Planning Your Home Gym

Planning Your Home Gym

Andrew wanted a room that he would actually feel motivated by. His design team, led by real estate and renovation expert Scott McGillivray had all the answers. Then they powered it with fitness equipment and accessories from Spartan Fitness!

See the photos and get a list of equipment here.
Recovery and Rest

Recovery and Rest

Why it's just as important as your workout!

We all love that feeling after we finish a tough workout; well at least most of us do. That “runner’s high” or “the pump” that you feel is something incredible that pushes us to want to do it all over again, no matter how sore, tired, or busy we are. Equally as important as the workout itself, our bodies require the proper recovery and rest to help repair and build lean muscle. Without it, all that hard work may as well be for nothing. Following necessary recovery strategies will help your body be ready to give everything you have to your next workout, allowing you to see results much quicker.

Here are 8 ways to maximize your post-workout recovery (Click to Read)

Alan Somerville
Struggling to find the motivation to get your exercise in? 

Struggling to find the motivation to get your exercise in? 

Here are 11 of the most common workout excuses in the book, along with the solutions for overcoming them.

1. I just don't have the time.
We're all guilty saying this at some point or another, and understandably so. Between working long hours, taking care of your family, and maintaining a social life, it can be difficult to make time for fitness.

Solution: Perhaps the best way to combat the no-time excuse is to pencil some time into your schedule for working out. By blocking out an hour on your calendar for that spin class or peaceful jog by the river, you'll feel more accountable to actually do it. Remember, this doesn't have to be a daily thing. Work with what free time you can spare, even if it's just three times a week.

Read more

Karen Somerville
Gluten-Free Holiday Stuffing

Gluten-Free Holiday Stuffing

A food allergy or intolerance becomes the perfect opportunity to create new holiday traditions that focus on fresh, whole foods and allow you to enjoy the company of family and friends.

There are numerous allergy-free products on the store shelves these days but it’s important to read the labels; just because the product says it’s free of your allergen, doesn’t mean it’s healthy.

We all know it’s certainly not your typical Thanksgiving without stuffing and bread. Having food allergies doesn’t mean you have to say good-bye to your favorite holiday dishes. Simply tweak them a bit by substituting gluten-free bread and grains such as quinoa and you won’t even think twice about those glutenous grains.

Read the full article and get the recipe here.

Karen Somerville
They don't call it "beauty sleep" for nothing.

They don't call it "beauty sleep" for nothing.

Learn why getting a good nights sleep is just as important as working-out.
Stress comes in many different forms. While some people can recognize the signs of stress on the body, many have trouble admitting that they need to take a step back, slow down, and allow the body time to rest. We live in a world of go-go-go, with limited down time. Due to this environment we are surrounded by, many of us are not taking the necessary steps to aid the body and its many internal functions to work optimally. This results in many factors such as adrenal burnout, mood swings, depression, lack of motivation, an overall unhealthy body, and even more stress.

Karen Somerville
Tagged: health healthy tips
How to Squat: 5 Variations

How to Squat: 5 Variations

The best compound exercise and a must in every fitness program. Check-out this video with personal trainer Carmen Deacetis.
Alan Somerville
Your workout routine - Why you need to stick with it!

Your workout routine - Why you need to stick with it!

With New Year’s resolutions far in the rear view mirror, it’s safe to assume that many who vowed to exercise regularly this year have struggled with maintaining a steady work...
Karen Somerville
Flip the switch and get on with it!

Flip the switch and get on with it!

If we want to get healthier and feel better, we have got to change how we are currently living our lives. Make the commitment to be a stronger, more balanced, healthier version of you. Here's some quick tips to help you flip that switch and get get on with it.
Sean Downie
How targeted exercise can help fight cancer

How targeted exercise can help fight cancer

By the time you hit midlife, odds are you or someone close to you will be touched by cancer. Cancer remains a potentially lethal lottery and everyone's experience is different. A recent trail in Perth Australia is proving that appropriate exercise under professional supervision - before, during, or after treatment - seems to substantially improve your odds.  WATCH video here

Karen Somerville
How to Maximize Your Results in 30 Days

How to Maximize Your Results in 30 Days

There's nothing like a wedding, school reunion, beach holiday or conference to get you motivated into getting more fit.  Don't opt for extreme diets or regimens that can make you feel depleted, or even backfire, leaving you in worse shape. Follow these tips and you'll feel stronger and more confident – plus you'll look great in all those group selfies and have people saying, "What have you done? You look brilliant!" Read on
Karen Somerville

How to Use a Stability Ball

The stability ball has had long-standing success in the world of clinical rehabilitation. However, due to their effectiveness in developing balance and core strength, athletic trainers, coaches, personal trainers and physical education teachers have begun to integrate them into their programs. Now they are considered a must-have piece of fitness equipment in the world of athletic and functional conditioning. Read more
#Superfood Friday - Ginger

#Superfood Friday - Ginger

This super herb, the rhizome (underground stem) has been used all over the world for centuries, both in food and as natural medicine. It can be used fresh, dried and powdered, or as a juice or oil. Aromatic, pungent and spicy, ginger adds a special flavour and zest to many dishes. Fresh ginger root is available year round in the produce section of your local market. (Read More)
Karen Somerville