Tag Archives: athletic centre

My words of work-out wisdom

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Wow, I cannot believe it’s down to the final stretch – just one more week of classes left! And as my second year of university wraps up, I’ve been reflecting lately on what a truly amazing eight months it has been. I really made an effort this year to take advantage of opportunities to get active, and it has tremendously paid off. In first year, I think I used the AC once or twice. But ask me what I did this year, and I could tell you that I…

- Golfed with President David Naylor at the Varsity dome
- Learned how to fend for myself through Wendo
- Braved the SCC
- Played outdoor intramural soccer for my college team
- Biked to and around campus
- Attempted to belly dance
- Found drop-in classes that I love
- Learned the basics of tennis

Reflecting back on all this and more, I can tell you that I really have noticed a change. I’ve realized that my legs have gained more muscle and my upper body has become much stronger. I used to do almost nothing but cardio, but now that I’ve started attending drop-in classes and using weights, I’ve activated and toned new muscles all over my body. I can literally feel the difference in my strength and energy level, and it feels amazing. It’s the reason I keep on keepin’ on.

I’ve learned a lot through my experiences over the year, and there are a few things I would really like to pass on to you:

It’s not so scary doing things on your own. Don’t always wait until you have someone to go with to events and such. I’ve tried to coordinate work-outs with my friends and drag them out to events, but it often doesn’t work out with our conflicting schedules. So now I’ve learned: if I hear of an event/activity that really interests me, then I’ll go, even if it means going alone. Honestly, I would not have tried half the things I did this year if I sat around waiting for someone to accompany me every time. By putting myself out there, I met SO many cool new people.

Don’t avoid an activity just because you think you “suck” at it. No one is there to judge your skill level. And if you never practice, then it’s kinda hard to improve! So if you really want to try something new, then don’t be intimidated by lack of ability. I suck at dancing, but I went out to a dance workshop anyway and just did my best. No one laughed at me or gave me weird looks – the instructors and other dancers were happy to see I was interested and were really encouraging.

Find something you actually like doing. Exercise shouldn’t feel like this tedious chore that you dread doing every day. There are so many different ways to get active that there is no reason to force yourself to do something you hate. I personally still don’t like the fancy weight machines, so I avoid them and use free weights instead. Running is my favourite form of cardio, so I do a lot of that. The reason I exercise is to feel great after, both physically and mentally. So be creative and find activities that make you feel the same way.

It really does feel like this!

I hope that the experiences I have shared over the last eight months have helped you discover all that the St. George Campus has to offer when it comes to healthy active living. I’ve had an amazing time and have met some wonderful people. Now I’m looking forward to staying active outdoors all spring and summer!

-Lesia

Spinning into cycle mode

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Basically, since the first snow hit in the winter, I have been on a hiatus from biking of any sort. Actually, I pedaled for a bit on one of the stationary bikes in the upper gym at Hart House  once or twice… Honestly I found it pretty boring, so I’ve been keeping myself busy with the drop-in classes and circuit training instead.

However, over the months I have heard a lot of talk about spin-classes, sometimes also referred to as cycle fit. I had never tried one of these classes before, mostly because I was already biking outside a lot while the roads were clear. Well, and also because of my bias against stationary bikes that I mentioned above. But one of the student life dons at my college is a cycle fit instructor, so I decided to hit up one of her classes in the Cycle Fit Room at Hart House a few weeks ago to see what it’s all about.

Hart House Cycle Fit Room

So there I was starting the class thinking it would be a breeze cuz I’ve been going to the gym all winter. Well, I can assure you that the class wasn’t easy, but it was well worth it. How it sort of works is that the instructor describes a kind of imaginary “route” that you will be biking for the session. In our case, we did some sprint intervals on “flat land” and in between those sets we climbed some “hills.” Basically, you adjust the resistance to create different conditions – so on a “hill” we’d crank up the resistance until our revolutions per minute (RPM) slowed as if we were actually going up a hill.

