Heart Health Month

Did you know that February is Heart Health Month? Did you know that every 7 minutes in Canada, someone dies from heart disease or stroke. Heart disease and stroke are two of the three leading causes of death in Canada. These statistics are based on 2006 data (the latest year available from Statistics Canada).

In 2006 cardiovascular disease accounted for:

• 30% of all deaths in Canada (69,019 deaths – or more than 69,000)
• 30% of all male deaths
• 31% of all female deaths, my mom is included in this statistic.

The good news is these statistics have been declining for the past 40 years.  For those of us who have lost loved ones to heart disease, it is only the stats above we see.

In honour of my mom's memory I wear a Red Dress pin, to promote awareness of heart disease, especially in women.  I have a few pins, if you would like one let me know and I'll send you one.

To make sure my ticker keeps on ticking, I've started on my elliptical trainer again.  It had been so long that the first day I was only able to go on for 15 minutes without seeing spots.  At least it was 15 minutes more than I had done in a long time.  Today I went on for 30 minutes.  We're making progress.  

The Beast

Are you doing anything for Heart Health Month?

What not to wear

When you work out what do you wear? I wear some of the frumpiest items that I own, sweats, tshirt and my hair pulled back into a ponytail. It's not pretty (my face goes all red and I usually am ready to pass out after I do about 10 crunches) but when I work out I'm all about the comfort.

However, when I go to the gym, I feel like I'm in some sort of athletic wear fashion show. Everyone is wearing their Lulu's. Even their hairbands are Lulu's. Even the guys are wearing Lulu's. It's really weird. This reminds me why I don't like to workout in public.

So back to my question. What do you wear when you work out? Am I missing something by not investing in some Lulu's?

Renewing the Pledge

Many, many moons ago, I made this pledge. I was doing really well and then my mom passed away and I lost interest in everything. I've tried several times to get the mojo back but nothing seemed to get me going again the way I did before. Needless to say, the pounds have been packing on. As a result, my energy level is in the toilet, my clothes are getting tighter and tighter and this is not good.

A couple of weeks ago, Shawn and I went to our local community centre and signed up for a membership. Not only that, we hired a trainer as well. We've been meeting with her for the past couple of weeks. She is kicking our butts and we haven't felt better! Our trainer has given us a a routine we are to do that includes cardio and weights. I now know that I don't really like weights but I love the cardio. I am absolutely exhausted when I get home but like I said I haven't felt this good in a long time.

I am determined to loose weight, get in shape and increase my energy level before we become parents. I want to make sure we are healthy and strong so we can be the best parents possible. I also want to set a good example to our child and live the healthiest lifestyle we possibly can. My personal goal, at least 40 pounds. We'll see how it goes.

Namaste

The other day some of my work colleagues invited me to a yoga class. The last time I did yoga was over 5 years ago when we found out having biological children would be impossible for us. I thought I would take up yoga to help me deal with it, to find peace and center myself. Well, the class was a joke. With over 25 participants, the instructor didn't have the time to go around and make sure everyone was getting the full benefit of the class. I dropped out after a few sessions.

Can I tell you though how glad I am that I went? I had such a good class! I worked out muscles I didn't think I had, I stretched my chubby body into poses I didn't think a chubby body could. I was really perspiring (cuz you know, women don't sweat). Don't get me wrong, while I was in the class I was cursing but it was awesome! Can't wait until Tuesday when I get to go again.

Oh the agony!

I wrote yesterday how I was doing ok after our bike ride. I wrote too soon. This morning I woke up with stiff legs, stick neck and a sore tushie. Boy was I in pain today. I still went on my eliptical trainer today and I plan on going on my bike either tomorrow or the day after. I have to get myself ready for the Ride for Heart, which is less than a month away. In all honesty, the physical pain I feel right now is nothing compared to the emotional pain I've been through the past six months. So I will keep walking and I will keep pedaling and I will remember my mom with every step I take, with every kilometre I complete, because it's for her that I'm doing this.