.  And they aren’t a slacker in the overall health department either. Almonds have potassium, folic acid, protein and vitamin E, which all aid in reducing your chance of heart disease, colon cancer and diabetes just to name a few.

With the continued health and wellness path that the country is on, everyone could use a new “super food” to turn to for an extra boost of energy. Almonds are rapidly becoming one of those foods. They can significantly help you lose weight and with riboflavin, copper and manganese, you won’t need to turn to that cup of coffee for that extra boost of energy.

Although I know I am only scratching the surface of the all powerful almond and I look forward to learning more about my new favorite treat.

So when you feel the need for a quick snack, grab a handful of almonds and know that the crunch is only the beginning!

Swimming has long been a passion of mine but like so many other things as we grow up it seems it has become lower and lower on my list of priorities. But now since I have a child of my own, it’s only natural that I introduce him to something that has been a part of my life for so long.

Not only is swimming good for your health, it’s a full body exercise that’s easy on your joints and fun to get involved in. Many people choose to hit the gym or yoga class to get their workout but, for this girl, the pool is always my first choice. Swimming is one of the only workouts you can do where you’ll burn calories, boost your metabolism and firm every muscle in your body without putting stress on your joints. The more body parts you involve in a workout, the more calories you’ll burn. Swimming can burn anywhere from 550-600 calories in one hour depending on how efficiently you swim. Spend 30 minutes doing the breaststroke and you’ll burn almost 400 calories.

Swimming with my son as he kicks, splashes and enjoys the water doesn’t help me burn the maximum amount of calories anymore but it’s a great way to relax after a busy day. Many people use swimming as a cool down after a heavy workout to relieve tight muscles and for a way to decelerate their breathing. As swimming has become a regular part of my routine again I can only hope that more people seek out the pool, enjoy the many health benefits it can bring.

Far gone are the days when I used to be the first at the pool and the last to leave but now I can only smile as my boy grows to love the water and I can look forward to the day when he too never wants to leave.

Change up your day and make a splash!

There is no ‘one size fits all’ rule when it applies to the world of workout fashion. That depends on your individual body shape and size, as well as your own personal preference. Whenever I buy a new tank top or a pair of running shorts, I can’t wait to lace up my shoes for my next run. I’m even guilty of developing ‘favorites’ like those comfy running socks that I just can’t live without. You also may be surprised by the styles that you love. A couple years ago, I bought a running skirt on a whim. It was a way to try something new and I was pleasantly surprised how a good fit, fun color and nice texture helped me to stay motivated during the summer months of training.

While looking good will help you feel better, you also want to ensure your outfit is comfortable and fits the activity. For example, runners want to look for clothing that moves moisture away from the body. If yoga or Pilates is your interest, you want to stay away from loose-fitting tops and go with a form-fitting top to help minimize movement and promote comfort. Whatever your activity is, this summer don’t be scared to try something new and find that perfect fit for you.

Linsay Rabyj

Taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give. There is no doubt that the key to long-term health and happiness begins with you.

The demands and stress from this beautiful, unpredictable thing we call life sometimes leaves us with little time to have a laugh over a coffee with a friend we haven’t seen in months, let alone follow a rigorous health program.  Often, exercise falls by the side and becomes another thing on that never ending list.  First things first – don’t think of it as ‘exercise’.  My passion for running fuels my desire to keep going. There’s nothing like the feeling of pushing through those last few kilometers on a long run. No matter how I feel on any particular day, a run is guaranteed to leave me feeling energized and strong, like I can take on anything this world throws at me.

Finding an activity that you love is the most important thing. Yoga can help strengthen your body, while helping you feel more relaxed.  A spin class will get your heart pumping, put your cardio to the test and keep those muscles in shape. A Zumba class is a fun way to dance towards health and happiness. Whatever it is, find something that you are passionate about and that allows you to escape your hectic life, if only for an hour a few times a week.

When you feel healthy and strong, both mentally and physically you will find that you’re happier in all areas of your life. Begin with yourself – you will feel empowered to be the best you can for yourself and for the people in your life.

