Welcome to the Day by Day Fitness - Toujours en Forme blog. Little tidbits of healthy information for you to enjoy! Remember to talk to your doctor BEFORE doing any kind of exercise or changes to your eating patterns. Check out http://www.toujoursenforme.ca for more information on in home personal fitness training. (link in profile)

Monday, November 27, 2006

Dr. Seuss Inspirational Quote on Your Ability
Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!

Tip: When approaching your workouts, do you feel this is a positive or negative experience? Are you thinking how good it feels to move your body, or do you feel disappointed with yourself? How you experience your exercise affects the results. Negative self talk produces stress hormones. These prevent your body from losing fat mass and can break down lean muscle mass at the same time. Positive affirmations are body calming and relax the immune system...leading to effective weight management. When you feel the negativity coming on, take notice - STOP yourself and change it to a positive affirmation e.g. "I have a body that moves and enjoying learning all that its capable of doing"

News:
French women and FatThere is a popular book at called French Women Don't Get Fat. A recent survey in France may show other wise though...This study is a good example of watch where data is coming from: a diet pill company funded the research.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14909422/

Training:
What a beautiful weekend! I enjoyed a mountain bike ride in the park with a friend. Unfortunately something happened to my back between the end of the ride and the following morning. So I was at physio this morning, lets list: my lumbar spine was not moving freely, my stabilizer muscles in my hip and back were taking over too much for movement, and everything on the left was pretty much too tight. Apparently the scoliosis in my spine is definitely having a field day with the rest of my back, so this will be a major challenge for me to face in upcoming weeks. Fortunately everything is very treatable, so lots of crazy looking exercises for me to do now. I would like to thank my clients for understanding this morning.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Sometimes i come across some interesting businesses!
Here is an interesting Christmas gift idea:http://www.lifewithoutplastic.comthis is a company in the Wakefield area that sells non plastic containers for food and liquid storage (since many plastics leach all sorts of chemicals). Thought i would pass it along!

Tip:
Eating in large groups can be hazardous! The holidays are coming closer and with them - parties! But with a little bit of thought and planning, you don't have to stress about the food and calories!First of all, arrive prepared. That means eat your meal before arriving. That way you won't be hungry. Be mindful, and pay attention to what is being served. Do a quick scan and decide what you will eat. And remember, you don't have to eat just because others are eating. If you can't eat before the party, then try to make sure you have eaten healthy during the day.
DON'T SKIP MEALS! You will only end up over eating in the end. When you eat healthy during the day before the party, you will feel less guilty about indulging a little and actually
ENJOY your meal. By skipping meals you will a) be grumpy because you will be low energy, and b) it promote feelings of stress and guilt and eating.
Bon Appetit!

News:
I have to admit, I am a big fan of Lance Armstrong. I find his story inspiring and you probably have noticed I wear my LiveStrong bracelet all the time...Last weekend, he did the New York Marathon, and breaking the 3 hour mark...The 10/2 on his shirt is the day he was diagnosed with cancer, 10 years ago this year. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/othspt/4312360.html(i think its kinda funny that his race number actually just says LANCE )

Training:
The road bike is now on and off the trainer...on nice days i try to get some outdoor riding, but this past week the weather hasn't been as cooperative with my schedule...sigh...One would laugh if they saw my set up, i have all the major items to keep me "occupied" as a I pedal indoors - TV, MP3 player, books...I have to admit though, I do best watching a good movie...Last nights feature - Minority Report with Tom Cruise...

Monday, November 06, 2006

Tip
...So you're running along and then suddenly, the twinge starts...first a hint, and then YOUCH! The side stitch...the little cramp that lingers...These can be caused by improper breathing, dehydration or improper running form. If you get them, start by lifting the arm on that side up to stretch out the side. Then apply pressure in the location of the stitch and lean into that side. Repeat several times before resuming your run.

News
Eat your veggies! - it can slow mental decline with age!http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/67/8/1370

Training

I enjoyed some outdoor road riding today...brrr...dressing appropriately can be a challenge. I use booties to cover my cycling shoes to help keep the toes warm. I also layer my clothing (its better to have to lose a layer than to suffer through cold without one). Clothing is breathable so that nothing stay wet from perspiration (or do i glow hahaha).

I also make sure i stretch after every workout but...sometimes stretching is not enough...the regular impact and stress of training can cause scar tissues to build up in the muscles. I go to massage therapy on a regular basis (once or twice a month) to help maintain the flexibility of my muscles...