Elaine Sawyer's blog
My Fitness Friend update - the final stage
Below is an email from Irene Templeman... She was one of my fitness friends..HI my fellow sufferers......
Can you believe we only have a few more sessions left - I have 4, 2 this week and 2 next including the final weigh-in next Thursday. Oh, how I am dreading that. I know I have worked hard and more importantly greatly improved my eating habits but it never seems to come off as fast as you want. To say my colleagues and family are shocked at my will power this time around is an understatement. The big difference this time around is Lena, without her pushing, shoving and in some cases dragging me I'd never have made it. This will be the bit I miss the most once we complete our 12 weeks. Having that support is essential for achieving your target and I still have a long way to go, although am slowly heading in the right direction.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience and have greatly appreciated the chance to start on the road to recovery. I hope we get a chance to meet up for coffee before we finish so we can compare notes and acknowledge the hard work we have done.
Take care and let me know how your progress is going.
Irene
For more information on how you can get into a fitness program go to www.theathleticclubs.ca/
A mouse and me !!!
I survived the cold and flu thing and my trainer Brent McKenzie was not the least bit sympathetic. Actually he was ... a little. I started this little adventure not to lose weight but to get better cardio and to get better upper body strength.The attention I am getting from Brent and the entire staff at The Athletic Club is fabulous and to quote a Chicago song ... "getting stronger every day".
Check out this video from You Tube - Mouse Fitness... if this mouse can do it so can I!
for more information visit http://www.theathleticclubs.ca
My fitness update....
It's been nine weeks! Nine weeks of sweat, aches and pains working out at the Athletic Club in south London. My trainer Brent McKenzie is showing no signs of mercy! Even though I throw every excuse in the book at him!When I started this adventure I thought no sweat, I can do this! I'm in shape! WRONG! What I found out is I'm eating wrong, not walking my dogs enough to actually keep in shape and I need to work on my cardio. February is Heart and Stroke month in Canada. This is the number one killer of women in North America. If for nothing else I now have a fitness program that includes cardio and that reason alone is enough to make me carry on.
Check out the Athletic Club at www.theathleticclubs.ca/
For the love of your health...
Many readers of my blog know by now that for the past 6 weeks I have been training with The Athletic Club. I realize now how important it is to keep in shape and by in shape, my definition is not wheezing climbing a set of stairs, or getting winded walking quickly. I honestly thought until I participated in this little experiment I WAS in shape. I will say the sessions are getting better though not any easier!I would recommend the great staff at Athletic Club to anyone... give them a try !
" For the love of your health" www.theathleticclubs.ca/
We're down to the crunch. I'll let you know what's new next week.
Like mother, like daughter...
My daughter Cate McLean has been suffering with at the Athletic Club below is her take...
check back often and we'll keep you updated!
One month down, and I am certainly no worse for wear, though the first few days were shaky-eek, my poor muscles. I was terrified at the onset of this opportunity (yes, I did say opportunity). I have learned so much about myself in this short one month. I have accomplished things that I never (in a billion years!) thought that I could physically accomplish, and for the first time in well over a decade, I can actually say that I am proud of my physical abilities. I started this process to lose weight, but have found that improving my overall well being has been an awesome side effect. I have more energy, and I can FINALLY keep up with my two-year-old son! My trainer Chrystal, (whom I was very afraid afraid of- before meeting), has been the greatest support person, and teacher that I could ever ask for, and NOTHING like the drill sargent that I had expected. She has helped me learn not only how to exercise properly, but how to take better care of myself. I was really intimidated by the whole "gym" thing, before I started going. I felt insecure, and as though I just shouldn't be there. The machines were scary, and I thought that I would be completely lost-and look ridiculous! I have found (with Chrystal's help) that it is a great place to escape, and not at all scary. The Athletic Club is really modern and well equipped, and (get this) I CAN watch t.v. AND get exercise, yay!!!! Whether I lose a lot of weight or not, this experience has already given me something that I had LONG forgotten, my self. I am stronger, healthier, thinner, and, most of all, I am proud of myself. Can't wait to see what the next two months has in store!
My Fitness Friends update..
We're halfway through our program with the Athletic Club. Below is an update from my fitness friends, Ann and Irene...
Elaine, I heard you and your daughter during your show the other day - it made me smile - I think you are more outspoken then me and probably said things to your trainer that I was "thinking" when with my trainer :) Just kidding, I think my trainer Brad is so incredible - everyone I have met at the club (when ordering my protein shakes or checking in) have been so very friendly. What a great club! What a great trainer I have!!!! You should have him (or one of the trainers) talk on your show - to encourage others who have "thought" about getting healthier take that so important first step. Adults (moms and dads) so often put their own needs behind those of everyone else in the family - Brad is reprogramming me to focus on the fact that it is okay for me to take some time out for "me" each day - to focus on my health and that in doing so will also benefit the rest of the family (not as cranky a mom).
