|
Wedding 2010: Fit for the beach
|
On December 30 2010, we were in Cancun, Mexico for our Wedding! It was wonderful, relaxing and super fun - I would do it again (of course with the same lovely man!) The day was full of love, happiness, fitness and wellbeing! On the BIG DAY, I started with a morning run on the beach, then a ZUMBA class (latin dance), then I went to the spa for the rest of the day. I showed up just in time to walk down the aisle. Fantastic! Enjoy the pictures!  
Ceremony on the beach - Mayan Riviera, Mexico - December 30, 2010
 
Sand Ceremony - Two colored sands combine, just like the two of us!
All our lovely guests!
Public diplay of affection (Look at that balance!!)
 
True Love! Our special day was so much FUN!
What a relaxing day! It was blissful (even if it rained at the end!)
All this wedding fun is exhausting! We needed to take a 'chill out' break!
|
|
Healthy Snacks: An important part of a Balanced Eating Plan!
Snacking throughout the day is important and there’s nothing wrong with snacking if you make healthy choices; that means nutritious foods that don’t contain too much fat, sugar or sodium. Nutritious snacks can keep you energized and provide necessary nutrients for your body. Snacking can help you either lose or gain weight, depending on your personal health goals. Keep in mind that the food you keep in your cupboard and fridge are what you will snack on. So plan ahead and keep healthy snacks around.
Be sure to have snacks that have as many of these components as possible:
- Protein
- Good Fats (unsaturated)
- Carbohydrates
Here are some snack suggestions that you can keep handy around your house or workspace:
- Cottage cheese, almonds and fresh fruit (berries, bananas,…).
- Fresh fruit like bananas, apples, oranges and individual fruit cups always taste great and are easy to pack for work.
- Whole grain bagels or bread with peanut butter are healthy and very filling.
- Sliced vegetables like peppers, carrots and cucumbers are an excellent snack choice. Try to have pre-sliced vegetables available in the fridge for those times that you aren’t in the mood to prepare something.
- Apples and peanut butter
- Apples and Cheese
- Low fat yogurt with fresh fruit is a real treat, but also very nutritious.
- A bowl of whole grain dry cereal with milk is a great snack choice.
- Oatmeal with Almonds, Milk and fresh fruit.
- Small piece of fish (salmon, tuna) over salad (use a vinaigrette- not a creamy dressing)
For more information, please consult the Canada Food Guide:
Or, if you have any questions, please contact me:
Active Horizons Fitness & Coaching
Blair Polychronopoulos
604-763-8854 |
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.active-horizons.com
Try some of these Yummy Recipes!
Raspberry jam and Brie on a Baguette
- Homemade raspberry jam (or organic)
- BC local Brie
- Organic brown baguette
Directions:
Cut baguette into ½ inch slices. Place a thinly sliced piece of Brie on top of the bread. Place a dollop of jam on each piece of Brie. Cut up strawberries to garnish.
Greek Salad
Toss all Ingredients together:
- Cucumber (baby)
- Cherry tomatoes
- 3 colors of peppers: red, yellow, orange
- Red Onion
- Fresh Mint
- Fresh Dill
- Olives
- Crumbled feta cheese
Vinaigrette:
- 2/3 Olive oil, 1/3 Balsamic
Smoked Salmon Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Toss all Ingredients together:
- Mixed greens
- Tomato
- Yellow pepper
- Smoked salmon (wild, local)
- Carrots
- Avocado
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
|
|
If you would like something extra, check out
|
If you would like something extra, check out: Your Favorite Cardio Machines: If you have the space, this is a great idea to consider. Choose your favorite or if you’re not sure, try before you buy. Don’t go for the cheapest model, but instead look for a good quality piece of equipment that will last. Some suggestions and benefits:
- Elliptical: Low impact and great for people of all fitness levels.
- Treadmill: Good for those who like to run or walk (uphill for a challenge), but keep in mind that running outside is free.
- Stepper: Prepare to sweat and to get those buns of steel.
- Bike: Low impact, but remember you posture. Comes in upright or recumbent option.
- Rower: Perfect for upper and lower body combination cardio.
When you do decide to purchase a cardio machine, make sure it has:
- Different resistance levels
- Variety of Programs
- Good Quality Attachments
- Is versatile to allow for workout variety and ongoing challenge.
