Today, I visited Simply Ballroom Dance Studio  on the Northside and had a great time learning about what they do. Basically, they do everything! They have classes for dancers of all types levels and abilities. They have classes that cover everything from the classic dances all the way to Hip-hop and Zumba. www.simplyballroom.net/

Owner, Romaric Cansino had his elite-level students show us a wide variety of styles and even at their level, they were all working up a sweat! A common misperception about Dance is that it is all glitz & glamour but in reality, it is very hard work with a lot of attention to detail and working on correct body positioning and posture.

Fitness is what you make it, so if you are looking for a different form of exercise that also offers a positive/supportive social environment….give dance a try! Variety is great for maintaining a consistent exercise schedule, so open your mind, get out there and try new things!

On Monday, I visited Crestwood Village West, a senior living community that had a strong emphasis on staying fit! It was refreshing to see that there is a new way of looking at life after the age of 55. They had numerous types of activities that people could participate in to get active and fit. One resident, Hal was a bowler for many years but for the past few years was too weak to do so. He committed to the fitness program, is now bowling again and loving it! If you or someone you know is 55 or older and inactive, I challenge you to take that first step towards a healthy/active lifestyle. Results can be garnered at any age so start moving! Here is a link to information I put together for older adults looking to get fit: http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=5195424

Go Getem!

 On this morning’s segment, I visited the IPS charter school, Center For Inquiry to show how they have taken a proactive approach to getting their students active. Last year, they applied for and received a grant to purchase bicycles and helmets for the kids to use on the nearby Monon Trail and soon to come Cultural Trail directly nearby the school.

Assistant Principal, Joseph Turner told me that they didn’t wait around for divine intervention, they actively pursued funding to address the lack of activity in their students. Last fall, they received their bicycles and this past spring and summer they held numerous outings that allowed the kids to ride outside, have fun and get fit. Turner told me that they have more things they want to provide for the kids to keep them fit and are seeking out more grants to do just that! He said this whole process wasn’t rocket science but rather a simple case of making a decision to “act” rather than “talk” about a problem! Kudos to Mr. Turner and the Center For Inquiry! I hope this segment and information motivates parents, teachers and administrators to pursue whatever means necessary to provide their kids with the time, tools and means for getting fit and active. Taking that first step is all it takes!

The title should say…or go in the river! Confused? Let me explain. I participated in a unique Triathlon over the weekend where we navigated a 6 mile Canoe trip,  a 5 mile trail run, followed by an 18 mile bicycle ride.  When my paddling partner and I departed on the canoe portion of the event, we encountered folks who were taking this event “way” too seriously! Considering it had been years since either of us had been in a canoe, it was expected that it would take a few minutes to smooth out our navigational skills. For one couple, it was a few minutes longer than they were willing to accept and they yelled at us about steering our canoe better and to get out of their way. We eventually figured everything out, passed them without even trying to do so and then in an attempt to pass us back, the ultra-competitive couple flipped their canoe in the frigid water and I couldn’t help but chuckle as they stood in the water flailing their arms and helplessly watching us paddle out of sight! It was divine justice to the insanity of people taking fun, healthy events and turning them into their personal proving ground! These events have no prize money waiting at the finish, no point system that awards you a new car to winners and even if there was, there is still no place for that type of behavior. These events are designed to give people of all types and ability the opportunity to get out, get active and involved in fun, healthy activities that offer a sense of accomplishment and productivity. There were kids with their parents teaming up along with spouses and loved ones, all having fun and getting fit which is what it is all about! If you are ultra-competitive, there is nothing wrong with that but there are numerous events that you can enter that will allow you to test every fiber of your being. However, family/fun events are not the place to yell at and compete against people who can really care less what time they cross the finish line! Do you have a story of people acting in this manner at a charity or fun event? I can’t be the only one to experience such nonsense….I want to hear from you!

Here is the recipe from yesterday’s segment on healthy eating while dining out! I made it last night and it was awesome! You should definitely try it….it is a very simple process!

Usual Suspects Jerk Chicken

 
Mango Salsa Mix
 
2 cups of fresh Mango (med. diced)
1 cup Red Onion
1 cup Red Bell Pepper
1 Jalapeno Pepper
1 Serrano Pepper(remove seeds from peppers)
1/2 cup chopped Cilantro
2oz. Honey
Juice of 2 limes
Salt & Pepper

Spread generously on top of the cooked Jerk Chicken Breast.
 
 
Roasted Redskin Potato
  
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Quarter or half the potatoes, sprinkle with olive oil, salt and pepper and thyme (dried, fresh or both). Place in a pan add small amount of chicken stock. Cover and cook for 30 – 45 min.
 
 
Green or Wax Beans 
  
Sautee desired amount of beans (or your favorite veggie) in a hot pan with a little olive oil. Sprinkle with salt & pepper and minced garlic.
 
 
Chicken
  
Cover one 6-8oz. chicken breast with olive oil then generously cover with “Jerk Seasoning”(You may create your own blend of spices or pick up some jerk seasoning at your local grocery).