I so appreciate this opportunity!!!!
I hope you are both suffering as much as I am. Lena my trainer is fab and is making me go beyond my expectations but still way below what I should be doing. I do though feel she is being 'hard' denying me at least one bit of chocolate cake a month - even a teeny wee bit - lol!
I know it will all be worth it - every ache and pain!!! I did though feel better after the 4 week weigh in and see that it has made a difference.
My daughter Cate is working very hard at achieving her goal. She will be posting a blog within the next copule of days,
we'll speak soon....
Looking for a Fitness Club
Looking to sign up at a gym? Experts offer these tips on how to find the right facility to add inspiration to your perspiration ...- Location: Is it convenient to home or work? It's the #1 reason people use or don't use a gym.
- Timing: Visit a prospective club during the same time you expect to be using it.
Schedule: Are the classes you want offered at hours convenient for you?
- Ambiance: How clean is it? Is the music too loud? Is most of the equipment in working order?
- Profile: A meat market gym filled with gorgeous 20-year-olds might not be the most comfortable place for an overweight or mature woman. Pick a place that suits your style.
Found this article in The National Post
New Year, New me update
This week I'm meeting with my trainer 4 times. I think he's punishing me for not being able to get together between Christmas and New Years. ... we'll see what happens at the end of the week.The Athletic Club is great, even at peak periods during the day there is always plenty of machines.
Check back at weeks end.
Also we are gathering info for our EZ Rock's Guinness Book of Listeners. We are looking for the tallest listener, the car with the most mileage and the biggest feet in our listening audience.
drop me a line with details and daytime phone number if you or anyone you know fits the criteria above.
esawyer@radio.astral.com
New Year, new me !!!
You may remember in December, I began a fitness program with The Athletic Club, Wonderland and Southdale. It's now been a month of training, sweating and swearing at my personal trainer Brent McKenzie. The first few sessions I could not walk, much less run. Every part of me ached, but I suffered through. It is getting a little easier, and I feel better for it, but i have a feeling the worst is yet to come...I'll keep you posted !
I've found my Fitness Friends
Thank you to all for entering our contest... The winners are Irene Templeman and Ann Freeman.
We awarded two prizes. Thanks to the Athletic Club for supplying the complimentary memberships and trainers. We begin next week for three months. I have mixed feelings, looking forward to it and at the same time not looking forward to it! I'll post progress reports on a regualr basis.
I'm Looking to a Fitness Friend....
Out of shape... need a "Fitness Friend". Send me an email with your name, address, daytime phone number along with WHY you need some help.December 1 , we'll announce the winner of a three month fitness program with your own personal trainer along with some other goodies compliments of The Athletic Club, Wonderland and Southdale.
www.theathleticclubs.ca
Beginning the week of December 7th we'll meet with our trainers, establish a fitness routine and more.
Send your entry to esawyer@radio.astral.com before November 27th.
Remember misery LOVES company.
Let's hear it for the boys !!
Men's Health) Sure, we women can claim gender advances in so many areas that it may indeed seem like men are obsolete on paper, that is. In the real world, their bugs need killing and fence lines need fixing, it's a different story and one worth sharing with other women:- A man shuts up when nothing more needs to be said.
- He hears that knock in the engine as if it were a voice speaking only to him.
- He provides shoulders broad enough to carry a child at a fair, a woman at a concert, and the whole world the rest of the time.
- He shows a son what it takes to be a good man.
- He lets the women and children go first.
- He digs the Panama Canal and, later the same day, assembles a swing set.
- A woman can defend herself from an attacker, but a man walking next to her keeps her from feeling afraid in the first place.
- He keeps score at a ballgame and remembers what Grudzielanek did in the second inning. In 1998.
- He makes the world safe from Oprahfication.
- He receives and truly enjoys a $6 haircut.
- He eats cold pizza any day, anytime.
- He finds a way to fit her 17 bags in the car for a trip to the pool.
- He forgives and forgets.
- He works the remote without looking at it while toggling back and forth between two football games, a Bond film, and a CSI rerun, without missing a key moment in any of them.
Your choice of Eggs reveal your personality...really!!!
Rich hates this stuff!
According to psychologist Dr Beryl West, how you like your eggs reveals a lot about your personality. For instance ...
Sunny Side Up - You are optimistic and easygoing.
Over Easy - You are very precise and know exactly what you want out of life.
Soft Boiled - You're gentle, sensitive and neat, but not always easy to please.
Hard Boiled - You're a no-nonsense type, quick to form opinions.
Scrambled - You're agreeable and steady, you go with the flow.
Poached - You are very orderly and don't like to see anything out of its place.
Omelette - You enjoy taking risks.
Bon appetite!
For all the lefties in our audience....
