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Life is What Happens…

Friday, January 8th, 2010 | 100 Day Challenge Stories | 2 Comments

when you’re busy making plans by Jane Smith.

When we started the 100 day challenge on September 22, my husband was 2 weeks into recovery from a heart attack.

I started the challenge with the intent of running a 5k by today (Jan 1).  I signed up and paid for my race – and I was very excited at the thought of *finally* becoming a runner.   I wanted to get in shape, lose weight and get healthy.  I had just watched my husband go through something that was entirely preventable through diet and exercise, and I wanted to prevent it in me.

I found myself slipping in my goals – and was fortunate enough to join Lara’s workshop. I met some wonderful women, who I wish I could have connected more with, and would love the chance to get together with again.

Before the workshop concluded, my husband was hospitalized again.  He was having chest pains, but thankfully not another heart attack.  Unfortunately it sidelined his plans to go fishing with his brother who was up visiting from the Kootenay’s.

We went back into recovery mode.  I have a fabulous person in my life who has been a rock.  He’s always been there if I need to talk and he doesn’t sugar-coat or soft pedal anything.  His advice and conversations have kept me moving forward when I wanted to curl up into a ball and hide.

At the end of November, my husband had a 2nd heart attack.  Any thoughts of goals, changes in my life has totally disappeared and we have been in survival mode.

It occurred to me the other day that I was still registered for the 5k.  It seems like a very long time ago when I was sitting outside Zephyr talking to someone about wanting to run.   Life has changed so very much since then.  I am now the wife of a cardiac patient.   I am, and always will be, the primary breadwinner in my family.  I still have a desire to get in shape, and want to have the physicality to run 5k.  But the goals I had 100 days ago have changed.

I strive each day to live as though it is my last.  To enjoy every minute with my husband and children, while still taking care of myself.   In the last 100 days, although I did not meet the original goal of running 5k, I learned that I am stronger than I thought, and that each day is a blessing.

Our house is filled with less anger, less shouting, and a lot more loving.  We’re all still together.  Its a good way to start 2010.

Now to find another 5k I can work towards
– 
Jane

Linda’s 100 Day Journey

Friday, January 8th, 2010 | 100 Day Challenge Stories | No Comments

My journey by Linda Gardner

Actually my journey started back on January 1st 2009.that’s when I started a club at work, to get a group together to lose weight. We called it the biggest winners. For 10 weeks we were to weigh in weekly and put 25 cents each time. We were to give support to each other, and in the end the biggest loser would get the pot. Well, none of us lost any weight and we now have $100. And no winner.

It was a good concept, but again another failure on my part. Months went by and my knees were getting painful. I went to see a sports Dr. and he suggested, losing weight, physio and low impact exercise. All this would improve the pain and prevent me from surgery and later in life; I would not end up in a wheelchair. I think the thought of a wheelchair was the push I needed.

I started physio and exercising and even was a human pin cushion in the form of acupuncture and I joined the 100 day challenge, I love a good challenge. I’m very very good at committing to a challenge. The problem is that once the challenge is over I go fall back into old habits, and the next thing I know I’m right back to where I started. Sound familiar.

I knew I needed more help that just signing up. With the help of Sue and Jeff’s daily email, which I found amusing and supportive, we had the benefit of the on line web site The Fitness Journal. I loved tracking my progress and I felt a sense of accountability in a way, even though no one was really watching. Weird eh! Well I needed something to work for me.

Another great help was Laura, the life coach, we had the opportunity to have sessions with and

the great group of women that came together to share their stories. I learned tips to follow, books to read. The books were very beneficial, just listening to Louise Hay brought me strength to endure some of the hardships I have recently had with my parents, who are in a nursing home in Toronto.

I have gained tools to help me accomplish my goals. I did daily journaling and now when I read some of the past entries it makes me chuckle. I had many ups and downs, from learning that food is not a pain reliever and cheating is like having a party in your mouth for a short period and then you have to face the headache or disappointment following.

I learned that forgiving is very important, to forgive myself and others. And to like myself, I approve of myself every day. I look forward to the future. Now I did not reach the goal I had originally set, which was to lose 30lbs But I did manage to lower my cholesterol to near normal levels, I reduced my stress level and I lost 20 lbs. not bad Eh!

I have gained to skills necessary to carry on with goal setting and will continue to manage my weight and life and look forward to retirement in the next couple of years.

So to everyone that participated I hope you gained as much as I did and wish you all the very best in the coming year.

