​10 Vacation and Travel Tips to Keep you Healthy
 
1.  Set Your Trip up to Walk to Your Destinations
Park further away, or skip the car and Walk!  Do you really need the car to go to the store two buildings over?

​2.  Don’t Stress over Food  
It isn’t always realistic when traveling and vacationing. Instead, keep calories in check with a brisk and metabolism boosting workout or walk every morning.

DO YOU NEED A LIFESTYLE MAKEOVER?
It happens to everyone. That moment when you realize that it's time to do something about your weight and health.  It may happen when you're looking in the mirror or standing on the scale.  Your first thought is to go on a 'diet' but as quickly as that enters your mind the ghosts of a hundred diets past return ... along with all the frustration.  Then you wonder, why bother?  The weight will come back, as it always has. Then you'll be back in front of the mirror as discouraged as ever.   The answer is not to go on another diet.  The answer is to change your lifestyle.  You've heard this before, and it makes sense, right?  So what's holding you back?

Your Lifestyle Obstacles:  Most people resist changing their lifestyle for two reasons.

1.  Change is scary   Whether you realize it or not, your life is in a constant state of change.  Though you cling to the familiar, it's a futile struggle.  Change always wins.  The most consistent thing in life is change.  Since you'll never escape it, you might as well channel it. It's time to make the change in your life purposeful and positive. 

2.  Lifestyle misconception   How many times have you heard the term 'healthy lifestyle' only to picture a health nut with celery sticks in one hand and tofu in the other?  The truth is that most people think that changing their lifestyle will be an extreme and unpleasant experience - and that's not true.  Improving your lifestyle does not mean swearing off chocolate or living in the gym.  You don't have to eat wheat germ for lunch and you can still enjoy a nice plate of pasta. The key is moderation. 

3.  Making the Change   It's time to lose your 'all or nothing' mentality.  Embrace simple, small changes that will add up to big improvements in your lifestyle.  These are your main venues for change:


What You Eat:  The solution to cleaning up your daily diet is NOT to go back on a 'diet'.  In fact, I never want you to go on a 'diet' again. (Yes, you heard me right!)  Instead I want you to make permanent healthy changes to your eating habits. 

Here are some practical examples:
I don't expect you to eat a perfect diet every day of the week - that'd be ludicrous. You should, however, make MORE healthy choices every day than unhealthy ones.

• Choose salad over chips or fries
• Eat fresh produce with every meal
• Limit desserts to one or two per week
• Cut out mindless snacking
• Drink water, not soda

​
What You Do:   Exercise is a huge component to a healthy lifestyle, and quite frankly you're not getting enough of it. How often does an entire week go by without you ever lacing up your tennis shoes? Don't disregard the importance and power of a good workout.

Your new healthy lifestyle means exercising on most days of the week. This may seem tough, but I have the perfect solution - my training programs were created for busy people just like you who only have so much time to dedicate to exercise.  You'll spend 30-45 minutes with our Small Group Training programs, a small time commitment with big results.

I understand how hard it is to find the motivation to stay consistent and to push yourself. Make exercise a no-brainer - contact me to get started on a lifestyle enhancing program today.

Here are simple ways to move more:
While none of the above are meant as substitutes for a solid exercise routine, they are great ways to become more active and to improve your lifestyle.

• Watch less TV
• Stretch stiff muscles every day
• Play at the park with the kids or grandkids
• Go for a jog or brisk walk
• Do some pushups every morning (knees are ok)
  
  

Your lifestyle is the balance of all the choices that you make regarding your body. Swing the balance in your favour - make a majority of your choices health conscious. 

So the next time you're in front of the mirror you won't worry about your weight.

You'll relish it.

Marion Brand
BRAND FITNESS
Langley, BC  778-726-0590
www.brandfitness.ca

GET MORE From Your Workout !
Use the following three Fitness tips to bring your routine up to the next level: 

1. Be Unstable: Use your entire body, and target your core, by performing exercises that engage stabilizing muscles. To do this use an exercise ball, a balance board, a balance disk, or you could simply stand on one leg. 

