Fitness Swellness: Saddle up and join in the JDRF Revolution Ride to Defeat Diabetes

Charities are getting more and more creative with ways to raise money for their causes other than the usual run or walk, and I think that’s fantastic. As much as I love running, I know it’s not for everyone! I’m excited to take part next week, along with more than 12,000 people across Canada, in the JDRF Revolution Ride to Defeat Diabetes 2017!

It’s my first year, but I hear the high-energy event is full of positive vibes. Presented by Sun Life Financial, the JDRF Revolution Ride’s goal is to raise funds so that we can one day live in a world where no one needs to suffer from type 1 diabetes (T1D).

If you’re not familiar with T1D, you should know it can be a devastating autoimmune disease. When you have T1D, your body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin (which your body needs in order to get energy from food). It affects more than 300,000 Canadians, from kids to adults, and diabetes is the leading cause of amputations, blindness, kidney and heart disease and other health conditions. And it’s not due to eating too much sugar, or linked to being overweight or not exercising enough—its cause is unknown. And while people with diabetes must test their blood sugar every day and give themselves insulin injections several times a day (or use an insulin pump) for the rest of their lives, insulin is not a cure, and it does not prevent those severe complications mentioned above.

By taking part in the JDRF Revolution Ride, your fundraising helps contribute toward the incredible advances made in T1D research. It’s thanks to the support of people like you that smart insulin (which responds to your body’s needs) was developed and that artificial pancreas systems are being developed so as to leverage technology to improve T1D management, to name just two examples.

How you can join in the JFRF Revolution Ride:
I’ll be taking part in a one-hour morning spin class that kicks off the JDRF Revolution Ride event in Toronto. And there’s still time for you to take part in the Ride event, too: you can compete either individually or in teams on stationary bikes (in the Ride10, for example, all you do is saddle up and ride seven minutes as a member of a five-person team—seven minutes well spent!), or even bike outdoors on your own when you can find the time to in your schedule. If you can’t take part with an actual ride, every dollar helps the cause, so consider donating to a friend who is fundraising for the Revolution Ride.

So see you there, right? I’ll be the runner-and-infrequent-Spin-class girl sweating through the session. But every pedal we all push in this Ride means we get closer to defeating diabetes.

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Leave a Comment September 29, 2017

Fitness Swellness: Work up a sweat this summer outdoors at CF Shops at Don Mills

I have no idea what took me so long to realize this, but I much prefer outdoor workouts. I will almost always opt to run outside over the treadmill or an indoor track. And when it comes to yoga and group cycle classes–workouts that in and of themselves, I’m not personally a huge fan of–I’ve actually enjoyed when done outside with the breeze, blue skies, and sunshine.

Which is why I’m totally into the outdoor exercise classes being held all summer long at CF Shops at Don Mills. They’ve got both group cycle classes and yoga all season held in the Town Square. I had a chance to try out the group cycle class last week and I found it much more fun than being in a dark studio.

Plus, here’s another great reason to take advantage of these summer classes at CF Shops at Don Mills: you work up a sweat and can tick off your workout of the day from your to-do list, then you’re right at this great open-air shopping centre (did you know it’s Ontario’s first open-air mall of its type?), so you can treat yourself right away to both some retail therapy, and a delicious bite to refuel.

If you live nearby or it’s easy for you to get to, I recommend going to check it out. And, hello, the yoga classes are free! You can’t beat that price! Plus, the 50-minute group cycle classes are a very reasonable $15.

Here’s the nitty gritty details so you can plan your workouts:

Group cycle classes run every Tuesday and Thursday from now until August 31st at 9:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 5:30 pm. The class happens rain or shine (the class is indoors if it’s raining btw). Just bring your running or Spin shoes.

The complimentary yoga classes happen every Sunday from now until September 3rd from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. (and only if the weather permits — if it’s raining, class is cancelled). BYOM. That’s bring your own mat, but you yogis probably got that.

You do have to reserve your spot online, though! To register, head over to CF Shops at Don Mills to snag a spot in a class.

I’m hoping to round up some friends to go this summer, so maybe I’ll see you there!

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2 Comments July 5, 2017

Fitness Swellness: Spinout Cycle

I pulled on some Lycra and tried out the new Spinout Cycle in Liberty Village a couple of weeks ago (well, not a full class, just a 30-minute quickie session!). You can read more about this studio’s concept over at Vitamin Daily (I’ve just started contributing to them!). The classes will appeal to those of you who have a mean competitive streak!

Leave a Comment February 26, 2014