How to Lose Weight During the Holidays | Nov 28 or Nov 29

THE OPTIMIZING HEALTH WORKSHOP: How to Lose Weight During the Holidays
with NICOLE BRANDON

***Don’t miss Nicole in her exclusive Toronto engagement***

Nicole Brandon is a master fitness instructor, renowned author, speaker, nutritionist, and dear friend of Horizon Arts Camp. Based out of Los Angeles, she has presented this world favorite workshop to packed houses time and time again. Who doesn’t want to learn “How To Lose Weight During The Holidays”? This informative, fun, fast paced, exciting, riveting, energetic and wildly groundbreaking workshop will leave you armed with the information, ammunition and tools to survive the Holidays In Style. Click here to download a workshop flyer.

TWO DAYS ONLY!!

Monday November 28, 2011: 7pm – 10pm
Location: Artscape Wychwood Barns
Theatre Direct Studio, 601 Christie Street

Tuesday November 29, 2011: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Love To Dance Studio
252 Eglinton Avenue East, 2nd Floor
Cost: $65 in advance or $85 at the door (spacing permitting)

Please arrive ten minutes before the workshop begins. Remember to bring your yoga mat and dress comfortably!

For more information about Nicole’s work visit: www.nicolebrandonworldwide.com

All proceeds from the workshop will go to Horizon Arts Camp’s Scholarship Program.

To register, please visit: http://www.horizonartscamp.org/nicolebrandon

ESSENTIAL OILS: Discover the Fragrant Healing Secrets of Nature’s Pharmacy | Dec 3

Essential oils are powerful medicine that can enhance well-being of the body, mind, and spirit!

Join us for this fun, practical, hands-on workshop to discover the fragrant healing secrets of nature’s pharmacy. You will gain the knowledge and confidence you need to use essential oils safely and effectively to improve your health, elevate your well-being and enhance flavours in your kitchen – just in time for the holidays!

Here are just some of the benefits essential oils can provide:

relieve stress and fatigue • shift obsessive thoughts • prevent cancer and repair DNA • improve memory & school grades reduce inflammation • boost your immunce system • kill mold & fungus • help acne, rashes, cellulite • increase energy & alertness • balance hormones & mood • resolve emotional issues • alleviate swelling & pain • flavour drinks & foods

We will sample some oils to demonstrate their medicinal value and their tastiness. Our speaker, Sophia Zoe, will demonstrate how oils can help you cope with daily stressors, how they bring your systems into balance and what effect this has on your functioning. She will show you how you can choose your required oils intuitively, and will also tell you why she avoids all the oils available in stores!

You will fall in love with essential oils!

About Sophia Zoe
Sophia Zoe is a Toronto-based Energy Therapist. She uses various healing methods based on balancing and restoring flow to the body’s energy systems. After a course of treatment, clients most often say they didn’t know they could be so happy. The effects are usually so positive that all areas of a client’s life improve.

Sophia has been immersed in the world of alternative health care since the age of 15, but it wasn’t until after attaining her degrees in Music and Drama that she began an intensive study of energy healing. Soon after, a local Chinese herbalist was referring his patients to her. Sophia prefers the healing systems of BEAM Therapy, EFT, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Aromatherapy and Guided Imagery to heal emotional wounds, lift blockages and help people feel better in every way. What she discovered is that a short-cut to healing is using therapeutic-grade essential oils.

Sophia Zoe is passionate about natural health care and loves to share what she knows. She hand-makes  aromatherapy sprays using the finest quality organic essential oils of plants and flowers.

For those interested, there will be a limited supply of the following sprays for sale at the end of the workshop at a special PFW price. The sprays are $12 each or four for $40. Cash only please.

Lavender Mist, to relax, refresh and cleanse.
Citrus Spirit, to uplift, release and detoxify.
Cinnamon Spice, nostalgic, warming, comforting.
Bugs Away! A safe, effective natural insect repellent.