2. Add Resistance: The more resistance that you incorporate with your routine translates into higher intensity and more calories burned. Some ideas for adding resistance include: carrying dumbbells while doing squats and lunges, or try a round of body weight push ups (modification - on knees)

3. Use Intervals: Interval training is an amazing tool for creating short yet effective workouts. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated. Interval training is simply alternating between different short bursts of activity.

We incorporate all of the above in our BRANDFit50 Small Group Training Sessions at BRAND FITNESS in Langley.  Join us today for a FUN, Quick and Effective Workout.  No need to spend hours in the Gym.  Call us today to get started ... 778-726-0590

AGING YOUNGER

Although the aging process is hard-wired into our systems and cannot be stopped this doesn't mean that we are completely at its mercy. On the contrary, individuals are able to significantly, and sometimes dramatically, influence how quickly or how well they age. The foods they eat, activities in which they choose to engage, environmental toxins to which they are exposed and numerous other factors have been shown to either “accelerate” or “slow” the aging process.  

​
This is your life, and your chance to live it to the fullest.  Enjoying Family, Grand kids, Travel, Hobbies with a little help from yourself.  Take the time for YOU, by staying active and eating healthy.  This is YOUR Life to Enjoy! 

BRAND FITNESS has functional training programs specifically for Adults, aged 50 and up, in Langley, BC.  Finally, there are safe programs for Baby Boomers and Seniors!  Our BRANDFit50 Small Group Training is a 30 minute session with your Certified Coach leading you towards success.   Let's keep doing what we're supposed to be in life.  ENJOYING!!    FEEL BETTER ... LIVE BETTER!

Book your FREE BRANDFit50 Session below, or find out more about our program HERE.  We want to start helping you LIVE THE BEST HALF OF YOUR LIFE! 
​
Marion Brand
BRAND FITNESS
www.brandfitness.ca
778-726-0590

Your Holiday Party Cheat-Sheet
How would you like a cheat-sheet for getting through holiday parties without putting on a single pound? You're in luck, because below we have outlined 5 shortcuts to avoid gaining holiday party pounds.

Short Cut #1: Eat a sensible meal before the party.
You should always arrive at parties with a full stomach. We realize that this goes against the popular trend of starving yourself before a party, and that's exactly why most people gain weight. Since your stomach will be full, you'll have the clarity to pick and choose the treats that you really want, rather than stuffing yourself with everything in sight.

Short Cut #2: Bring a healthy dish to share.
Don't worry if the party that you're going to isn't a potluck - the hostess will love you, for being so thoughtful, and you'll have a healthy option to enjoy. 

Short Cut #3: Never drink calories.
Do you realize how quickly calories add up? Alcoholic beverages and sweet holiday drinks are simply packed with calories. These calories don't take up much room in your stomach so you're left wide open for even more calories. 
Your best strategy is to avoid these beverages altogether, and stick with water. Aim to drink 2-3 glasses of water at the party. 

If your stomach isn't as flat as you'd like it to be then you have come to the right place. 

Exercise alone will not get you a toned stomach – diet is a huge part of the equation. 

Below I have compiled 5 very easy tweaks to your eating habits that will dramatically flatten your abs. 

Diet Tweak #1: Don't eat after 6pm
This is such a simple and effective way to lose fat. Late night eating is the most damaging to your waistline, so cut it out completely.

• Brush your teeth immediately following dinner. Once your teeth are brushed, you've put a period to the end of your consumption for the day.
• Change your evening routine. If you've always ended your day watching your favorite shows with your hand in the snack bowl, then now is the time to change things up. Find activities that don't revolve around food and stick with those.
• Make it a habit. The first few weeks will be the hardest, but soon your new no-food-after-6pm routine will feel normal.

Diet Tweak #2: Cut back on carbs
Notice I didn't say to cut out all carbs, but rather to cut back on carbs. These diet tweaks are meant as lifestyle changes that you stick with long term. Cutting back on carbs is a realistic and very effective way to lose weight.