NO MORE YO-YOING

CHEERS TO A HEALTH LIFESTYLE

Linda Gardner

Get in shape in 2010 with Karen Mann

Monday, December 14th, 2009 | Team Interviews | No Comments

Karen Mann’s Fitness Philosophy

I take a goal-oriented approach to fitness and health. While the physiological aspects of fitness are extremely important, they are useless unless our mind and spirit coincide with the physical demands. There are things that motivate each and everyone one of us. My job is to help you find out what motivates you!

Everyone can benefit from a personal trainer: Elite or aspiring athletes trying to gain an edge in competition; Weekend worriers wanting to maintain the ability to shred; People who have let themselves go and want to get back on track; Those recovering from injury and need to start off slow; Those looking for new work out ideas and sport-specific exercises; Even people whose main goal is to simply to keep up with their grandchildren.

Whatever your fitness goals, my job is to help you achieve it! Your job: show up with a positive attitude, make a commitment to yourself, and be ready to work!

Personal Training Package

Introductory Fitness Package:  $165

includes:

-Fitness assessment

-1-Month Fitness Program

-2 Personal Training Sessions at gym/studio of your choice

Offer valid January 4 – February 28th, 2010

Regular Fitness Packages:

Fitness Programs from $65

Personal Training Session:  $45/session

10 pack  $400

Tags: BCRPA, express fitness, goals, personal training

What is Rolfing? An interview with Mike Charuk RMT & Rolfer

Sunday, December 13th, 2009 | Team Interviews | No Comments

Clients often ask “what is Rolfing?” How do you describe difference between massage therapy & Rolfing to clients?

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard this question I would not have to work anymore.

Sometimes I encourage people to do some research online about Rolfing. www.rolf.org is a good website. There are links from there were you can watch Dr. Oz on the Ophra Winfry show getting Rolfed.

Rolfing is a more global approach to therapy. An example I often use is the car wreck. Let’s say after the wreck the radiator does not work. You can send that car to a medical doctor who might prescribe chemicals (pain killers or anti inflammatory) to help it. Or to a chiropractor who might adjust it. An acupuncturist might put some needles in it. A massage therapist might rub it etc etc… A Rolfer would not focus on the Radiator but instead would just try and realign the whole car. Sometimes with better alignment things “magically” get better. Maybe the front bumper leaning on the radiator was the problem.

Rolfers focus more on fascia and connective tissue. A massage therapist works more with the muscles themselves.

How could a client identify themselves as a candidate for Rolfing therapy?

Clients quite often have done a full circle and have not had long term results with their injuries or pain.

I often see clients who have seen medical doctors, chiro, physio, acupuncturist, massage therapist etc and are ready to try anything. Coincidently I have seen clients who are getting their house renovated at the same time they are getting their selves renovated.

Sometimes I work with athletes who are looking for a competitive edge. Rolfing helps with their body awareness. Tension distorts movement with less tension they can be faster stronger etc.

You have been an athlete yourself, throughout your life, mostly as an endurance cyclist in the recent years. How does massage therapy support the recreational athlete?

If your goals are to go faster and longer, massage is very effective for a quicker recovery. This enables the athlete to be more consistent with their training

You are a massage therapist for the National Track Cycling Team. What are some of the highlights and challenges of this job?

I have worked a pre Olympic training camp in Pennsylvania and a national camp in Los Angeles. Some of the challenges are that you are giving a lot of massages which is a physical strain on the body. It also demands finding the right balance of being therapeutic and not fatiguing the athlete’s muscles for the next days workout.

The highlights are definitely watching athletes perform well pain free.

You can read more about Mike’s extensive experience on his website at mikecharuk.com

You can book an appointment with him on Mondays & Wednesdays through our online booking calendar accessible on the right hand sidebar.

Tags: Canadian Track Cycling Team, fascia, massage therapy, Rolfing

An interview with physiotherapist Maggie Phillips-Scarlett

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 | Team Interviews | No Comments

You sustained some knee injuries early on in life while ski racing. How did your experience with these injuries affect how you work as a physiotherapist now?

My knee injuries had a HUGE impact on my life, particularly in my career choice! Now with the experience of surgery(ies) and rehab, I am very empathetic towards my clients because I remember so clearly all of the peaks and valleys associated with the road to recovery. Furthermore,  I am VERY aware of the consequences of poor rehab~ of the factors that can lead to re-injury. Needless to say, am I am keen to ensure my clients do not repeat the same mistakes I made which led to my re-injuries.

You have TWO masters degrees.  Does your advanced schooling in kinesiology (the science of human movement) impact your approach to treatment? If so, how?

Definitely. I worked as a sport physiologist and strength & conditioning coach prior to attending physio school. I decided to advance my career with a clinical approach to sport physiology~ where I could learn about assessment and analysis of movement from a rehab point of view. I believe strongly in proper and efficient movement execution and this is where physio and kinesiology have very common ground~ both are rooted in motor control and both are necessary for performance~ not just in sport but in life too. My approach to treatment is affected greatly by this belief as I take great care to prescribe the best exercises that address an individual’s rehab and health goals.

