Renew Refresh ReVIVE!

What is Vive Fitness? Simply a lifestyle. We are your friendly neighbour hood gym, bringing together likeminded people, forming a community of members with the common goal of a healthy lifestyle.

Did you know that Vive Fitness has been around for 10 years? Our first location was built at 807 Bathurst and just recently completed its expansion to a second floor. We now have 7 locations, with the latest Vive Fitness Club opening this month in Burlington, at the corner of Fairview Street and Appleby Line.

Welcome to our blog, our latest endeavour, where we will be talking about all things to help you feel renewed, refreshed and reVIVEd! For first-time gym goers and experienced fitness buffs alike, we aim to offer support for all on topics from setting fitness goals to nutrition advice, and stress management to motivation.

Vive Fitness Food Drive Challenge

As we embrace the Autumn months, so comes family gatherings and never-ending meals. But some people in our community are not so fortunate. For some, this time of year brings the feeling of loneliness, and food becomes more difficult to source. But as a community, we can help. This month we’re hosting the Vive Food Drive Challenge between our locations. And yes – there are prizes to be won!

How does it work, you ask?

During the month of October, we challenge each one of you to bring non-perishable food items to your club, when you do, your name will be entered into a draw to win a prize. Each day you bring in food, you earn another entry (limit to one entry per day). 

At the end of October, we’ll tally the food and dollars raised to determine the winning location. Each location will draw for one of three prizes, with one grand prize winner being picked from the winning location.

Stay Trim While Trimming the Turkey

Long before Europeans settled in North America, celebrations and festivals for a bountiful harvest were held in the month October. Today, thanksgiving is a day to spend time with family, and eat too much food. The scary fact is that on average, Canadians consume 3000 calories during one Thanksgiving dinner. With this in mind, here are some tips to keep on track during the holiday.

1. Earn Your Meal – If you already have a fitness routine, stick to it. If you are in a different city, make sure the hotel you stay in has a gym. If you’re staying with family you can use apps like TrainAway, Class Pass or Mindbody to find a fitness facility near you. Take a family hike before dinner or go for an after-dinner walk, maybe find a charity run to participate in the following morning. Either way, convert those calories into useable energy.

2. Find Alternatives – Are you hosting Thanksgiving Dinner? Try some of The Food Networks Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes or bring a dish to a potluck, maybe a mixed green leafy salad that has a naturally high nutritional value.

3. Limit Yourself – Take a minute to survey the spread in front of you, there is so much good stuff you probably want it all. Determine which dishes you want most – consider what is a thanksgiving treat that you normally wouldn’t have, and portion it so you don’t overfill your plate. If that second helping is calling your name. STOP – grab an 8 oz. glass of water and finish it before adding anymore food to your plate. Chances are the food you ate will expand and you’ll be too full to eat more.

4. Be Mindful of Liquid Calories – Remember that pop and adult beverages can add to your calorie intake quickly. Pace yourself and drink a glass of water between alcholic beverages. By limiting your liquid calories, you can indulge in more holiday favourites.

5. Engage in Conversation – Thanksgiving comes but once a year. Take advantage of the time to talk to your family at the dinner table. And while your mouth is moving, you eat slower, and control your calorie consumption. By eating slower, you allow your stomach to tell your brain how full it is and you’ll be less likely to overindulge.