• Always choose whole grain bread and pasta over white. Whole grains are less likely to be stored as fat than processed grains.
• Eat half of the carbs you normally do. Eat your sandwich open-faced and reduce the size of your pasta serving.
• Avoid carb-filled snacks between meals. Instead of crackers or chips, have fresh fruit and veggies.

Diet Tweak #3: Eat more fibre
Most people simply do not get enough fiber in their diets. Fiber is essential when it comes to getting lean since it is low calorie while filling you up.

• Instead of seeing salad just as a side item, make salads into meals. Add protein to a large pile of greens for a guiltless meal. *Try the recipe for Grilled Salmon and Peach Salad below.
• Make veggies a part of every meal. The benefits of eating more vegetables are too numerous to list, just know that your body will become healthier and leaner with each fibrous bite.
• Fruits are a delicious source of fiber. Incorporate fresh, seasonal fruits into your daily diet.

Diet Tweak #4: Drink tons of water
Drinking plenty of water is another extremely simple way to promote weight loss. Chronic dehydration leads to false hunger signals and unnecessary calorie consumption.

• Drink a large glass of water before each meal. This will prevent overeating.
• Choose water instead of sugar-filled sodas and juices. Sugar-filled drinks are a huge weight-gain trap.
• Carry a water bottle with you throughout your day. Keep water in the car and at your desk for constant hydration.

Diet Tweak #5: Enjoy natural sweets
Traditional sugar-filled sweets will quickly add up around your waistline. Instead of going for sugary sweets, enjoy natural sweets.

• Fruit is nature's candy. Reach for sweet, seasonal fruit for dessert.
• Avoid foods that contain white sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Consider these items 'anti-flat-abs'.
• Use wholesome sweeteners such as pure maple syrup, brown rice syrup or dates in your recipes instead of white sugar. Eliminate white sugar from your kitchen.

Eating right, coupled with challenging exercise, is the formula for a toned, lean body.  For more great articles on health and fitness, sign up below for our FREE Newsletter ==>>

Marion Brand will be teaching Zumba at the Jack Poole Plaza on May 2nd, 2015.  Marion will be ending the days performances with 2 classes at 3:00 pm & 3:30 pm.  Make sure you come by and say Hi!  
These interactive performances and others are part of the kick-off for the BMO Vancouver Marathon.  Fitness enthusiasts will want to check out the 2015 Expo.  Outdoor Classes hosted by Steve Nash Clubs

2015 Health, Sports & Lifestyle ExpoVancouver Convention Centre West | April 30 – May 2, 2015
The Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo launches BMO Vancouver Marathon weekend. It boasts the latest and greatest products and services from the sporting, leisure and health world. The Expo is FREE to participants, visitors and local enthusiasts. Race participants will pick up their race kits and find race information here. It is the hub of runner engagement, energy, and features the latest in running apparel, nutrition and equipment; leisure and adventure activities; running and sporting events, plus more! The Expo will be significantly different this year so be sure to leave plenty of time to check it out!

If you're over 50, some say you're "over the hill." Others say "50 is the new 30.'" But turning 50 doesn't have to be the end of being fit and energetic. Although it may take some patience, you can be slim, sleek and foxy into your mature years.  If you are staying fit and healthy, you know what I'm talking about!  If you've never exercised, no worries ... it's never too late to start looking and feeling Great!   Check out the article from sheknows.com.
Fitness Tips for Women over 50

Watch for NEW programs at BRAND FITNESS for the best Half of your life.  Stay active and young while aging with style and grace.  "BrandFit50" Programs for small groups aged 50+ ... COMING SOON!!

SKINNY JEANS - 7 Easy Steps to Success 
I know, I know—you are sick and tired of weight loss solutions being classified as “easy”, but stick with me as I explain how it really can be easy. Most weight loss solutions fail because they only offer a partial solution to your weight gain and do not truly address your weight gain triggers. This means that the few pounds you do lose will come flying back on with astounding speed. In order to attain and sustain healthy weight loss you need to include the following seven steps: 

• Step 1)  Education—A little know-how goes a long way 
  
• Step 2)  Resistance Training—Muscle tone burns fat 
  
• Step 3)  Cardio Training—Strengthen your heart, shrink your waist 
  
• Step 4)  Nutrition—Eat to be fit and healthy 
  
• Step 5)  Challenge—Avoid the dreaded plateau 
  
• Step 6)  Support & Motivation—Guarantees your success 
  
• Step 7)  Hey, this is fun!
  

