A+ Service
July 28, 2010
I once heard that if you go to a restaurant and receive bad service and food, 100 people will eventually hear of your experience. If, on the other hand, you receive excellent service and dining experience, only 10 people will hear of it.
I believe that we should collectively be on a mission to reverse these numbers and emphasize the positive. I recently had an experience with a company who provides A+ advertising and C- service: all flash on the outside and not much on the inside. I am so used to being around people who take pride in what they do, that the experience left me feeling even more greatful for all the wonderful people in my life. There is always something to learn.
Speaking of positive experiences, let me tell you about A1 Landscaping. Andre, Larry, and Joe have been working together for years and provide outstanding service. The sign they put up on the lawn is not too flashy, the website is clean and modest, and the service is excellent. Not only are they pros at what they do, but they are kind, hard working, creative, and reliable.
I was mentioning our positive experience in class and sharing how yogis encourage us to take pride in our work. The encourage us to show up physically and mentally, be engaged and receptive, give more then what is expected, shed light for others, and to be of service. Lise Turpin, one of our wise members, shared a quote with us that says: “In life, it’s not what we do, it’s how we do it that matters.”
Spread the word. Share your positive experiences. After all, what we focus on grows.
Army Run Route
July 23, 2010
This is the new route of the Army Half-Marathon Run. It starts in front of the Lord Elgin Hotel.
Wake-up Story for Your Children’s Health
July 23, 2010
Healthy Child Healthy World created a must-see video for parents. Let’s shake things up together and create change.
Boulder has so much going on!
July 22, 2010
Barry Gillespie, Senior Yoga Teacher and Artist, now lives in Boulder, Colorado. Wow, do they ever have things going on there!
Click here to see Barry’s artwork. Make sure that you take the time to read the journal as well.
Run with your arms?
July 21, 2010
We just came across this great post by Adam Eikenberry on TriRudy, a great resource for group training info in and around Ottawa.
Adam discusses common upper body ‘errors’ while running, and how to correct them – thanks Adam
“The best description I’ve ever heard about running is that “we run with our arms, on our legs”. This references the connection between the two, and how we work in opposition (right arm left leg, left arm right leg…). If you don’t believe this, try to run while not moving in opposition and make it more than a km without falling on your face… Because of the link between the upper and lower body while running, factors that affect one will affect the other. Some of the most common ways we short change ourselves are:
- Minimal to no arm usage: without using the arms at all, we’re losing a lot of power in our stride that can help propel you forwards faster.
- Arms swinging across the body (the “hockey player” run) – We run front and back, not side to side, with the arms coming across the chest, in order to keep your body from twisting down the road, other muscles have to tighten up to compensate, and can cause tightness and eventually overuse injuries (hip flexors, piriformis, glutes, etc.). It’s also a lot of wasted energy, because it’s not helping to move you down the road.
- Tight Shrugged shoulders – Probably the most common of the deficiencies. The extra tension in the shoulder neck area inhibits the arm movements, and can cause you to move your arms almost like you’re doing the robot. That in turn causes you to move your legs almost like you’re doing the robot. By keeping the shoulders down and relaxed, you can allow the natural hinging of the shoulder, and a more natural swinging of the legs, and get the most out of your stride.”
Happy Running everyone!
Mooney’s Bay Route
July 19, 2010
This 19km route goes through the Experimental Farm to Mooney’s Bay.
Attention Cyclists!
July 19, 2010
On Tuesday, July 20th, we will be installing bike racks outside the Studio.
Elation Centre would like to thank the Westboro Village BIA for getting us the funding and support:
- Elaina Martin (Executive Director)
- Claudia Diaz (Executive Assistant)
Thanks, also, to Cheryl, for getting this done!
Freedom
July 17, 2010
As creatures of habits we create patterns in our life and allow them to become our truth. A friend was telling me about her father-in-law who is so pleased with yoga because he can now turn his head to the left and to the right without having the shoulders follow. I embrace that and love to hear when people experience this type of freedom. What is so fascinating is that the sternocledomastoid muscle is designed to allow for this movement to occur easily, comfortable, and freely. Not having that movement is not our truth, it is a sign of a chosen lifetsyle. The question is why do we choose to live in a body that does not express itself fully? On some level we all experience a bit of this.
