14
Sep
2018

Why Tunnel Mountain is the Best First Summit

I’ve always wanted to summit a mountain. To get the unapparelled views of the surrounding for the very top. When we planned a trip to Kananaskis last summer I immediately set out to find a good hike for us to do.  When looking at neighbouring Banff, I stumbled on the Tunnel Mountain Hike, and it was a no-brainer. Hike in the beautiful Rockies, and summit my first mountain.

Tunnel Mountain is Banff’s smallest summit, located right in town. After doing some research I was promised a relatively easy hike. 4.3 km (up and down) with a gain of 300m of elevation. My hiking experience at the time was pretty limited, and my summit experience was absolutely zilch, so this sounded like something right up my alley. The promise of 360° views of the townsite, and surrounding peaks sounded like just the motivation I would need to get the top.

There are two parking areas. One offers quite a number of stalls and there is a short walk up to the second. This parking area, where we parked, only has about 6 stalls and in early August they are in high demand. The earlier you go the better off you’ll be. not just for parking, but for heat and business of the trail as well.

The Hike

The trail is wide and well-maintained with switchbacks the lead you up the mountainside, leaving the vertical gain very manageable. You walk easily through the trees and towards the top of the mountain, with plenty of gorgeous area with photo ops of the surrounding landscapes. While there is switchback there are points on the trail where the grade is still substantial, you are still climbing a mountain.

At one point we reached an area and I was sure that we were at the top, also we were not, and a kind lady told me we had just a little further so we ventured on.

When we got to the top there was no doubt, the signage made it clear. there is a wide open area perfect for picnics, although I hear there is a grassy meadow a little further down the trail I didn’t know about at the time. The views of the townsite below and surrounding mountains and river are spectacular. Exactly what I needed after the hike up the mountain. After a quick water and snack break, we headed back down the way we came. Providing the same useful information to people, “you’re almost there!”

The trail is very popular, so if you’re looking to be alone you may want to find another. It is a great first summit and easy hike for both children and dogs. For my first summit, it inspired me to add more to the list, both for us to do solo, as well as family friendly.

Tunnel Mountain Trail Information

  • Elevation Gain: 300 meters (948 feet)
  • Time: 2 to 3 hours round trip
  • Distance: 4.3 km (2.7 miles) round-trip
  • This trail is very popular and can get crowded in the summer and early fall months. Beat the crowds by hiking early in the morning or in the late afternoon.

Tunnel Mountain Trailhead

Lower Trailhead: In downtown Banff, from the southern end of Banff Ave., turn east on Buffalo St. (turns into Wolverine) to St. Julien Rd. Continue until parking lot on your left where a sign marks the trailhead.

Upper Trailhead: Continue past the Banff Centre. The trailhead is on the opposite side of the road from the Tunnel Mountain viewpoint parking area. This parking area is small as mentioned but shortens the hike to 3.6km.

 

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Posted by Jenn in Travel, Travel Alberta, 7 comments
10
Sep
2018

My Top 30 Things to Complete Before 30

I have always had this weird, irrational fear of getting older. I had anxiety about my 20th birthday. Like I said weird. I have not been looking forward to turning 30 for as long as I can remember. I don’t know what it is about 30 that gives me so much anxiety. I’m already married, and a mother of 3. The BIG things in my life have already happened. I’m sure when I’m past it, it won’t seem so bad. I will probably even look back and laugh at my fear. But until then, here we are.

In January 2020 I’ll be turning 30 years old. The list of things I want to accomplish between then and now is long. I have managed to taper it down to 30, in the hope I will be actually able to achieve some of them. Thus, 30 before 30 was born. Hopefully, by crossing items off my list I will be distracted from the actual ageing part and I will be able to fly past my 30th birthday and focus on my next list.

