Fall Schedule Has Exploded with Choices!

I am so excited to finally be able to post the new fall schedule!  So many more choices that will work with ANYONE’s schedule and so many wonderful instructors!

The first thing some of the moms out there will notice, is that I have removed the “Mom & Tot” classes… does this mean you can no longer bring your kids to classes?  NO!  All daytime classes will still remain kid-friendly, but they will ALL be open to everyone… not just moms!  This will allow for the classes to grow and progress for participants of all levels!

You will also notice a lot more 30 minute classes on the schedule.  This gives everyone the option of coming in for a quick (but still great) workout, or sticking around for 2 classes and still fitting in an hour of exercise.  This will also allow you to customize your workout… some of you want a full hour of cardio… some of you would rather do 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of core… now, you all get what you want!

Ofelia and I will both be offering these split classes now and I have done my best to partner them up with complimentary classes... for example, on Monday, you can come in for a great class with Mariolga and then follow it up with a core workout for 30 minutes... giving you the best of both worlds and balancing out your workout from head to toe!  The same idea will be offered on Wednesdays after Zumba with Janice!

Lunch time classes are back on the schedule as well!  This may be the perfect solution for those of you that work in the neighbourhood or that prefer to workout mid-day!

Changes to Passes & Memberships

With these changes, there will be some changes to the passes I offer.  I will be bringing back the Power Pass; which is only valid for the 30 minute classes.  If you choose to stay for 2 classes, back to back, this will count as 2 classes on this pass as the pass will be discounted.  But, for those of you on the Unlimited Membership, you can still attend as many classes as you like all month!  The Basic Membership will also be modified back to the original package and will only be eligible for 60 minute classes (or 2 – 30 minute classes).  If you prefer to stay for the additional 30 minutes on the days that 90 minute classes are offered, you can purchase an “add-on” pass and use these credits towards the additional half an hour.  This will be further discounted for all Basic Membership members.

After School Classes for Kids & Teens

I am looking forward to getting the After School Program and Classes started again soon!  Yoga, Hip Hop, Agility Training, Strength & Conditioning and much more will be offered weekdays from 4pm-5pm.  If there is a class you are interested in for your kids, but you do not see it on the schedule, please let me know!  These are speciality classes and are only added to the schedule once there is enough interest.  I am happy to offer these classes to small groups to start, so please feel free to email and let me know you are interested!  Keep an eye on the Fit Kids Club website for more information!  www.fitkidsclub.ca 

Maple Leaf Monster Jam returns to Toronto THIS WEEKEND!!!

Maple Leaf Monster Jam®, the BIGGEST show on four wheels, returns to Toronto's Rogers Centre January 18-19, 2014!  This show is pure entertainment for all walks of life, young and old, boys, girls, every one!! I mean who wouldn't want to see 10' tall, 11'wide trucks pushing 1700hp crush and jump over everything in sight!? Guaranteed fun for the whole family at a price that makes it possible to actually bring the whole family!!

All the usual favorites will be making an appearance,from GRAVE DIGGER to MAXIMUM DESTRUCTION, NORTHERN NIGHTMARE to KRAZY TRAIN! There are even 4 dogs (including 2 MONSTER MUTTS), a bull (EL TORO LOCO), and a dragon (DRAGON'S BREATH)! All will face off in a round robin style time trial contest and then, as if that wasn't enough, each truck will get the chance to show off their skills in the free style competition!  And that's not all, there is always demonstrations from different extreme motor sports, maybe even a giant fire breathing robot or two, and, my personal favorite, the smash-up derby finale! 

It's non-stop action, non-stop thrills from start to finish when you're talking Maple Leaf Monster Jam®! And if it's exciting enough to take our girls from princesses to Monster Trucks, it's sure to turn any first timer into a life-long fan! 

Don't miss the action and don't forget the ear plugs for this power packed, Earth shaking, adrenaline filled show!

For an added bonus, there is a discount code for $20 tickets!  Just go to http://www.ticketmaster.ca/venueartist/131114/1643525?brand=monsterjam and enter the code MJMOM for this great deal!