So with music blasting in the background, the instructor guided us on our “journey” and told us when to sprint, pedal out of the saddle, and crank up that resistance. She also motivated us the whole way through, encouraging us to push through the burn and give it our all. Motivation is such a huge factor for me – when someone’s there telling me that I’m strong, that I can push it through to the finish, I’m much more likely to keep going than not. That, as well as the variability in the routine, is what I found makes cycle fit different from just using a stationary bike on your own. It’s much more engaging than just sitting there and pedaling at the same speed and resistance for half an hour.

Although I left the class with my quads on fire, I’m glad I finally tried it out. I’m thinking that I’ll keep cycle fit in mind for next winter to help keep my legs in tip-top cycling shape. Both Hart House and the Athletic Centre offer registered classes throughout the year, so you can even pick whichever place works best for ya!

-Lesia

Take advantage of FREE rentals!

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I’ve been pretty good this year with trying out new things and exploring more of the athletic facilities on campus, especially the AC. I thought I had seen it all – I’ve explored every corner of the field house, mustered up the courage to check out the SCC,
and have even been in the dance studio. But, I’ve realized that there are still places that I have yet to discover in that big sporty building.

I think this realization hit when I heard Sarah raving about how much fun she had distressing with squash. She and Chris hit up the courts at the AC a few weeks ago to give squash a go. Aside from the tennis lessons I have been taking since the start of the semester (which have been really fun… my serve is getting there!), I have had zero experience with racquet sports. So I was like, “squash?! What is this all about? And more importantly, um, where exactly are these squash courts??

I still gotta try out squash in the AC!

I haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, but Sarah’s gonna give me a lesson in squash 101 before the end of the semester. In the meantime, I’ve done some investigating of my own on the AC website. And what I’ve found is that there are also lots of other cool sport facilities available for student use, FREE of charge. I think the only reason I haven’t really checked it out before is that you usually have to book the space ahead of time, which takes some planning; and well, you kind of need to coordinate with someone so that you have a buddy to play with!

But no more excuses – I’ve sorted through all the details to make things super easy for ya:

Badminton, squash, table tennis, and tennis courts
Using your T-card, you can book the space one day in advance in person at the main office, or by calling 416.978.3436. If the only thing stopping you is that your friends all bailed, no worries! You can actually add your name to a list in the main office if you’d like to be contacted by other badminton or table tennis players looking for a partner. And as for squash, you can join the U of T group on SquashOrbit to get
connected and get your game on!

Field house, dance studio, and Varsity Centre dome
Did you know that you can get access to FREE time slots in the AC if you are a U of T student? Well you can, if you are involved with a recognized student club! No matter what kind of club it is, a good workout together can be a great way to burn off end-of-term stress. There are just a few things you’ve gotta do: fill out the rental application form at least ten days in advance, and have at least ten club/group members on board. Each club can claim one free rental per term each for the AC and the varsity dome, so make it count!

One last thing – if the AC timing/availability doesn’t work out for you, don’t forget that Hart House also let’s students reserve certain facilities for free!! There’s lots to choose from – the Activities Room, the Exercise Room, and even the Lower Gym, which can be used for indoor soccer, basket-ball, volley-ball, dodgeball… hmm, I think I might just have to round up some friends and get a game going myself!

-Lesia

 

Read all the things… or not

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Ah, that precious time off that I (and no doubt many of you!) have been looking forward to all term is finally here: Reading week!!

Now I know that for most of us, the fate of our reading week depends on our midterm schedule and assignment deadlines. Last year I had three tests in a row right after the break, so I was all like:

Needless to say, between studying and volunteering for Alternative Reading Week, I had very little time to get out to any events happening on campus or check out the city surrounding it. A real shame! But I’m happy to report that I lucked out this year and will definitely be taking advantage of some free days to get active and have fun. Yep, this year my attitude towards Reading Week is more like…

Ha-ha. So if you feel the same way, or you need some study break ideas to get you through the inevitable reading that awaits you, then check out some of the ideas and events I’ve listed below!