Work In Progress

  1. Visit Cuba
  2. Visit Mexico
  3. Visit a Winery
  4. Go Skinny Dipping
  5. Go Zip Lining
  6. Go Rock Climbing
  7. Go Snorkelling
  8. Go Whitewater Rafting
  9. Go Jetskiing
  10. Take A Photography Class
  11. Take A Make-Up Class
  12. Take An Art Class
  13. Take A Cooking Class
  14. Host a Dinner Party
  15. Watch a Meteor Shower
  16. Volunteer For A Cause
  17. Donate Blood
  18. Shoot A Gun
  19. G0 Back To School
  20. Go To a Drive-in Movie
  21. Reach a Weight I am Comfortable With
  22. Run a 5 K Marathon
  23. Run a 10 K Marathon
  24. Climb 5 Mountains
  25. Take a Fitness Class
  26. Learn to Kayak
  27. Learn to Paddle Board
  28. Get Rid of my Graduated Drivers Licence
  29. Get a New Tattoo
  30. Start Writing a 40 Before 40 List

Completed

A dream wrote down becomes a goal. Many of these have been dreams for a while,  Now these are goals, and I hope to cross them all off the list. As I progress through it I will update the list; many of them will have their own posts to go with them so stay tuned for those as well.

So check this post often and see what I have completed.

Do you have a 30-before-30, or any other bucket list?

Posted by Jenn in Lifestyle, 15 comments
05
Sep
2018

Drumheller Alberta, 2 Exciting Days In The Dinosaur Capital Of The World

What little boy doesn’t have, at least a mild one, an obsession with Dinosaurs? When exploring options for our family holiday Drumheller, the Dinosaur Capital of the world became an easy option for us for a long weekend vacation.

Surprisingly, with only a few short weeks until the long weekend, and knowing we wanted to camp our options were not as limited as we thought. We ended up making a reservation at Dinos Nest, which is located within Drumheller City limits. We stayed at the sister site Dino’s RV Nest. The location is awesome as it seems fairly central when you’re looking at tourist destinations. The lady who we dealt with was incredible and was full of tips and suggestions when we were planning our day. We had a good size green space at our campsite and my kids quickly made friends with the other campers. The playground was a definite hit. We did have to pay for firewood but that is the case in nearly all campgrounds these days and we found the price to be fair. The portable fire pits are ingenious and incredibly handy.

After getting a good nights sleep we started out for a full day of adventuring and exploring Drumheller.

Day One

  • The Worlds Largest Dinosaur! You can not visit Drumheller and no give this a visit. My family loved this. The little ones were thrilled to be “eaten by a dinosaur” and take some awesome pictures.  With over 100 steps to the top is a treck, but the journey is worth it.  There is a gift shop there, however, do yourself a favour and skip it. The Royal Tyrrell has a more reasonably priced one.
  • Follow the North Dinosaur Trail.
    • The Little Church. It is beautiful, and the history is wonderful. It is Little, as the name implied, so little in fact that we nearly drove past it.  It seats only six people at a time, but it seats them comfortably.
    • Horsethief Canyon, another area rich with history and the view is incredible. I wish we had brought a picnic as it would have been a perfect spot. The boys made friends with some gophers and sat there watching them for a good amount of time.
    • Bleriot Ferry which crosses the Red Deer River. It takes about 5 minutes or so to cross the river and then you’re on your way.
    • Orkney Viewpoint, just off the beaten path for another incredible lookout. It is gorgeous and I would love to catch is during a sunrise/sunset. The river snakes through beautifully.
  • Royal Tyrrell Museum. Drumheller’s Claim to fame. There are a lot of interactive displays to keep the kid busy while we read the information panels. Certainly informative. The staff throughout the museum were full of interesting fact and were happy to answer any questions Big H & L had to ask. They have an amazing fossil of a Nosodor, in near perfect condition. This is was my absolute favourite exhibit and I highly recommend you take some time here. The gift shop was reasonably priced which both shocked and pleased me. I expected otherwise. This is the gift shop I recommend you buy your souvenirs at.

After a day full of activities we were all ready to head back to the camper. We made a batch of Tacos in a Bag for dinner while the boys made friends with the other kids at the campsite. After dinner (and marshmallows of course) they headed off to bed and Blayne and I enjoyed the rest of our evening – with an amazing show of the Northern Lights – and planned what we would do the next day of our dinosaur filled weekend.

