FITNESS PRELUDE

As a kid I was always involved in some kind of sport: karate, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, figure skating. Thing is, I was never any good at any of them. I wasn’t flexible. I was (am) clumsy. All I really wanted to do was wear the cool outfits:

karate - coloured belts

gymnastics - spandex

soccer - shin pads

swimming - spandex

figure skating - spandex and sequins

That said, I was a competitive swimmer all throughout high school—again, I sucked, but I kept with it. And I’m glad I did, as those five years are probably the best shape I've ever been in.

Once I moved away from home to go to university, however, I needed to find other ways to stay in shape. I joined a gym and became a cheerleader—duh, cheerleaders have ripped bods, right? At least on TV they do. Bonus: cute outfits!!

I cheered for two years. And it was around the same time that I tried spinning for the first time. I became a spinning addict, cycling 4-5 times a week.

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Now, nearly three years later, I split my time between spinning and boxing. Both: fantastic cardio workouts. Both: make me feel stronger every time I practice them.

Crushing on pink.

I love the rush I get when I do sprints on a bike. I actually just recently received my spin instructor certification, and am looking forward to teaching my first class. As for boxing, I really like having something to hit. Yep. Uhuh. It’s the best stress reliever ever! Next to bubble baths and chocolate. Don’t hit your spouse. Just get a punching bag. Pillows at home work, too.

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I currently attend a gym that offers both spin and boxing classes and I couldn’t be happier! In addition, the gym offers zumba, hip hop, and body conditioning classes—it’s really the whole package.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some of the classes I take at this gym, why I love them, and what makes them so great.

As the weather warms, I’ll also be making my way outside to start running again. This summer, I’m going to start training for my first half-marathon, so keep an eye out for training tips and schedules. 

Overall, though, my fitness-related blog posts will cover everything from exercising and ways to stay active, to nutrition, workout playlists, and even special features on those who inspire me to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle in the first place.

What are your favourite ways to be active and stay fit? What makes you feel strong?

images via google and fit and happy