Explore the gym in res
With many students gone for the break, if you are sticking around then now’s a great time to scope out the gym at your residence, if it’s got one! I know for sure that Trinity, Chestnut, and Innis have exercise rooms that their students may use. You can sneak in a workout during a long day of studying, since you won’t even have to leave the building!

Skate at Nathan Phillips Square
This is a popular spot not far from campus, at Queen and Bay. It’s been on my to-do list since last year and I STILL have not made it out…but maybe I’ll finally have a chance to check it out with a friend.

Recharge at Harvest Noon or Hart House
The cute little café will be closed during the week, but they will be hosting some special
food workshops in the evenings! I’m talking about chocolate and coffee, bread-baking, and an interesting sensory awareness dinner. There’s also a Community Kitchen
dinner at Hart House that sounds like it will be delicious!

Hike around High Park
One of my favourite places off campus…it’s close for me and I have been walking/running through the trails here many times.  It’s super easy to get to from downtown – literally right across the street from High Park Subway Station.

Of course, don’t forget that the Athletic Centre will still be open every day except Family Day. Hart House will be open all week too! And if you’re free tonight, come watch the Blues Basketball team take on Ryerson as both Varsity an intramural athletes highlight the Athlete Ally initiative that has been taking place all week!

Hope you all have a fun week!!

-Lesia

 

I dare you to try SQUASH!!

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U of T, I double dog dare you to try squash!!! My friends have been bugging me to try squash for a while now and I always used to tell them, “are you crazy, its way too intense for me.” But with this whole fearless and bravery phase I’m going through, I said why the heck not. Whats the worst that can happen?! So I asked Beyonce’s future personal trainer/king of the gym/fellow Community Crew member Chris if he wanted to hit up the squash courts with me! And we had the BEST WORKOUT EVER. It was so intense I can literally still feel the pain in my muscles all over. And we only played for an hour or so. It didn’t even feel like a workout. It was just so fun. I think I even grew an ab. We’ve decided to make it a weekly ritual; I’m still trying to think of a name for our squash team.I may even fit another weekly session. Its the perfect stressbuster!

At first Chris and I were like:

And then we started to get the hang of it and were all like:
And now we are totally HOOKED and are turning it into a weekly workout session!

I honestly still don’t know much about the game, the scoring system, the rules or even the etiquette. Chris and I just made it our own and tried our best to keep the ball off the ground and bouncing off the walls. Its so basic. I think the reason it was so fun was because it didn’t feel like a workout. It was spontaneous physical activity. Crazy good for cardio and calorie burning! I’m hoping to grow another ab next week to match the one I earned last week.

You can rent gear (goggles, racquet, ball) from the AC for $5 (racquet/ball only), borrow a friend’s kit or buy your own from a local Sportschek. You also have to book a court time through the Athletic Center staff. But other than that, its pretty low maintenance to prep for! Bring with you running shoes, gym clothes and ENERGY…lots and lots of energy!

U of T, TRY SOMETHING NEW!!!

-Sarah

Have you “dropped-in” yet?

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So with the temperature plummeting recently, and my motivation for any outdoor exercise plummeting with it, I’ve been taking advantage of the FREE drop-in fitness classes offered at both the Athletic Centre (AC) and Hart House.

I think those classes are absolutely the BEST idea. What I especially love about them is that it means I don’t have to come to the gym with a workout plan. I don’t have to think about what machines I should use, how many reps to do, or how many seconds to hold a pose. All I have to do is show up, follow the instructor’s lead, and before I know it the class is over and I’m done my workout for the day!

I’ve tried a bunch of different classes during my time at U of T. Read on to see what I thought, and make sure to check out the full schedules for both Hart House and the AC!

