Friday, 10 August 2012
Day 5
August 10, 2012
Unbelieveable that we are on day 5 already. It is crazy the amount of exercise that I have done and how I have been so completely satisfied with the meals here.
Today went on a 2 hour hike with Ramon. Boy did we get some insight into the show and how things worked. I have been to the brink of tears every waking moment while I have been here. Its hard to describe. The show as described by Ramon is really a reality show. From start to finish and requires a great deal of committment and dedication. My hat goes off to all contestant.
What has been so amazing is that Ramon and Jess are the two most remarakable people that I have met in a long time while at the same time they are just like me (also remarkable, lol) I worked out with Jesse today and that make me so happy to be guided and encouraged and most importantly challenged by her.
We had some injuries today on the hike, the weather made things a bit slippery and we also had a couple of people leave. Not sure of the reason but its a bit heartbreaking regardless the reason. Alternatively we had many laughs today at the table as friendships continued to develop.
I have truly enjoyed every meal but one here, having said that today I found an exception, Committed to trying everything while I am here I did eat it. It was followed by a dessert that I did like though:-)
Today my favorite trainer was off but she will be back on Sunday.
Thursday, 9 August 2012
Day 4
August 9th, 2012
We I may sound like a broken record but the truth is today was another awesome day. Started off a bit different today with a stretch class with my favorite trainer Betty. She is really a great assist her on the the resort.
We completed our second TOC trrainer obstacle course today, this one was through the woods instead and this meant many more hills. So I only make it round 4 time but this is still an awesome accomplishment in 2 hours. It included carrying Betty up the hill 4 more times and enourging on of the other girls to do the same, like I said it was a great day.
Or lectures were on portion control today and reading labels both excellent lessons. I am looking forward to taking this valuable information home with me so that I can better prepare my own meals, some really great reipes that inlcude chicken tikka masala!!!!! We had that tonight it was fantastic, okay now the indian food that I am used to but I would rather be around for more years to be able to still eat all sorts of good stuff.
This experience has be so amazing to me. I dont really know how I can put it into works. The group is really getting along well and I see how it will be hard to leave on Sunday. There are many Canadians this week and I think this will be the case a lot since we can all just drive to this property. Having said that I would also like to visit other properties in the future. Malibu here I come.
More to come tomorrow. Time to rest now.
August 9th, 2012
We I may sound like a broken record but the truth is today was another awesome day. Started off a bit different today with a stretch class with my favorite trainer Betty. She is really a great assist her on the the resort.
We completed our second TOC trrainer obstacle course today, this one was through the woods instead and this meant many more hills. So I only make it round 4 time but this is still an awesome accomplishment in 2 hours. It included carrying Betty up the hill 4 more times and enourging on of the other girls to do the same, like I said it was a great day.
Or lectures were on portion control today and reading labels both excellent lessons. I am looking forward to taking this valuable information home with me so that I can better prepare my own meals, some really great reipes that inlcude chicken tikka masala!!!!! We had that tonight it was fantastic, okay now the indian food that I am used to but I would rather be around for more years to be able to still eat all sorts of good stuff.
This experience has be so amazing to me. I dont really know how I can put it into works. The group is really getting along well and I see how it will be hard to leave on Sunday. There are many Canadians this week and I think this will be the case a lot since we can all just drive to this property. Having said that I would also like to visit other properties in the future. Malibu here I come.
More to come tomorrow. Time to rest now.
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Day 3
August 8th, 2012
Well day 3 has come and almost gone and it was another sensational day. Started at the gym as I normally do and continued to work my upper body. Felt good as I focused on fewer machines this time.
Went to another lovely breakfast. I really want to learn to make these sausages. Today we had a sausage egg and potato sort of omelette, really good.
Our morning two hour hike was outside and was out on the road we drove in on. For the people wishing to be challeged we walked about half the time and jogged that other half. In th heat it was pretty nasty but I did want to be challenged. I have to figure out now how I can challenge myself to do the same at home. Felt awesome though as by the time we were done was had completed 6 miles.