For more about Sophia & to sign up for her newsletter and receive an instant download of her free e-book, Energy Healing For Absolute Beginners, please go to: www.SophiaZoe.com

Essential Oils Workshop
Date: Saturday December 3, 2011
Time: 2:00 pm-4:00pm
Location: St. Paul’s Bloor Street
Address: 227 Bloor Street East, Toronto
Registration: Early-Bird by Nov 19 22: $15 | Regular Pre-Payment $20 | Cash at the door: $25

Introduction to Belly Dancing! | Jan 14 (New Date)

Belly Dance! More Than Just Jiggling!

Previous Belly Dance is not required!

Belly Dance offers many health benefits for women, such as increased flexibility, grace, fluidity, and awareness of muscles. On the spiritual side, it is a sacred feminine art that allows women to become more in touch with their bodies, and bond with women as a community.

Join Chemagne and other Positive Fabulous Women and feel the spirit of dance, sensuality and movement! In this fun workshop you will learn basic moves in belly dance as well as a short routine.

Be prepared to unleash your inner Goddess and discover your groove!

Refreshments will be served at the end of the Belly Dance session.

Please make sure to bring water and a small towel as we will definitely be sweating it out!!

For more about Chemagne and her dance studio, please visit: www.chemagnedance.com

Introduction to Belly Dancing!
Date: Saturday Jan 14, 2012
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30pm
Location: Chemagne Dance Studio, 899 Bloor St. West @ Bloor/Ossington
Price: Early Bird by Dec 27: $15 | Regular Pre-Payment $20 | Cash at the door (space permiting): $25

6-Week Introductory To Belly Dance | Starting Sept 12

Ever wanted to learn to dance, get fit, and be sensual at the same time?

Here’s a great opportunity for those who are very new to the Belly Dance world.

6 Week Introductory To Belly Dance – New Students To Belly Dance

Beginners – Absolutely no previous dance experience required

This class is designed for everyone, including those with no previous bellydance training. In this class students will be introduced to the fundamentals of bellydance movement and technique.

Students will learn posture and alignment, muscle awareness, hip work, isolation of upper-body movements, and balance awareness. Specific techniques include hip circles, figure eights, undulations, hand gestures, arm placement, and traveling steps.

Each class will conclude with a fun choreography or set of dance combinations, putting into action what we learned that session.

Great foundational course before moving on to Level 1

Please note this is a 6-week session with no drop in rates.

BONUS: Course fee includes a FREE CD ($20 value), Fact Sheet & $10 off the next purchase of a class card

6 Weeks Introductory To Belly Dance
Mondays: 7:15 – 8:15pm | Sept. 12 – Oct. 24
Thursdays:  7:15 – 8:15pm | Sept. 15 – Oct. 20

Location: Chemagne Dance Studio
Address: 899 Bloor St. West at Bloor @ Ossington.
Course Fee: $150.00 +HST
To register, please CLICK HERE

 

[Inspiration] Stress to Serenity: 5 Simple Tools

By Kimberly Carroll

”I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once.
- Jennifer Yane

Ahhhh…the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer!  For many, summer can be a wonderful balm to bring you to life and soothe all that ails you. However, if you’re dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety in your life right now, then frolicking summer and all her participants can feel like they are mocking you with their easy joy and carefree spirit. ; )

Whether it’s still the after-effects of the recession or just the continual amping up of our work week productivity, so many people have been coming to me lately feeling so generally stressed and anxious. These frenetic qualities can be very insidious in the way they take up permanent residence not only in your life, but in your body. So much so that you find yourself not even being able to relax during “down” time or even…gasp…vacations!  Well, in my 6-Week Body/Mind/Spirit Bootcamp we work with a lot of tools for moving out of a place of anxiety. I want to share a few of the simple and easy ones for you to try out right here and now to help rescue the rest of your summer from the clutches of stress…

1. Reality Check – Anxiety is usually only present if you’re not. If you’re feeling anxious it means your mind is stuck in the past or future where it’s building big scary scenarios (that presentation you’re going to blow, the inadequacies you must have that drove your ex away, etc.) So, today whenever you find yourself feeling stress or anxiety, I want you to stop for a moment and ask yourself: “Am I in grave danger right NOW?“  Then, I want you to ask: “What is so right now?” and take a moment to sink into the truth and experience of this very moment. For the most part you’ll find that you’re actually in a relatively safe place surrounded by potentially soothing or inspiring people/things. This little check-in reminds you that you’re not really in any mortal danger even though your mind has just tricked your body into feeling that you are, and done consistently will start relaxing your fight or flight response.  (Caveat: If you actually are in mortal danger, you have my permission to feel a whack-load of stress and RUN!)

