My Top 5 Ways to Stay in Shape

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Welcome to My Top 5 Ways to Stay in Shape

Here are my top 5 ways to stay in shape.I have always been an active person. When I was a little girl I loved to be outdoors in the fresh air running around, playing tag with all the neighbour kids. Or biking around and around the block. I never got tired of that! In elementary school I could usually be found skipping or playing jump ball with the girls. In the later elementary years it was on to track and field events. In high school I loved physical education and always excelled in the fitness programs. I loved the challenge. I was one of the top girls able to do the most sit-ups in one minute. When I was in grade 11 and 12 I fell in love with tennis. A friend and I would play after school several times a week and then my boyfriend (now my husband) and I would play tennis together on the weekends. I always looked forward to that! I will share some of the activities and workouts that keep me motivated and in shape these days!

My Top 5 Ways to Stay in Shape

Working Out At The Gym


The first way I stay in shape is going to the gym 3 times a week! I usually go 2 mornings during the week and then once on the weekend my husband and I go together! If you can go with your partner or a friend it definitely helps to keep you motivated. They can give you a little boost when you're draggin' your heels!



At the gym I spend the first 20 -25 minutes doing weight machines. I love the resistance machines. Sometimes I mix in some free weights too! I like to use the bar to do squats. I kind of have a routine that I go through but every couple of weeks I try a new machine so I don't get bored. After the weight workout I choose a cardio machine, lately I really like the stair master. It's a great workout for the lower body, legs and butt! Other times I'll do the eliptical machine or jog on the treadmill. I do the cardio workout for 25 mins. You don't have to spend a lot of time once you get yourself into a great routine, just stay committed and 50 minutes is all you'll need to keep yourself in great shape!

Grab Some Light Weights

Weights and Fitness Equipment

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My Top 5 Ways to Stay in Shape

Power Walking

A great way to stay in shape is by power walking. This is something you can do anytime of the day, on neighborhood streets or walking trails. There are groups and walking clubs that you can join. Or like me, walk with your husband or neighborhood friends. It's always more enjoyable when you have someone to talk to and it makes the time fly by! A 30 minute walk is all you need for a good cardio workout, of course you can walk longer. Sometimes I go for a 55 minute walk and other times 30 minutes is enough to energize me! Just pick a stride that is comfortable for you, being a little out of breath is okay as long as you can still have a conversation while walking!

Added Bonus

For a treat sometimes I'll take my camera while walking and get some great pictures! I love photography too!

Stay in Shape - Take a Scenic Walk

Park Walkway

Stay in Shape - Read for Inspiration

Great Books on the Ins and Outs of Power Walking

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Walking Poles

These walking poles can jumpstart your walking program. Especially great for trail walking!
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Do it with a Group

Jogging/Running

I had a goal of completing a 10 km run by the age of 40. Happy to say I reached that goal! My husband (who is also very fit) ran it with me a few years ago! It was a great feeling to do that! I have also participated in a couple of smaller runs (5km for charities. That is actually a good way to get started if you are thinking you would like to try a run. Grab some girlfriends and sign up for a 'Run for the Cure' You can motivate each other and raise money for a great cause at the same time! I wouldn't say I'm a big runner, I like to go out for a jog usually no more than once a week! I love the fresh air and don't even mind if it is drizzling out slightly, it feels so good!

Motivational Poster - Persistance

My Top 5 Ways to Stay in Shape

Proper Footwear

It's important to wear proper shoes that are made for running. Choose quality shoes that breath well and have good support for your foot!

Running Shoes

There are many great brands of running shoes to choose from! Just be sure to have them fitted properly!
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Regular Workouts

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My Top 5 Ways to Stay in Shape

Charity Runs

Vancouver Sun Run
This is a 10 km run through the streets of Vancouver, B.C. Attendance is generally over 50,000 people! Runners come from all over B.C. as well as some from the U.S.A. Lots of pictures and great information here!
CIBC Run for the Cure
CIBC run supports research for breast cancer. Cities all over Canada support this charity run. Funds are raised by runners and volunteers. This is a 5 km run.
The Underwear Affair
This is another great run that benefits causes such as prostate, colorectal, cervical cancers. A 10 km run or 5 km walk.

Healthy Snacks

Carbs are best eaten 1 or 2 hours before a workout. Some great simple ideas to fuel you are:
Small yogurt
Fruit (apple/orange slices)
Cottage Cheese
Small homemade muffin
1/4 cup of trailmix

Biking/Trailriding

At one point I belonged to a women's mountain biking group. We went on downhill and cross country mountain bike rides. It was a great workout! I remember the first time I went with the group, I thought I was going to die, could barely breathe pedaling up some of those hills! Yes, I did go over the handle bars a few times too! Thankfully I eventually got stronger and my cardio level got so much better! Those were fun days! I don't bike with that group anymore ( we moved) but occasionally I still love a good bike ride! Now I prefer nice trailrides or road rides! My husband is a mountain bike fanatic, you could say! He rides every weekend with his buddies. It's a great way to stay in shape and connect with friends too!

Camel Baks

Camel Baks
For those of you who are into biking you will know that it is very important to have water with you! Camel Baks are excellent for taking on bike trips. They hold several litres of water and give you extremely easy access to drinking while on the road! Here are a variety to styles and colors.

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My Top 5 Ways to Stay in Shape

Skiing/Snowboarding

Skiing and Snowboarding
In the winter months skiing is another way I stay in shape. Great exercise, total body workout! I am very fortunate to live close to several Snow Resorts, and therefore have very easy access to this activity! It is a great family activity. I am the only skier in my family, my husband and 3 sons all snowboard! We have done some great winter trips to places like Whistler and Big White. We had a great trip during Christmas one year at Big White, it was an awesome family time and one we talk about often!

Whistler, B.C.

My Top 5 Ways to Stay in Shape

Ski/Snowboarding Goggles

When skiing or snowboarding goggles are important! They protect your eyes from the glare of the snow and sun. They come in many different styles and colors!
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Motivate Yourself or Give as a Gift

A Unique Mix of Sports and Fitness Items




Some of my favourite lenses are...

Here are some of my favourite lenses! Enjoy!
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Feel free to leave me a message...

How Do You Stay Fit?

  • DailyRogue Apr 3, 2012 @ 6:42 pm | delete
    I used to run a lot until I developed an Achilles heel problem. I did other types of exercise but I missed running. I never thought I'd really enjoy walking--too slow. But, I started walking and I really enjoy it now. It burns almost as many calories as running but it's much easier on the body. Great tips!
  • HomeGym Aug 21, 2011 @ 6:21 pm | delete
    Great info here really enjoyed reading. There are many ways in keeping in shape and getting fit walking and running are great ways you can keep fit and get out and be adventurous. Great work..
  • veryirie Jun 29, 2011 @ 6:05 pm | delete
    I like to "sneak in" my exercise, just by keeping active daily. Doing different activities keeps me from getting bored. This way I'm working out and getting things accomplished at the same time. This works really well with gardening or mowing the lawn, etc.
  • ShamanicShift Dec 27, 2010 @ 9:52 pm | delete
    Thank-you for the upbeat, encouraging fitness message and great examples!
  • samuella Nov 5, 2010 @ 3:56 pm | delete
    Thank you for this great lens. Am using a cardio machine that helps me stay in shape too, it's the Air Climber. It's cheap, compact and really easy to use.
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