Gym Review: FlexFX Fitness Centre (Leduc, AB)

Kim strikes again! Gym hopping is the name of the game :)

The other week, Sam and I did a drop in at FlexFX Fitness Centre in Leduc, AB. Since we were in the area, we thought why not give this gym a go. Drop in here was a reasonable $10.

The gym is 24 hours (card access to members), which is a great feature to have for those late night workouts or early morning cardio sessions.

Staff was quite welcoming and showed Sam and I around.

The change room was my first stop. Equipped with (I believe) three bathroom stalls as soon as you walk in, 4-5 curtained showers and a fairly small-sized locker area (good thing I brought my padlock-not coin operated). The change room design seemed a bit odd. It felt like a maze LOL. I didn't find the locker area at first because it was all the way in the back...past the showers (weird). The change room seemed a little dated too (circa mid 90s construction).

The gym has two jam packed floors with cardio pieces, free weights, heavy duty commercial grade equipment, as well as showers, a tanning bed and a photo studio (ya, go figure on that one...haha).

My first impression of FlexFX was grungy, like something you would see out of a Ronnie Coleman or Branch Warren training video. Well, first impressions ARE everything, right? With closer inspection, my first impression WAS right. Some of the equipment was not in the best condition. There were worn down benches, broken mirrors, range of motion on certain machines was not correct, and there were cables that would not recoil properly. It was a good thing I was only doing my core that day. Sam did not have such luck. It was his leg day and the equipment they had did not satisfy him one bit.  There was however some pieces large gym chains do not carry - a PLUS in their book.

Picture c/o FlexFX Fitness Centre

My workout was just okay. I was able to utilize some of the equipment with minor tweaks due to the state of some of the pieces. The cardio pieces (treadmills and bikes) were older but seemed to be still in working condition.

Overall, I would rate this gym as "okay". But who would want just a mediocre workout? NOT ME! It may be up to the standards of some but I could see fitness levels of an intermediate/advanced user yearning for more.

Would I come back for another drop-in? Yah probably one day I'll go back. Maybe to do a hardcore workout photo shoot/video. Who knows :D

Wordless Wednesday - January 30, 2013

There is something so special about the beginning of the day. There is so much promise for what is to come. Make it count and ALWAYS stay positive! Happy hump day everyone! Thanks for stopping by!

Chocolate Protein Oatmeal Cookie Recipe with Advanced Genetics

Hey Friends!!!  The other week, I had made some clean cookies c/o my fellow Fitfluential friend "Blogilates" and they tasted amazing.  I wanted to add a bit more substance to these very clean cookies.  Alas, here is my version of these guilt-free cookies.  

Ingredients:
2 Cups of Rolled Oats
2 Medium/Large Bananas
1-2 TBSP of All-Natural Peanut Butter
1-2 TBSP of Unsweetened Coconut
1 scoop of Advanced Genetics Iso-Phase Chocolate Protein Powder











Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients together.
    

2. Mix the ingredients with your hands, as it is easier than using a spoon (plus it is fun too!)  
3. Set oven temperature to 350 degree Fahrenheit. 
4. Spray a large baking tray with Pam very lightly  
5. Make tightly compact balls (about an inch in diameter) and press down with palm on baking tray to make a flat circle (like a cookie of course).
6.  Place cookies in the pre-heated oven (middle rack) for 15-20 minutes.

7.  Take finish product out to cool for 5-10 minutes. 
8.  ENJOY!   

Kid approved! - Niece Cory eating away these clean cookies.  

   

IMO: Plain Jane Clean Foods vs. Food Randomness

I was having a conversation with my Fiancé Sam (oh man it is still so weird to say that haha) about if we weren't competing would we be eating the same way or not.

At first, my response was "Oh Sam, I would love to eat all the foods I wouldn't normally eat...like pizza, perogies, fish filet sandwiches, Cookies and Cream Chocolate Drops, red velvet cupcakes, leche flan (a traditional Filipino flan) and ice cream/gelato/frozen yogurt (all my fav flavours). Even eating somewhat healthy food items...I think I would could live with that."

