It has been an extremely long winter for all of us here in Saskatoon….many of us are feeling low on energy and want to do something that will help us improve our moods and get a little more of that “healthy balance” that proper excersise can provide. We are thrilled to announce our newest Partner to THE Trusted Saskatoon Directory – Saskatoon Pilates Centre!

 Saskatchewan’s premiere Pilates Centre – the largest and most fully-equipped Pilates studio in the province. Saskatoon Pilates Centre continues to provide top quality classes with the most experienced and dedicated teachershelping you to experience the integrity of the Pilates exercises integrating body and mind for everyday living. Sounds great, doesn’t it? The founder of the Pilates movement, Joseph Pilates said; “Physical fitness is the attainment and maintanance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontanious zest and pleasure.” Let Saskatoon Pilates Centre help you find that “zest and pleasure”!

Here is what some of their clients had to say when we surveyed them as part of the Trusted application and verification porocess:

" They work with each client and specialize helping people in thjeir 70's to remain active! The classes are always fun , and Kathy has a phenomenal knowledge of anatomy..a true expert ..i give them a 10/ 10" Sharon, Saskatoon

" I was recommended to SaskatoonPilates Training studio by my family doctor, and IO am so grateful as I really don't know where I would be without Kathy...she has becomne a rock for me and I absolutely recommend Saskatoon Pilates to anyone and everyone!" Casey, Saskatoon  

What exactly IS Pilates? Pilates exercise focuses on postural symmetry, breath control, abdominal strength, spine, pelvis and shoulder stabilization, muscular flexibility, joint mobility and strengthening through the complete range of motion of all joints. Instead of isolating muscle groups, the whole body is trained, integrating the upper and lower extremities with the trunk. The PILATES system of exercises reawakens the mind-body connection for optimal physical conditioning. By emphasizing a mental awareness and a deep understanding of how the body moves, Pilates imprints efficient movement patterns that cross over into our everyday lives. This revolutionary approach to fitness is suitable for all ages and body types. Whether the goal is to enhance a sporting or performance activity, rehabilitation from chronic pain or injury, or simply to gain a more active, healthy lifestyle, Pilates has something to offer everyone.

Check out their short video here!

Saskatoon’s Pilates Training Centre is committed to maintaining the high standards as set by the PMA. Please join Kathy Bond and her teaching associates and interning teachers as they provide quality instruction in a nuturing and professional environment.

“You only have one body and you deserve the best.”

Owner/Director Kathy Bond

Kathy has over 50 years experience as a dance teacher and fitness instructor and has been teaching Pilates for over 13 years. She is a graduate of Dianne Miller Pilates Centre in Vancouver, Core Dynamics of Santa Fe and has Mat and Standing Pilates Certification from the Physicalmind Institute of New York and Canada. Kathy is Saskatchewan’s only teacher with “PMA Pilates Gold Certified” accreditation through the Pilates Method Alliance and is a Pilates for Golf Conditioning Specialist. Kathy also holds TRX Suspension certification.

Trusted Saskatoon.com THE Saskatoon Directory   is proud to be hosting a Talk to the Experts show " The Trusted Show' Monthly on Newstalk 650 ..the first show aired June 9th.  Find them all here in our tips library or on our Trusted Channel on You Tube which is a fabulous resource of Tips , Interviews, Demos and Tours.

What this means is you can listen to all the shows ON DEMAND, you can share them with friends who may be interested in the shows subjects and this makes sure you never have to miss a Trusted Show - we think out of the Box when it comes to marketing, so we can provide the BEST Possible service for YOU the public- we are the Ony Local Directory that works for you...and the only  place to offer this kind of service in Saskatoon !  

This latest show we are featuring is the TRUSTED SASKATOON  HEALTH & BEAUTY SHOW

The show that aired on Newstalk 650 CKOM inDec 15th 2012 starts with Sara , the Trusted Directory Founder, chatting to Brent Loucks about Trusted and how it works, along with some of the the Saskatoon Trusted Partners on the Saskatoon Directory of excellence. 

All of the questions on the show have been submitted by our wonderful Trusted Saskatoon Facebook Fans  and one lucky fans question was chosen by Brent to win the Prize package submitted by the 3 Trusted Businesses worth over $500!

This months ' Trusted Saskatoon Experts' are:

Laddie from Trusted Saskatoon Salons The Hairtstyle Inn answering all the hair questions ..and there were lots - Laddie donated some hair straightner and product along with a Hairstle Inn Gift Cert !

