Try Something New: June: Aqua Fit

So..we dropped the ball slightly. If you've been following our "try something new" adventure you'll notice this blip between April and May. It's this thing called life. Also with spring running season for me and coordinating schedules with Heather...oh boy. So stay tuned for our attempt to make up our missed months.

SO! On the last day of June we squeaked in Aqua Fit. We discussed it for June and by the time we found a free weekend they changed the schedule on us. Lo and behold we found the schedule that Aqua Fit is run Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-7.

Heather and I met at the Centennial Aquatic Centre, a newly renovated facility. Previous to it there was an outdoor pool reminiscent to the public pool in my favourite movie, the sandlot. (It is a closed in building now).

We went in and told the receptionist we were there for Aqua Fit. It cost $4 for a one time entry. We were directed to very nice change rooms but were already in our swim suits. We took a quick rinse off as per the signage.

My previous understand of Aqua Fit was that it was for the elderly. I didn't have much expectation in terms of what I'd get out of the workout but knew it would be fun regardless as it was something new and with a good friend!

There were 10 people in the class in total, all women, from ages 25-60. There were no real old people there and about half were under 35ish I'd say. There was another lady there for her first time as well so we all just followed the others when they got out what looked like foam dumbbells which by the way we never even used.

The class was an hour long. We started with leg lifts and progressively built each motion quicker and quicker. We did a bunch of different moves that engaged core, legs and arm muscles. Some of the moves were actually quite challenging with the resistance of the water and trying to keep your core engaged. I was told you can make it even more challenging by going in the deep end as then you have the tread water as well. I wasn't ready for that as I find treading water challenging.

Did I mention I love being in the water? Because I absolutely do. I can't wait to go swimming in Georgian Bay. Soon...so soon! I'm not a very strong swimming but I'd like to become better. Which ultimately means I likely can't continue to swim with a noodle...

We did some moves with a pool noodle as well behind our back/arms with our bodies floating and our legs pushing. It was quite the range of motion for all the joints.

I was pleasantly surprised by the workout. I wouldn't call it high fitness by any means but I see the value in it for myself as a runner. Aqua fit is similar to something like yoga as it stretches and works out tight muscles in the legs and hips. I think it would be a great class to work into my running schedule.

I also like how laid back of an atmosphere it was as Heather and I were aloud to talk and not get shushed or separated. You can do the moves at an easier pace or make it more challenging and no one centers you out or makes you feel bad if you are doing it wrong or differently.

They also had a "warm pool" we were able to go in after which felt like a giant bath. It was nice. I didn't feel like we had to rush out for anything which was nice. As the weather is getting nicer I will be swimming more in the bay but it's nice to know there is an affordable, not crowded facility with open swimming times and different classes I can enjoy my love of swimming through.

Enjoy the following series of somewhat awkward photos of Heather and I post Aqua Fit.

Try Something New: March: aerial silks

March was my choice and I chose aerial silks because how cool do they look? And how often do you do something like that. This is what our "try something new" pursuit is all about.

March is nearly up and due to scheduling we had to switch from our Saturday tradition. We chose a Thursday night 7:30-9 class. We got a little lost on our way but arrived just in time to an industrial style, open concept room with gymnastic equipment, a climbing wall at the back and silks of many colours hanging from the ceiling in the front. 

The class only had one other young girl and the two of us. Heather and I received a lot of personal instruction. Our instructor taught us simple moves one by one and allowed us to practice them a few times each. Each time she taught us a newer and harder concept I thought to myself "I can't do that" and was pleasantly surprised every time I was able to complete the move. At the end I did a little routine with the following moves we'd learned. 

Standing in the silks with a knot 

Down to sitting 

Graceful arms lean back. Lots of core. (It was supposed to look graceful) 

Upside down! It was a lot of fun. The more you do it, the more comfortable it became. 

Then we untied the knot and worked with the two separate silks. We wrapped them around our wrist and flipped ourselves upside down. 

I think the smile shows how much fun I had. I really enjoyed it. It felt like playing but using my strength at the same time. We had some good giggles over our lack of grace! Everyone should try it at some point. 

Things you need to know:

You need to wear capris or longer tight pants as well as a slim fit top. You can't wear jewelry in case it gets stuck in the silks. You don't wear shoes or socks: it's a barefoot activity! 

Overall I loved it and am glad I did it. I wish I had my own set of aerial silks to play on. 

I also continue to be so thankful for my dear friend heather who shares the love of being active, meeting new people and trying new things. 

Get out there magazine 30 day challenge

The New Year brings with it a sense of renewal and a reset button for us all. We reflect back at the past 12 months and look forward with optimism. This reminds me I should post some of my resolutions. I like to make them though I'm never overly serious about it. Personally any chance to critically reflect on strengths and weaknesses and set goals for improvement I will take. It's the teacher in me. 

So in accordance with the "New Years, new me" sense Get Out There Magazine has made a 30 day challenge in which participants are asked to be active for 30 minutes daily for 30 straight days starting today, Jan 5. I think it's a great idea personally. Some days are easier than others I'm sure but I look forward to the push, the challenge. #GOT30daychallenge 

Plank a day: week 1

So I've officially been plank a day-ing for one week now, 7 days. 

Planks are a weak spot for me. Okay, core is a weakness in general so I figure planking every day will do nothing but help me. I've also decided that the minimum I will allow myself is 1min. I've been tracking my progress in my notes:

As you can see I started off pretty good and was showing progress daily. Then Sunday hit. I don't know what happened but for the next 3 days my planks were brutal. It was all I could do to make it to that minute. 

Fast forward to today. I've learned that if I'm feeling good to ride it out until I no longer can hold on, and then give it ten more seconds. I can usually tell whether it's going to be a good one or not by the first 10 seconds. I could tell today it would be good. I like to watch my progress and can't wait to see my planks go beyond 2 minutes and then...who knows!