Then I started to think of what usually occurred after....

"But then again...with junk food, I hate feeling so bloated and adding on the unnecessary weight.  I hate getting the tummy ache, the headaches, the fat ankles and being glued to the toilet immediately after. I hate the food coma. I hate waking up sleepy, so tired and unproductive for the first part of the day."

"Another thing is when there are so many options (healthy or not), it makes it more difficult to choose what to eat. You end up buying WAY too many ingredients that will most likely expire if you don't use it all. It ultimately makes our groceries bills higher. Wasting both time and money."

Conclusion: Sticking to eating the same meals consistently throughout the day works best for me. It makes life easier to manage. Makes my life easier for meal prepping. There is no thinking involved. However, I would like the occasional treat meal (just one meal...not CHEAT DAY)...to keep me sane of course.

I am just happy with the way I live right now. Knowing that I will continue my life journey with my partner makes the process much more enjoyable.

And they lived happily, healthy-ly after :D

Question: Which would you prefer - eating the same clean foods consistently or playing the random game of food chance?

In Transition: Goodbye Winnipeg and Hello Alberta!

It is one thing to SAY you are going to do something. It is another thing to actually SIT DOWN AND DO IT! Today is that day!

In the midst of all the craziness that is my life, I FINALLY have the time to sit down and write what has been going on for the past couple of months. So let's see:

1) In October, I decided to move from Winnipeg to be with my boyfriend out in Edmonton.
2) Had to let go of my great apartment in Osborne Village. Oh the hours of cleaning spent on making it spick and span for the new tenants.
3) Moved my stuff from the apartment to my parents house temporarily in transition before moving to AB. Living with the parents was definitely an adjustment.
4) I had the most wonderful time with all my dearest friends and amazing personal training clients leading up to my departure. Thanks for all the memories!
5) All my wonderful and amazing sponsors (even the ones based in Winnipeg) are continuing my sponsorship. I am so blessed. Thank you for your continued support.
6) On Christmas Day, Sam proposed to me and I said "YES!"
7) Unfortunately, the ring was WAY too big. I ended up wearing it on a different finger LOL
8) On Boxing Day, we packed up all my things in the rental car and took off to Alberta.
9) Moved in all my stuff, which took two or three days to get organized to my liking. (YUP, I have a lot of stuff).
10) Celebrated my birthday on the 17th of January and it was an amazing one at that because I got a job at Snap Fitness. What a great present! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!
11) Nutrition is right on cue. Eating clean foods for fuel.
12) Workouts are a bit different than what they have been in the past with more cardio on growth season training than ever before (I usually do none).

And that's what has been my life for the past couple of months. Now you see why I haven't been up to date with my blogs and social media. It was a frickin' mad house!

I do have to say I miss everyone back home oh so much. To all of my wonderful friends and loving family, don't worry...we will keep in touch...Promise! Being out here with no friends is a BIG change for me. I normally surround myself with my loved ones. I now have to start from scratch, which I know won't be hard to do...Err I hope.

The one positive of having no close friends out here is being in isolation. It allows me to concentrate on my goals without distractions. The past few weeks out here have shown amazing results in my body composition. Focus is darting start ahead. In fact, I don't believe there was ever a time where my focus was even close to how it is right now. I am just loving it.

So, with all that being said, I am liking it out here. It is definitely a HUGE change from Winnipeg but a change I am going to embrace.

Alberta say a BIG HELLO TO MISS KIMMY HO!

"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we are not really living." - Gail Sheehy

Changes...That's Just The Way It Is.

Changes...Oh let me count the ways:

1) The boyfriend is now two provinces over and I miss him dearly.
2) Our amazing downtown/village apartment is up for lease. So sad to let it go and stressing about moving/packing/cleaning.
3) Living close to the U of M tacks on a good 20-30 minutes to get to my clients at the YMCA Downtown (used to take me 5-10 minutes).
4) Sam and I are in the talks of "serious stuff" for potentially next year that affects both our future (I'm sure you can guess).
5) Emotions are high. My mind is going a mile a minute.
6) Physical changes are occurring while I am in my "growth season".
7) My grandma is going through chemotherapy, which seems to be working but we are still a bit cautious.