Melissa owner of Spa Ahava & Edgewatrers Spas - Trusted Saskatoon Spas answering all your spa questions. Melissa provided an amazing treatmnet package . 

and Garret from Fitness Focus a Trusted Saskatoon Gym - Garret is a fitness expert and he provided a great Package from Fitness Focus as a prize. 

We had over 100 questions submited and the 3 partners will answer all the questions in later blogs ..so If your didn't get answered on the show they will be answered by the experts...enjoy!! 

Part 1

Part 2

it always pays to be a fan or a follower  ( on twitter @Trustedcanada ) of Trusted! 

Contests and things to be won all the time!

Getting back in to a healthier state does not always mean dieting and hitting the gym for some heavy lifting… if you are looking for an alternative means to get into great shape both mentally and physically, check out www.trustedsaskatoon.com newest partner in Saskatoon Fitness and Gyms….. Okami Martial Arts!

Whether it is your own personal health and fitness that you are looking to improve, or if you are looking for an incredible activity and environment for your children, Okami Martial Arts in Saskatoon prides themselves in providing top quality instruction in an energetic and supportive atmosphere. Kickboxing, Shotokan Karate and Sambo are taught under the instruction of World and Pan-American Champion Kelly Greenwood and World Champion, Crystal Greenwood.

Whether you are wanting a high impact cardio workout, or looking to train to compete at any level, Okami Martial Arts can help you get there, they are your Trusted Saskatoon Martial art Experts

We had the pleasure of speaking to a number of Okami’s clients and members …aka “The Wolf Pack”. The positive response was overwhelming! Not only were people raving about their own personal strength and fitness levels, we heard a lot of praise for how encouraging the instructors are, and how that filters down through all of the members of the club – the more senior students help the less experienced, and that everyone is coached and supported at their own levels. You really do become one of the pack when you train with Okami Martial Arts! The quality of the instruction is something that all of the pack members mention… Sensei Kelly Greenwood and Sho Sempai Crystal Greenwood are world champions themselves… you know that you are being trained by people who truly “walk the walk”.

One of the wolf pack told us that she had originally got into the sport because it was something that she could do together with her son, and that she was not really interested in competitions at first. With the encouragement of her instructors, she took that push out of her comfort zone, and has qualified for World Championships in Ireland this coming summer….talk about a confidence boost! Whatever your age, gender, fitness level, or pre-conceived ideas about yourself, you get that incredible supportive environment pushing you to be the best you can be.

Another recurring theme in the comments we received was that Training with Okami Martial Arts is a great way to “bully-proof” your kids, and really increase their sense of confidence and self-esteem. Now, this doesn’t mean that children learn how to fight. What this means is that your children can learn how to handle themselves in bullying situations without getting hurt, and without causing harm to another. What this means for parents is some additionak peace of mind, knowing that their children have the skill set to make the right decisions when facing possible dangers.

Whether you are looking for a great activity for your kids, yourself, or wanting to train to compete at a World level, Okami Martial Arts wants you to join “the Pack”.

This is why Okami Martial Arts – your Trusted Saskatoon Martial Arts Experts!

At Fitness Focus, the goal is to offer a fitness center with a welcoming,fun and safe environment that all ages can enjoy. They are a forerunner in the fitness industry in Saskatoon . With the ever changing fitness demands of new and improved classes, training; and nutrition. They are your TRUSTED SASKATOON FITNESS EXPERTS!  

Chris from Team Wawryk Pro Trainers who are only based out of Fitness Focus Shares a Tip on doing the perfect Single leg press

Print a Free 2-Week Trial Membership for you and your friends. If you're looking for a gym in Saskatoon and have never tried Fitness Focus, this pass is for you to come experience the great atmosphere, people and all the major ammenities Fitness Focus offers. For 2 weeks you will have access to The Weight Room, Cardio Theatre, All Group Fitness Classes, Unlimited Tanning, Free Towel Service, Free Lockers and more... click HERE to print yours

Find Fitness Focus Health & Athletic Centre at 1250 Ontario Avenue, or check out their listing here in the Saskatoon Fitness & Gyms Category on THE Saskatoon directory of excellence. They are YOUR Trusted experts right here in Saskatoon!

