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Feb, 13, 2012

Body By Vi Community Rocks

In this video you will get a sneak peek at the *secret* Facebook group that I created for all the Kamloops Body By Vi Challenge takers.

This video was inspired from two lovely ladies at Pre-Eval who have made incredibly progress in a just a few short weeks on the 90 Day Challenge

It’s important that you watch this video because you want to see what these people have to say about the challenge.

The two lovely ladies at pre-eval are both taking the Transformation Kit and is my personal favorite for someone that is looking to drop 20+ pounds with ease.

Body by Vi™ Transformation Kit
Total Body Transformation

bodybyvi

The “Transformation” Kit is packed with the ultimate inshaping and nutritional ingredients to help you see and feel maximum results.

This Kit contains a 30-day supply of everything needed to help transform your body for a healthier, happier you.

Included in this weight loss shakes kit:

  • 2 (30-serving) pouches of Vi-Shape™ Nutritional Shake Mix
  • an assortment of our Health Flavors, to add flavor variety, and added health benefitsto your shake
  • 1 bottle of Vi-Slim™ Metab-Awake Tablets
  • 1 box of Vi-Trim™ Clear Control Drink Mix
  • 1 box of each flavor of ViSalus NEURO™ Smart Energy (Lemon Lift and Raspberry Boost flavors)
  • and 1 bottle of our Vi-pak Omega Vitals capsules.

The Transformation Kit will melt the fat off you and have you looking unbelievable in no time.

 Are you ready to get started?

Click the big green button and get started today!


Remember, the 90 Day Challenge is for EVERYONE.

Here is why I love the 90 Day Challenge.

There are 5 kits to choose from, so whether you have only a few pounds to lose or simply want to get fit, there is a kit that will fit your life style and your goals.

Join the challenge today and get started looking your best.

 

 

Posted in Nutrition, Weight Loss by Casey | No Comments

Nov, 21, 2011

Why Do I Like The 90 Day Health Challenge?

Hey! It’s Casey and I hope you’re great.

It’s been a couple months since I wrote about the Kamloops 90 Day Health Challenge and about 4 months since we started it.

We are having lot of excited and inspired challengers that have completed their first challenge and completely transforming their bodies.

I often get emails from women who have lost massive inches around their waist and laugh about how loose their clothes are.

With over 80,000 challenge takers last month (October) there are so many impressive testimonials.

Have a look at Tasha who lost 37 lbs and 37 inches.

WOW!!!

90 Days is long enough to completely transform your body, if you’re willing to work.

Since it takes 28 days to create a habit and 90 days to create a lifestyle, I think the 90 day Challenge is an excellent stepping stone for people to take control of their health.

Tasha is now down 45 lbs and 42 inches and it’s not from a magic pill, it’s because she now has a new lifestyle…

And from the looks of it, this new lifestyle is working great for her. She looks fantastic.

She changed her eating habits, found a support team, stuck to the body by vi shakes and did boot camp style training with lots of intervals.

Part of the 90 Day challenge is to make a consciences effort to improve your health.

 

Read the rest of Why Do I Like The 90 Day Health Challenge?

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Posted in Healthy Lifestyle, Nutrition, Weight Loss by Casey | No Comments

Nov, 9, 2011

Awesome Alignment: Push-Ups and Down Dog

Empower Your Poses With Intention And Technique – Hand and Wrist Focus

Isn’t it amazing how many different ways there are to do things? In yoga, as well as in the fitness world, the form you use can vary depending on the teacher or trainer you’re working with.

But have you ever done a pose or exercise that just didn’t feel good, or made a part of you hurt?

The way you align (or misalign) can be the difference between blissful freedom and risk of injury.

Often in yoga class or in yoga boot camp someone will let me know that their wrist or knee hurts, and I can help them adjust in such a way that the pain completely leaves. To me, and to those who discover the power of good alignment, this is an incredible thing to learn because it makes your practice a lot more enjoyable AND effective!

There are ways to position your body that feel good and are incredibly therapeutic.

Also, when you do yoga or work out with a positive intention in mind, you’re going to have a much better experience and bring greater benefit. Alignment includes your attitude, so remember to make your practice meaningful and center in using your breath.

In Anusara® yoga, we use the Universal Principles of Alignment™ to create an optimal flow of circulation and range of motion that is delightfully healing. The Universal Principles of Alignment (UPA) weave intention and technique in an elegant system that can be applied to anything, on and off the mat.

