See What COVID-19 Has Taught Our Team

Hello, all,

We’ve returned this Fall with 8 programs both in-person and online and are supporting 3 youth organizations online.

Every time we instruct a class, we’re doing it with COVID-19 on our minds. When we log onto Zoom, we’re reminded that this is our new normal and that we must provide a fun and safe experience for our members from home. When we instruct in-person, we’re reminded of how careful we have to be about masking and physical distancing. We’re also faced with the reality that we may have to stop in-person classes if any of our members fall ill from COVID-19.

With lots on our minds, here are a few messages for a brighter future from our lovely instructors.

Wishing you health and wellness this Fall,

Sumera

We're More Than Dance & Fitness - We Promote Wellness & Livliness!

During this time of social distancing and “homeness,” it’s the heartwarming reviews that have reminded me why I’m still here after 6 years.

I believe that instructors/owners that listen to and incorporate feedback from their clients, where reasonable, are more likely to grow over things like how beautiful their logo or space looks! Although I still find fancy studios super exciting - don’t tell anyone!

I’ve come to realize that what I was looking for in a dance and fitness class for myself in my 30’s was what many other women were looking for too. Weight-loss wasn’t the main reason!

Here are some of the reasons

• A supportive environment - we always welcome women of all abilities, ages, and health conditions, most of our participants were looking for a space for women over 40+

• A caring team - our small team of instructors thrive to be reliable, fun, energetic, safe, and extremely creative in our instruction and ability to adapt to different needs

• A weekly outlet - we provide a class that allows participants to workout while they relieve stressors from work and daily life

• Positive connections - our classes provide participants with the opportunity to connect, should they want to, in a friendly space before, during and after class - we don’t allow bullying!

• A unique workout experience - we provide fun low impact workouts that are unique to the market, filled with sweat, and beat working out on any old treadmill

• A female-only space - we provide an alternative option for women & girls that are not comfortable working out in a unisex environment

• Accessibility - our classes are now offered at 4 locations across the GTA and are located close to the Bloor subway line to make our programs accessible to a wider group

• Feedback - we ALWAYS welcome constructive feedback (even when it is difficult to hear) to help us improve our class experiences and keep our participants happier!

If any of what I’ve mentioned above speaks to you and you’re looking for a fun workout in a community and female-only setting, we may be for you.

To take a class, please go through the Class Schedules Menu at the top of the page.

Sumera

5 Reasons To Warm Up Before You Exercise This Winter

5 Reasons To Warm Up Before You Exercise This Winter -

 Geared For Those Who Enjoy Group Exercise Classes and Solo Workouts

By: S. Quadri, Fusion Cardio Toronto

During the winter, many of us will be rushing indoors to avoid the bone-chilling effects of the cold. The winter’s baggage which also includes a lack of sunlight, along with shorter days and longer nights, will make hibernation seem like the best choice of activity. Put simply, the winter climate can make exercising seem like a drag. The good news is that there’s a way to make working out during this time of year easier. The secret is the warm-up.

 Here’s Why

1.    It prepares you both mentally and physically – the music, type of class, instructor, and movements, all help to excite the body’s systems (mind, body, and spirit)

2.    It creates energy for the workout – warm-ups help to circulate the blood and deliver oxygen to cells to create energy (ATP) for the upcoming physical activity

3. It Reduces injuries – the increase in body temperature caused by the body’s systems helps to make the joints and muscles pliable and flexible to performing a broader range of motion

4.    It encourages success – Warm-ups combine the movements that you will see throughout the session which helps to make the workout easy to follow and enjoyable

5.    It creates social opportunities – Joining a group exercise class/physical activity in time for the warm-up gives you the opportunity to choose who you want to workout beside and possibly get to know. If you don’t like working out alone, finding someone like you can help motivate you to return throughout the winter and onward.