Here is an email they received from a happy client!~

" I am a client of yours. My name, as you can see is Ralph. I workout at Fitness Focus and have been "trained" by Chris for approx 25-30 sessions thus far. This is simply an email of praise regarding what Chris has been able to do...how he has kept me focussed...committed...diligent...and how knowledgable he is in your profession. I have been fortunate enough to have represented our country in two seperate sports...so I am used to HARD training, I am accustomed to DEDICATION, HONESTY, SAFETY and all of the aspects that need to be focussed on, recognized, and acknowledged. Chris has pushed me farther than any rugby coach I have had the chance to play under...and that includes National coaches, International coaches, and Professional club coaches. This is simply a quick email to thank you and your staff and training procedures...and especially an email to let you know that you have one hell of a trainer in your midst. Thanks again. "  Cheers, Ralph.

www.trustedsaskatoon.com is thrilled to feature Mawsons Health & Fitness as a Trusted Saskatoon Fitness & Gym option on the Sakatoon Directory of Excellence.

Mawsons challenged Sara Wheelwright the Trusted Directories founder to work with them to achieve her personal fitness goals, which she accepted. Sara will be working with a Mawson Personal training expert for the next 3 months and sharing her experience ( the good and the bad ) each week as she goes though the pain and hopefully comes out the other side fitter, healthier and happier!

Here is her 5th installment  be sure to follow along on her journey for the next 3 months ( read them all here )  ..maybe it will inspire you to take the first step on your journey to a healthier fitter you!

1st weigh in since we began , and then on the wagon off the wagon dance!

So I would like to share with you my 4 week weigh in result - so you can see how my training is progressing, and that all this rope shaking, burpee jumping and assault course action is having some tangible effects...I'll also share how things are progressing from there!   

I was a little nervous the day of the weigh in as I mentally counted the glasses of wine I had consumed in the last 4 weeks, which, at that moment I was slightly regretting ...and those fish and chips too of course.

I knew that my clothes were fitting better everywhere and I could see the results and knew my fitness level was way higher than 4 weeks ago when I nearly passed out in the initial fitness test, so I was also hoping to have lost a few pounds and was really hoping i'd break that 30% fat barrier!!!   

The results are clear to see here- Look at week 1 on the right to week 4 on the left!   

6 lb in 4 weeks is GREAT ..but what I couldn't believe was the fat mass reduction - 14.6lb down  and 8.6% fat GONE!! 

WITH SOME CHEATING PEOPLE!!!!!!

Ok, Tim I forgive you for the pain and suffering you have caused me - clearly you know what you are doing!!

I walked out and i was SO ON THE WAGON!!

Then off the wagon we go!

You would think that that would inspire me to live a guilt free life of celery sticks, salads without dressings, extra cardio and just water and protein drinks for the rest of the 8 weeks,  to really take it to the 'uber level' ...but no,  I had some big events to attend with work, a really busy week workwise with 4 days in Regina and the kids had stuff going on, then I started feeling lethargic with the change in the weather from Fall to Winter happening literally overnight ...blah, blah , blah , blah

What I am saying is life got in the way of the gym....and i allowed it to!  

However, all is not lost, and I know that you have to push through these moments of weakness and lack of resolve, it happens to the best of us ( or should I say best of YOU..i never said i was best at this )!

On the positive side, I managed not to over eat and my scales at home tell me I have not put any weight back on (phew!) I know this because I jumped on them  last night and nervously peeked through my fingers holding my breath! 

Back at the gym today and boy did Tim push me - he put me through another test - he called it a ' junior' 300. The circuit consisted of 6 exercises in all - a shoulder kettle bell exercise,  chin ups, box jumps, dead lifts, press ups and 'Windscreen wipers' with weighted bar  ( this is my new most HATED exercise- and looks easy till you have to do it ...argggggh!)

Basically it involved me doing 50 of each exercise and I could take as much time as I needed to complete it ..generally the sessions we do are 45 mins , but Tim figured I should be able to do this test in 30 mins, and guess what folks I DID IT!! 

I came away happy from the gym and I'm raring to see what Tim has me doing tomorrow...don't tell him that will you!

IF you are considering getting fit and want to do personal training , then NOW is the time - firstly we have a Trusted Fans unique offer ( below) AND Mawsons has just announced this years slim down challenge has started!!!!

Come on and join me in the pursuit of  YOUR ideal body and overall well being, and you could be showing off your toned body in a bikini in Mexico....a trip for 2 is the first prize!!!

IF you are considering getting fit and want to do personal training , then NOW is the time - firstly we have a Trusted Fans unique offer ( below) AND Mawsons has just announced this years slim down challenge has started!!!!