I think my favourite time of any trip is after the kids go to bed, and Blayne and I get to relax on our own, in the quiet. Doing it outdoors around the campfire is something special all on its own.

Day Two

  •  The Hoodoos. My kids absolutely loved this place. Climbing and running around. Beautiful scenery too. It is much smaller than I had expected, but years of people and weather have led to that. They are still unique and wonderful though. None the less, you can spend hours exploring and climbing. We spend about an hour there and we didn’t even make it a fraction of the way to the top.
  • Atlas Coal Mine. While there are only certain things you can do if you’re under the age of 6, there is still a ton to do here with the younger ones. The pony cart ride and the train ride were by far the most popular for us.  B and I enjoyed it from a more adult perspective and the boys loved seeing everything. The staff, especially the train conductor, were friendly and super informative. We were there for about 3 hours. Bring a picnic as this is also a perfect place to eat.
  • Rosedale Suspension Bridge. Not only is it free it gives you another glimpse into the past. Big H and L could have easily spent all day going back and forth if we were to let them. At the other side, there is plenty of trails that you can hike if that is something you have time to do. I hear there are smoulder piles that have been smoking for years, so keep an eye out for that!
  • The Fossil Shop. Drumheller has no shortage of souvenir stores but this one is special. The items in the store are BEAUTIFUL, which grossly undersells it even. While there some incredibly large and expensive pieces there are plenty of small, gorgeous, unique pieces available as well for a very fair price. I’m confident that there is something there for everyone. The staff is helpful and encourages you to “touch the past.”

One Final Stop

  • WHIFS Flapjack House. We had breakfast here after being told by numerous Drumheller locals that it was the place to be. The food was awesome. The buffet had all the offerings and their famous Flapjacks were all they were made out to be.

From there we ventured onward. Still talking about the memories we made and the wonderful vacation we had.

Posted by Jenn in Travel, Travel Alberta, 26 comments
18
Jun
2018

How To Use Giving Artfully Kids to Inspire Compassion

While our children are young, we teach them. Some lessons, like first words, seem rather simple. Others, like potty training, are more difficult. Some are less obvious but are still very important. Things like giving, being kind, and helping others. We, of course, teach them through our own actions and through encouragement. Giving Artfully Kids makes these lessons teach kindness through the power of craft.

**Disclaimer: I received a trial subscription for free from Giving Artfully Kids in exchange for an honest review. All opinions, however, are mine and uninfluenced.**

Giving Artfully Kids has a program for everyone.  From the parent to the teacher, their programs are designed and developed with everyone in mind. They can be done one on one with a child or through a group.  The projects can be done by everyone, regardless of skill and age. Plus, they do all the hard work for you. The planning and the research. They provide high-quality lesson plans to help empower and teach our children to make a difference in the world; all while being both fun and creative.

Giving Artfully Kids offers two different packages so there is a package for everyone.

The Basic Membership

The basic membership is designed for anyone who only wants to complete one project a month. Each week a new portion of the lesson is released so it is manageable and not at all overwhelming.

  • Each month, you will receive:
    • Week 1: One crafting-based service learning project for children ages 3-12
    • Week 2: Pillar of Giving Activity
    • Week 3: Article of Video to encourage and engage kids in kindness and giving activities

The Premium Membership

The premium membership, unlike the basic, is perfect for schools, after-school programs, churches or even a family.

  • Month 1 you will receive 8 crafting-based service learning project
  • Every subsequent month, 2 new projects will be released

Both

Regardless of which package you feel works best for you get

  • Instructions for crafting based projects (video instructions for more difficult crafts)
  • Downloadable links for a crafting-based service learning project
  • PDF Downloads and Worksheets to help organize you Giving Artfully Kids programs
  • Giving Artfully Kids Support for questions
  • Age group specific lessons
  • Monthly or yearly subscriptions available.