But the hightlight today was the new trainers that joined us on the hike, non other then Jessica and Ramon from Season 10. They are both amazing people. They made a plan and they stuck to it. For those of you that do not know, Jessica and Ramon met on the show and are a couple now that work at the Niagara property 4 days a week. They are right in there motivating and while maintaining their own success all the time. They actually brought me (and many others in the room) to tears while they told their story today. I might be in tears again when I am faced and challenged to their last chance workout.
The balance of the say was more strength training and Mountain class. Means every 3 minutes you increase your speed on whatever cardio machine you are on 12 times for 3 minutes each time. I foolishly started at 3.0 and went up to 3.5 and 4.0 respectively in the first 2 level changes. Big mistake but for the 12th leve I did run at 6, thanks again to Betty beside me, for 3 minutes.
Dinner was a turkey meat loaf and a shockingly big portion. It was good and I look forward to trying this recipe as well. For 3 weeks at home I will only be trying the Biggest Loser recipes before I retun for another week on September 2nd. Very excited about that !
Enjoyed a few games of pool and now I am off to ice my ankle that has for some reason decided to triple in size today. Does not hurt and I did not even notice until i took my shoes off today so I'm not stressed about it. I'm sure in the morning it will be good as new.
I love this place, I'm just living the dream every day!
August 8th, 2012
Well day 3 has come and almost gone and it was another sensational day. Started at the gym as I normally do and continued to work my upper body. Felt good as I focused on fewer machines this time.
Went to another lovely breakfast. I really want to learn to make these sausages. Today we had a sausage egg and potato sort of omelette, really good.
Our morning two hour hike was outside and was out on the road we drove in on. For the people wishing to be challeged we walked about half the time and jogged that other half. In th heat it was pretty nasty but I did want to be challenged. I have to figure out now how I can challenge myself to do the same at home. Felt awesome though as by the time we were done was had completed 6 miles.
But the hightlight today was the new trainers that joined us on the hike, non other then Jessica and Ramon from Season 10. They are both amazing people. They made a plan and they stuck to it. For those of you that do not know, Jessica and Ramon met on the show and are a couple now that work at the Niagara property 4 days a week. They are right in there motivating and while maintaining their own success all the time. They actually brought me (and many others in the room) to tears while they told their story today. I might be in tears again when I am faced and challenged to their last chance workout.
The balance of the say was more strength training and Mountain class. Means every 3 minutes you increase your speed on whatever cardio machine you are on 12 times for 3 minutes each time. I foolishly started at 3.0 and went up to 3.5 and 4.0 respectively in the first 2 level changes. Big mistake but for the 12th leve I did run at 6, thanks again to Betty beside me, for 3 minutes.
Dinner was a turkey meat loaf and a shockingly big portion. It was good and I look forward to trying this recipe as well. For 3 weeks at home I will only be trying the Biggest Loser recipes before I retun for another week on September 2nd. Very excited about that !
Enjoyed a few games of pool and now I am off to ice my ankle that has for some reason decided to triple in size today. Does not hurt and I did not even notice until i took my shoes off today so I'm not stressed about it. I'm sure in the morning it will be good as new.
I love this place, I'm just living the dream every day!
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
August 7th, 2012
Well today started just as yesterday did, the clock woke me promptly at 5:15 am and I got dressed in my new biggest loser t-shirt, it was a red day, with my matching running shoes and I was off.
Went to the gym for a free time gym hour. Decided to work on my upper body as this is the weak part of my body. Worked on several machines and therefore worked many muscles.
After the gym we had breakfast, today was gulten free pancakes, they were pretty good for gluten free pancakes but I might not be wondering how to make this recipe like that ones I will tell you about later. All the recipes by the way will come home with me and I will be trying them out in Helen's test Kitchen.
So the highlight for today comes after breakfast. The name of todays challenge was TOC, not knowing what that was I was not feeling worried that I could not do it. Well it was a TRAINER OBSTACLE CHALLENGE and it was tough.....but I made it tougher.....We had to walk/run around the track where there were 5 different stations. As you got to each one you had to do an exercies. Jumping jacks, lunges, medicine balls.....all that was fine. But then we go to Betty's hill. Not a long distance and with couple medium hills we were challenged to go up, not once, not twice, but 5 times before we could continue on the course. So to make it more challenging for one of each of the 4 times I decided to carry Betty herself on my back. The first time I did it I thought I'd try and if I put my mind to it I could do it. That was true and I did it. The 2nd time I thought well, maybe I can do it twice, and I was right again. By the 3rd time it was a game and I wanted to continue to challenge myself. By the fourth time I wanted to do it again after that but the time ran out. Thanks Betty for your encouragement.