Come on and join others in the pursuit of  YOUR ideal body and overall well being, and you could be showing off your toned body in a bikini in Mexico....a trip for 2 is the first prize!!!

www.trustedsaskatoon.com is thrilled to feature Mawsons Health & Fitness as a Trusted Saskatoon Fitness & Gym option on the Sakatoon Directory of Excellence.

Mawsons challenged Sara Wheelwright the Trusted Directories founder to work with them to achieve her personal fitness goals, which she accepted. Sara will be working with a Mawson Personal training expert for the next 3 months and sharing her experience ( the good and the bad ) each week as she goes though the pain and hopefully comes out the other side fitter, healthier and happier!

Here is her 4th installment  be sure to follow along on her journey for the next 3 months ( read them all here )  ..maybe it will inspire you to take the first step on your journey to a healthier fitter you!

Hello ABS ..haven't seen you in a while!

Ok, OK ..thats not a picture of MY abs- but I can't tell you how nice it was to see MY abs when I was checking myself out in the mirror this morning after a shower. I have to really tense hard, and the bottom 2 disappear into the lingering belly fat that is stubbornly clinging on for dear life above my C-section scar from when I had my twins 5 years ago, but they are there and I can feel my core getting stronger with each personal training session I have with Tim at Mawsons.

As for the workouts themselves,  they are not getting any easier that I can tell you ...and I am gasping for breath half way through each of the 45 min sessions. We have still not repeated one session, so it keeps me on my toes and I have realised how weak some parts of my body are compared to others. I am absolutely positive that I have NEVER exercised some of the muscles that Tim has focused on in my LIFE before!! 

This means that I do still have days when I can hardly climb into bed because of the training the day before and Tim has to really push me to finish off some of the last few reps in a set - but he does it well, and occasionaly pulls out a great inspirational quote , like the one last week  when I was exhausted from Burpees and Suicide runs ( shuttle runs with a 100lb bag on my shoulders!) and I said thats got to be enough!!!!!!

 Tim shot back `Just enough is the enemy of great...and you wouldn`t accept `just enough`in your business would you!`  

What can I say back to  that ?....smart arse!

So ...hows the diet going?

Not as well as the training I am afraid ...I still struggle to eat the right things at the right times and generally end up skipping meals as I am so busy , but i am getting better and things are improving. I bought lots of protein bars and now have one on me at all times, and I am even starting to kind of enjoy a protein shake for breakfast- I make mine with mangos, Orange Juice and Vanilla Protein powder which I really enjoy! 

The real issue is my friends who are all obviously winos! I have found out that i can stop myself from buying wine, but I seem unable to say NO when some one offers me a glass of theirs ...and then before I know it I have imbibed 400 calories of red sugar ( BIG Glasses) and I swear it goes straight to that stubborn belly fat area i was talking about earlier!

Whats the solution? I think there are 3 options

• I could become a social hermit
• I could do additional cardio on the treadmill for 45mins plus hula hooping for 30 mins to burn off the glass of wine
• Stop drinking wine altogether till I reach my goal. 

For now I choose number 2 - lets see if I can have my wine and drink it! 

IF you are considering getting fit and want to do personal training , then NOW is the time - firstly we have a Trusted Fans unique offer ( below) AND Mawsons has just announced this years slim down challenge has started!!!!

Come on and join me in the pursuit of  YOUR ideal body and overall well being, and you could be showing off your toned body in a bikini in Mexico....a trip for 2 is the first prize!!!

At Fitness Focus, the goal is to offer a fitness center with a welcoming,fun and safe environment that all ages can enjoy. They are a forerunner in the fitness industry in Saskatoon . With the ever changing fitness demands of new and improved classes, training; and nutrition. They are your TRUSTED SASKATOON FITNESS EXPERTS!  

Chris from Team Wawryk Pro Trainers who are only based out of Fitness Focus Shares a Tip on doing the perfect Arm Curl -

Print a Free 2-Week Trial Membership for you and your friends. If you're looking for a gym in Saskatoon and have never tried Fitness Focus, this pass is for you to come experience the great atmosphere, people and all the major ammenities Fitness Focus offers. For 2 weeks you will have access to The Weight Room, Cardio Theatre, All Group Fitness Classes, Unlimited Tanning, Free Towel Service, Free Lockers and more... click HERE to print yours

Find Fitness Focus Health & Athletic Centre at 1250 Ontario Avenue, or check out their listing here in the Saskatoon Fitness & Gyms Category on THE Saskatoon directory of excellence. They are YOUR Trusted experts right here in Saskatoon!

www.trustedsaskatoon.com is thrilled to feature Mawsons Health & Fitness as a Trusted Saskatoon Fitness & Gym option on the Sakatoon Directory of Excellence.