This will be my 3rd year attending the show and I am super excited!  My girls are looking forward to their 2nd Monster Jam experience (even more excited than Disney on Ice)!

Disney on Ice Returns to Toronto!

It's that season again... Disney On Ice!  Each year, my girls know we will be heading out to the Rogers Centre and seeing another exciting Disney On Ice show!  The first show of the Toronto season is Disney On Ice presents Princesses & Heroes, which is running from Friday, December 20th to Sunday, December 29th.

Enter a world of wonder where heroes and hearts prevail.  Join Ariel as she yearns to explore the world above the waves and Prince Eric breaks Ursula’s slithering spell to reclaim his one true love. See Prince Philip defeat the evil Maleficent as she transforms herself into a fire-breathing dragon in a race against time to rescue Sleeping Beauty’s Aurora. Be there to discover a whole new world with Jasmine and Aladdin. And, watch in awe as the dreams of Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Rapunzel and Tiana all come true. High flying jumps, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating and lovable Disney friends are just a wish away!  See Disney On Ice presents Princesses & Heroes where believing is just the beginning!

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS FOR MY READERS AND FOLLOWERS...

MUM44 - 4 tickets for $44.00 (weekday shows)

MUM4 - $4.00 off (weekend shows).

Disclaimers

Excludes Front Row, Rinkside and VIP tickets. No double discounts. Additional fees may apply. Weekday is defined as Monday through Thursday. Weekend is defined as Friday through Sunday. Limit of four (4) per purchase.

Purchasing Link http://www.ticketmaster.ca/venueartist/131114/1638731

Intrigued?  Want tickets for you and your little ones?  I will be holding a contest for FREE TICKETS!!!  So, keep an eye out for my next blog with the contest information as well as my Facebook page and Twitter!

In the meantime, here is a fun colouring sheet from one of my favourite movies for your little ones.
  

Full disclosure for my readers... I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.  Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine. Promise.

Disney on Ice - Rockin Ever After!!!

"Get ready to rock out with some of the most magical idols of all in a musical showcase that features the hottest tunes and talent from across the kingdom in Disney On Ice presents Rockin' Ever After! Jam to a Scottish jig as a group of royal contenders from the latest Disney•Pixar film, Brave, competes to win the heart of headstrong, sharp-shooting Merida, making her ice debut! Experience a show-stopping performance as Sebastian breaks out of his shell for one night only to make waves with Ariel.  A chorus of harmless hooligans from Tangled unleashes musical mayhem when they get a visit from the sassy and spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn.  And, get your feet moving as the Beast and his castle's enchanted entourage take center stage in a spectacular show for Belle. It will be a rockin' remix of royalty when Disney On Ice brings this superstar line-up to your hometown! "

Looking for tickets to this amazing show?  Well, look no further!  I have a great discount code as well as a few tickets to give away!  All you need to do is "Like" Beaches Fitness on Facebook and then post on the wall, "I like Beaches Fitness and I want to be entered for FREE tickets to Disney on Ice!"  The contest has been extended until tomorrow (Wednesday, March 6th), so you still have some time!

Here is the discount code for those of you that just want to hurry up and order your tickets...

Discount Offer : Mom Blogger Program Discount - 4 tickets for $44 on Weekdays and $4 off per ticket on Weekends.

Promo Code : MUM4

Small Print : Excludes Front Row, Rinkside, and VIP tickets. No double discounts. Additional Fees May Apply. Weekday is defined as Monday thru Thursday. Weekend is defined as Friday through Sunday. Limit of four (4) per purchase.

The show runs from March 13th - March 17th... perfect treat for March Break!  Purchase your tickets through Ticketmaster or enter the Beaches Fitness contest!

Maple Leaf Monster Jam - Fun for the Entire Family!

Last year, I attended Monster Jam for the first time.  I went in thinking I was going to hate it.  I thought it was going to annoying and loud.  Well, I fell in love.  It was entertaining and fun for everyone!  Yes, it was loud... louder than I even expected, but I loved it!  I think the demolition derby was my favorite part!