I sometimes hear people tell me how they feel trapped in a yoga posture or trapped when sitting in meditation. The idea of not moving while simply breathing and reflecting can be intimidating. However if we allow ourselves to remain in that state, the sensation of being trapped vanishes and a sense of deep inner physical and mental freedom is eventually experienced. Not taking the time is more of a trap. Living in a body that is tight and in pain is not pleasurable or freeing simply because it is habitual and living with a mind that is unfocused and negative creates similar patters of limitations. Yoga allows us to free our body to free our minds and live life in true elation.
But please do not take my word for it. Come and experience it for yourself.
Shepherds of Good Hope
July 16, 2010
July 16th Citizen informed us that for the 1st time in 20 years the Shepherds ran out of soup! I contacted them and they have told me that canned food is what they need most. We have a box at the Centre to collect goods and will drop it off to them next week. Please help us fill up that box!
Exercise, Heat & Electrolytes
July 15, 2010
During exercise you lose two important electrolytes, sodium and chloride, through your sweat. Women and slower, beginner endurance exercisers are most at risk. Also at risk is anyone who has been taking mineral depleting chemicals such as antibiotics or insulin.
According to John Winterdyke and Karen Jensen authors of the Complete Athlete “By regulating the fluid balance inside and outside the cells, electrolytes are necessary for muscle contraction, relaxation and general muscle metabolism. An imbalance in the minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium) which become electrolytes in the body can lead to early muscle fatigue and a corresponding drop in performance. For athletes, the muscles may feel ‘great’ but they just won’t respond to the demand you place on them.” To keep our muscles fueled many of us reach for electrolyte replacement drinks – but beware many are loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients which can do more to deplete your energy than add to it.
Here are some guidelines when purchasing Electrolyte replacement drinks
- An eight-ounce serving should contain between twenty and twenty-eight grams of carbohydrates for maximum benefit
- Drinks should contain key electrolytes such as potassium, calcium, sodium, chloride, magnesium and phosphates
- Avoid drinks that contain sucrose
- Fructose and maltodextrin are easily absorbed by the digestive system
- Avoid all artificial colours, flavours etc
- Consume drinks slightly chilled if possible, this allows for better absorption
Below are 3 that meet the above criteria and have been proven effective by our coaches
- Ultima Replenisher, recommended by coach Sherry, available at Sports 4 Kanata and Bank Street
- Vega Sport Performance Optimizer, my favorite right now, available at all health food stores
- Shaklee Performance Sports Drink, all natural and great taste
One of the best ways to avoid depletion during this heat wave is to eat foods high in electrolytes such as
- Coconut water – highest source of electrolytes found in nature
- Kale – provides heavy minerals necessary to nourish the muscles and alkaline elements neutralize lactic acid build-up
- Celery – replaces sodium lost during perspiration
- Cucumber – provides excellent fluid and fibre
- Bananas – great source of potassium
I try and add all of these to my daily smoothie to keep me energized not just for training but for all my daily activities. My favorite green smoothie is posted on the website, and I pulled out one of my favorite natural nutrition guides, the Sunfood Diet by David Wolfe for a few more recipes guaranteed to keep you replenished and full of energy!
Performance: Blend together 1 cup coconut water, 1 cup ice, 1 heaping tbsp spirulina.
Spirulina is the highest protein food on the planet. This is a superior replenishing drink for any athlete
Rejuvenator – made with a juicer
- 1 Bunch of kale
- 4-6 ribs of celery
- 1 cucumber
- 1 burdock root
- 1 lemon
- 1-2 apples
This is a lot like my green smoothie, with the addition of burdock. Juicing helps the nutrients get right into your cells. Burdock root is a blood purifier and an excellent base to help the body create hormones. Burdock contains one of the highest amounts of iron in any food. Kale provides a dense source of alkaline minerals. Cucumber and celery soften the taste and provide more minerals. The lemon should be shaved down to the white pith. Apples add sweetness. This is one of the most health-promoting juice combinations, great to consume every day
Remineralizer – made with a juicer
- 8 ribs of celery
- 12 kale leaves
Juice; it loads the body with sodium and calcium.