I admit it I'm a lefty. Finally proof that lefties have certain advantages . According to a new British study, left-handed children are more likely to enjoy school and get along with their teachers than those who are right-handed. The study of 2,000 kids aged 7-to-11 found a larger percentage of lefties look forward to heading off to school each day and are also more likely to describe their relationship with their teachers as ‘very good'. However, researchers found that right-handed kids are better at getting their homework done and also tend to have neater handwriting. (That's cuz they're not dragging their hand behind the pen.)Just when you thought you were on top of technology...
For those of us who simply don't get Twitter or are tired of the web's fascination with the 140-character micro-blogging platform, here's the anti-Twitter. Introducing macro-blogging wonder ‘Woofer', where each post has a minimum of 1,400 characters! And yes, the entire thing is a spoof/homage of Twitter, made by Join the Company.NET: http://woofertime.com/
Which Disney Princess are you?
Came across a website that determines which Disney princess you are. Click on the link below and answer the 10 questions and VOILA!Have fun!
http://www.brainfall.com/quizzes/which-disney-princess-are-you
Hooray for the 40 year old lady!!
This is going around the internet and if your celebrating a big birthday, check out Andy Rooney's take on getting older!I value women over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:
A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask, 'What are you thinking?' She doesn't care what you think. If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do, and it's usually more interesting. Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it. Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated. Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 40. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart. Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her. Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize.
For all those men who say, 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?', here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire hog just to get a little sausage!
Hooray for Hollywood!
Yahoo has released a list of the 100 Movies To See Before You Die. Notable omissions: The Dark Knight; The Empire Strikes Back; Fight Club; Se7en; North by Northwest; Taxi Driver; The Shining; Aliens.Do a quick check! I have viewed 67 out of 100! I need to get a life!
- 12 Angry Men (1957) 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) The 400 Blows (1959) 8 ½ (1963) A Hard Day's Night (1964) The African Queen (1952) Alien (1979) All About Eve (1950) Annie Hall (1977) Apocalypse Now (1979) The Battle of Algiers (1967) The Bicycle Thief (1948) Blade Runner (1982)
- Blazing Saddles (1974) Blow Up (1966) Blue Velvet (1986) Bonnie and Clyde (1967) Breathless (1960) The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) Bringing Up Baby (1938) Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) Casablanca (1942) Chinatown (1974) Citizen Kane (1941) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) Die Hard (1988) Do the Right Thing (1989) Double Indemnity (1944) Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) Duck Soup (1933) E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Enter the Dragon (1973) The Exorcist (1973) Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) The French Connection (1971) The Godfather (1972) The Godfather, Part II (1974) Goldfinger (1964) The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1968) Goodfellas (1990) The Graduate (1967) Grand Illusion (1938) Groundhog Day (1993)In the Mood For Love (2001) It Happened One Night (1934) It's a Wonderful Life (1946) Jaws (1975) King Kong (1933) The Lady Eve (1941) Lawrence of Arabia (1962) The Lord of the Rings (2001,2002,2003) M (1931) M*A*S*H (1970) The Maltese Falcon (1941) The Matrix (1999) Modern Times (1936) Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) Network (1976) Nosferatu (1922) On the Waterfront (1954) One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) Paths of Glory (1958) Princess Mononoke (1999) Psycho (1960) Pulp Fiction (1994) Raging Bull (1980) Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) Raise the Red Lantern (1992) Rashomon (1951) Rear Window (1954) Rebel Without a Cause (1955) Rocky (1976) Roman Holiday (1953) Saving Private Ryan (1998) Schindler's List (1993)
- The Searchers (1956) Seven Samurai (1954) The Shawshank Redemption (1994) The Silence of the Lambs (1991) Singin' in the Rain (1952) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)Some Like It Hot (1959) The Sound of Music (1965) Star Wars (1977) Sunset Blvd. (1950) Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) The Third Man (1949) This is Spinal Tap (1984) Titanic (1997) To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) Toy Story (1995) The Usual Suspects (1995) Vertigo (1958) When Harry Met Sally... (1989) Wild Strawberries (1957) Wings of Desire (1988) The Wizard of Oz (1939) Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988) The World of Apu (1959)
CARPE DIEM!
A Cornell University study finds that we tend to regret risks not taken far more than mistakes made ... even big ones. A survey conducted for the study finds that the #1 regret is not getting a good education, followed closely by not ‘seizing the moment' in romance or career. (So what did you not do that you wish you had?)I found this article really interesting because I started thinking at what point in life does seizing the moment turn into a bucket list!
My attitude never! Seizing the moment is what life is all about, regardless of your age. By seizing the moment each day there will never be a reason to make a bucket list!
Hats off to the Cinderella Project!
I wanted to thank the organizers of the Cinderella project!What a great event for the young women of our community. Not only will they look great but they will feel great ... for teenage girls that's the most important issue.
To the volunteers, organizers and sponsors well done!!!
Many young ladies will be attending grads and proms looking like a million dollars and feeling like a billion dollars.
We'll talk tomorrow.