In this article we’ll focus on applying this alignment to Push-Ups and Downward Dog, with a focus on the happiness of your hands and wrists. To be clear, Read the rest of Awesome Alignment: Push-Ups and Down Dog

Posted in Fitness by Katrina Ariel | No Comments

Nov, 1, 2011

All About Abs: Plank vs. Crunches for Core Strength

There seems to be an obsession when it comes to abs. Whether you get it from holding plank or doing crunches, having a good-kind-of-sore feeling in your midsection has a certain satisfaction.

We all want nice, flat bellies, but is doing hundreds of crunches the solution?

There are so many exercises to strengthen the core, and it’s important to remember that the abdominal muscles are only part of what makes your core stable.

Here’s some wisdom from the Kamloops Yoga Boot Camp files, and some insight into why we do the things we do.

Slimming Down

First of all, if you have a bit extra hanging out around your belly, targeting your abs is not the most effective way to lose weight.

In fact, Read the rest of All About Abs: Plank vs. Crunches for Core Strength

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Posted in Fitness by Katrina Ariel | No Comments

Oct, 2, 2011

NEW Kamloops Core Strength Yoga Class at Let’s Move Studio

Starting THIS WEEK, I’ll be teaching a Core Strength Yoga class from 5:00-6:00pm at Let’s Move Studio in Kamloops.

What you’ll get out of it:

  • A reminder to center in and set intention
  • A playful and mindful yoga practice
  • Core, upper and lower body strengthening and toning
  • Alignment focused instruction woven with an uplifting philosophy
  • A rewarding workout balanced with the wisdom and physical benefits of yoga

(This class is open to all levels of fitness and yoga, and both men and women are welcome. You can also drop-in, no registration necessary.)

Because it is taught from the heart of yoga, this class is creates a safe and supportive space where you can have fun and center in while you connect with your body, cultivate strength and develop greater core stability.

 

Why do you bring in fitness exercises – why not just strong yoga poses?

Good question!

For the most part, it IS a strong yoga class. We’re just pulling some elements of fitness in, such as different lunges, different ways to do plank, and <gulp> push-ups! :)

If you find this intimidating, take a deep breath.

Remember, modifications are ALWAYS welcome and offered in yoga, and the same thing goes here. Do push-ups or plank on your knees for as long as you need until you can try a few off your knees. I have lots of experience helping people modify, so don’t let your mind psyche you out – this class is perfect if you need to build strength in a self-honouring way!

And, don’t worry. There won’t be that many push-ups.

There are many benefits of fitness exercises that can be invited to contribute to your yoga practice. Also, the attitude of self-honouring and kindness that yoga inspires is such an excellent way to approach working out.

Though you can do a strong yoga practice to create strength and toning, often there are fitness exercises that strengthen and tone your body faster than you might get with yoga.

One of the reasons for this is that, unless you’re an experienced yoga practitioner, sometimes fitness exercises are more accessible than difficult arm balances and very subtle core work in yoga poses.

We’ll still work on some fun yoga moves – no doubt about that – we’ll just weave them in with things you might not be as familiar with in a yoga setting. But in a yogic way.

Depending on who you are and what the pose is, sometimes it’s simply easier to get your body into fitness positions, so you can get a lot out of this aspect in that way.

To me, as long as you’re doing any beneficial exercise in alignment and with a mindful attitude, it can be a positive contribution to your yoga practice.

The fitness exercises we bring into class also allow you to develop strength in your muscles differently precisely because the approach varies from the yoga poses your body is used to.

And, of course, much of this class WILL be a strong yoga practice, it’s just that you’ll find a few typical fitness elements integrated as well.

When you combine fitness, with intention and alignment, into your yoga practice, it can be a wonderfully effective way to strengthen, tone, and get a great workout in a balanced way. Plus, as you increase your capacity of physical power and stability, it helps you to channel those elements into your yoga practice so you can play more fully there.

Find out more about What Strength Training Can Do For You Yoga Practice.

Going Beyond The Physical with Yoga and Fitness

Beyond the physical level, feeling strong, toned, and confident in your body allows you to focus even more mentally and clear out anything that isn’t serving emotionally. When you feel strong, you are more likely to gracefully move through the challenges of life.

Also, when you infuse your breath with loving kindness and an uplifting attitude as you get a great workout, you will receive the benefits much more fully.

