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The Fitness File Body And Soul Health And Fitness
 
 
Body & Soul December 2021 Newsletter
 

functional fitness

 
You may have heard your trainer talk about functional fitness or you may have read that some of our trainers take a ‘functional’ approach to their training, but do you know what this means and how it benefits you?

Simply put, a workout program focusing on functional training will include exercises that help you perform everyday tasks. These exercises typically mirror natural body movements, ones we find ourselves doing each and every day, and include exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and pull-ups. Consider, for instance, how often a parent with young children may find themselves squatting down while picking up children and toys or how often someone working in a physically demanding job will find themselves in some variation of pulling or pushing. Following a workout program that considers daily movements not only improves your overall fitness but also increases your ability to live a higher quality life.

Are you looking to improve your health and wellbeing by getting back into a fitness program? Whether you’re new to training or you’ve taken time off from training, our 30-minute complimentary consultations are a great way for you to get started. The New Year is around the corner – are you ready for a change?
 
 
fitness tip: plank progressions
 
You can increase the difficulty of the standard plank in many ways, including using a Bosu ball, performing planks with a row (using dumbbells), or trying the spider-man variation! The spider-man plank – one of our favourites – involves planking while raising one leg out to the side by abducting the hip and simultaneously bending the knee and driving it towards the outside of the corresponding arm, and then repeating on the other leg – continuing this movement for the desired reps or time.
 
 

nutrition tip: focus on maintenance, not loss

 
Even when we aren’t dealing with the challenges of a global pandemic, the holidays are not the best time to focus on weight loss; instead, try focusing on maintaining your weight. For many of us, the holidays involve more opportunities to dine out. Here are some tips to help you stay on track with your eating habits: 1) At a family function, check out the food before sitting down to eat - plan your plate. 2) Wear fitted clothing to help you stay aware of your body - this may prevent you from overindulging. 3) If you don't want to overindulge during a dinner out, be sure your stomach isn't running on empty.
 
 
club news
 
Holiday Closure: Body & Soul will be closed from Thursday December 23rd to Tuesday January 4th for the holidays. The studio will re-open on Wednesday January 5th at 6am.

Holiday Charity: Back by popular demand! Clients will be given an allowance of $5 Body & Soul dollars to donate to one (or all) of five pre-selected local charities. Body & Soul will donate the total amount to each charity on behalf of our clients!

Holiday Home Workout Program: To help clients stay active over the holiday break, our new 15-day Holiday Home Workout Program will be uploaded to our website soon!

Refer and Receive!: Refer a new client who purchases a one-on-one or small group personal training package and receive a free session! ~Available for all clients with an open personal training package~ Questions? Speak with our front desk.
 
 
 
 
 
Angela Longstaffe
 
Owner & CEO
 

Angela Longstaffe was one of Body & Soul’s first clients when it opened in 1995. Her doctor had referred her to the facility to assist with pain issues and, although skeptical, she agreed to try personal training. Her experience at Body & Soul surpassed all of her expectations: not only did her pain issues become manageable, she also received the support she needed to start improving her general health and fitness.

Angela soon saw that Body & Soul was a vibrant business with the potential to help many other people like herself; and she wanted to be a part of it. She became a silent partner in 1998 and three years later became involved in the daily management of the business. She became Body & Soul’s sole owner in 2003 and, with the exception of an unsuccessful attempt at retirement in 2011 (she couldn’t stay away), she continues to actively manage the business today.

Throughout the years, Angela has committed herself to client care and employee satisfaction; she is proud to have made many long-term friends here. She strives to make Body & Soul a place where clients achieve life changing goals and where staff can proudly say they work! Angela’s passion, generosity, patience, and determination has helped make Body & Soul the premium health and fitness studio it is today.
 


 
physio's corner
 
Q: Is there a way to shovel snow that won’t hurt my back?
 
A: A snowy winter is forecast this year, which means you might find yourself on the end of a snow shovel more than once over the next few months. Due to the heavy, wet snow we typically get on the West Coast, unfortunately this can lead to back injuries and cardiac events. Following are a few tips to make shovelling snow easier on your body and reduce the chance of a cardiac event.

1. Choose a shovel that is long enough for your height, preferably one with a second handle at the midpoint of the shaft. The size of the blade or shovel head is also important. Pushing or lifting too much snow per carry will increase the strain on your muscles.

2. Before you trek outside to tackle the snow, perform a few simple stretches of your hips, ankles, spine, and shoulders to prepare for movement.

3. When using a shovel, be sure to bend your knees – not your lower back – with each scoop. Alternating the side of your body you hold the shovel on will also minimize the asymmetrical strain on your muscles.

4. Take micro breaks along the way to lower the cumulative stress on your body while you work.

With a little preparation, your body will handle the challenge of shovelling snow and be ready for the day ahead.

Michael Hales is a registered physiotherapist and owner of Halestorm Physiotherapy here at Body & Soul. To find out how physiotherapy can help you, visit www.halestorm.ca
 
 
 
 
Contact Us
3785 West 10‌th A‌ve.
Vanco‌uver, BC
V6‌R 3T‌3
Ph: 604.224.2639
Em: contact@bodysoul.ca
Web: www.bodysoul.ca 
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