During our trial, we tried the premium, and we did a variety of activities.  – I am a bad blog mom and I didn’t take any photos. – My kids loved knowing that their crafts were going to help someone or something and both favoured making things for the local animal shelter.

In today’s day of subscription box services, where you get a ton of knick-knack items, this is an incredible alternative. The subscription is all online, and while you have to purchase the supplies needed separately, you only get what you need. Most items can be found at your local dollar store. We completed multiple projects and never spent more than $5 CAD on any, occasionally doing more than one within the same price point.
Whether you are a teacher, a mom, or anything in between, Giving Artfully Kids has a package for you.
Posted by Jenn in Lifestyle, Lifestyle Review, 5 comments
03
May
2018

Top 5 Family Friendly Places in Big Beautiful Jasper

Jasper is one of the most uniquely beautiful places I have seen in my life.  I’ve seen mountains all over North America, Maui’s most recently, but the views of the Rockies are unparalleled. So, living only two short hours away from Jasper we try to get there as often as we can. Hunter LOVES the mountains. Like me, they give him a sense of home, and he is much more grounded when we visit them. We still don’t get there nearly as often as we would like, but in the trips, we do manage we have been able to pick some of our favourite places to visit as a family.

Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is easily considered one of the most interesting canyons in the Rockies. They have a walking path set up so you can walk from the top of the canyon and falls, all the way to the bottom. Or vice-versa. There is a total of 6 bridges the crisscross over and each offers a uniquely magnificent view. The walk does consist of thousands of stairs – I’m estimating – so it can be quite physical but you can park at the top or bottom and do as much or as little as you want. There is also a picnic area available at either end. Maligne Canyon is a place we have visited many times over the years.

Annette Lake

This is one of our most recent discoveries, we were initially out to find a short hike to do with the boys that was also stroller friendly-ish, and as you can imagine the stroller part is difficult. Then, by complete accident, we stumbled upon this beauty. Not only is the 2.5km path around the lake fully paved so that is both friendly for strollers and wheelchairs, there are also benches all along the way so people of any fitness level can do it and have plenty of places to rest as well as enjoy all 360° of beautiful views. There is also a gorgeous sandy beach perfect for playing in the water and laying in the sun. We will be visiting this lake many times in the future.

Sunwapita Falls

This is a unique set of falls. There is a viewing area which offers a spectacular view of the main falls. There is also a 1km trail that leads to a viewing point of the lower falls. We have only made this trip once, but I highly recommend doing this short hike to see the second falls. The grade is pretty gradual, but it is there. One of the smother trails we have hiked.

Athabasca Falls

This is one of the only places I remember visiting as a child and one I continue to visit nearly every time we visit the park. Athabasca falls are the most powerful falls in the Rockies. The water roars and thunders as it falls and if you stand in the right place (or wrong) you’ll be soaked with the spray from the falls. It is truly an experience. The rocks are wet and therefore slippery, so do not venture outside of the designated areas.

Whistlers Campground

The one and only time we actually camped in Jasper this is where we stayed. It is an extremely large campground but is laid out wonderfully and you would never know its size without driving through it. The bathrooms are clean and well kept and just a short walk from wherever your campsite is. There is plenty of wildlife in the area and if you’re lucky you will be able to spot some from your campsite.

The sites and activities to do in Jasper National Park are limitless. I honestly don’t think we will ever have time to see and do it all. These are just the tip of the iceberg and the ones that we have all enjoyed as a family, some on more than one occasion.

What is your favourite thing to do in Jasper?

Posted by Jenn in Travel, Travel Alberta, 16 comments
28
Apr
2018

Activewear Underwear What It Is And Why You Need It

Activewear has been some of my favourite clothing for as long as I can remember. They stretch they breathe, they look good. They are functional as well as stylish. I’ve always loved it, but I only recently started using it for its intended purpose. With my new found love for actually being active, I realized there is a whole level of activewear I had never noticed; yet is so very important. Activewear underwear. I’m not talking about the ever-popular sports bra. No, I am talking about actual activewear underwear.