This year I am taking my girls.  Yes, my little princesses are so excited to see Mohawk Warrior and Northern Nightmare!  I love it.  We still love princesses in this house, but Monster Truck seems to have found it's way into my daughters hearts as well!

Maple Leaf Monster Jam®, starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam monster trucks! The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over or smash through!  Monster Jam provides a massive night's entertainment tailored perfectly for your family's budget, and these colorful, larger-than-life beasts are sure to capture the hearts of both young and old.

The show is here for 2 days - Saturday, January 19th @ 7pm and Sunday, January 20th @ 2pm, so make sure you clear it on your calendar!  Totally worth it!  Here is a great discount code for everyone...

• Monster Jam OFFER
• Offer: 5 tix for $105
• Code: MJKIDDO
• Valid: Now thru Fri. Jan. 18
• Minimum of 5 tix. Each ticket thereafter is $21 each
• Not valid on Front Row, Gold Circle, or VIP seating
• No double discounts
• Additional fees may apply

Buy your tickets here.

If anyone is interested in winning tickets, share this blog post!  I will pick the lucky winner by the end of the week.  Please make sure I know you shared this post... either email me or comment below.

Good luck and have fun!

Disney's Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever!

"Mom! Phineas and Ferb are going on a LIVE tour!!!" School's out for summer and anything is possible as Phineas and Ferb create their biggest invention yet...

Disney's Phineas and Ferb:

The Best LIVE Tour Ever!

Phineas, Ferb, and the whole Tri-State Area gang embark on a bold escape jumping out from behind your TV and onto the stage in a live action adventure, right in your hometown! Before you can wonder, "Hey, where's Perry?" the beloved pet platypus shifts to his secret double life as Agent P to foil another one of Dr. Doofenshmirtz's evil plans. Musical madness abounds in an escapade so awesome that even Candace can't help but join the hilarious hi-jinks  It's the ultimate end to summer vacation, so seize the day 'cause Phineas and Ferb are gonna do it all!


 Every year, I have taken my girls to see Disney on Ice and Disney Live! shows.  I am especially excited about the shows this year as they are different than what we have seen in the past.  We have seen Mickey & Minnie, we have seen the Princesses... this season seems to have a nice mix of the Disney characters.  The Disney on Ice show that we just went to see was wonderful!  Cars 2, Ariel, Tinkerbell & Toy Story 3 were all part of it and all amazing!  My girls loved the Cars 2 section, but I think the Toy Story 3 section was my favorite.  I am always amazed that I can see Disney on Ice shows every year (sometimes twice a year) and not get bored.

This year, Phineas & Ferb are taking the stage for the Disney Live! show.  If you are interested, there is a great discount code for my blog readers and clients...


Disney Live OFFER

• Offer: 4 tix for $104 
• Code: DLKIDDO 
• Valid: Now thru Sun. Jan. 13 
• Minimum of 4 tix. Each ticket thereafter is $26 each 
• Not valid on Front Row or VIP seating 
• No double discounts 
• Additional fees may apply
• http://www.ticketmaster.ca/venueartist/131114/1566120

I will also be holding another contest.  Comment on this blog to let me know you have shared this on Facebook (let me know where you shared it) and you will be entered to win tickets!  I will also enter your name for each group on or off Facebook that you share this with.  You just need to let me know in the comments below and let me know where you shared it (send me a link if possible).

A winner will be chosen on New Years Day so get sharing!!!

Holiday Health

Most of us think about the holidays and only think about the week or two at the end of December.  The time for food, drinks and family, right?  Well, let’s be honest, those holiday gatherings (and indulgences) begin in late-November and continue through to January.  Family obligations alone can mean multiple parties with multiple extensions of your family tree.  Then there are the work parties, the friends getting together, the kids parties and the News Years celebrations… we are looking at a good 5 to 6 weekends of parties!  So, how are you possibly expected to make it through the holidays without gaining some weight???  Well, like most things in life, it is all about moderation and being realistic.  It may also mean being selfish and taking a couple hours a week for YOU!  I know, it seems crazy that you would actually be able to take care of YOURSELF over the holidays!

