A major part of Mountain Trek’s Program is Exercise. We don’t get enough of it today in our urban lifestyle.

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It’s Starting to Feel like Summer in the Mountains

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I know, it’s only mid-April but when the weather throws me a high temperature, I begin to look at the Kootenay lake with anticipation. When can I go in for a swim? We have a long standing competition between the guides at Mountain Trek…who jumps into the water first? Brrrr….trust me, this water never truly warms up but gosh! does it invigorate your body, mind, and soul once you take the plunge. For those of you who have been here and done that, you know what I mean.

This kind of weather also turns up the desire to get outside, to simply be outside. Lucky I live here, in case you don’t know where the Kootenays are, that’s okay. It’s a piece of paradise nestled between a few mountain ranges, we kinda like to keep it a secret because once you visit you never want to leave. Our facebook page (Mountain Trek) has loads of photos as I can’t even find the words to describe the sheer beauty of this place. And did I mention that it looks like the spring is going to be awesome weather? I’m packing my backpack this weekend to go check out the trails we hike. And for those of you coming to MT, it’s sure to be some fine spring hiking. Just smell that skunk cabbage! (it’s one of the first wild flowers to show up in the spring here).

Exercise Has Gone to the Dogs

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fidoMaybe you have trouble getting out the door when it’s time to go exercise, citing a myriad of reasons to put it off until tomorrow. Nearly everyone does better with a work out partner; someone who expects us to show up and participate. Well imagine if you could have your own personal exercise buddy that doubled as a personal trainer. You can. Man or woman’s best friend is available 24/7 and is always eager to get outside.

Unknown ObjectScience backs up the notion that people with K9 companions live longer healthier lives. If at first it isn’t glaringly apparent, think about it. What do dog owners do more than anyone else? They go for walks! Whether you’re hiking, biking or swimming, dogs are eager, joyful friends that are always up for a good time outside.

In a 12-month study, experts at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago demonstrated that both people and pets were more successful in staying with a weight loss program when they did it together. (Besides, you know how Fido hates to go to the gym alone!)

biking with dogsBoth people and their pets were placed on a balanced, low-calorie diet and given a 30-minute moderate activity plan to do together, three times a week. When compared to dogs only and people only, the combined people-pet group lost the most weight — the people, an average of 11 pounds, the dogs, 12 pounds.

Interesting that the dogs lost more than the humans!  It shows that consistent moderate activity and controlled diet lead to weight loss. Now go grab your hikers and Fido’s leash and get out there.

Source: People and Pets Exercising Together presentation, North American Association for the Study of Obesity (NAASO) annual scientific meeting, November 2004, Las Vegas.

Exercise and Weight Loss

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The Times On-Line magazine recently published an article debating the benefits of exercise in regards to losing weight. While it doesn’t discredit the overall benefits of exercise to health (which we know are plenty), it highlights the necessity and importance of incorporating an overall lifestyle program for losing and maintaining weight not just relying on exercise for weight loss.

As you know, we at Mountain Trek are big fans of “lifestyle.” Check out our program page to learn about all elements of balanced health.

What is Mountain Trek?

Mountain Trek is the health reset you’ve been looking for. Our award-winning health retreat, immersed in the lush nature of British Columbia, will help you detox, unplug, recharge, and roll back years of stress and unhealthy habits. To learn more about the retreat, and how we can help you reset your health, please email us at info@mountaintrek.com or reach out below:

A Brand New Year…2010…

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I had every intention of writing a list of New Year’s resolutions for this blog before 2010 descended upon me. However, like all good intentions, things get in the way. I have a good excuse (as far as excuses go) as Mountain Trek’s Turkey Burn program was in full force and I can say I hit the ground snowshoeing after the holidays. Whew! We were a full house of 14 guests, some new to our snowshoe program and some familiar with us. So as a guide and New Year’s Eve host, my dance card quickly filled up and only now, I can kick back and start my list. Perhaps, I shouldn’t call them resolutions but suggestions for the year to support you on your journey to finding vitality in your life.

In the area of Nutrition:

1. For two weeks every three months, adopt a mini-cleanse. Limit and if you can, eliminate, dairy, wheat/flour products, sugar (all forms), processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol. This supports the body’s own natural cleansing process and supports what we promote at MT, detoxing through dietary changes. Enjoy more veggies, fish like salmon, lean meats, and be generous in using good fats like flax oil or Udo’s Oil.

And speaking of Detox:

2. Brush your Body. Dry skin brushing is an easy way to help the skin eliminate toxins, drain and cleanse the lymphatic system, and help support the immune system. Gently sweep the brush in a circular motion, moving from the outer areas of the body (legs and hands) towards the heart. Try it three times a week for 5-10 minutes before your morning shower. Dry skin brushes are available at most drugstores or health food stores.

How about fitness?

3. Text yourself messages reminding you to work out.

And of course, we can’t forget, relaxation or destressing.

4. Breathe. That’s it. Take a moment each hour of each day to simply take a deep breath.