This was a bit of a learning curve for me. I mean underwear is underwear right. You have those special “date night” ones, but working doesn’t need any special treatment. Boy, was I wrong. Nobody wants to bunch up fabric riding up your back, midway through a run. Or worse yet, odour from trapped moisture. Activewear underwear is here to help solve both those potential issues.

Choosing Activewear Underwear

When looking for activewear underwear, choose a pair with sweat-wicking fabric. Just like the rest of your activewear, it eliminates moisture quickly so you can stay dry even when you’re working up a real sweat. This won’t just make your workout more comfortable, it will also keep your underwear from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. – Which sounds like a recipe for disaster – Add in the order eliminating technology that goes hand in hand with any activewear and you’re on the path to a winner. Activewear underwear generally doesn’t come in fabrics that aren’t, workout-friendly fabrics, but just in case steer clear of cotton, silk and lace because they’re not very breathable.

Making sure your activewear underwear is sized properly is another important step to consider. The tighter it is, the more it’s going to uphold against you and potentially trap moisture, bacteria, and sweat that can lead to that bacteria growth we were talking about earlier.”  If, when you put it on, you fee feel restricted, or you see indentation lines in the skin, they’re probably too small.

Just like regular underwear, activewear underwear comes in all the cuts. Yes, even thongs. So, depending on what sort of activity you’re doing there may one or another that works better for you.  Whether you’re a fan of thongs or boyshorts, you’re looking for something that hugs your body enough to stay in place without riding or bunching. I generally spend FAR to much time worrying about panty lines with my leggings so I steer towards thongs, however, when running they can rub in all the wrong places.

Deciding what type of activewear underwear you prefer may take some trial and error. Every woman is shaped differently and has different style and preferences. So try a few brands, sizes, cuts, and fabrics. Not that you needed an excuse to go shopping. Right?

Do you have a favourite activewear underwear?

Posted by Jenn in Fitness, 14 comments
23
Apr
2018

Babysitting: When A Dad Has To Do It Alone

As I count down the days to a much anticipated and much overdue girls night out, I prepare myself for the inevitable. The question that makes me cringe. Followed by the statement that makes my blood boil. The question about who is watching the kids. The one about who is babysitting.

Person: “who has the kids?”

Me: “They are at home with their dad.”

Person: “Oh, dad gets to babysit while you go out.”

Me: …

This bothers me, and while the implication that I am shouldn’t get to go out while he stays home is enough; what really gets to me is that dad is babysitting.

I am sorry. He is their father. At no point in their life will he be babysitting them. He is being their parent.

Definition of babysitting

babysitting  to care for children usually during a short absence of the parents;  to give care <babysit for a neighbour’s pets>

IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PARENTS.

Therefore, a parent cannot babysit their own children. This is one of those awful parenting double standards that exist. At no point would someone say, or imply, that I, their mother is babysitting my children. That is simply my job as a mother. I am their caregiver, so why is it that dad isn’t viewed the same way. Especially in this day and age when there are so many stays at home dads, then they are the primary caregivers. Are they still “babysitters” in the eyes of these people?

Moms are moms, dads are dads, and when they are caring for their own children then they aren’t babysitting.

Don’t we moms have to endure mom guilt about having a night out – which they deserve – without the babysitter card getting played? I can’t be the only one who feels this way. Let me know what you think in the comments!

 

Posted by Jenn in Lifestyle, 10 comments
18
Apr
2018

3 Restaurants In Lahaina You Need To Eat At

Are you planning a trip to the beautiful island of Maui? If you aren’t already then you probably should be. If you are, you will probably spend a little bit of time, if not most of it, in the town of Lahaina.  Lahaina is where we stayed during our week on the island. We where we treated with spectacular weather welcoming locals, and delicious food. While you’re in Lahaina you will have a nearly endless supply of restaurants to try. Out of all the restaurants that we tried, the three below were by far my favourite.