Often people work out with a grudge, with an attitude of frustration and punishment, or get down on themselves as they look in the mirror. These feelings aren’t helpful and can cause harm on many levels.

Instead, by bringing fitness into the realm of yoga, you can choose to smile inwardly, even if you don’t feel like you’re doing as well as you’d like. You can practice self-acceptance and be in a supportive environment. This is like getting out of your own way, and then you can open up to receive the goodness of the practice, and more easily create any transformation you are choosing for yourself.

Join me this week for Core Strength Yoga from 5-6pm at Let’s Move Studio. No registration is necessary – just come on in!

ALL levels of fitness and yoga are welcome, and this class is open to both women and men in a totally supportive and safe environment. Come out and PLAY! :)

Posted in Fitness by Katrina Ariel | No Comments

Sep, 26, 2011

Are You Intimidated By Boot Camp?

Are You Intimidated?

If you said “Yes”, you’re not alone. But you don’t need to be.

Why? Because this is different…

Here’s why the Yoga Boot Camp is so different and what makes it safe and accessible for women of all ages and fitness levels.

Many women feel intimidated by exercise and, yes, yoga. You might think you’re not flexible enough, strong enough, fit enough, young enough, or even brave enough to cut it.

But, if you can simply decide to show up and do whatever you are able to do each day, you absolutely CAN get a lot out of this program and enjoy it, realizing you’re capable of much more than you thought!

One of the best things about this program is how varied our group is!

We have women everywhere from ages 16 to 62. We have ladies who need to lose a lot of weight, those who just want to get stronger, and even athletes looking to take their game to the next level. Many women who start the program have never done yoga before, and maybe have taken months or even years off from working out.

How do all of these widely different women work out together? Well, when you come to Yoga Boot Camp, you learn how to move at your own pace and do the exercises and yoga poses that are right for YOU.

We focus on safe, optimal alignment; on moving deliberately so that you become more in control and at peace with your body. We offer modifications for every pose and exercise.

Take push-ups for example: some women can do them off their knees in full push-up form, but most of the women who come to camp start by doing push-ups on their knees, or even on a bench or wall. Some women do more reps, some do less. Some run, some walk.

And everyone is supportive of the rest of the group, because if you’re being honest with yourself and doing your best, then you’re adding to the integrity of the group. You’re also, very likely, and inspiration to someone right next to you at camp, even though you might not realize it!

The important thing, and the element that really stands out with Read the rest of Are You Intimidated By Boot Camp?

Posted in Camp News by Katrina Ariel | No Comments

Sep, 20, 2011

3 Tips for Happy Hamstrings

Keeping your hamstrings strong, happy, and NOT injured is important to the overall happiness of your fitness and yoga practice, not to mention the rest of your life.

Here are 3 tips, including specific alignment, that can help your hamstrings stay in great shape; safe and happy!

Tip 1. Keep ‘em Stretched:

Be sure to warm up your hamstrings with movement prep before working out, and stretch IN ALIGNMENT afterwards.

How? Well, whatever stretches you do, use the following alignment for optimal circulation and safe, effective stretching. Read the rest of 3 Tips for Happy Hamstrings

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Posted in Fitness by Katrina Ariel | No Comments

Sep, 10, 2011

All About The Kamloops Yoga Boot Camp Program

 

Why is it called “Boot Camp?”

Well, we combine a consistent practice (ideally 3 to 5 days a week) with empowering workouts.

The fitness element can be as intense as you want it to be, but ALL levels of fitness are welcome as everything can be modified so you work safely at your own level. We call it Boot Camp because you commit to a set period of time where you dedicate your efforts toward making whatever personal transformation you want in your body and life.

Click here for Easy Online Registration

 

 

What’s the schedule again?

Morning Yoga Boot Camp (at Let’s Move Studio in Sahali):

Time: Monday thru Friday 5:45-6:45am.

  • Mon-Weds and Friday Boot Camp classes are epic workouts and a yoga cool down,
  • Thursdays are all yoga.

    • You can choose to come 3, 4, or 5 days per week to the Morning Yoga Boot Camp.

    Our Evening Program is on holiday until the Spring, however we have the following public classes you can drop in to if the Morning time doesn’t fit your schedule.