If you’re into working out alone, here are some warm-up tips to help you during the season

Tips on How To Warm Up Alone Indoors

• Use dynamic stretches (stretches with motion) (leg kickbacks, arm crosses/circles, marches, brisk walking, spot jogs)

• Avoid static stretching as these are used to encourage relaxation

• Drink lots of water before the workout

• Show up dressed to workout and dress warm, you can always remove layers later

 Tips on How To Warm Up Alone Outdoors

• Dress warm - find out what materials are best for the type of workout and are ideal for the cold temperatures that you will be in

• Drink lots of water before the warm-up

• Spend more time warming up the body (before a run, walk briskly, or before a skate, do a few laps)

• Make warm-ups longer to help the body cope with the cold weather

• Take in long deep breaths that will be used to create energy for the upcoming workout

• Plan workouts that are during the day when it’s warmer and on days when it’s sunny. You can view 14-day weather trends on most weather websites.

NOTE: If you’re working out in the winter or early morning, the warm-up period should be longer as the body may be stiff due to a lack of movement. New beginners, older adults, and pregnant women need longer warm-up periods. These groups should always consult with a doctor to find out what is safe for them.

To read more about winter warm-ups and workouts, please do feel free to check out the sources listed below.

References

1. Erickson, Marla, 2014, Components of a Fitness Class, Fitness Instructor Specialist, Canadian Fitness Professionals, p. 109 p. 116.

2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-does-cold-weather-affect-your-health

3. http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140107-what-extreme-cold-does-to-human

4. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/do-your-muscles-hurt-more-when-its-cold-out#1

5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161618.php

6. https://www.mensfitness.com/training/seven-tips-winter-running

7. http://www.nsmi.org.uk/articles/injury-prevention/warming-up.html

8. https://healthyliving.azcentral.com/five-safety-guidelines-exercising-1339.html

9. https://www.fitnessmagazine.com/health/conditions/symptoms-of-vitamin-d-deficiency/?page=4

10. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/stretch-workout

11. https://www.jillianmichaels.com/blog/health-and-fitness/6-bad-fitness-habits-you-should-break

12. https://www.mensfitness.com/life/entertainment/heres-why-you-want-sleep-more-winter

Best Shoes For Dance Workouts and Classes - Under $80

Throughout the last years, I’ve seen my share of shoes. And I’ve worn my share of shoes. Shoes that look great on but aren’t functional for dance workouts/dance classes. I’ve seen some come in with heels, others in winter boots, and some in sandals. I’ve even seen some participants throw off their shoes in the middle of a class because they just aren’t able to move in them as they’d like to. Wearing the wrong shoes in a dance class is like driving a car in the snow with summer tires. You’re getting by until one day, you just can’t.

To help you find the best shoe for your dance workouts/classes, without breaking the bank, I’ve put together a quick list of inexpensive shoes available in Toronto and online. Most of the shoe brands and styles on the list I’ve purchased and really liked wearing.

1) Dance Sneakers (suitable for high impact dance workouts/classes)

Reebok Women's Hayasu (Starting at C$40 Reebok online)

Reebox Women's Pilox Dance Sneaker (C$60 Sears Canada)

RYKA’s Women's 'Grafik' Training/Studio Dance Shoe (C$70 at Sears Canada)

Pastry’s Hip Hop Dance Sneakers (C$70 at Dance Wear Center)

2) Jazz Sneakers (suitable for dance classes)

American Ballet Theatre Women’s Twin Gore (C$30 at Payless Canada)

Capezio DS29 High Top Split Sole Dance Sneakers ($40 at Dance Wear Center)

Canvas Phanton Bloch Jazz Show (C$56 at Malabar Toronto)

3) No to Low-Cost Options

An old walking shoe (with a flat bottom that has minimal grip and allows you to twist and turn easily). Running shoes are not ideal as they are made for forward motion.

Barefoot (jumping and rumbling may have an impact on your knee joints and ankles. If you tend to get sweaty feet, this option may not work well.

Investing in a good pair of shoes will pay off if you’re getting the results you want. And you don’t have to spend over $90 to reach it.

The one thing I wish for all of you is fewer injuries and better performance.

For further reading, check out these articles:

Shape: http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/best-sneakers-crush-your-workout-routines

Elle Magazine: http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/g26198/podiatrist-approved-workout-shoes/?slide=5