Linsay Rabyj

What I want to leave you with is a quote from an article I read recently in The Guardian where they interviewed a palliative care nurse who has counselled the dying in their last days and has recently gathered these observations and thoughts in a book titled The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware.  Naturally, there were common themes that reoccured in her discussions and one of them stuck with me:

"I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me."

 Life and the absence of taking risks will only leave in hindsight, dreams unfulfilled.  This quote brings clarity to the reality that for one to do things differently often means denying what others expect of you.

We will never know if something could be achieved, personally or otherwise, if we don't step out and take a risk.  Happiness is a choice and I wish you a life without regrets.

Denny Huyghebaert

While we settle into a warmer temperature, now is the perfect time to get outside and get moving. It’s also a great time to try something new – go for a run around Wascana Park, hit a bike trail, play some ball, or dust off the Frisbee. It is even better when you make it a social event. Take it from me, who’s been a passionate runner for a few years now. I first got involved in running and stayed committed because a friend and I decided to sign up for a running clinic. That was all it took and I was hooked! There’s no doubt planning to meet friends or family will help give you that extra push out the door, especially on those sluggish days. Finding an outdoor activity with good company is a great way to enjoy the beautiful Saskatchewan spring weather, all while being active. This spring, have an open mind and try something new!

Linsay Rabyj

Fruit Smoothies are packed full of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and dietary fibre to give you the healthy boost you need in your day! They're sooo very easy to make and you can add any conglomeration of fruit and it's almost guaranteed to taste delicious. 

A banana smoothie is full of potassium to help muscle growth and reduce stress. A strawberry smoothie is full of vitamin C to boost your health and make you feel great.

Blueberry smoothies are full of antioxidants and are great for boosting your immune system and assisting brain function. The Kiwi or  orange smoothie is a source of vitamin C to help you stay healthy.

I could go on all day listing the nutritional benefits of each fruit, there are so many. Try getting some of that goodness by drinking a healthy fruit smoothie everyday!

                                                                

Denny Huyghebaert

Make your fitness goals achievable 

Setting fitness goals is a great way to ensure that you get the most out of your workouts and that you reach your ultimate goal of getting into shape, losing weight, building strength or endurance, etc. A good fitness goal should be something that you reasonably see yourself doing within the allotted time frame. Setting a goal to run a marathon is great if you’re already a runner but not a good goal if you’ve never run before. You may find yourself feeling very discouraged when you realize you struggle to run 1 mile at a time much less the 26.2 that would be required for a marathon. Adversely, a good fitness goal shouldn’t be too easy. Setting a fitness goal like, “I will exercise” isn’t very helpful as this goal is too vague and can be easily achieved by simply going to the gym a couple of times or going for a few weekend walks. Set specific goals that can’t be easily achieved within a few weeks. You can also set a time constraint on your goal with the intent of re-evaluating yourself at the end of that time period and making new goals. Set fitness goals that are challenging yet attainable and be honest with yourself when setting these goals. It’s also helpful to make a list of all the benefits regular exercise provides you. Everything from feeling healthier, sleeping better, preventing depression, feeling stronger, etc. Post this list somewhere that you will easily see it everyday so that it can serve as a reminder why you should workout. Reward yourself when you accomplish goals regardless of how small those accomplishments may seem and above all, have fun!

Tell your friends and family 

Well, maybe not all of them. But share your goal with at least one other person so they can help keep you motivated. Don’t over commit and try to make multiple changes all at once. Too disappointing when you ‘fail’ to meet unrealistic expectations.

Get professional help and advice 

There’s no doubt that having the help of a trained professional will greatly improve your chances of success. Take a yoga or Pilates-style class to help de-stress increase your stamina and strengthen your core. 

Have a dry April 

Use your mobile as a fitness device

People are increasingly welded to their mobile devices, so why not use your phone or tablet etc. to help? There are a tone of free apps that make it super easy to keep a record of food and exercise daily. If results are slow to materialize you can look back and see why.

Denny Huyghebaert

I want to give a special shout out to the guys at Command Base.  Thank you for all your hard work! You guys rock!

Denny Huyghebaert