Mawsons challenged Sara Wheelwright the Trusted Directories founder to work with them to achieve her personal fitness goals, which she accepted. Sara will be working with a Mawson Personal training expert for the next 3 months and sharing her experience ( the good and the bad ) each week as she goes though the pain and hopefully comes out the other side fitter, healthier and happier!

Here is her 3rd installment  be sure to follow along on her journey for the next 3 months ( read them all here )  ..maybe it will inspire you to take the first step on your journey to a healthier fitter you!

I am now into a regular 3 times a week schedule with Tim and not one work out session has been the same , I walk in not knowing what to expect and walk out exhausted and feeling glad it's over, but rather happy that I got through it in one piece.

Each session is a circuit - with different excercises to focus on different body areas...the excercises are done quickly and then there is a rest in between sets. So far I have mostly been in the fitness room rather than the gym itself working with simple equipment- everything from dumbells to steps to kettle bells and my least favorite item so far - big chunky Ropes!   

The ropes were part of a 5 station changing circuit -

1st station -Step - I had to do a variety of diferent step moves that changed each circuit - standard stepping up and down,  side to side across step, push ups and alternate knee to chest,  burpees and jumping burpees for 2 minutes high intensity

2nd Station - 15lb dumbell- variety of arm and chest excercises - 15 reps each arm

3rd Station- Ropes - big heavy ropes that i had to shake, twirl and pretend to do double dutch moves ..for 2 minutes- OUCH!   

4th Station - Mat - for a variety of different Sit Ups- for 2 mins

5th station- Bands - hooked up high for a variety of diferent pull ups

I was absolutely exhausted after this session and interestingly I found out that I am a grunter ...who knew! At one point after attempting pull ups where I had to bring my knees up to my chest i think I sounded like I was giving birth - one startled guy nearly walked into the wall when he passed by and heard the moans of pain, and Tim took a not very flattering picture of me laid on the floor, a sweaty mess reaching for my water bottle.

The next day my shoulders and arms ached...Tim is very good at pushing you past your 'I give up point' and working with him is so great , he explains everything and his focus is to make sure that I (and my body) never get bored with these workouts!   

Just 2 weeks in and I can feel and see a difference - I have lost 2% bodyfat already and my clothes are a little looser, which feels great .

I do have a confession to make though...Im finding the diet more tricky to stick to, and I have cheated a few times - Tim just sucked in breath`and shook his head when I admitted to having Fish and Chips for lunch on Wednesday ....my excuse ..I am from the UK, I can`t resist good fish and chips from Gibsons!

I am so busy with work and kids, and being on the move  that I am still forgetting to eat 5 times a day and end up eating too much and occasionally the wrong stuff - i need to plan my meals more and have healthy snacks with me all the time....and I do like wine....I mean I really LOVE wine ....but noone said this was going to be easy, I am not going to beat myself up about it.

This week I am going to make an absolute effort not to cheat in anyway, and I intend to fit some cardio into my schedule at home- I have a dusty hula hoop and a treadmill that hasn`t been turned on in months in the basement .... its time to get physical!  `

At Fitness Focus, the goal is to offer a fitness center with a welcoming,fun and safe environment that all ages can enjoy. They are a forerunner in the fitness industry in Saskatoon . With the ever changing fitness demands of new and improved classes, training; and nutrition. They are your TRUSTED SASKATOON FITNESS EXPERTS!  

Here Kristin helps Heather do the perfect squats - to get the booty in shape!

Print a Free 2-Week Trial Membership for you and your friends. If you're looking for a gym in Saskatoon and have never tried Fitness Focus, this pass is for you to come experience the great atmosphere, people and all the major ammenities Fitness Focus offers. For 2 weeks you will have access to The Weight Room, Cardio Theatre, All Group Fitness Classes, Unlimited Tanning, Free Towel Service, Free Lockers and more... click HERE to print yours

Find Fitness Focus Health & Athletic Centre at 1250 Ontario Avenue, or check out their listing here in the Saskatoon Fitness & Gyms Category on THE Saskatoon directory of excellence. They are YOUR Trusted experts right here in Saskatoon!