Stretching Fundamentals: Dynamic vs Static Stretching There is a myth that more stretching is always better. While stretching is an important component of any exercise program, the timing and type of stretches also needs to be considered. The key to an effective workout is knowing when and how to include static vs dynamic stretching. Warm-up Stretching cold muscles is counter-productive and static stretching before exercise may actually decrease power and…

Unplugging We recently returned from two weeks in Baja California Sur, Mexico.  What was planned as a working holiday quickly became our very own wellness retreat.  It wasn't until we arrived in Mexico that we realized how exhausted and stressed we both felt.       Throughout our vacation, we worked as planned, but left ample time to relax, reflect and nourish our minds and bodies so we could feel well…

Training for a Half Marathon I have run a few marathons in my life, but have realized that the half marathon is my favourite distance.  Training for a half doesn’t overtake your life, the longest run is no more than two hours and you don’t have to make significant changes to your diet if you already eat healthy.  It also doesn’t feel as hard on your body or leave you…

A Quiet Mind I’m currently re-reading The Bhagavad Gita after reading it a year ago during my yoga teacher training.  For those unfamiliar with the Bhagavad Gita, it’s an ancient Indian text that is part of the voluminous, epic poem, the Mahabharata, where the two main characters, while on a battlefield, discuss the main paths towards spiritual enlightenment and becoming one with the Divine. When I read it the first time, I…

"Movement" in Movement Travel It took us several months to choose the name for our new wellness travel company.  We wanted a word that encompassed being active, traveling to different places and embracing new ideas and ways of doing things.  One day, I received a message from Lisa that said, “how about Movement Travel?”  It immediately resonated with me, as it did with her.  That day, Movement Travel, was born.…

Plant-Based Diet - SOS I am a carnivore.  I love meat.  But a few years ago, my partner announced that he had decided to become vegan.  At the time, we were in a long-distance relationship and when I heard those words come across the phone, I froze in disbelief.  I thought he was joking, but he was serious.  His love for animals and our planet (did  you know that livestock…

Entertain Clients with Wellness Traditionally, client entertainment has involved going out for large meals, consuming alcohol and staying out late.  While this is enjoyable from time to time, it can leave you feeling exhausted and a little stretched in the waistline when done too often. Having worked in the finance industry for many years, both my business partner and myself experienced first-hand, the physical effects of this style of client…

Workplace Wellness Although the wellness industry has been growing rapidly for many years, it has only recently started to transform the corporate world. Corporations are still trying to figure out the best way to embrace this trend and some industries seem to be better at it than others. Several trends are emerging from revamped offices to active client meetings and corporate wellness retreats. A number of corporations are choosing to bring…

Mindfulness & Meditation I was recently asked to give a short talk about mindfulness.  It is a word we are hearing more and more but what does it mean, how can it benefit us and how does meditation fit into this? For me, mindfulness is the practice of being present and in the moment and meditation is a tool to help one practice mindfulness.  The benefits of a regular mindfulness…

Becoming a Personal Trainer I recently decided to take the plunge and become a certified Personal Trainer. I have always been interested in fitness, and admittedly I did have my PT certification in university, but I let it lapse as I got absorbed into the world of finance for the last 17 years. I made obtaining my certification one of my New Year’s resolutions in 2019. I signed up in…