You are the strength and conditioning coach as well as the physiotherapist for the Canadian Paralympic Alpine team. What have been some of the highlights and the challenges of this position?

The highlights definitely include being involved in a high performance sport that is evolving every year. As well, it is very rewarding to get to know the athletes and their disabilities on a very personal level. I feel as though it has opened my eyes greatly to what it means to be disabled~ and how society can so easily impose limits. However, these athletes are limitless.

Challenges of the position mostly revolve around the travel~ although it is exciting to see parts of Asia, Europe, North and South America, it is tough for me to maintain a caseload and build relationships with clients at home. Furthermore, it is difficult to leave my husband and my Squamish life behind for 3 weeks at a time!

You’ve chosen to join the Reach Physio Solutions team. What lead you to that decision? Where do you see this taking you as a therapist?

Choosing to join the Reach physio solutions teams was simple: the philosophy of the clinic is very similar to my own and I really enjoy the one-on-one treatment approach. I really enjoy the other staff members~ there’s a very good energy and vibe in the clinic that makes me happy to come to work!

Thank-you Maggie!

To find out more about Maggie, please read her bio here.

Tags: Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team, master physical therapy, masters kinesiology, strength conditioning coach

DARE to just do it!

Monday, October 19th, 2009 | Inspiration | No Comments

Watch this! It’s powerful, if you’ve ever hesitated about something, anything…and who hasn’t at least once..

The Invitation

Sunday, August 30th, 2009 | Inspiration | No Comments

The Invitation

by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Mind & Mountain Hike August 25th Reading

Sunday, August 30th, 2009 | Inspiration, Mind & Mountain | No Comments

Mind & Mountain Hike #5

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 | Mind & Mountain | No Comments

Do you ever notice the same message popping up over and over again in a short span of time? For me, in the last four days,  this message has been “in my face” literally.  I don’t know if you recall the movie LA Story with Steve Martin. In it, his character receives messages via a huge lit highway billboard. The billboard in my life says “YOU MUST MEDITATE”. It  is also saying, slow down and get to that place of “nothing”, a clear, observant quiet mind. Yikes! I never get there.

The reading I shared with the hiking group yesterday was from Lao Tzu, known as the father of Taoism:

“We join spokes togther in a  wheel,

but it is the center hole

that makes the wagon move.

We shape clay into a pot

but it is the emptiness inside

that holds whatever we want.

We hammer wood for a house,

but it is the inner space

that makes it livable.

We work with being,

but non-being is what we use.”

I found this in a great book called “The Joy Diet” by Martha Beck

Martha Beck

which descibes 10 Daily Practices for a Happier life. Low and behold, practice #1 is to develop the habit of “doing nothing” for 15 minutes a day.

You can order her book here- I recommend all of her books!

This is VERY difficult for me but, I do believe, that if the universe is set on giving me a message, it’s because I need it so I’m staying open and seeing how I can surrender to this idea. The first thing I did was referred back to all the meditation suggestions I’ve received in the past. Here are the ones I liked:

1. Repeating a mantra- I love this one, any snaskrit seems to work for me because of the resonating sounds it produces and the trance-like sensation it creates.

2. Self-hypnosis. I’m proud to say I’m very suggestible (ha ha) so I hypnotize easily. I love guided hypnosis. It’s like a daydreaming trip that you take in a relaxed state. It’s great. I highly recommend it.

3. Guided meditation (like the end of yoga class in shavasanna) where a soothing voiced leader tells you how to release you mind. Soooo lovely.

4. A reminder of a reading from Eckhart Tolle- this is NOT a direct quote- that suggests meditation (and enlightenment) exists in the SPACE BETWEEN YOUR THOUGHTS. This works for me….even those the space is a mere 5 seconds, I like this! I can DO this kind of meditation!

5.  Engaging in meditation WHILE doing regular activities like eating, bathing, doing the dishes, walking or even working. I knew a physio who saw every treatment session as a meditation where he put himself in a serene and very connected state so he could study the patient’s energy and treat it appropriately. P.S. This takes practice and a project you take on when you are a reasonably “seasoned” meditator.

6. Using pre-made CD’s to guide you (using special recording technologies). I forward you this link with a caution- it’s a sales pitch for a product that I am not endorsing but that MAY suit someone out there, the information in the video is good though! A video on stress, brain waves and a free CD offering.

Have a great day!

Mind & Mountain Hike #4 Nine Life Lessons Video

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 | Mind & Mountain | No Comments

Read more about Matthew Childs here