Tag Archives: San Francisco

Physical Activity Experiences of 2012

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

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

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.

It's beautiful

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

Sunset Run at Ala Moana Park

Happy New Year, with best wishes to set your true intentions of healthy well being for 2013.

 

The San Francisco Waterfront Workout

Having recovered from two consecutive late nights, I went for a most enjoyable workout along the San Francisco waterfront this afternoon.

I had read in Fodor’s that the distance between the Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf is about 2 miles. How perfect for recreational running. I set out for a run with my camera and permission to take photos, if the feeling struck me…
Many different spots along the way needed a short slowdown due to fellow pedestrian traffic or just scenery to take in. The run was more of an interval walk/run workout, but still strenuous enough to break a sweat.
I would recommend running to Pier 39 (the green space around it is pictured below), as past that point is Fisherman’s Wharf, a serious tourist trap with massive crowds that are tough to navigate even walking.
I ran most of the way back and had to stop for a little chocolate sample at TCHO. How could I resist a sign with an arrow that says chocolate?
Then, it was time for a stretch on Pier 7 while taking in the view of the Oakland Bridge.
The Program:
-Plan to briskly walk or run from the Ferry Building to Pier 39.
-Take in and enjoy the scenery as it inspires you.
-Brisk walk or run back the entire way from Pier 39 to Pier 7, stretch and cool down on the long wood pier.
-Enjoy some great food by the Ferry Building or anywhere else that catches your fancy.
San Francisco is inspiring, but a similar workout to this one can be done in any town with a waterfront for scenery.

Dessert Inspiration: Miette Cookbook

I had the pleasure of going to both locations of Miette in San Francisco last November. The Ferry Building location is more of a counter and display table of goodies while the store in Hayes Valley is a special experience in charm. Hence, the subtitle of their cookbook is recipes from San Francisco’s most charming pastry shop, how true.

I had read about the gingerbread cupcake in Fodor’s, so I had it pretty much for breakfast at the Ferry Building and ordered a macaron and salted caramels for later consumption. The cupcake was visually charming and tasted even better. The macaron was good, but not my favourite, as the best ones that I have had so far are from Petite Thuet in Toronto. The salted caramel was a wonderful treat that came home with me.
I enjoyed the gingerbread cupcake so much that I had to visit their store in Hayes Valley for a second tasting. The store was beautiful with much attention to every detail. I got gingersnaps to take home, they were the best ever. Crisp, spicy and rich tasting.
Imagine my delight in discovering that there was a Miette cookbook. I read through it the past few days and what a great story from Meg Ray. The amazing treats I tasted were amazing because a lot of passion and care went into the selection of the finest ingredients and the execution of detail. Their standard of finest ingredients are organic and locally sourced as much as possible. That will be more of a challenge here in Toronto, but I am ready to try.
The book was a great inspiration, so I tried the buttermilk panna cotta recipe with some mini mousse glasses that I got last week. Yummy!!
I am all for desserts as a healthy part of enjoyment of life and food. I love them and eat them regularly. Nutritionally, they are not the best, but fun and enjoyment is a really important component to eating well and life in general.
The Miette philosophy is to make things small for presentation, balance and economics. Portion control is a great effect of this concept as well. The panna cotta recipe was so delicious and rich tasting that the mini mousse glass, which was around 5 tablespoons was very satisfying. Eating small portions of foods you love that are made with care sure is a great way to enjoy life all the time!