​Meet Les.

Les has been going to his local YMCA at 7:30 am since 1983.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are dedicated to resistance training.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are dedicated to cardiovascular exercise.

He says, "If I don’t feel like going to the gym, I go anyway because the gym has paid me back many times.”

AND Les is 100 years old!

It is the fascinating and inspiring stories like Les' that have driven my passion project, The Why I Move Project, for almost 10 years!

The Why I Move Project grew out of my professional realization that when people have a WHY they are more connected and committed to their physical activity and exercise.

It is a purpose driven approach that helps you along your journey.

Physical activity and exercise IS a journey.

I can guarantee that it isn't a linear straight line and it looks more like the Toronto Stock Exchange. However, for all the ups and downs, there is an overall linear climb.

The linear climb happens over many years and there is a reason WHY behind it.

The goal of The Why I Move Project is to help ignite an inner awareness to what you think, feel and experience when you are physically active. Making your movement more mindful and connected to what you personally receive from it.

One of those days when it feels like a slog to be physically active, bringing your attention to your WHY and it can help you move along…literally.

What can you do now to connect to mindful movement?

✔️ Head over to The Why I Move Project website and explore all the stories and quotes from people just like you!

✔️ Go to the Resource section and watch the educational video.

✔️ When you are on the Resource page, download the Your Emotions and Physical Activity Choices Worksheet. Complete it for yourself and see how your own emotions are linked to physical activity.

✔️ Formulate your own WHY. And share it! Who knows what your story can do for someone else striving to be more physically active!

As always, I am here to support you in your physical activity journey.

I help you to move better and move more often. AND find your WHY!

Stay well and happy moving,

Lisa

P.S., Read Les' full story here!​

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Welcome to the next instalment of Real Moves for Real Life.

How well do you stand with your legs?

Kind of a funny question, right!?

Ever notice that you catch yourself tipping over at times or grabbing for something to support you with your hands.

Well, my friends, today I have a new exercise for you that will help you out!

Watch the video now to find out what you can do to help you stand better.

What do you think? Do you feel more stable on your feet after trying out the exercise in the video?

Want more? I'm teaching an in person workshop, Yoga for the Hips and Psoas, next Saturday (January 21) at Yoga Within Edmonton. I'd love to help you explore your hip mobility and stability. Find out more here.

Stay well and happy moving,

Lisa

P.S. Did you know I have a YouTube series called Real Moves for Real Life? If you have missed any of the other episodes, here is a link to the playlist. 

Happy New Year! 🎉

YOU are officially past the first week of 2023!

How has the new year been treating you so far?

Did you make the traditional New Year's resolution this year?

The average New Year’s resolution is kept for 42 days.

Forty-two days into 2023 will take us to February 11. Will you keep your resolution until then?

Depending on how you define “success,” research has shown that ~33-55% of people who make New Year’s resolutions are “successful” at one year, with “slip-ups” happening ~14 times over two years.

Resolutions aimed at “goodness” might be more likely followed. Suggesting resolutions to others, especially spouses and particularly around their weight, is never a good idea.

A resolution to have no resolution could save an average of $250! The average Canadian spends $252 per year on failed resolutions.

Save your dollars and may I suggest you decide on a goal for yourself instead.

Now Lisa, what is the difference between a resolution and a goal?

I would argue that goal has some pretty well-defined actions and outcomes that are done over time. Have you ever heard of SMART goals? That is one model that might work for you.

However, we are also looking for some short wins and so I would suggest if you make a physical activity or exercise goal for yourself in 2023, set yourself up for success with this daily question…

Get your pen and paper or journal ready….

​And THEN…say to yourself (out loud preferably)…
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​​Try that on for size! Short and sweet and to the point (thanks - Marie Forleo for this as I modified it with a physical activity or exercise twist for you, my dear reader).
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Okay - you got this? Yes - you got this.

Need some support? I've got your back for 2023. My Friday morning sessions are open for you. It would be an honour to work with you to help achieve your physical activity or exercise goals this year!

Stay well and happy moving,
Lisa

👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼 What's coming up?

My next workshop at Yoga Within Edmonton is on January 21! It is all about the hips. Stay tuned for more about the hips in the weeks ahead.

Oh - and one last thing. I personally did not make a resolution this year. I do however have some big goals for this year. Stay tuned to hear more! 🙌🏼

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