  • Wednesday Yoga-Fitness 5-6pm @ Let’s Move Studio, epic workouts and yoga cool down
  • Thursday Yoga with Katrina 5:30-6:45pm at St. Andrews on the Square

    • NOTE: The completeness and progressive intensity, as well as the supportive nature of the Morning Yoga Boot Camp is the best way to go if you want to get the full benefits of transformation and the healthy lifestyle this program brings. And remember, it’s open to all fitness levels, so we highly encourage coming to the full camp!

    Is it Inside or Outside?

    During the winter and colder months we are inside with our rockin’ workouts and oh-so-good yoga practices.

    In the Summer and warmer months we are outside whenever weather permits.

    How much does it cost?

    That depends on the program you choose. Click this link to see the current options for registration: Yoga Boot Camp Pricing

    How do I sign up?

    Registration is easy, and you can pay online or in person. Just click here to register: Yoga Boot Camp Registration

    Is there a nutrition program?

    Yes! We provide recommended nutritional plans that help you get the most out of your efforts and are happy to work with you individually to help you find an approach that is right for your body and lifestyle.

    Is there a student discount?

    Sure is! Here’s the options we offer for students:

    - There are a limited amount of Scholarships that include a full 50% off our already discounted Early Bird price in exchange for some volunteer work. This is for ladies who are willing to dedicate themselves to their own personal transformation and to contributing to the positive experience of the program. You have full access to all of the classes with this scholarship.
    - We’re also doing a 4 for 3 promotion right now (for the Fall and Winter sessions) where if you get a group of 4 girls together you can come to camp for the price of 3, with the savings split up and distributed amongst the group. For our 3 day per week program that means each of you pays only $135, rather than the regular $180 (plus HST).
    - A 10% discount can be also applied for any single student towards any of our programs.

    To get a student discount applied to your camp, please choose the program you want and then email Katrina to arrange for student discount and payment: gaiayoga@gmail.com

    Still have more questions?

    Check out our FAQ page, email Katrina at gaiayoga@gmail.com, or call Katrina or Casey at 250-374-6493.

    If you’re feeling a little (or a lot) intimidated, read this: Are You Intimidated By Boot Camp?

    What do other people say about Yoga Boot Camp?

    “Since starting yoga boot camp in the evenings I’ve been receiving comments about how “sparkly and glowing I look”. I feel more alive, full of energy and productive after only 3 weeks of YBC.

    I am also stronger and more flexible, I have been re-introduced to muscles I forgot I even had. I go at my own pace and my own pace is perfect! Thanks for offering YBC at a time and place that works for me. 3 days a week is a good fit, pushes the time boundary but is not undo-able.

     

     

    I feel more in control of my life, more clear headed, super woman! In gratitude.”

    - Sandi

    “I have participated in 3 sessions of Katrina’s yoga bootcamp. With the passing of every day, waking early each morning became easier and more invigorating.

    Because of Katrina’s encouragement, loving nature and skillful knowledge, even the most challenging of exercises were achievable, and yes…even fun! The group of women in class were truly amazing and very encouraging!

     

    I highly recommend yoga bootcamp to anyone who wants to challenge themselves to be the best that they can be – physically, mentally and spiritually.”

     

    - Darlene

    “I really love going to the Yoga Boot Camp. I have been attending regularly for one year and have been able to see physical and emotional changes in myself.

    When I started, I couldn’t do a push up off my knees or do certain stretches with out blocks or many other exercises. I now can! Katrina is encouraging and honours everyone at whatever level they are at by giving modifications up and down. I feel like I get a well rounded exercise regime that works. The time may seem early but then your workout is done for the day all before work.

     

    I enjoy boot camp so much, that I regard it as my time and I don’t want to miss it!”

     

    - Jody

    “Yoga Boot Camp has been such an amazing experience for me, it has not only helped with a physical transformation but also a mental one. There is so much support and love during your classes you can’t help but to excel.

    Working out used to be something I’d procrastinate and dread, now boot camp days are my favourite! The positive encouragement in person and through emails keeps you inspired to be healthy at all times. The combination of an intense workout with yoga couldn’t be more perfect. Yoga is the reward for pushing yourself to do your best, and doing the hard work out makes it easier to relax for yoga.

     

    I feel better both inside and out, can’t wait for the next round of boot camp!”

     

    - Leah

    “With katrina’s energy, enthusiasm and complete passion for teaching, you become instantly hooked on her classes.