“If your teeth are clenched and your fists are clenched, your lifespan is probably clenched.”
- Terry Guillemets

2. Mind Dump – If you wake up or go to bed feeling stressed, this is a great daily practice to do first thing in the morning or last thing at night (or both!). Grab a journal or have some loose paper handy and simply start writing whatever thoughts are whirling around your head…good, bad, or ugly.  Go for about 5 minutes of uninterrupted pen-never-leaving-the-paper writing — no censoring, no pausing and thinking before you write, and remember that it doesn’t have to be well-written or even that legible. Think of it as pouring all the stuff that’s clogging up your brain onto the paper. Not only will this help to neutralize your mind for the day or sleep ahead, it will sometimes even help you to discover some deeper, less obvious underlying anxieties you weren’t aware of or even solve a dilemma for you. You can also draw/doodle, colour, or paint instead of write.

3. Laughter – When I was little and in tears over some fleeting upset, my Grampa would look at me and say, “Oh! I see a smile… Here it comes… There it is!!”  As much as I tried to resist that damn smile, it never failed to come…along with full-blown giggles and a complete shift out of my momentary tragedy. So, today I want you to try some laughter to break you out of the clutches of anxiety, blow off some stress, and raise your vibration. Ask your mate or a friend to tickle you, watch one of the funniest scenes from one of your favourite comedies on youtube, tell somebody a joke that never fails to make you smile (even if you’re a terrible joke teller — that can be even more amusing!), or even try faking a great big ole’ belly laugh! That’s right – slap your knee, force some snorts, roll around on the floor… It may start off feeling way fake (and silly as hell), but after rolling around on the ground for a bit, you can bet you’ll be experiencing the real deal in no time at all.  Oh, stop rolling your eyes and just give it a try already, ole’ Stuffy Pants!

“Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you”
- John De Paola

4. Say “No” – Philanthropic tycoon Warren Buffet says: “The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say “no” to almost everything.” So, start practicing the one little word that might have kept you out of this stressful mess to begin with!  Today I challenge you to say “no” once more than you regularly would during the day. Your “no” may be anything from not answering the ringing phone when you don’t feel up to talking to telling your boss who asks you to work overtime for the umpteenth time that you have something else scheduled (yeah, your sanity!)  Even if you disappoint someone with your “no”, let yourself sit with that, but then savour the idea that you just said YES to yourself for a change.  Remember, you will eventually not be able to say yes to anyone if you burn through everything you’ve got without a chance for rejuvenation.

5. Shake It Off - Close yourself off alone in a room, put on a powerful or frenetic piece of music (I love using Prodigy’s “Breathe”, for example) and start moving as if you’re shaking all these feelings of stress and anxiety right out of your body. Stomp it out of your feet, shake it out of your head, wring it out your hands, pull it out of your center — just start shaking those stuck sensations of heaviness, panic, fogginess, or frenzy loose. Allow your body to shake and vibrate from inside and out. Get wild and SHAKE FREE of this feeling that you’ve been feeling trapped in. See it leaving you and dissolving. When the song is over, let yourself drop to floor and savour your breath flowing freely and softly through the energetic space you’ve cleared in your body.

“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.”
- Chinese Proverb

I wish to all of us an August of love, freedom, and serenity…let’s not let this beautiful season go by without fully tasting it, breathing it, and loving it!

