2012 has been a outstanding year of physical activity experiences for me. I became more interested in the practice of yoga, which has been an amazing journey so far. And I have had the privilege to be fit everyday in some inspiring locales this year. In no particular order of importance some of my favourite moments of being active:
Yoga Practice: I practiced yoga with quite a few different teachers in many different settings this year. Restorative yoga has been particularly transformative for my well being in every way. Learning from Alyssa Cohen on the south coast of Jamaica at Jakes was a very special time. The entire journey has been a hugely beneficial experience in helping me integrate body, mind, spirit and fitness.
Yoga at Jakes
Hiking Diamond Head: Much like Oahu itself, this hike is the perfect blend of nature in the big city. The views at the top are fantastic and getting there requires a slightly scary run through a dark tunnel…
Running to Kailua Point: There is nothing better than a run that takes about 12 minutes and stopping for a breathtaking view to meditate on.
View from Kailua Point
San Francisco Waterfront Run: This was the ultimate food tour combined with a run. Imagine my delight to find TCHO chocolate available in Toronto after I discovered it through seeing an arrow that said chocolate during my run and stopping for a sample.
Family walk in Hong Kong: A great uphill walk that my brother Matt (also a physical educator) and I took our family on was such a great way to enjoy Hong Kong, physical activity and family time all at once.
Hormone Fat Loss with Steve Elvins: Training with Steve was a great learning experience. Hormone Fat Loss is a special program that truly targets fat loss through specific testing, prescription of training and nutrition protocol that is extremely effective. A must try if you are looking to lose fat, contact us for details.
Shock Wave by IndoRow: Shock Wave is a super fun circuit type group fitness class that uses the water rowers as a cardio station. I was fortunate enough to be a participant in its debut in Canada. The inclusive, team building atmosphere combined with a fun and effective workout is sure to reach a wider audience.
IndoRow: I took an IndoRow class again this year at Can Fit Pro and the magic of being on a team, competing together and with yourself is still great fun in a workout. www.indorow.com
Cycle Class: I make time to attend a cycle class at least once a week when I’m in Toronto with Vlad or Ting at Extreme Fitness. I cannot tell you how long they have taught fitness classes to me. It has been many years and I still love their classes for their energy, music and motivation.
Pole Class: A friend had recommended pole class as the perfect accompaniment to yoga practice. I did not give it much thought until there was a pole at a friend’s place and I was challenged to give it a try. What a great new physical challenge, so I attended a class at Brass Vixens www.brassvixens.com, a warm and welcoming environment for learning. I recommend trying a pole class to build strength combined with rhythm and grace.
Secret hike on Oahu: I won’t mention the exact location of this hike (email me and I’ll pass on the recommendation), as it is possible that I crossed a No Trespassing sign to start this hike…A fun physical challenge of about 1 hour each way combined with breathtaking views of Oahu makes for a perfectly enjoyable workout.
Active in Hawaii
Sunset Run at Ala Moana Park: This run is a beautiful experience. Ala Moana Park is a magical combination of a beautiful green park and beach right in the city with a great vantage point to catch the sunset on 2012.
Sunset Run at Ala Moana Park
Happy New Year, with best wishes to set your true intentions of healthy well being for 2013.
Food Inspiration Moments of 2012
Here are some of my favourite moments of food inspiration in 2012 in no particular order:
Callaloo: A great tasting, super nutritious green veggie that I enjoyed and learned about on the South Coast of Jamaica this year. There was nothing better than being shown where and what the plant looks like growing wild.
Sea Asparagus Pesto: Another highly nutritious, delicious and naturally salty veggie made into a unique delicious pesto product that I discovered in Hawaii.
Blue Hawaii Acai Bowl: This antioxidant packed sorbet like treat topped with granola and fruit was delicious in addition to the energetic boost it provided. I nicknamed the acai bowl ‘superjuice’, as I felt superjuiced after I ate it.
www.bluehawaiisf.com
http://www.vivianlaw.ca/acai-bowl-recipe/
Galerie au Chocolat, Fire: The heat really builds up from the chili in this chocolate. I amused myself just a little by having various friends sample the chocolate and watching their reaction to the heat.
Minisyrup: This unsweetened flavouring was a surprise discovery that led to further inspiration in the idea of adding flavour to club soda and water to create your own beverage. Adding flavour to water is common practice in the UK. I was reminded of Ribena (available at Sobeys), a sweet, blackcurrant concentrate syrup in production since 1938 that I enjoyed as a child. What’s old is new and water flavouring will reach new heights here.
http://www.zavida.com/minisyrup
Beer and Cheese: Who knew? However, someone seated beside me at the Gabardine had a plate of beer battered cheese and I had to order it as well. Very tasty. www.thegabardine.com
I was convinced to sample Spearhead Hawaiian Style Pale along with some cheese at the LCBO and found the crisp, slightly fruity beer to be a great complement to the cheese. Very tasty and very smooth combination.
http://spearheadbeer.com/index.php?id=6
Jiro Dreams of Sushi: A most inspirational and beautiful film about one man’s passion in his work, his creation of sushi.
Societe Orignal Churned Seashore Honey: This honey is the best ever with its fluffy texture that tastes of caramel, marshmallows and a hint of flowers all at once.
www.societe-orginal.com
Salted Caramel Icecream: I had amazing salted caramel icecream at BiRite Creamery in San Francisco. XocoCava (1560 Yonge Street) has an outstanding salted caramel hazelnut icecream. One young hipster told me she is so over salted caramel…and I still love it.
www.biritecreamery.com
Ps. The best salted caramel macaron is at Petite Thuet www.petitethuet.com
Vinamit Chips: These are the most amazing fruit and vegetable chips that are made through dehydration and are sold at T&T. My brother introduced them to me and I am hooked. Mixing together one bag of the mixed fruit and jackfruit chips are the perfect combination.
All things Austrian: Are up and coming as spotted by the eagle eyes of the man behind Making Life Good…thank you JK.
Happy Christmas!
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Posted in commentary, product review, Recommendation, Vivian Law
Tagged Acai Bowl, BiRite Creamery, Blue Hawaii Acai cafe, Callaloo, galerie au chocolat, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, La Societe Orignal honey, Minisyrup, Petite Thuet, Ribena, Sea asparagus, Spearhead Hawaiian Style Pale Ale, The Gabardine, Xococava