Down the Hatch

This was the first restaurant we ate at on the very first morning after arriving on the island. We happened on this restaurant by chance when we were searching for a good breakfast joint while walking around the street. Once featured on Diners Drive-ins and Dives, the restaurant is tucked in the courtyard of a multistory shopping-centre on Front Street and offers counter service. Their menu is smaller but amazing.  Four different items ordered and not a disappointing one in the bunch.

We enjoyed this restaurant so much we visited it TWO more times during our week-long trip. The second, for dinner, I tried the Lobster grilled cheese that was featured on their episode of DDD. This sandwich brings all my favourite things together, cheese and lobster. When we snuck in for one more breakfast before on the day that we left, we again, all ordered new items with zero disappointment. Of all the places we ate at during our trip this was the only one that we ate at more than once.

They also have a sister restaurant, The Breakwall Shave Ice Company, in the same spot. We, however, did not try it personally.

TRY: The Lobster Grilled Cheese Sandwich and the DTH Breakfast Sandwich

BONUS: During our stay in January 2018 we were able to get a 2 for 1 coupon from our hotel.

Prison Street Pizza

Like Down the Hatch we came across this pizza place while we were exploring the town of Lahaina. We found it while in search of breakfast, so we didn’t try it immediately but returned later that night and had it for dinner. We ordered the S-turns the Old World and the Garlic Bread for takeout. While we waited we sat down and enjoyed a beer from Maui Brewing Company. – Make sure you give their beer a try. –

The dining area is quite small, and family style so we shared a table with a man who owns a surf shop in town. – I am always happy to hear that the locals also enjoy a restaurant, it gives me a lot of confidence in the food. – We grabbed our food and headed back to our room to eat. The pizzas we large, the crust was perfect and the toppings were fresh and flavourful. The 4 of us ate the garlic bread quickly and the pizza didn’t last long; although there were a few pieces left for the next day. We tired another pizza place later in our stay and this one was our favourite.

TRY: The garlic bread! Large pieces, with strong while not overpowering, garlic flavour.

BONUS: By the crowd, it is obvious the locals frequent here.

Ululani Hawaiian Shave Ice

If you’re going to Hawaii, you’re probably going to try shave ice. If you’re going to Maui, you’re going to want to go to Ulalani. There is no doubt why this place has been rated the #1 restaurant on the entire island. We shamelessly enjoyed a shave ice nearly every day during our trip. The ice is soft and creamy(?) and the flavours are incredible. They seem to have endless combinations. The staff here is friendly and will not hesitate to strike up a conversation while they’re making your delicious treat, giving great suggestions from a local point of view.

TRY: The Lahaina, named after the town their original location, perfectly combines Pineapple, Coconut and Banana. Adding a scoop of Macadamia ice-cream to the bottom and a snowcap on top makes this delicious dessert even more incredible (if that’s even possible).

BONUS: The Lahainaluna Café next door to their Lahaina location proves to be just as good as their Garlic Fries are incredible, so take the extra steps and give them a try while you’re there.

 

Have you visited Lahaina, Maui? If you have what is your favourite restaurant that you tried while there.

Posted by Jenn in Travel, Travel Maui, 10 comments
09
Apr
2018

For the Painful Days Ahead Due to The Humboldt Broncos Tragedy

It takes just a moment for your life to change forever. When you first watched your child take the ice to play the game we all loved, you would never think that years later, while on the way to pay the game they loved, that their life would tragical come to an end. For 11 players, their head coach, their driver, and their announcer, this is exactly what happened. On April 7, 2018, the Humboldt Broncos were involved in an accident leaving 15 people dead and 14 injured.
 
Every parent’s worst nightmare.
 
I think about my sons, one who just finished his first year of hockey, so young with so many dreams and my heart aches. For many of them, their hockey careers started much like my sons did this past year. Early morning practice. Road trips. Hot coffee and arena food. With the dream of playing for a team like the Humboldt Broncos in the future.
 
After countless practices and thousands of games, I can only offer this.
 
To the first responders, who worked tirelessly, to save lives. Your strength inspires me.
 