Boot Camp
Hart House – Mon, Wed, Thurs

This is by far the most intense of all the classes I’ve tried and I’m still hoping I can find a way to fit it into my schedule this semester. Even though my entire body was sore the next day, I felt so good about myself for toughing it out for those 45 minutes. If you are ready to work your butt off, but just need a boost of motivation, then definitely give this a try. Dustin, the instructor I had, won’t tolerate any slacking!

Zumba
Hart House – Tues, Wed, Fri
AC – Mon, Wed, Fri

Ah, Zumba. The class where it doesn’t really matter that you have no idea what you are doing cuz everyone else is pretty much in the same boat. I, for example, have terrible hand-eye-hip coordination, but nonetheless enjoy dancing around (as best as I can) to the upbeat music. I actually have only been to the class at Hart House, but a friend had really good things to say about the Friday class at the AC too.

Zumba at the AC!

Triple Blast
AC – Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat

I just tried this out a few weeks ago, and it’s challenging, but I love it! This class is a mix of cardio, core and all over muscle-toning moves. This is another one of those classes you are probably going to be sore from the next day, but it really is worth it. I’ve told a friend about it and we are hoping to make it a weekly thing this semester!

Super Circuit
Hart House – Tues, Wed, Thurs

I’ve been going to this class about once a week since last fall, and it’s a great morning
workout! There are two different instructors and they both have very different routines. Amanda’s class is a lot of strength and balance work that incorporates moves like squats and arm-raises with the use of free weights and a body bar. Daniella’s class is a total body workout – there’s lots of cardio using the step and a good amount of leg and arm work with weights, body bar and/or resistance band. Both instructors play great music to keep you going, so either way you are guaranteed a good workout!

Now, I mentioned being sore after a good workout.

Ok it shouldn’t be THAT bad… Ha-ha! But don’t get discouraged if you feel achy and sore all over. I always tell myself that it’s actually a good sign, and means that I’ve challenged my body and am getting stronger.

So next time you’ve got an extra hour to kill, remember that you can drop-in anytime!

-Lesia

 

 

Try the Tri

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Like I mentioned last week, I find that signing up or registering – in other words, COMMITTING time – for a particular event or activity gets me motivated to go out and actually do something active. I think it’s because when I sign up for something, I know that someone is counting on me to be there and actively participate. One thing I love about U of T is that there is always some kind of cool event or activity happening that students can sign-up, or register, for. Looking for an upcoming opportunity? The Hart House 20th Annual Indoor Triathlon is coming up soon!

The closest I have come to a triathlon is competing in a duathlon during my final year of high school. Which, by the way, was outdoors, so the idea of an indoor triathlon kind of took me by surprise. But then I realized what a great idea it was – we’ve got the space and equipment to swim, bike and run indoors, so why not?

Now, time to get all those negative thoughts of “I could never do a triathlon are-you kidding-me” outta your head! The cool thing about this particular tri is that it’s very suitable for all levels. Each leg of the event lasts only 15 minutes, so it’s really a competition against yourself to see how much distance you can cover in that time. If it’s your first time ever doing a triathlon you don’t have to worry about being up against seasoned pros. There’s a Rookie category to keep things fair! And if you aren’t up for doing the swim, bike and the run all by yourself, that’s fine too! Buddy-up with two friends to split the events and enter together as a relay team for only $15 each. This fee covers your race kit, which includes a T-shirt and some other cool stuff.

The event is set to take place on Saturday, February 9th 2013 and the registration deadline is February 1st. You can e-mail a completed registration form or sign up in person at the HUB (front desk in Hart House).

And while we are talking about triathlons, did you know that U of T has its very own Triathlon Club? So if you try (ha-ha)  the Hart House event and have a good time, you can even join the club and regularly train with the group! They’ve got flexible options as far as training intensity and scheduling goes, and – what do you know – they’ve also got an event coming up soon. So if you can’t make the Hart House Tri, then consider participating in the SWIM ROW GO event at the AC on January 27th 2013.