So after all that work we were not even half way done, snack was a great peanut butter (natural) and celery, remember eating that as a kid, who knew what a great combination it was. I scurried off to the front desk to get my pool pass and was off to the pool for another wet and wonderful workout.
Lunch today was an awesome chicken breast on Greek Salad! Even I can make that!!!! Dinner last night was stuffed green peppers, did I mention that already, can't wait to make the Biggest Loser version of that at home.
So after lunch we talked about intuitive eating. What I mostly got from that is know what and how you are eating and I'm reminded of the fact that I eat way way to fast.......chew chew and don't forget to chew.
Table mates are good company as we swap stories and tips. Tonight one of the Nutritionists ate with ups so we were able to drill her with questions. Everyone is so incredible great here.
So couple more major classes to go, strength training and cardio intervals - both worked all parts of the body. Cardio is and has always been my favorite.....but I am enjoying learning and participating in strength training.
Speaking of strength, I'm running out of it right now. So I will sign off and get back to you all tomorrow with another update.
Well today started just as yesterday did, the clock woke me promptly at 5:15 am and I got dressed in my new biggest loser t-shirt, it was a red day, with my matching running shoes and I was off.
Went to the gym for a free time gym hour. Decided to work on my upper body as this is the weak part of my body. Worked on several machines and therefore worked many muscles.
After the gym we had breakfast, today was gulten free pancakes, they were pretty good for gluten free pancakes but I might not be wondering how to make this recipe like that ones I will tell you about later. All the recipes by the way will come home with me and I will be trying them out in Helen's test Kitchen.
So the highlight for today comes after breakfast. The name of todays challenge was TOC, not knowing what that was I was not feeling worried that I could not do it. Well it was a TRAINER OBSTACLE CHALLENGE and it was tough.....but I made it tougher.....We had to walk/run around the track where there were 5 different stations. As you got to each one you had to do an exercies. Jumping jacks, lunges, medicine balls.....all that was fine. But then we go to Betty's hill. Not a long distance and with couple medium hills we were challenged to go up, not once, not twice, but 5 times before we could continue on the course. So to make it more challenging for one of each of the 4 times I decided to carry Betty herself on my back. The first time I did it I thought I'd try and if I put my mind to it I could do it. That was true and I did it. The 2nd time I thought well, maybe I can do it twice, and I was right again. By the 3rd time it was a game and I wanted to continue to challenge myself. By the fourth time I wanted to do it again after that but the time ran out. Thanks Betty for your encouragement.
So after all that work we were not even half way done, snack was a great peanut butter (natural) and celery, remember eating that as a kid, who knew what a great combination it was. I scurried off to the front desk to get my pool pass and was off to the pool for another wet and wonderful workout.
Lunch today was an awesome chicken breast on Greek Salad! Even I can make that!!!! Dinner last night was stuffed green peppers, did I mention that already, can't wait to make the Biggest Loser version of that at home.
So after lunch we talked about intuitive eating. What I mostly got from that is know what and how you are eating and I'm reminded of the fact that I eat way way to fast.......chew chew and don't forget to chew.
Table mates are good company as we swap stories and tips. Tonight one of the Nutritionists ate with ups so we were able to drill her with questions. Everyone is so incredible great here.
So couple more major classes to go, strength training and cardio intervals - both worked all parts of the body. Cardio is and has always been my favorite.....but I am enjoying learning and participating in strength training.
Speaking of strength, I'm running out of it right now. So I will sign off and get back to you all tomorrow with another update.
Monday, 6 August 2012
Day 1
August 6th, 2012
Well I had this all typed out and somehow deleted in one keystroke so this is round two, wont be the same but it will be good.
