2012 has been a outstanding year of physical activity experiences for me. I became more interested in the practice of yoga, which has been an amazing journey so far. And I have had the privilege to be fit everyday in some inspiring locales this year. In no particular order of importance some of my favourite moments of being active:
Yoga Practice: I practiced yoga with quite a few different teachers in many different settings this year. Restorative yoga has been particularly transformative for my well being in every way. Learning from Alyssa Cohen on the south coast of Jamaica at Jakes was a very special time. The entire journey has been a hugely beneficial experience in helping me integrate body, mind, spirit and fitness.
Yoga at Jakes
Hiking Diamond Head: Much like Oahu itself, this hike is the perfect blend of nature in the big city. The views at the top are fantastic and getting there requires a slightly scary run through a dark tunnel…
Running to Kailua Point: There is nothing better than a run that takes about 12 minutes and stopping for a breathtaking view to meditate on.
View from Kailua Point
San Francisco Waterfront Run: This was the ultimate food tour combined with a run. Imagine my delight to find TCHO chocolate available in Toronto after I discovered it through seeing an arrow that said chocolate during my run and stopping for a sample.
Family walk in Hong Kong: A great uphill walk that my brother Matt (also a physical educator) and I took our family on was such a great way to enjoy Hong Kong, physical activity and family time all at once.
Hormone Fat Loss with Steve Elvins: Training with Steve was a great learning experience. Hormone Fat Loss is a special program that truly targets fat loss through specific testing, prescription of training and nutrition protocol that is extremely effective. A must try if you are looking to lose fat, contact us for details.
Shock Wave by IndoRow: Shock Wave is a super fun circuit type group fitness class that uses the water rowers as a cardio station. I was fortunate enough to be a participant in its debut in Canada. The inclusive, team building atmosphere combined with a fun and effective workout is sure to reach a wider audience.
IndoRow: I took an IndoRow class again this year at Can Fit Pro and the magic of being on a team, competing together and with yourself is still great fun in a workout. www.indorow.com
Cycle Class: I make time to attend a cycle class at least once a week when I’m in Toronto with Vlad or Ting at Extreme Fitness. I cannot tell you how long they have taught fitness classes to me. It has been many years and I still love their classes for their energy, music and motivation.
Pole Class: A friend had recommended pole class as the perfect accompaniment to yoga practice. I did not give it much thought until there was a pole at a friend’s place and I was challenged to give it a try. What a great new physical challenge, so I attended a class at Brass Vixens www.brassvixens.com, a warm and welcoming environment for learning. I recommend trying a pole class to build strength combined with rhythm and grace.
Secret hike on Oahu: I won’t mention the exact location of this hike (email me and I’ll pass on the recommendation), as it is possible that I crossed a No Trespassing sign to start this hike…A fun physical challenge of about 1 hour each way combined with breathtaking views of Oahu makes for a perfectly enjoyable workout.
Active in Hawaii
Sunset Run at Ala Moana Park: This run is a beautiful experience. Ala Moana Park is a magical combination of a beautiful green park and beach right in the city with a great vantage point to catch the sunset on 2012.
Sunset Run at Ala Moana Park
Happy New Year, with best wishes to set your true intentions of healthy well being for 2013.
12 Minute Walk/Run Workout
The 12 minute run is a classic fitness test devised in 1968 by Dr Ken Cooper to measure aerobic fitness. A person simply walks or runs as far as he or she can in 12 minutes and the distance is recorded.
The 12 minute run is actually a simple workout that can be used on a regular basis. If you are able to run-you run as many laps as you can on a track or use a treadmill to record the distance you complete in 12 minutes time. If running does not work for you, then walking as far as you can in 12 minutes is also very effective. The key is to push yourself to a point where you feel out of breath and cannot really talk.
I have found the 12 minute run to be an effective way to get me on a treadmill lately, as I have needed motivation to get on a treadmill (I much prefer outdoors). 12 minutes is a short enough time to talk yourself into exercising when you may not feel like it. Once you get going, you may feel like competing with yourself to match or surpass your previous distance. The 12 minute run is a great way to watch yourself improve with the distance you can cover in that time. Give this workout a try-you most certainly can find 12 minutes to get active!
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Posted in commentary, Recommendation, Vivian Law, Workout
Tagged 12 minute run, 12 minute run test, aerobic fitness test, Dr Ken Cooper