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Fit 2 the T – Zumba Class

By KyleWith on August 11, 2010 in Business

Have you ever felt the rhythm of a song and just wanted to dance, well you could call Zumba exactly that, but much more intense. Back on Canada Day Tara Newbigging, head instructor of Fit 2 the T Zumba, and her two co-instructors Donna and Heather, were about to go on stage to give a Zumba demonstration when she saw, local hip hop artist, Godson performing some of his songs. Tara said his music was really getting them going and they all thought how awesome would it be to workout to some of Godson’s music. A few weeks later the Fit 2 the T Zumba class has a routine choreographed to Godson’s Yellowknife City song, which they use to cool down after an hour-long class.

Godson, who has become a local sensation has just released a new CD just over a month ago. He has many originals, including Yellowknife City, but also mixes it up a bit by collaborating with guys like Frank Sinatra. His music can be heard on the local radio station or at CD Plus.

Watch the short video to get a full idea of what Zumba is and see the Yellowknife City routine.

So What is Zumba?

In short is a way to have fun while working out. It can best be described as Latin based fitness and dance combined together for a fast paced workout while enjoying it. From what I saw, it looked as those a Zumba class could be closely related to how backup dancers for big music artists train. You move with music, but not as if it is a task, but rather because you want to. Heck, just being in the same room as the music, makes you what to start moving. This is how Zumba is described:

Lets face it, working out can be healthy, rewarding, beneficial… working out can be lots of things, but its never been known to be much fun… UNTIL NOW! Zumba fuses hypnotic musical rhythms and tantalizing moves to create a dynamic workout system designed to be FUN and EASY TO DO! Our goal is simple: We want people to want to work out, to love working out, to get hooked. By integrating Zumba into everyday life individuals may achieve long term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exhilarating hour of caloric burning, heart racing, muscle pumping, body energizing movements meant to engage and captivate for life… More at Zumba.com

For Everyone!

Although there were no guys at the class I attended, there are a few that do attend other classes. I can see why it would be hard for a guy to attend, heck I would have a hard to bring myself to attend one of these classes, but I can see the benefit. As someone who is out of shape, and finds it hard to workout or do any physical activity, I would definitely have a good time at a Zumba class. That being said, I’m a bit of a closet dancer and get be rather goofy.

Get Involved!

If I have persuaded you to get involved here is some basic information to know. Fit 2 the T offers 7 classes, 6 days a week, so there is always something going on. All classes take place at Breakaway Fitness. To find out when classes are or more information about the classes, either head over to Breakaway Fitness or email Tara at FIT2theT [at] live [dot] com. Class information is also in the video.

Photo Credit: Dave Brosha

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The new Bait and Tackle Shop

By KyleWith on March 27, 2010 in Business

Today, Saturday March 26, 2010, is the grand opening of Canadian Tire’s Bait and Tackle Shop. The shop is really just a revamped version of the stores outdoor section but nonetheless has more than what they use to. Assumptions can be made that the extension of this newly named Bait and Tackle section is to satisfy the outdoor enthusiasts of Yellowknife after the closure of Wolverine Sports.

Reports in the local paper say that Wolverine Sports could not keep up with the big box stores, like Canadian Tire and Walmart, and had no choice but to close. At the same time many Yellowknifers would probably protest and say that although Canadian Tire and Walmart have some selection, Wolverine had better and also had more knowledgeable staff on hand. From experience of being an outfitter, I would always take clients to Wolverine Sports first as I knew their staff could help my clients. Wolverine Sports was also one of the last spots in town a person could get specific maps of the local areas.

Saying that about Wolverine Sports is not to say that the Big Box stores intentionally ran them out, it is just the way business goes. I praise Canadian Tire for making the effort to serve Yellowknife better by expanding their Outdoor Section and for listening when we spoke about the issue. Walking through the aisles there is definitely more stock among the shelves and things look positive. Another promising point would be that a past Wolverine Sports staff member is now working in the new Bait and Tackle Shop, so you can hopefully expect a similar service experience.

Now it is your turn, Yellowknife. What do we think of Canadian Tire’s effort to please the outdoor enthusiasts? Will they fill the void the Wolverine’s has made? What about Firearms, who is going to be the local supplier for them? Let us know your thoughts on any of this below in the comments or by e-mail to info@ykonline.ca

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SWAP Shop – the best value in Yellowknife!

By Nancy Zimmerman on December 19, 2009 in Business, Yk Life

If you haven’t been to the SWAP shop (in the slightly rickety building a wee down the street towards old town from its sister store, Quality Furniture) it’s a must. Under new management as of a few months ago, the new manager is x-naying the kitchy/tacky in favour of some rather nice items! And the prices are wicked!

For instance, for $399.00, this was available.

$1249.50 for this genuine antique wardrobe

And this little table / wine unit was only $59.00

I imagine these items are long since sold but you can bet there are equally great treasures available there at a fraction of the usual price. I’ve bought three items to date and all of them have been in great condition and are integral parts of my home! Yay, reusing! Yay, great deals!

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