So our day stared at 6 am, wake up call at 5:15 am while it was still dark and cold outside. But I jumped out of bed and was ready for what the day was going to bring.
We began the day with a familiarization of the gym and its equipment. This I enjoyed as I have not done much work with the machines in the gym. The gym is very new as is the equipment. Pictures of Biggest Loser contestants decorate the wall just as on the show. Cool.
Breafast this morning was an omelette and an awesome chicken apple sausage, I want to learn how to make these.
So after breakfast we proceeded to the assessment. This was basically a walk in the woods, the number of times that you went around the loop determined what group you were put in. That took an hour and for another hour you actually went for your hike. Great nature walk, I loved it.
Next, snack time, a smoothie, good one and then off to the next exercise event - for me it was a cardio class in the pool. Loved it , was challenging at times and got some skid marks on the bottom of my feet but it was all worth it.
No time to rest yest, right after the pool it was time to eat. Times for food are scheduled, you have to be there or you are out of luck. Salad and a great lentil burger. Enjoyed chatting with others at the table but no rest for the wicked as they say. As soon a lunch was over it was time for the first class. We talked about metabolism, protien, carbs fat, portion size......and the list goes on.
From there it was time for an intro to spin class. I have been in a spin class before so this was familiar ground. Some of the things that I did next in the minute curcuit training was not so familiar. We alternated from cardio to strength machines for mintues each for a total of 50 or so mintues......awesome workout. Felt like I really did something there.
Home made granola was the next snack followed by the spin class that we prepared for earlier. Spinning is not my favorite but I do like it. Class was energizing and well conducted.
All the trainers here are fantastic, they really want you to get the best out of the experience. As it should be, you are expected to be at all classes and on time and in return they are sure to start on time.
The grounds are beautiful. As this is a conference center there is a lot going on, not just the Biggest Loser activities. The goal is to make the entire property the fitness resort and it will eventually be like that.
So I'm in my room now, feeling great, happy with my performance and really looking forward to climbing into bed. So on that note I will sign off and get back to all very soon.
I know there are lots of spelling and likely grammer errors here.....will fix later.
Well I had this all typed out and somehow deleted in one keystroke so this is round two, wont be the same but it will be good.
So our day stared at 6 am, wake up call at 5:15 am while it was still dark and cold outside. But I jumped out of bed and was ready for what the day was going to bring.
We began the day with a familiarization of the gym and its equipment. This I enjoyed as I have not done much work with the machines in the gym. The gym is very new as is the equipment. Pictures of Biggest Loser contestants decorate the wall just as on the show. Cool.
Breafast this morning was an omelette and an awesome chicken apple sausage, I want to learn how to make these.
So after breakfast we proceeded to the assessment. This was basically a walk in the woods, the number of times that you went around the loop determined what group you were put in. That took an hour and for another hour you actually went for your hike. Great nature walk, I loved it.
Next, snack time, a smoothie, good one and then off to the next exercise event - for me it was a cardio class in the pool. Loved it , was challenging at times and got some skid marks on the bottom of my feet but it was all worth it.
No time to rest yest, right after the pool it was time to eat. Times for food are scheduled, you have to be there or you are out of luck. Salad and a great lentil burger. Enjoyed chatting with others at the table but no rest for the wicked as they say. As soon a lunch was over it was time for the first class. We talked about metabolism, protien, carbs fat, portion size......and the list goes on.
From there it was time for an intro to spin class. I have been in a spin class before so this was familiar ground. Some of the things that I did next in the minute curcuit training was not so familiar. We alternated from cardio to strength machines for mintues each for a total of 50 or so mintues......awesome workout. Felt like I really did something there.
Home made granola was the next snack followed by the spin class that we prepared for earlier. Spinning is not my favorite but I do like it. Class was energizing and well conducted.
All the trainers here are fantastic, they really want you to get the best out of the experience. As it should be, you are expected to be at all classes and on time and in return they are sure to start on time.
The grounds are beautiful. As this is a conference center there is a lot going on, not just the Biggest Loser activities. The goal is to make the entire property the fitness resort and it will eventually be like that.
So I'm in my room now, feeling great, happy with my performance and really looking forward to climbing into bed. So on that note I will sign off and get back to all very soon.