So what are you waiting for…

Grab your friends and get on out there and TRY something new!

-Lesia

PS: If you want to be in the know about other awesome events at Hart House, you can sign up for their weekly newsletter. The Hart House Farm Committee has got the Winter Carnival coming up in a few weeks, which I am really excited about!! Tickets are on sale now and you can check it out on Facebook too!

Breaking out of holiday mode.

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Well, I don’t know about you, but my Christmas break was a whirlwind of family, friends, food, and more food. It was pretty darn cold back at home in Northern Ontario. So even though I got out to shovel snow and got to spend a day downhill skiing, a good portion of my holiday was spent inside lounging around…

But hey, it was a much-needed break that helped me recharge. Now that I’m all rested up, I’m pumped and ready to get back into work-out mode. I know, I know, “going to the gym” is one of the most clichéd New Year’s resolutions ever. But that’s why I’m not thinking of it as a “resolution.” I’m just thinking of it as something else that’s a part of my schedule, the same way lectures, tutorials, and club meetings are. I took some time over the break to browse the schedules for drop-in fitness at Hart House and the Athletic Centre to see which classes fit into the rest of my schedule. I also made a note of the women-only hours so I can plan to hit the SCC. With exercise, I find that making a schedule and specifically allotting time for working out helps ensure that I actually
make it out to the gym.

Time to get moving again!

Another great way to stick to something once you start is to join an activity that requires regularly meeting up with others. There’s even research that shows incorporating exercise into your social life can help keep you on track! Luckily at U of T, we have lots of cool opportunities to do so. I’ve decided to try something new this semester – tennis!! Lessons start next week and I can’t wait! The AC offers a bunch of other registered programs too, from Tae Kwon Do to gymnastics. Check out the schedules/fees and if you like what you see, register online or at the main office!

Hart House also offers registered classes in their fitness centre. Did you know that you could learn hip hop or archery there?! All it takes is a few clicks to sign up!

And of course, there’s winter intramurals! Get in touch with the intramural rep(s) from your college/faculty if you’re interested in playing indoor co-ed ultimate frisbee or indoor soccer (men’s and women’s). There’s even competition between the U of T campuses through tri-campus sports, and tryouts are coming up very soon for men’s and women’s indoor soccer, and men’s cricket.

Finally, UTSU is giving you a second chance to check out the hundreds of U of T clubs with their Winter Clubs Fest in the Varsity Dome. And don’t forget to drop by the Varsity Arena for some awesome music and free skating at the Winter Warm-Up!

I hope that you were able to rest up over the holidays and are ready to tackle the new year. I’m looking forward to another semester of sharing fun ways to get active at U of T!!

-Lesia

PS: One more thing I need to mention – getting a gym locker makes a HUGE difference!! If you are going to be there several times a week and you don’t live on campus, I say it’s a REALLY good idea. I got tired of lugging around my gym stuff pretty quickly last year, and definitely would not have gone to Hart House as much if I didn’t end up getting a locker there.

Yoga Lovin’

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We’ve all heard about the benefits of Yoga. It’s been said that those who practice the ancient activity achieve greater flexibility and balance as they age, experience lower levels of stress, and are better able to relieve body aches and pains. Sounds like a worthwhile exercise regime to me. Unfortunately, if you’re anything like me, beginning Yoga can be intimidating, especially if you’re embarrassed by the current state of your body. Trying out those new poses in front of a whole class can be daunting. But it’s been an activity I’ve wanted to experience for a while.

Last week, I finally plucked up the courage to attend my first drop-in Yoga class (http://www.multifaith.utoronto.ca/Events-And-Programs/Basic-Meditation-and-Classes.htm).  I walked into the studio in my sweatpants and tank top, dreading the hour long session.  I positioned myself in the first row as our instructor took her spot on her mat. She asked her customary pre-class questions: “Does anyone have any injuries that I should know about?” and “Is anyone new to Yoga?”  I timidly raised my hand. The teacher welcomed me and then explained that I would be able to see more clearly if I sat further back. I did as I was asked and the class began. I sweated and struggled my way through most of the standing and balance poses. I was very relieved when we moved on to floor positions!

