There’s no easy way to put this: I’ve packed on the pounds since I moved up here last February. Be it the cold creating an out-of-control urgency for carbs or the long, dark nights with my new big screen TV, my wardrobe no longer fits.
“It’s time to take myself in hand” I muttered Jan 1st. But unlike Vancouver where there’s low-cal everything everywhere and a seawall that begs to be run, Yellowknife looked awfully cold and daunting. I don’t like exercise at the best of times, but I knew it wasn’t just a case of eating less (although, alas, that’s part of the plan. Farewell, TimHo’s French Vanilla Capuccinos! Farewell, snacks, gorgeous, home-made snacks, on every third workstation at work!) … it wasn’t just a case of eating less but of integrating activity into my lifestyle. *le sigh* I’d much rather be blogging.
I gingerly considered my options. I am simply not a gym person. And that UltraIcyRockDeathByColdExcercise thing going on up here just makes me faint to think of it. Xnay that. I also get bored easily of any one activity. So with a buddy in Vancouver, we came up with a list of activity options. Turns out, there’s a real variety of possibilities!
- squash
- shoveling snow
- swimming with the help of a coworker who coaches
- Wii Fit / Active
- shoveling snow
- power walks
- yoga
- Zumba (talk to Donna Wong. Exercise has never had such an evangelist!)
- X-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- shoveling snow
- skating
- Agility with the daschunds (in the spring)
- Running groups at Bodyworks (in the spring)
- exercise podcasts (justifies the big screen tv, non?)
- Riding lessons
So here’s my plan. I’ve created a set of activities, but only through March. Then, to prevent boredom, I’ll switch it up to something spring-ier.
For now, I’ve joined the Raquet Club. I have to give them a shoutout. It’s the most down-to-earth, cozy kinda/sorta gym I’ve ever been to. We even have candles in our Nia class, for heaven’s sake! And people there come in all shapes and sizes (and I contribute to that) and age ranges. It’s not the yummy mummy lululemon club (which is not to say there aren’t any. It’s just a nice variety of people.). Anyway, if I can be comfortable there, I’m guessing anyone can be. I imagine the same applies to Breakaway and BodyWorks
So it’s Nia Class at the club on Tuesday evenings, and Spin at the club on Saturday mornings.
Thursday, a group of us power-walk at lunch to the hospital and back. Anyone is welcome to join us – we meet 12:05 in the courthouse lobby.
And last, I’m hoping to learn to snowshoe (pssst – anyone have a second hand pair you’d like to sell? I’m too cheap to invest in a new pair til I find out if I like it).
Wish me luck, folks. And if you have any more ideas, I’m wanting to hear them – leave a comment below.
Hey, I found those ice-gripper things for your shoes! (I’m SO eloquent, I know.) They were in Wal-Mart, near the pharmacy. I think they were about $20.
Hey, I found those ice-gripper things for your shoes! (I’m SO eloquent, I know.) They were in Wal-Mart, near the pharmacy. I think they were about $20.
last year I went skijoring with my dog quite a bit. If you are going to be cross country skiing why not slap a harness on your little guy and bring him along?
last year I went skijoring with my dog quite a bit. If you are going to be cross country skiing why not slap a harness on your little guy and bring him along?
@Megan – hallelujah! That’s great news! Tx. Power walking is so much nicer without slipping and sliding and cracking my tailbone.
@Mira skijoring? skijoring? OH! SKIJOORRRING! that sounds totally fun. (but the daschunds look dubious)
@Megan – hallelujah! That’s great news! Tx. Power walking is so much nicer without slipping and sliding and cracking my tailbone.
@Mira skijoring? skijoring? OH! SKIJOORRRING! that sounds totally fun. (but the daschunds look dubious)
are you a savvy squash player? i’d love to have someone to play squash with a beat me up pretty good! i’m free on Tuesday and Thursday nights after 7, haven’t played ‘really’ for 3 years and am ready to put some pounds behind me. let me know mrhooie@gmail.com
are you a savvy squash player? i’d love to have someone to play squash with a beat me up pretty good! i’m free on Tuesday and Thursday nights after 7, haven’t played ‘really’ for 3 years and am ready to put some pounds behind me. let me know mrhooie@gmail.com
@hughie Alas! If only I were. Give me a couple years though, and then I’ll take you on!
@hughie Alas! If only I were. Give me a couple years though, and then I’ll take you on!
well, in all honesty, if you’re looking for some one to play with, let me know. easiest way to get better is to play! and i haven’t playd in a long time
well, in all honesty, if you’re looking for some one to play with, let me know. easiest way to get better is to play! and i haven’t playd in a long time
Can’t understate the cardio benefits of squash. It doesn’t get more intense than that, even at a low level. I use it almost exclusively for staying in shape during hockey season.
Can’t understate the cardio benefits of squash. It doesn’t get more intense than that, even at a low level. I use it almost exclusively for staying in shape during hockey season.