I know there are lots of spelling and likely grammer errors here.....will fix later.
Arrival day
August 5th, 2012
Well the adventure begins with getting ready. As mormal I started packing early an then was still packing at the last minute ....went to bed and woke up early to get things going and be one my way. Once on the road I was more excited and less nervous but I was not thinking about it too much as I had to concentrate on driving through the rain.......even more fun, but I did not let it stress me, was the wait at the border. Apparently this was due to Carabana being in Toronto and as all our American friends had to go back work on Monday it made for a very congested highway.....Didnt help that when I read the warning sign the first time I thought it said 1-2 CAR delay when in fact it said 1-2 HOUR delay!!!! oh well all good and I still arrived on time.
First impression of the property is sheer beauty. It is acutally a conference center that hosts various events and the permanant client here is the Biggest Loser Group. Upon arrival I was immediately assessed.....when I was asked how old I was I responded 63 and they actually entered that into the computer.....I dont look 63 do I , lol ....it was at that point that they knew I would be trouble all week. Right after I continued to make friends while in the dining room enjoying by first Biggest loser meal, chicken and broccoli (sorry I dont have the strength to describe it but it was good.
Once done there the night belonged to us. First order of business was a new Biggest Loser t-shirt, and a hat to match, awsome orange color. The bad news is that I left that 6th pair of running shoes at home and dont have the exact pair that would match my new outfit perfectly!! So to solve this problem, I bought a 2nd t-shirt to match the shoes that I did bring.....nice one. Enjoyed a game of pool with one of the girls to chill out and then returned to the room for an early night. The night rapped up with a shower and a would say a good book but I wouldnt know since I barely got through a chapter.
So the property is stunning......cabins for rooms, some single some double. I decided to share my room to make my experience as real as possibe. Rooms are nicely furnished and have many perks and a great deck out back, only wish I could get wifi out there and I would be there now instead of in the room. The staff are sensational, helpful and really keen to make sure that you get all you can out of the experience. Everything is scheduled and you are (fair enough) expected to be there and on time.
I'm excited about what tomorrow has to bring, so far everything is meeting my expectation.
Well the adventure begins with getting ready. As mormal I started packing early an then was still packing at the last minute ....went to bed and woke up early to get things going and be one my way. Once on the road I was more excited and less nervous but I was not thinking about it too much as I had to concentrate on driving through the rain.......even more fun, but I did not let it stress me, was the wait at the border. Apparently this was due to Carabana being in Toronto and as all our American friends had to go back work on Monday it made for a very congested highway.....Didnt help that when I read the warning sign the first time I thought it said 1-2 CAR delay when in fact it said 1-2 HOUR delay!!!! oh well all good and I still arrived on time.
First impression of the property is sheer beauty. It is acutally a conference center that hosts various events and the permanant client here is the Biggest Loser Group. Upon arrival I was immediately assessed.....when I was asked how old I was I responded 63 and they actually entered that into the computer.....I dont look 63 do I , lol ....it was at that point that they knew I would be trouble all week. Right after I continued to make friends while in the dining room enjoying by first Biggest loser meal, chicken and broccoli (sorry I dont have the strength to describe it but it was good.
Once done there the night belonged to us. First order of business was a new Biggest Loser t-shirt, and a hat to match, awsome orange color. The bad news is that I left that 6th pair of running shoes at home and dont have the exact pair that would match my new outfit perfectly!! So to solve this problem, I bought a 2nd t-shirt to match the shoes that I did bring.....nice one. Enjoyed a game of pool with one of the girls to chill out and then returned to the room for an early night. The night rapped up with a shower and a would say a good book but I wouldnt know since I barely got through a chapter.
So the property is stunning......cabins for rooms, some single some double. I decided to share my room to make my experience as real as possibe. Rooms are nicely furnished and have many perks and a great deck out back, only wish I could get wifi out there and I would be there now instead of in the room. The staff are sensational, helpful and really keen to make sure that you get all you can out of the experience. Everything is scheduled and you are (fair enough) expected to be there and on time.
I'm excited about what tomorrow has to bring, so far everything is meeting my expectation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)