"This isn't meant as an insult, but you are physiologically lazy. So am I. So are we all". 

Gretchen Reynolds, New York Times writer and best-selling author wrote, “This isn’t meant as an insult, but you are physiologically lazy. So am I. So are we all.” It makes you stop and think about it. Reynolds is not insulting us, but bases her opinion on research that suggests that like other animals, humans naturally aim to use as little energy as possible during most movement.

Original story has been published in Village Living Magazine, Issue NO. 4, November/December 2013 – By: Andrew Seale

I’ve long consider there to be a strong similarity in personalities and characteristics of “High Performers” in business and sport. It makes sense then, that success inside of the gym hinges on the same identifiable and predictable traits. Athletes and novices have the same amount of willpower as executives and their employees. So, when I proposed to the editors of Village Living Magazine that they feature a story on the similarities of successful business people and athletes, they were intrigued. I was only too thrilled to recommend my client, Wendy Cecil, when I was contacted by their writer, Andrew Seale.

As a Personal Trainer, our successes are hinged on wide ranging criteria, some self-proclaimed, other times declared so by the media. Sometimes that success is based on the names and the profiles of the people that we work with, or hopefully more frequently and quietly announced in the form of the subtle changes in their bodies or minds. The latter feels best.

To consult a physician before starting an exercise program is good advice. But before starting an exercise program, you should first step back from some common notions on exercise.

Universally, exercise is known to be good a thing; It helps to maintain normal body weight (by increasing our metabolism), improves your mood, reduces anxiety to improve sleep quality, and it can minimize some of the negative effects of ageing in multiple ways.

Every now and then, you might have an experience that is so profound, it leaves you with so many things to say, yet, also completely speechless. During those extraordinary moments, all that you can do is smile

I can’t imagine that there are many words more damaging to a woman’s self-worth than to be told: “I’m sorry. You have breast cancer.” The indignity. The self-blame. The fear. The isolation. The choices. What a terrible disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For those of us who have had to face the challenge directly or standing by the side of the ones we love, Breast Cancer (BC) is a beast that must be slain. It devours cells, it demoralizes its victims, and it destroys lives. The faces of its victims are always strong, resolute, and of-course, tinged with fear. For those of us who fight in the background as supporters, for that is all that we can do, we also put on a brave face. However, behind all of that, there is also fear. Courage resides within our hearts, and it is there we must go to find the strength to challenge this monster.

For several weeks leading up to October 10th, I had been looking forward to my trip to New York. And, although I have visited this great city that is home to Lady Liberty and nearly 8.5 million of her citizens on many occasions before, this experience, I knew, would be special.

He’s a husband, father, acclaimed film producer/director and philanthropist. He is president of Endeavour, the ad agency he co-founded. His client list is impressive, including American Express, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, The Canadian Opera Company, Stratford Festival, Luminato and many others. His office is filled with reminders of priceless memories, including his experiences with celebrities such as Mick Jagger, Tony Bennett, Bono, Harry Belafonte and his new favourite, Quincy Jones — all with big, genuine smiles on their faces. To boot, he sits on many arts boards including the board of the Toronto International Film Festival. If you’re trying to find Barry Avrich, he’s probably on his way to Los Angeles right now.

If you let me play sports, I will like myself more. I will have more self-confidence — 1995 Nike ad campaign

The pre-adolescent children featured in the campaign provided compelling arguments for why kids should play sports — being 60% less likely to experience breast cancer or suffer from depression stick out. Of course, Nike’s coffers benefit when your kids play sports. But more importantly, so do your kids.

Spring is finally here and many of us will use this as an opportunity ship out the old and begin anew.

Some Canadians are angry. Earlier this year, I wrote a column for this newspaper headlined “The Price of Being Healthy.” In it I wondered, why does the medical system download its costs on those who take care of their bodies? In response, I received emails from all across the country from Canadians expressing their agreement but also their outrage.

Over recent months, many members and staff at our club have become familiar with the letters ACL — sometimes even painfully aware.

A client recently gave me an article to read from the National Post entitled “Life Can Be A Real Balancing Act.” It’s a story about a person who is always bumping into things, losing balance and causing all kinds of bodily harm to themselves.