Kimberly Carroll is a certified Soul Coach and a television host/producer.  She is one of the authors of the award-winning anthology “Soul Whispers” and her popular 6-Week Body/Mind/Spirit Bootcamp has been transforming lives from the inside out.  Through her coaching, speaking engagements, and workshops, Kimberly lovingly guides women and men in a wild journey to ignite their body, mind, heart, and spirit!  Her next 6-Week Body/Mind/Spirit Bootcamp starts Sept.13  in Toronto and Sept. 14  for the Online/Tele-Program. For about Kimberly, please visit www.soulcoaching.org

Eco Goddess | Sept 17

A mini retreat designed to help women to embrace a greener lifestyle, more balanced lifestyle, by unleashing the eco goddess within – presented by Fit Your Style, Shop Socials & DivaGirl Inc.

Join us for an afternoon at the prestigious Verity Club, to unwind and become more aware of easy ways to live a more conscious lifestyle through inspiring presenters, eco-friendly vendors and enjoy the opportunity to mingle with 50+ fabulous women at this refreshing, exclusive, women’s only retreat. Visit us on Facebook!

ABOUT THE ECO GODDESS EXPERIENCE:

• Listen to Guest Presenters who will share their tips for fashion, fitness, and wellbeing, the eco-fabulous way. Topics include:
• “Finding your Inner Goddess-“ Fit Your Style (Jennifer Ettinger)
• The Eco Fashionista-“ Shop Socials (Tamika Auwai)
• “Living a Divalicious Lifestyle-“ DivaGirl (Laura Furtado)
• Shop the Eco Goddess mini market featuring 6 eco-friendly vendors
• Opportunity to experience an organic body wrap while you workshop with Fit Your Style
• Salad bar lunch and “green” snack sampling
• Attend an exclusive event at an elite, women’s only, venue in Toronto, Verity Club

NOTES:

• Dress code: Comfortable and chic
• Policies: Females only. Limited tickets available at the door.
• Ticket rate includes healthy, light lunch and swag bag filled with eco-goodies
• ONLY 50 TICKETS AVAILABLE. $45 door tickets (if applicable).

Date: Sept 17, 2011
Time: 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Location: Verity Club
Address: 111d Queen Street East, Toronto
Tickets: $35

Purchase Tickets now at http://ecogoddess.eventbrite.com/

Urban Warrior Women’s Self-Defense | Aug 10

How do you make sure not to get attacked?
How do you recognize a potential aggressor?
How does a person overcome stronger and aggressive attackers?

Real life self-defense is about stopping an attack by disabling your attacker using simple and effective techniques. Attending a Women’s self-defense workshop periodically is a good way of staying sharp, gaining confidence and feeling fabulous!

The paradox of women’s self-defense is that the more prepared you are, the less likely you are to need it. When you can recognize and respond effectively to potentially dangerous situations, you are more confident in your every day activities – and therefore less likely to become a target of crime.

Ali Siadatan; creator of the Urban Warrior Women’s Self-Defense program at Wu Xing martial arts studios will lead this 2-hour fun & interactive workshop where he will explore 7 common self-defense situations to equip you with practical solutions and arm you with knowledge so you can have peace of mind.

History
In 1701 a Buddhist nun by the name of Ng Mui created a system of Kung Fu in China. Watching a snake and crane fight inspired her. As the snake attacked with direct, straight attacks, the crane responded with evasive movements. The style of self-defense that she created is very effective and today it has become the most practiced style of Kung Fu in the world.

Wu Xing martial arts studios in downtown Toronto has adopted the fighting principles of Ng Mui’s Kung Fu to meet the needs of modern urban women.

Attackers look for easy prey. We will look at body language and how to project the “posture of confidence”.

• You will learn to read the body language of a potential attacker.
• You will learn techniques that turn the strength of the attacker against him.
• You will learn the location of pressure points and vulnerable areas in the body.

“After the workshop, I felt equipped with essential knowledge and simple techniques that may ultimately save me from dangerous situations in the future. I believe I owe it to myself to know how to defend myself in circumstances when I’m not the one in control. I have been in many situations when these techniques could’ve come handy. I urge young teens and adults alike to be in charge of what really matters, your safety and well-being.” – Donna Santos (PFW member)

Urban Warrior Women’s Self-Defense
Date: Wednesday August 10, 2011
Time: 7:00 – 9:30
Location: Wu Xing Martial Arts Studios
Address: 374 Dupont Street 2nd Floor (walking distance to Dupont subway), Toronto, ON
Map: Click HERE
Cost: Early-bird by July 31: $15 pp; Regular Rate: $20 pp; Cash at the door: $25 pp

Summer Girlfriend Special ==> Buy One & get the Second for Half-price!

