Canuck Corner-Installment #5
Hi Everyone!
I hope that the first month of 2012 was kind to you and that you are still on that New Year's resolution ba
ndwagon! In January the gym was packed with all sorts of newbies and as per usual, my inbox has been piling up with all sorts of questions about getting started on a fitness and/or meal plan, goal setting, and competing -- keep them coming!
So as we are well into our full fledged Canadian winter I have been outside twice a day braving the elements with my dogs, and also gearing up for my own competition prep which I started on January 30th. Tad and I (www.tadthedietcoach.com ) are starting my preparation a little earlier than normal as I have a couple trips between now and my show, and need to make sure that I am on par for the April 27th Europa Show of Champions in Orlando, FL. My friend and fellow competitor Aleisha Hart is also competing that weekend so we are going to plan our travels together and maybe even take in some of that Florida sunshine after the show (whomever said you cannot compete against each other and be real friends was misinformed!).
In addition I have been warmly welcomed by the NSABBA (provincial affiliate of the CBBF) as an IFBB Pro "Ambassador", and was part of their seminar held on January 15th. Dozens of aspiring and amateur level competitors showed up to discuss all things competitive with myself, two other IFBB pros, as well as the association executive and head judge. I also played some excerpts from the 2011 Figure and Bikini Olympia for the girls in attendance -- I think seeing the Olympia stage was inspiration for them all!
On January 21- 22, I assisted TV Celebrity Trainer Tommy Europe at his Bootcamp at the Optimyz Fit Expo and also did some shots for Optimyz magazine (which is published by the GoodLife Fitness chain). What a blast! The participants in the bootcamp were so eager to participate and it was certainly a lot of fun. Tommy and I will also be appearing in an upcoming issue of Inside Fitness magazine performing a 'sand training' workout, so stay tuned!
This month marks the most 'romantic' day of the year (well at least that's what Hallmark says ;-) ), so what do you get for someone who is dieting and cannot indulge in a dinner for two or some chocolates? For the ladies out there, take your man out for a fun concert or sporting event (trust me -- they think this is the height of romance!) or maybe get him a piece of fitness equipment he has been eyeing and suggest a workout together. For the male readers out there, a spa day is always a great idea for your lady friend, and you cannot go wrong with flowers or something 'sparkly'!
Need to beat the winter blues? Outside of my time spent training in the gym, I have become increasingly aware that stretching is a great way to feel more energetic, limber and if you add some hot yoga into the mix, makes for a very 'zen' workout routine. My February resolution is to get to hot yoga at least once week as it makes me feel great, gives me an opportunity to just relax for an hour and collect my thoughts, but I also leave feeling a sense of achievement and 'calm'. So if you haven't already tried this great addition to your regime, I suggest you take advantage, as many studios have great introductory rates which allows you to get started without breaking the bank.
On that note, have an absolutely wonderful month and if you have any questions, please send them to me at [email protected]
Eat, Sleep, Train, Repeat!
Yours in health,
Natalie
Natalie Waples
IFBB Figure Pro
Twitter: @natwaples
Facebook: Natalie Waples IFBB Pro
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