To the driver and passenger. of the other vehicle. Regardless of the cause of the crash – unknown at the time of posting – you are a survivor just like everyone else involved. Know we are thinking of you as well in this painful time. Ask for help when you feel you need it.
 
To the parents, I can not wrap my head around your pain and I pray to God I never have to. But I hope you can take some solace in the knowledge that your son was on his way to do something that he loved. Take strength from those around you.
 
To the players, nobody but you knows what you’ve gone through. Take time to heal. Take time to grieve. Take care of yourself.
 
To the town of Humboldt, unite as a community. Grieve as a community. Heal as a community. The rest of the country is with you.
 
To the hockey community when you take the ice, take the ice for the Humboldt Broncos. Play with everything you have in you. Play the game with all your heart.
 
To Canada, as we as a country recover from this tragedy, hold your loved ones close. As so many families have discovered, your life can change in an instant.
 
From every one of us that has a child in hockey.
That has played hockey
That currently plays hockey.
That has a family member that plays hockey
That coaches hockey.
From every Canadian that is a fan of hockey…
 

We are here for you.

You have our love, our prayers and positive thoughts.

You have us.

Since originally posting, unfortunately, another person has passed away due to their injuries. The death of Dayna Brons brings the total to 16.

 

 

Posted by Jenn in Lifestyle, 10 comments
23
Mar
2018

What You’ll Experience When You Take a HITT Class

In January a local trainer was having a promotion for their HITT Class. 6 classes for $6. This gave me the opportunity to give this HITT thing a try, while also having my first experience in a group fitness setting.  The classes had to be used within a certain time period, meaning I would miss a week because of my trip to Maui, but it was still an awesome deal that I couldn’t pass up.

What is HITT Training?

HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is a training technique in which you give all-out, one hundred percent effort through quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short, sometimes active, recovery periods. The idea being that your heart rate is kept up, and you burn more fat in less time. It then creates an afterburn effect, where you continue to burn calories, and fat, long after your workout is complete.

The Class

My first day of class, my anxiety tried to convince me not to go. I generally work out alone, with headphones, and in my own world. But I made it there. After filling out some quick paperwork I took a look around. I could see 4 stations set up. Each for a different type of exercise, working different body parts and muscle groups.

The instructor introduced herself and she was friendly and FULL of energy. If I had to make a comparison, I would like her to my 7-year-old, after he drank a Redbull (hypothetically speaking of course). She started off with a light warm-up, jogging in place, then worked in some punches, and jumping jacks to get the blood moving. After this, she demonstrated each of the exercises. Then it was our turn.

For the next 30 minutes, we worked through each of the different exercises. They were all easily adaptable for anyone who couldn’t do a certain move because of injury or whatever the case may be. We did each exercise for 45 seconds, moved on to the next, and repeated each twice. Following the final rotation, we took a quick water break while we learned the next ones. Repeating this process until we had completed all the exercises. Afterwards, we did a cool down with some stretching.

First Impression

I left the class feeling a little disappointed. I had heard that this was going to be one of the most intense workouts I had ever had, and while I was sweating I didn’t feel like I had gotten everything I could have out of it. So, even I returned, I vowed to push myself harder.

The second class was set up identically, because obviously this is what HITT is, and so I tackled it with everything I had in me. This time when I left the class I left feeling satisfied. I had actually gotten what I wanted out of this class. The next day I was a sore. My muscle groups had received a good workout during the class and I finally felt like I got what I had expected.

My takeaway

Overall, for my first class setting, I walked away satisfied. I am not ready to commit to a class long term but I learned a lot of different exercises for different muscle groups and have started I have implemented HITT into more of my regular workouts during the week.

Should you take a HITT class?

If you’re looking for a class setting to get a good workout, that doesn’t involve a bike, then yes. Like any other workout, you’re going to get out of it what you put into it. The harder you work, the more results you will see. All the exercises are easily adapted to any body type and fitness levels.

 

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Posted by Jenn in Fitness, Fitness Review, 8 comments