BE FLEXIBLE AND REALISTIC

With all the family and social obligations this time of year, it can be hard to stick to your usual workout routine.  This is where proper planning and being realistic comes into play.  If you normally workout on a Saturday morning and you see you have a Friday evening party, it would make sense to leave the party early enough that you will be rested and ready for your workout the next morning… or, the more realistic plan for most of us is to re-schedule the Saturday morning workout ahead of time.  DO NOT CANCEL IT… RESCHEDULE IT!  Find another class that will work for you, reschedule with your personal trainer or schedule time to do your workout later in the day on your own.  Do what works for you and your schedule, but just make sure you do it!

SCHEDULE YOUR WORKOUTS AS YOU WOULD ANY OTHER OBLIGATION

You take the time to schedule your parties and obligations, so why would you not schedule your workouts?  I tell all my clients to plan their workouts for the upcoming week, in advance.  It is great to say you are going to attend 3 classes in a week; the trick is actually doing it.  Every Sunday, sit down with your schedule and figure out where you can fit in your workouts.  We all know that it gets tougher to fit in a workout during the holidays, but it does not mean you have to give up.  If there is a week that you can only fit in 1 or 2 workouts at the gym or fitness studio, schedule a 20 minute home workout.  Less of a workout is still better than no workout!  Put your schedule in writing for you (and everyone else in your household) to see.  Make sure it is known that you will not be available for those times in order to ensure that no one books another social outing at the same time that could ruin your plans for a workout.  Time management is a must over the holidays.  Each evening, take a look at your schedule for the next day.  Make sure you are prepared (mentally and physically) for any workout you have planned.  If you are going to a class on your lunch hour or your way home from work, pack your workout clothes and shoes before you go to bed.

PLAN SHORTER WORKOUTS THAN USUAL

If it is getting stressful trying to fit in all your workouts plan shorter workouts.  Again, a shorter workout is better than no workout.  A lot can be accomplished in 30 minutes, if you know what to do.  H.I.I.T. (High Intensity Interval Training), is a great way to burn the maximum calories in a shorter amount of time.  Attend a 30 minute class at a local fitness studio, sign up for 30 minute sessions with a local personal trainer or find a 30 minute workout you can do at home, on your own… or, even better, with your family!  If you feel that you have no time or energy, try a 10 minute workout… you may find that you keep going for 20-30 minutes and you do have the energy. 

KEEP AN EXERCISE JOURNAL

We have all heard the advice to keep a food journal when you are trying to lose weight.  Seeing what you eat on paper, right in front of you, can be a real wake up call for most of us.  All of a sudden, you can see how many cookies, lattes or “quick snacks” we have… and how it all adds up quickly!  Well, why not keep an exercise journal?  Better yet, keep that exercise journal on the fridge or bulletin board where everyone can see it?  Not only is this a great motivator for you to keep up with your work outs , but it may even motivate the rest of your family to keep up with you!

DO NOT STRESS OUT ABOUT MISSED WORKOUTS

Taking in all the advice above, the most important thing to remember, is to not stress out about missed workouts.  Life will happen and you will have to miss a workout here or there.  Although exercise is an important part of being healthy, your mental health is just as important.  Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and it will help you sleep better at night... but, stressing out about not making it to your workout that day is not going to help anything. Accept that you are human and that you can only do your best to be everywhere at once.  (This is also true when you over-book yourself for holiday parties… sometimes, you will just have to miss a party and not feel guilty about it).

