Winter Workouts

Don’t let winter get you down.  I’ve found that one of my favourite ways to beat the winter blues is to get outside for a winter wonderland workout.  Cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing or tobogganing with the kids can all be great cardio sessions. 

I offer regular Saturday morning bootcamps all winter long. These winter bootcamps are even more challenging than normal bootcamps because running in the snow is harder on your leg muscles which in turn makes your workout more efficient and a real calorie blaster! 

Here are a couple of pictures of last Saturdays winter workout.  As you can see the medicine balls and kettle weights were more fun to throw in the snow.  So come out and join us!  No excuses!  

Pre-Breakfast Workout?

Good morning everybody!!

I just saw this story on CTV news and it caught my interest:

http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/a-pre-breakfast-workout-may-burn-more-body-fat-1.1134705 

It was originally published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

It discusses wether to eat breakfast before or after your morning workout.  What their research found was that it depends on what your workout goal was.  If you’re looking for optimal performance (e.g. athletes in training) its best to eat breakfast before your workout, as your body needs the fuel. However, if you’re looking for weight loss, its best to eat breakfast after your workout, as your body burns 20% more fat on an empty stomach as opposed to a full one.  

I want to emphasize that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and should never be skipped. It fuels your body for the day, regulates appetite and metabolism, and is the foundation for a healthy body.  While you should never skip breakfast, it is OK to strategically time your breakfast in order to achieve your fitness goals whatever they might be.   

Have a good one! (Both breakfast & workout, I mean)