And the list goes on and on.

It's hard to say what my future has planned for me because changes happen all the time. One thing I am now uncertain about is competing at the 2013 World Qualifiers. It is up in the air. It's all dependant on how my training is going and if I think I will be ready by then. If it doesn't work out, the 2013 Nationals in August is still on my priority list. Ah c'est la vie.

Even though there are tons of things happening right now (things that are foreign to me), change is a good thing. Change keeps things interesting and BOY...my life is really interesting.

This also applies to training your body. Like I always tell my personal training clients "If you do not change/challenge yourself, nothing will change." It could be as simple as changing the way you train your body or perhaps changing your mentality on certain aspects in your life. Whatever it may be, stay strong and positive. Be that change you want to see in yourself. Believe in yourself because anything is possible if you really want it.

My changes may not be all physical but I know I'm in for one heck of a ride for the rest of 2012/2013...AND I'm taking you all with me.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

-Kim-

Blast From Past to Get Past This Fast

Have you ever been in a short-term slump (2-3 days)? It's happened to me before and perhaps some of you where you do not want to do absolutely ANYTHING. For me, my slumps usually stem from emotional happenings in my life (this time it was the boyfriend leaving the city for work).

But onto my story...

While visiting my parents a few days ago, I came across old message logs I had between my personal trainer Sam (now my loving boyfriend) and I from MSN Messenger (who still uses that?).

Long story short, I was one wickedly determined 150 pound girl back then while on my journey to total body wellness. I could sense how determined I was by the way I worded my sentences. I wanted to conquer the entire world (or my world at least).

A little snapshot of our conversation back in 2010

After re-reading those old conversations, I honestly have to say there are days I take my current body for granted. There are days I think "I'm fine the way I am" but REALLY that girl back then yearned for so much MORE than just being "okay" or being "average". Being OPTIMAL was the mission.

Re-reading the logs ignited my drive into high gear to WANT MORE...To be better. I want to be this highly motivated girl again. I will be her. I am her.

So with a few write off days, I am now back on track.

We all fall down sometimes. It's up to us to decide whether or not to pick up the pieces and keep going OR to fall apart.

It's Overwhelming. I am Overjoyed.

The boyfriend left this morning to go back to his new home and his new job (after a short weekend visit to my hometown).

I am not going to lie. I did shed some tears at the airport. I really have to take the bf's advice and not listen to sappy love songs while he is away.

His absence left me with a reflection of our relationship. Note: I used to write about the guys in my life all the time on this blog...so let's get back to my old ways with today's blog.

FYI: Today's blog is a cheesy one. If cheese isn't your cup of tea, you can definitely pass on reading this one :D

_________________________________

I still feel the charged excitement whenever you step in a room, give me a sweet smile, or even after hearing the ringtone of receiving a text message.

Electric sparks fly just like when we first started dating. It's been almost three years but to me each passing day feels like date number one. Everything feels new...somehow we managed to keep things feeling fresh.

This time it's different...Different and BETTER than any other by far.

I said to you "I've been hurt so many times in the past. Please try not to hurt me". You said "I am not going to promise you that just in case I do. I do not want to lie to you."

No games. No lies. Just honesty, communication and trust.

You made me overcome my fears. You made me learn to love again, which I thought impossible. Your love makes me strong but weakens me at the same time. I never once shared all of my deep thoughts, feelings and past with anyone as I do with you. You accept me for all of my faults. You prefer me without makeup (now that guy is a keeper!). You equally love my pre-contest and off-season bloated body (you make me feel so sexy everyday). You love me for me with no strings attached.

I wasn't looking for love. You weren't either. But somehow, it found us.

You are my supportive best friend and coach. You are my passionate lover. You are the other half that makes me
whole.

I adore you.