The National Health Show (Oct 23-24)

Positive Fabulous Women is a proud sponsor of the first-ever National Health Show in Canada – the largest consumer show dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for Canadians. Quickly becoming the must-see event of the year, this show encompasses everything about health, beauty, fitness, healthy eating and well-being for the MIND, BODY and SOUL!

All the industry experts will be available to you under one roof in an exciting 2-day event, become inspired to look good and feel great at any age. Hundreds exhibitors to give advice, offer services and products on healthy living at Canada’s National Health Show!

For a listing & schedule of our PFW speakers, please CLICK HERE!

To print off a $2 coupon for the show, please CLICK HERE!

For complete show details, please visit http://www.nationalhealthshow.com/

The Art of Pole & Chair Dancing (Apr 8)

It’s time to spice up your fitness routine!

There’s no better way to get fit than to find fun fabulous ways to incorporate naturally feminine movement into your weekly routine. We are delighted to be heading to Aradia Fitness for a fun & spicy evening to learn the art of pole & chair dancing!

We will start our evening off with a sensual warm up designed to get the hips swinging and body temperature rising. Heat things up further with a lesson into the art of sensual movement. We then tie our movements together into an earth-shattering chair dance routine that will leave everyone feeling exhilarated and breathless. Then we will TAKE IT TO THE POLES where we learn how to dance, spin and twirl on the pole, finishing off an unforgettable pole dancing routine!

Not quite sure you’re ready for this? Please read on…

What can I expect to do at the class?

We will start with a gentle warm up, followed by a lesson in sensual movement, chair dancing and pole dancing.

I’m a bit shy, can I still participate?

Absolutely! Our classes are designed for beginners. Everyone feels shy at first but we’ll make you feel comfortable in no time. Our classes are not about getting it right. So long as you are willing to have a laugh and try something new, you will definitely enjoy yourself.

Who are your instructors?

All of our instructors are regular women like you with regular day jobs that have been trained by the Aradia Fitness Franchise to offer the best quality party instruction.

What should I wear?

Most groups just wear what they are going out in later that night. Be sure to wear clothes that you can easily move in. Short skirts can create a challenge since you will be constantly focused on pulling your skirt down. If you opt to bring a change of clothes, yoga wear is a great option. However, keep in mind that you will only have about 5 minutes to change afterwards so you’ll want to bring clothes that are easy to change in and out of.

Date & Time: Thur April 8th 8:10-9:10pm; please arrive by 8pm to sign your fitness waiver.

Location: Aradia Fitness, Uptown Toronto

APEX Centre; 1174 Eglinton Ave W. (@ Allen Rd)

Please note: There is no outdoor sign reading “ARADIA FITNESS”, please look for a grey ground level building with blue lettering over the door reading “APEX CENTRE”.

For more about this location and if you have any other questions, please visit http://aradiafitness.com/

Tickets: Pre-Payment: $20 per person; $15 for Fit & Fab Challenge Participants

Class Rates

Regular Pre-Payment $20.00 Fit & Fab Challenge Participants $15.00

Fit & Fab Challenge — Launch Event (Mar 27)

Introducing the New Fit & Fab YOU!

IMPORTANT: This event is FREE and restricted to those who are already registered & paid for the Fit & Fab Challenge.

If you’re not signed up yet, please take a moment to check out all the details & amazing benefits of Fit & Fab Challenge!

About the Launch Event

Join us for a fun, educational and interactive afternoon to meet other participants in the Fit & Fab Challenge, meet the experts, tour the beautiful facilities, learn proper techniques for getting the most out of your workouts and get your goodies! You’ll have an opportunity to meet your personal trainers and make your complimentary appointment for your Personal Health Profile.

