This post is sponsored by Dr. Scholl’s®. To make sure Dr. Scholl’s® products are right for you, always read and follow the label.
We are all #BornToMove. But why do we spend most of our time, sitting, standing still, or laying on the couch?!
I was thrilled when I was approached by Dr. Scholl’s a few weeks ago to participate in the #BornToMove campaign to encourage fellow Canadians to bring movement and exercise back to their day-to-day activity. Because after all, us humans are the most happy and free when we’re running, playing, jumping, and getting that adrenaline streaming through our veins, don’t you agree?!
I must admit, I’m not as active as I’d like to be. Ever since I underwent surgery last year (I had my gallbladder removed), I experienced lower back pain, and it deterred me from getting to my workouts. In addition, I somehow constantly fell into the trap of making excuses for my busy work schedule, but I realized excuses, were exactly just that.
As part of the #BornToMove campaign, I challenged myself to try four spanking new workouts around the city each week and also managed to make little tweaks to my daily activity, for example, swapping out driving for walking. Keep scrolling to read my round up of these workouts and a chance to win $1000 towards an activity of your choice sponsored by Dr. Scholl’s!!
Before I dive into my roundup, I want to mention that if you also suffer from minor back pain or injuries, don’t let that stop you from moving. I have been using Dr. Scholl’s® Lower Back Pain Relief Orthotics to give me some extra help. They are clinically proven to provide immediate and all-day lower back pain relief and super easy to slip inside your existing footwear. And I recommend the Dr. Scholl’s® Massaging Gel® Dual Gel Insoles for long strolls that reduce tiredness in feet and legs (also suitable for long shopping days!).
Now, let’s get down to business! I tried four different studios in Toronto over a four week period and guys, I had SO much fun while getting my butt kicked! If you’re someone who loathes the gym and much prefer yoga or dance, than I highly recommend you try any of these boutique studios, you will love them!
Studio Lagree for Lagree
Lagree was probably one of the most intense workouts I’ve ever experienced in my life and though I was hurting (in a good way) after class for about two days, I can’t wait to go back. The Lagree Fitness Method combines core, endurance, cardio, balance, strength and flexibility training all in one. The workout is performed on a Megaformer, a machine that features various, handles, straps and accessories.
To give you an idea of what to expect, essentially a series of balance poses and muscle exercise that are performed at a slow pace and with repetition, which gives you that nice burn at the end of each circuit. You’ll experiencing that ‘shaky’ feeling throughout, but it’s totally worth it and the class is high energy and fun!
The Extension Room for Allegro Ballet Bootcamp
I have always wanted to learn ballet. Never had the chance when I was a child, so I thought, why not give it a try as an adult?! I signed up for a private Allegro Ballet Bootcamp at the Extension Room on a Sunday afternoon. I walked in expecting to carry out a few easy peasy ballet moves (just like how they do it on TV), but oh boy was I wrong!
Allegro Ballet Bootcamp combines all elements of classic ballet but as an intense, high cardio style workout. First off, I realized that dancing looks a lot easier then it actually is. I was running around out of breath for probably majority of the class. Plus, it requires not only strength but coordination. How I pictured myself dancing, was completely different than how I looked against the mirror. 🙂
Needless to say, despite the difficulty of this class, it was an amazing experience and I’d recommend scheduling a private class with a group of friends!
Barre3 for Barre
This studio recently opened up by my house and I had to pay it a visit. I’ve attended many Barre workouts before and outside of yoga, likely one of my favourites. Barre3 was build on a three step system: HOLD, MOVE, and MOVE BIG. There are several hold postures, followed by a series of small, targeted movements, and ending with large-range movements to get the heart rate pumping. You should expect to use several props during class such as light weights, a ball, yoga mat, and a resistance band (or course a ballet bar as well for balancing!).
I always enjoy a great Barre workout because it its full body in nature, posture correcting, and many of the exercises can be performed in the privacy of your own home.
MisFit Studio for Reformer
I’ve practiced Pilates on a mat before, but have never on a Reformer machine. If you’ve not tried Reformer before, it is mandatory to book a private class at MisFit Studio before signing up for regularly scheduled Reformer classes. My private lesson was focused on learning how to operate the machine. Similar to the Lagree workout, the movements are slow paced, but requires plenty of strength, balance and repeated movements. The sequence workout also integrates the use of a ball for stability training. Since I took the private lesson and it was primarily an introductory class, the intensity level was slightly lower than the other classes I participated it, but I would definitely go back to MisFit Studios to try one of the many variety of mat and reformer classes they have on their schedule.
So now that you’ve read about my #BornToMove experience, inspired to get moving as well?! Well, you’re in luck, I have partnered with Dr. Scholl’s to offer one of you the chance to win $1000 to put towards an activity of your choice!!! All you have to do is visit my Instagram post, follow the contest rules and instructions!!
I hope this post will get you ready to try a fun workout!