As the class progressed, I realized that I wasn’t the only person who believed she was the least flexible person in the room. Most of my classmates were just as self-conscious about their own abilities and I was able to take comfort in that.  Moreover, everyone was focused on themselves and their poses, not on me and mine! Besides, Yoga isn’t about having perfect flexibility.  It’s about forming the right alignment for each pose.  As my instructor said “It doesn’t matter if you can touch your toes or not.”  I was finally able to relax and find my Zen.

When the class was over, I approached the instructor and thanked her for help and patience. She gave me several follow-up tips and invited me to her next class. I walked out feeling extremely calm and accomplished!

All in all, it was a wonderful experience for me and I would recommend it to anyone who is contemplating it.  During my first Yoga experience, I learned several lessons for use in my next sessions (yes, I do intend to continue!).  First, Yoga isn’t a competition.  It’s important to listen to your body and rest when you need it.  I wish I had realized this from the get-go. Maybe then I wouldn’t be nursing sore shoulders, hips, and legs!  Second, look for clarification!  I noticed a few students asking the instructor for help with their alignments. Asking clarifying questions will help you get into the poses correctly and get more out of your practice.  Finally, don’t take the class too seriously! There is a mistaken notion that Yoga is a bland, humorless endeavor. I was pleasantly surprised to find that that isn’t the case. Yogis do laugh in their sessions!

Attending your first Yoga class can be a wonderful experience. From improved balance to increased mindfulness, you are sure to walk away with something positive. Keeping an open mind will ensure a smooth first practice. I hope you consider giving it a try!

Happy posing,

Ishita

Cardio queen takes on the SCC

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I’m almost half way through my second year here at U of T, and to be honest, until a few weeks ago I had not even set foot in the Strength and Conditioning Centre (SCC) at the AC. It’s been in the back of my mind as one of those things I should really check out sometime, but I always put it off. I love my cardio – walking, running, biking… that’s good enough right? Who needs weights?!

Well, cardio is great, but deep down I know that it is important to mix it up and add activities like strength training to my regime to keep my core and all my muscles nice and strong. And with the weather only getting colder outside, I finally decided it was about time I ventured into this seemingly intimidating room.

Since I prefer exercising outdoors and/or in team sports, I didn’t know the first thing about “weight rooms.” All those obscure and scary looking machines – where to even start?! Watching is the best way for me to learn how to do something, so I registered for the FREE SCC circuit orientation offered on Mondays during women-only
hours.

Talk about a good idea! I get kinda self-conscious when I feel like people are watching me, so I felt much more comfortable learning the ropes with only a few other girls in the room. The SCC staff person was really friendly and an excellent guide each step of the way. It was just me and one other girl doing the orientation, so there was plenty of
time for the instructor to demonstrate how to use each of the eight machines in
the circuit before we gave it a try. With just those eight machines we got a real
full body workout – chest, shoulders, back, biceps, hamstrings, quads, glutes… it
helped me realize what muscles in my body really could use a little more work!

Unless you are in front of a mirror, it can be tough to see what you look like as you use the equipment. That’s why it was also super helpful that as we tried out each machine, the instructor would watch and make sure that we were doing it right. That’s really important, not only so that you look like a boss during your workout, but so that you don’t strain or injure yourself!

Now that I’ve been-there, done-that with the SCC, I can honestly say that it is not so scary!! At least, not during women-only access. Ladies, we get it ALL to ourselves for an hour every day, so take advantage of it! Check the schedule to find out when they offer orientations, or pick up some printed info-sheets next time you pass through the turnstiles!

-Lesia