Please feel free to contact Blair if you have any questions or are interested in setting yourself up with a mini-home gym.
|
|
What type of equipment do you need?
|
What type of equipment do you need?It is important to build a home gym based on your personal fitness needs and level. As you build on your exercise regimen with a fitness professional, you can add to your repertoire of gym equipment. Your workout arsenal can be full of variety or compose of a few key items. Don’t feel you have to buy everything at once. Build it up over time! Also, try to pick quality over quantity; look for good quality pieces on sale. Below are some good starting pieces:
- Dumbbells (Free weights): Dumbbells are a great basic for any strength training routine, and allow for a constant weight throughout the exercise. There are two types of recommended dumbbells;
- Single sets based on the weight you want to lift, often metal or metal covered with plastic grip. Prices will vary, but will increase as the weight goes up; or
- Adjustable dumbbell sets, which includes two handles (or bars) for you to grip, as well as plates of varying weights that can be attached. Prices vary.
- Resistance Bands: Bands are compact, portable, and allow for a wide range of motion, which makes them great for a variety of people. Bands allow for variable resistance, where the weight intensity changes with the different tension on the tube. There are four different levels to choose from, and circular tubes with handles are recommended. Great for people on a budget, those who travel and those who like to take it outside.
- Bosu Ball: The Bosu is a very multi-purpose tool and can be used for any type of training. Cardio, strength, balance and stretching can all be done with this fantastic piece of equipment. If you are going to make one large purchase, this should be it!
- Exercise Stability Ball: These oversized inflatable balls are incredibly versatile, can be used for an entire body workout, and can also replace the standard bench. If you combine the ball with other tools, it allows for a greater variety of exercises. This great tool can make any exercise core infused, which can help to improve balance, coordination, and core strength. Balls are sized based on your height and weight and range in price.
- Exercise Mat: Mats can be used for many different exercises such as stretching, core, Pilates, yoga and many strength moves. Mats are also great for limited space, as you they can be rolled up and stored easily. Mats range in thickness, texture and price.
|
Where to put everything?If you’re working with limited space, remember, you don’t need every workout gadget out there, only a few key pieces. Try to make sure you have enough space for your gym; either store you equipment away so you can clear some space in a room when you want to exercise or designate an entire room to your personal exercise haven. If possible, choose a room with:
- A high ceiling,
- A sturdy, clean floor,
- Good lighting,
- A fan, and
- A stereo
|
How to start?Working with a personal trainer can help you realize what type of exercise you like, what kind of equipment you need, and how to create an effective workout series to reach the goals you want. Blair can help you organize your space and pick the right equipment to suit your lifestyle, goals, budget and space limitations. Feel free to contact Blair for more information.
|
|
Create your own home gym
Workout accessibility is a key component to fitness success. What could be more accessible than a gym in your own home? Not only is it affordable and practical, but you can also maximize the time you spend working out by cutting down on your commuting time. You can use it anytime and with a little guidance from a fitness professional, you can exercise to your full potential.
It is clear that exercising at home has multiple benefits, but where do you start? What type of equipment do you need? How can you work out in the limited space that have?
|
|
Hello and Welcome to Active Horizons Fitness & Coaching
|
|
Hello and Welcome to Active Horizons Fitness & Coaching,
My name is Blair Polychronopoulos and I am a fitness professional training individuals to reach their fitness and health goals. I am committed to inspiring you find your Active Horizons and explore you fitness potential. Please contact me if you have any questions. There will be more information coming soon and I invite you to visit this site again.
Sincerely Blair Polychronopoulos
604-763-8854
|
|
"I started Blair's step classes many years ago and got fantastic fitness results; her classes are challenging, but also fun and motivating. After the birth of my son in January 2011, I decided to try Active Horizons Bootcamps, and I have been attending them consistently for the past 5 months. Blair is a tough instructor, but is also encouraging, approachable and makes challenging exercises, like planks and burpees, almost enjoyable. She keeps her classes fresh with new exercises all the time. With Blair's help and some hard work, I was back into my pre-baby jeans in 5 months and am now in the best shape I've ever been in! Blair's classes have made a big difference to my fitness level and self confidence after having a baby." - Jenn C.