-Kim-

Sum It Up: Fashion For The Cure Fashion Show ft Public Myth

What a massive success the fashion show was last month!  

Thanks to all the hard work from Charmaine Mallari (Team True Charisma Team Chair/Owner of True Charisma Photography), amazing designers/hairstylists, dj's, makeup artists, charitable donors, beautiful models, supportive team members, talented photographers, tasty food c/o the caterers, and our fashionable stylist team (Adeline Bird & Reno Winston).  The turn out was unbelievable!  This all for the great cause of supporting to find a cure for breast cancer/breast cancer awareness.  Winnipeg's best was definitely there.  

And with the best was one of Canada's leading name in the fitness apparel industry...the one and only Public Myth.  If you want one-of-a-kind fitness apparel, PM is your go-to shop. (see below bottom image to find out what the models were wearing on stage).

Fun Fact: All the Public Myth clothing used on stage was from my very own collection.  Every couple of seconds someone would ask me where to purchase the clothing, I responded with the simple www.publicmyth.com

The clothes were a HUGE SMASH here in Winnipeg!

A special thanks goes out the CEO of Pubic Myth (Kerry).  Thanks for the generous donation to support the cause.  Congrats goes out to the lucky person who snagged the $100 Public Myth Gift Certificate in the silent auction draw.  You are going to LOVE your new gear :D 

SO....since I've been getting a lot of requests from YOU, my lovely followers, here are some stunning Public Myth pictures as well as other TALENTED local designers from the show.

Thanks to Rejean Brandt for the fantastic pictures.  Please visit his Facebook page to view the images,  "LIKE" his work and visit his website.  

Visit Rejean Brandt's Facebook Page to see closeup shots from the show.

Picture 1: Teaser Mesh Top, Cross Back Cami Bra & Booty Short

Picture 2: Teaser Jacket, Zip Booty Short

Picture 3: Teaser Sport Bra, Teaser Super Crop

Picture 4: Logo Racer Back Tank w/ Freedom Tank underneath, Retro Bamboo Short

Picture 5: Military Patch Jacket, Bamboo Racer Back Tank w/ Freedom Tank underneath, Teaser Legging

  

Throwback Thursday - Sept 27, 2012

I have to reflect on where I came from sometimes to know JUST HOW FAR I'VE come.  It was a long process but I am thankful each day for the choices I have made to get myself to where I am.

Don't take this life for granted as you only get one.  Make every day count.  

Thanks for stopping by :D

My New Fitness Gear

Check out the newest additions to my fitness gadget collection.  Featuring Muscles By Meyers, Fitmark Bags, Public Myth, Advanced Genetics & Because You're Fabulous.

ENJOY!

RELAX...just do it!

Eat, work, train, maybe school work (for you students), play with the kiddies (for you parents), eat a couple of times more, and then sleep.  
Sometimes it's just not enough to get by. 
Relaxing & Balancing:  Giving yourself a TIME OUT for some TLC will keep you sane in the membrane.  It's one of the things people overlook sometimes.  If not careful, one aspect (say your work) takes more precedence than something else that really needs attention (aka YOU & your mental/physical health).  After all, without that intact...you have nothing.

On the same wavelength as RELAXING, organization and time management are key when it comes to doing a successful balancing act.  Make a list of your priorities, schedule your day to fit in everything you need to get done (don't forget to schedule some downtime for yourself), and just like that...you have yourself a recipe for a well-rounded healthy lifestyle.  I am not going to say it's going to be easy but I AM going to say it makes for a full and exciting life.  ENJOY IT, as we only get one.    

Here are some of the things I do with my time:

Hang out with my friends.  

Enjoy my time with the family :D

Spend some QT with the boyfriend.

Workout AND take pics of myself for fun!

Train my #TeamSexy personal training clients daily.  

I also find time to keep this blog up-to-date, make YouTube videos, maintain my FB Fan page, see what's happening in the Twitter universe, watch movies, get pampered at the salon, dance in my apartment AND a whole bunch more of other fun & exciting stuff.

 Question: What do you do to relax?  How do you balance your life?