    It’s not only a physical transformation, but mental and spiritual. I have been so inspired by the women around me. We have a great time…the tunes are amazing!!!!! Lots of laughing, and grunting, and sweating!!! Best workout I have ever had!!!!!! Thank-you Katrina. You inspire me……….Namaste…… Blessings…”

     

    - Lisah

    “I have found the “perfect match” in your classes. I love the challenge to be more than I thought I could be, I love the mix up of your delivery which keeps my interest peeked with the focus of the routine which keeps my motivation high, I love the integration of the key components of aerobic, strength, and stretch, I love greeting the sun each morning and meeting with my comrades each day and you and the bootcamp stimulate my positive day. Namaste.”

     

    - Iris

    “Thank you so much for always keeping us engaged with ideas for our fitness while we are away or between camps and our nutritional well being. Thank you to Casey as well for sharing the products from the new 90 day challenge program.”

     

    - Sherree Bryan (Morning and Evening Boot Camp)

    “Yoga Boot Camp has given me the kick start I needed to change my body. My family say I am much more relaxed and calm. I hope I can continue on this path.”

     

    - C. Bowman

    “I appreciate the value of learning how to do Yoga poses correctly and gaining a proper stretch…”

     

    - Wendi

    “I have been impressed with how you are able to correct (body position, form etc) without demeaning or discouraging the person who is making the effort.

    I feel as though you are looking after us and reminding us someone cares about how we as mom’s, working women, women, aunts, sisters, grandmothers etc are looking after ourselves. My impression has been that you allow us to indulge those few cool down minutes, to relax and be pampered without feeling guilty for taking a little time.

     

    By the way, from a-rank-beginner-never-ever-done-yoga-before-in-my-life, your descriptions of the yoga postitions are spot on, while still using an economy of words. I can almost do exactly as you describe without frantically looking around to see what the heck you’re talking about! At times, I have even taken my glasses off and simply followed your instructions. That is a real talent.”

     

    - Michelle

    “This journey has been such an amazing process thus far and I’m so happy to think that sharing my story may help someone else who thinks they can’t do it, because if I can do it anyone can!

    Thank you for bringing Yoga Boot Camp into my life by taking a chance on the evening classes! Danica is great and I’m loving the changes I’m already seeing!”

     

    - Nonie

    Register today for this unique, inspiring, and empowering WOMEN’S ONLY program. You’ll be glad you did!

     

    Kamloops Photography by Nat Anfield

    Posted in Camp News by Casey | No Comments

    Sep, 10, 2011

    Toxic Overload: Fasting and Cleansing

    Whew! It’s good to be back in Canada. I just got back from Mexico which was great, but I tell you, I’m ready for a cleanse after that vacation.

    Are you feeling like you need a change after all the festivities of summer?

    Or, let me ask you this, have you had a moment of overload and said this classic line to yourself at any point in the last month? “Oh, I’ll never have ______ again!”

    Yeah, we all think that from time to time, though it seldom happens that we “never” have it again, at least we know there’s a need to make a change.

    For me, though the beauty of the Caribbean was amazing, the food was so heavily cooked with poor quality oil that by the end of a week I was sick of Mexican food, thinking to myself “I’m not eating anything else cooked in that nasty oil!”

    I just felt so toxic from fatty food and not enough veggies as they were hard to come by. And I don’t even drink, so I can’t imagine what most of the people who go to Cancun area to party feel like when they leave!

    TOXIC OVERLOAD AND CLEANSING

    When you cleanse, you allow your body to process and release the harmful toxins and excess in your system. Our environment and daily habits can create a huge build up of toxins in our bodies. Read the rest of Toxic Overload: Fasting and Cleansing

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    Posted in Nutrition by Katrina Ariel | No Comments

    Aug, 18, 2011

    Instinctual Eating: The Seasons and Your Own Changing Cycles

    Okay, pretty much everyone has heard of eating with the seasons. It just makes sense to enjoy fresh, local food and food that is appropriate to balance what’s going on around you.

    When you use ingredients that come from local farmers and naturally lend themselves to the present cycle of nature, you will almost always be consuming food that has more nutritional value and is pranaful (containing the vital energy of life!)

    General Examples of Seasonal Foods:

    Spring/Summer: Lighter more cleansing foods, lots of fresh fruit and veggies
    Fall/Winter: More hearty, warming, comforting foods, root vegetables and soups.

    Instinctual Eating

    But what about your own personal cycles?

    What your body needs Read the rest of Instinctual Eating: The Seasons and Your Own Changing Cycles

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    Posted in Nutrition by Katrina Ariel | 2 Comments

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