This event is FREE for all participants in the Fit & Fab Challenge, but you must register HERE once you complete your Challenge sign-up.

Important: Can’t make the Launch Event, but still want to participate in the Challenge? No problem, just let us know and we’ll make arrangements for you.

Fit & Fab Launch Event

Date: March 27, 2010

1:30 pm-4:00 pm

GoodLife Fitness Toronto Street Women’s Club

36 Toronto Street (corner of Adelaide & Victoria)

Again, this event is FREE for all participants in the Fit & Fab Challenge.

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The Challenge: A 6-week lifestyle-changing program to help you look great and feel fabulous!

Play Time: March 27 to May 8, 2010

How Does the Fit & Fab Challenge Work?

Once you sign up for the Challenge, you’ll receive everything you need!

• Attend our Launch event on March 27 at GoodLife Fitness Toronto Street Women’s Club (2 sessions to choose from)
• Book your 1-on-1 appointment to receive your free pre-challenge Personal Health Profile
• Enjoy the fun of collaborating in small groups of 3-4 for maximum support, accountability and motivation
• Get guidance and support in setting up your goals and designing your optimal workout schedule
• Use your personal Log Book to keep track of your progress and help you stay motivated
• Take advantage of your free access pass for 12 sessions to each of GoodLife Fitness Toronto Street Women’s Club and 889 Yonge (Yoga Studio)
• Attend Fit & Fab events throughout the challenge to maximize your knowledge, motivation and fun factor!
• Make use of all the amazing services & resources available to you to help you achieve your personal objectives to look & feel fabulous
• Make your appointment to receive your free post-challenge Personal Health Profile with a personal trainer to see just how far you’ve progresses since the start date
• Join the Finale event on May 16th at 889 Yonge to celebrate with your teammates and the rest of the participants!

What’s Included When You Sign up for the Challenge?

➢ Free Admission to the Fit & Fab Launch event on March 27  @ 1:30 -4:00 pm – an afternoon of inspiration and education to be held at GoodLife Fitness Toronto Street Women’s Club

➢ 2 Free Private Personal Health Profiles (pre & post challenge) including a full assessment of your resting heart rate, blood pressure, BMI/body composition from GoodLife Fitness Toronto Street Women’s Club (valued at $198)

➢ 12 Free Workout sessions at GoodLife Fitness Toronto Street Women’s Club with full access to the gym, GroupEX and Gravity classes, cardio theatre, free weights, with a complimentary orientation program for the Fit Fix circuit ($300 value)

➢ One free stylish gym bag from GoodLife Fitness Toronto Street Women’s Club ($40 value)

➢ 12 Free Yoga sessions at 889 Yonge with full access to all classes ($240 value)

➢ A free 20-minute nutritional consultation from Joy McCarthy of Joyous Health ($50 value)

➢ One free 20-minute image consultation with Erin Nadler of Better Styled ($ 50 value)

➢ One free 20-minute skin consultation from Vysada Ayurvedic Natural Skin Care ($50 value)

➢ One free 20-minute Fit & Fab Action Plan: Lifestyle management coaching from Jumpstart Living ($60 value)

That’s almost $1,000 of free fitness sessions & goodies!

And That’s Not All. You’ll Also Get:

➢ Assistance to help you set your goals and design your workout schedule

➢ A tracking system to support you in reaching your fitness goals

➢ Weekly online/emailed motivational and wellness tips

➢ Discounts for all of PFW Fit & Fab Event Series during the challenge period

➢ Priority discounted tickets for the Ultimate Fit & Fab Day Out on May 16th to be held at 889 Yonge

➢ Plus Goodie Bags, Samples, Coupons and Much More!!!

Don’t wait! Limited space available for this program. Sign up now and get ready to get fit & look fabulous just in time for summer!

Early Bird Price by March 14: $ 97 per person

Regular Registration Price: $ 129/per person

A portion of all proceeds of the Fit & Fab Program will go to support Up with Women, a charitable foundation that helps homeless women and children rebuild their lives.

Our Fit & Fab Challenge is open to women of all ages.

I’m up for the challenge — sign me up now!

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