Holly’s Fitness Friday
Hola a todos felices Viernes!
Hello everyone and Happy Friday! I am writing to you from beautiful Sayulita Mexico. Above is a photo of me taken last time we were here, about 4 years ago, boogie boarding. This is my third visit to this quaint, sleepy beach town and I fall in love a little more each time I come. Not to say there hasn’t been some bumps along the way while we’ve been down here. The mosquitoes are thick, our money was taken while we were out on a run and on another run yesterday I tripped and fell and got bad road burn on my knee, thigh and elbow. Thankfully a super cute crossed eyed, tongue out Chihuahua witnessed the whole thing, which made me laugh a little, while I cried my eyes out. The price I pay to try and stay fit… 
But aside from those minor detours our time here has been memorable. Our casa is gorgeous, the food is amazing, the views and sunsets are spectacular, the water is warm, the people are friendly, but most of all, I have been getting a lot of rest and spending lazy time with my husband.
I do miss my classes and all of you who participate. I am rested, refreshed, and ready to start kicking your butts again Monday! I look forward to hear what’s been going on at SWCC and to tell you all more about my trip!
Tener un buen fin de semana! Yo te veo el Lunes!
I hope you all have a great weekend and I’ll see you Monday!
8 Weeks Until the Gabriel Park 5k!
Only 2 months until the Gabriel Park 5k! Sign the whole family up for a great way to celebrate fitness and this beautiful park we’re so lucky to have!
If you’re a beginner, use this as motivation to get you started! The Couch to 5k program is a great way to work up to this target, and the trainers here at SWCC are here to help you on achieve any fitness goal you set!
Strollersize is back June 5th!
Monday, May 28th
Nearly Half of Pre-Schoolers Not Playing Outside
Highlighted article found here
The early childhood years are crucial for learning and development. That should involve a great deal of outdoor physical activity and playtime, but that’s not always the case.
Nearly half of 3 to 5 year olds are not taken outdoors by a parent or caregiver every day, according to research presented in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine this week.
“There’s a big room for improvement in how parents prioritize their time and what they’re doing in the time they’re spending with their pre-school children,” said lead study author Dr. Pooja Tandon of Seattle Children’s Research Institute.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children play outside as much as possible, for at least 60 minutes a day. Physical activity is not only good for weight control and preventing childhood obesity; previous research also suggests playing outside improves motor development, vision and vitamin D levels.
“There is evidence that play – just sort of the act of playing – is important for children’s development of their social skills and their peer interactions,” Tandon said. “Being outdoors affords children an opportunity to play in ways that they may not get to when they’re indoors.”
In the study, researchers studied almost 9,000 pre-schoolers nationwide and asked their parents how often they take their children outside to play.
Mothers took their children out to play more often than fathers did. Working outside of the home was often a barrier for children to play outdoors, but some parents who worked from home also did not take their kids out.
In addition, the researchers found that mothers who exercised often were more likely to take their kids outdoors, as opposed to those who did not report any exercise.
The study authors also noted that girls had fewer opportunities for outdoor recreation than boys did. A study released in January came to similar conclusions.
“As caregivers or parents of girls, [we should] rethink how we dress our girls, and what we encourage them to do as far as play so that they have the same opportunity for outdoor play as boys do,” Tandon said.
For all parents, Tandon offers a couple of suggestions.
First, check in with your child’s care provider or child care center to ensure there is adequate outdoor time. Make sure that your child is getting it; if not, advocate for it. By pre-school age, 80% of the children in the study were in child care; in the U.S., pre-schoolers spend an average of 32 hours per week in child care.
Second, Tandon suggests coming up with new and creative ways to work around barriers, perhaps through social and community networks.
“I think parents want to do what’s best for their children and I hope that this study serves as a reminder that playing outside with your children is also an important part of what we do as parents,” Tandon added.
Holly’s Fitness Friday
Hi everyone! I hope you all had an active week and enjoyed the lovely weather we’ve been having. Spring is here and with it comes the desire to move and feel better. We all hear that voice that says “Get up. It’s a sunny day. Live.” And nothing makes you feel more alive than after a great workout! Our classes are in full swing and you’ll have ample room in the fitness center this time of year, due to the spring time weather. Come put your body to work and get a fantastic workout with us here at SWCC!
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!
Rhubarbsicles! The Perfect Healthy Spring Treat
On these warm days, few things sound as sweet, as a frozen treat. Instead of filling your families full of rich ice cream day after day, try these two healthy and delicious homemade popsicle recipes that are packed full of nutrition and will have everyone asking for more!
Though rhubarb is often matched with fruit in sweet dishes, it’s actually a vegetable. Rhubarb, in season in spring and summer, is low in calories and full of fiber, potassium and vitamin C.
Orange Apple Rhubarbsicle
Ingredients
7 oz. plain yogurt
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 tsp. grated orange rind
1 cup stewed rhubarb
*Note – see below for the stewed rhubarb recipe, but you can omit the optional jello.
Directions
In a large bowl thoroughly combine the above ingredients and freeze in popsicle moulds for several hours prior to serving.
Makes about 10 rhubarbsicles.
Calories per serving: approximately 60
Strawberry Apple Rhubarbsicle
Ingredients
7 oz. strawberry yogurt
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
3/4 cup stewed rhubarb
*Note – see below for the stewed rhubarb recipe, but you can omit the optional jello.
Directions
In a large bowl thoroughly combine the above ingredients and freeze in popsicle moulds for several hours prior to serving.
Makes about 10 rhubarbsicles.
Calories per serving: approximately 60 per rhubarbsicle
- Stewed Rhubarb:
Ingredients
8 cups rhubarb, fresh or frozen
4 – 5 tbsps. water (can adjust as desired)
1 cup sugar
Optional: 1 pkg. (85 gr) flavoured gelatin (For example: strawberry or raspberry “Jello”)
Directions
Cook the rhubarb in a pan, covered, over medium heat till it comes to a boil.
Turn heat down to low, and allow rhubarb to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until rhubarb is tender, stirring occasionally.
Remove rhubarb from heat, and add the sugar, stirring until completely dissolved.
Add the package of flavoured gelatin (optional), and stir until completely dissolved.
Allow to cool and then keep in refrigerator.
Makes approximately 8 cups of scrumptious stewed rhubarb!
Rhubarb is a sauce that can be used on ice cream, puddings, cheesecakes, short cakes, pound cakes, waffles, crepes, and more! Remember, rhubarb is a nutritious vegetable! It is a great side for any dinner menu too! Refrigerated, it will keep for up to a week!