These seven steps are what make a person lean, toned, fit and strong – for a lifetime. Download our Ebook this month, and dive into each topic in depth.  This will give you all the “gems” you need to effectively reach your fitness goals. 

Women everywhere complain about the size of their thighs. Fat and cellulite have a way of ending up there – especially in the upper, inner thigh area. 
I'm often asked how to quickly and easily reduce fat in this unwanted thigh region, so today's article from my weekly NEWSLETTER is all about reducing your thighs. 

First I need to remind you that it's not possible to spot reduce fat from one single part of your body, so my 3 steps to reduce your thighs will work by reducing your body fat percentage as a whole. It sure would be great if we could point a magic wand and make fat shrink from one particular spot, but that's just not how the human body it built. 

The great news is that your entire body will become leaner and sexier in addition to your thighs shrinking! 

Here are my 3 steps to Reduce Your Thighs...    REDUCE YOUR THIGHS

SIMPLY SUNLESS - Spray Tan - Review

So you've been working out, looking good, but a nice bronze summer tan, would make you look even better!  I am a Redhead and do not tan very well, and burning in the sun is not an option!  I went to see my friend Lucy from SIMPLY SUNLESS and she turned me into a bronze goddess!   Or so I think ... hehe.   I love the tan she gave me, it looks natural, healthy and gorgeous!!  I asked for something, not too dark.  It may not be dark to most, but to me, It is the darkest and most bronzed I have ever been!!!!   And still bronzed and beautiful after a week!   I am definitely hooked and will be seeing Lucy again ... soon.  

VisIt SIMPLY SUNLESS and tell Lucy I sent you.

Marion Brand
BRAND FITNESS

BODYBLITZ SCULPT Small Group PT
4 WEEK REGISTERED 
  
TUESDAYS @ 8:15 pm   (July 8th - 29th, 2014 )
TYNEHEAD HALL, 9568 - 168th St, Surrey, BC
This class focus is on STRENGTH, MUSCLE, TONING & CORE work.

Bring your own weights, and Mat (recommended 5lb & 10lb)

SUMMER SCHEDULE & REGISTRATION

ZUMBA SUMMER at TYNEHEAD HALL
TUESDAYS @ 7:15 pm (classes start July 8th, 2014)
Going on holidays, but still want to Zumba!  
Now you can with our *NEW* Drop-In 5 class Punchcard.

SPECIAL OFFER for Summer  
* NEW * 5 Class Pass 
$ 49.00 + gst

or join us for the full 8 week REGISTERED PROGRAM
$ 75.00 + gst

4 THINGS TO DO TO STAY YOUNG 

• Exercise HARDER, not longer.  Workout intensity is what it's all about, not 'time' working out. Find ways to increase your workout quality, not quantity!
• Eat less food-especially sugar!  The older you get, the lower your caloric requirements. This doesn't mean you shouldn't eat, but small frequent snacking is the way to go, and calories should be altered daily depending on your activity level.
• Get some sleep. Sleep increases GH production, along with many other things that repair breakdown from the rigors of living. Sleeping 7 to 8 hours a day will keep your body tuned and ready to run.

• Take care of your skin. Drinking water is a huge factor for overall health, but nowhere will the effects of dehydration be more obvious than on your skin. You should drink six to eight glasses of water per day, at a minimum, and more when it's hot or you're exercising.

I'd like to recommend a program (FEMALE FAT LOSS OVER 40) that you can use at home with little to no equipment. You'd be surprised at how easy it is to meet your fitness and fat loss goals when you have a great plan. Even if you hit the gym or a boot camp, this is a great option for when you're time strapped on some days.   Also a perfect program when away from home ... on Holidays or  away for Business.

In Fitness and Health,
Marion Brand
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PS You'll find some great support to stay fit and look young here: Female Fat Loss Over Forty.