QUICK TIPS TO AVOID HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN…

• CHEW YOUR FOOD SLOWLY – PUT YOUR FORK DOWN BETWEEN BITES.
• DRINK LOTS OF WATER.
• DO NOT WASTE CALORIES ON ALCOHOL (EACH DRINK CONTAINS 150-200 CALORIES).
• EAT PROPERLY THROUGH THE DAY – DO NOT “SAVE CALORIES”FOR A PARTY – THIS WILL LEAD TO POOR NUTRITIONAL CHOICES AND OVER-INDULGING AT THE PARTY.  MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES ALL DAY AND BE REASONABLE WITH YOUR CHOICES AT THE PARTY.
• DO NOT EAT STANDING AT THE BUFFET – PUT FOOD ON A PLATE, GO AND SIT DOWN TO EAT.  EASIER TO PROPERLY CONTROL YOUR PORTIONS AND MAKE BETTER CHOICES.
• FILL UP ON HEALTHY CHOICES BEFORE SAMPLING SOME OF THE TASTIER TREATS.
• WHEN RUNNING ERRANDS, PACK HEALTHY AND EASY SNACKS AND AVOID TRIPS TO THE MALL FOOD COURT OR DRIVE THRU.
• PARK FURTHER AWAY FROM THE MALL ENTRANCE OR PARTY – EVERY CALORIE BURNED WILL HELP!
• WALK THROUGH THE NEIGHBOURHOOD TO SEE HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND DISPLAYS.
• GO ICE SKATING, TOBOGGANING, SKIING, SNOWBOARDING… SO MANY FUN WINTER SPORTS TO CHOOSE FROM!

EXAMPLE OF GREAT 10 MINUTE WORK OUT

This great workout can be done at home or on vacation with no equipment!  Burn tons of calories and build muscle with this high-intensity circuit style workout that will only take 10 minutes! Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program and most importantly… listen to your body!  All you need for this workout is a stop watch or timer… or even a clock with a second hand on it.  Be sure to warm-up properly before the workout.  Throughout the workout, your heart rate should be elevated.  If you can carry on a comfortable conversation… push yourself a little harder.  You should feel out of breath, but still be able to talk.

Complete each exercise for 30 seconds, rest for 30 seconds and repeat…

1. Jumping Jacks

• Jumping Jacks are a great way to elevate your heart rate and get the blood pumping through your entire body.

2. Knee High Jogs

• Keep your knees high and push yourself for the full 30 seconds!

3. Squats

• Sit down and back (like you are going to sit into a chair).  Keep all your weight on your heels to protect your knees and aim to get your thighs parallel to the floor.  Do as many reps as you can in 30 seconds.

4. Alternating Forward Lunges

• Step forward into a lunge.  Make sure you step far enough forward that you can keep most of the weight on the heel of your front foot and that your knee does not go further forward than your foot.  Relax your back leg enough that your heel comes off the floor and your knee is as close to the floor as possible.  Push back up from your front foot to bring your feet back together and repeat on the other side.  Do as many reps as you can in 30 seconds.

5. Push-Ups

• Start your push-ups on your toes.  Your goal is to do the full 30 seconds on your toes, but if your form is suffering (hips raising, arms no longer bending to 90 degrees), drop down to your knees and continue your push-ups, in proper form,  for the full 30 seconds.

6. Triceps Dips (on sturdy coffee table or chair)

• Place your hands on the edge of the table or chair (or whatever stable surface you have chosen) and place your legs straight out in front of you.  Allow your arms to bend, while dropping your hips towards the floor.  Do as many as you can with straight legs for 30 seconds.  If you cannot continue with straight legs, bring your feet closer to you and bend your knees.  Continue for the full 30 seconds.

7. Military Twists

• In a seated position, bend your legs so your feet are flat on the floor.  Hold your hands together in front of your chest and hold your elbows high to the side.  Lean back about 45 degrees and hold this position.  For 30 seconds, twist your torso reach your elbow back for the floor behind you… alternating sides.

8. Reverse Crunches

• Lying back on the floor, raise your legs straight up towards the ceiling.  Lift your hips off the floor slowly and slowly lower them back down.  DO NOT USE MOMENTUM.  This will be a small movement, but will target the lower abs.  Continue for the full 30 seconds.

9. High Low Plank

• Start in a plank position, up on your hands.  Make sure your hips are in line with your body, your shoulders are down and your core is supported.  Lower down to your right elbow and then to your left, press back up to your right hand and then left.  Ensure that your hips stay in line with your body and you maintain strong support through your core.  Repeat, starting on your left.  Continue as many reps as you can in 30 seconds. 

10. Rest for 30 seconds and repeat.

After you have repeated this circuit twice, take some time to cool down and stretch.  Make sure to stretch each of the major muscle groups and let your heart rate return to normal.