Are your teens bored?

Are your teens bored?

Not getting enough exercise?

Looking for something fun and free to do?

Hey Taylor, what is there for teens to do at the Y?

http://pgymca.com/teens/programs.php

Bootcamp fail

So I missed bootcamp on Tuesday...fail. Not to make excuses, but I was busy? Ah, I'm lame. I need to work harder. A whole month has passed in Prince George and I am no fitter.

Ugh wedding! I have an appointment for my dress fitting in December. I need to do better... times running out.

When I try to make excuses I need to tell myself to just...

Zumba Zumba

Yesterday was my third Zumba class. I'm starting to remember the choreography and as a class I think we look pretty good dancing as a group. I love how some ladies get really into the moves and it looks like they are having such a great time. Simply lost in the Zumba world.

To be honest, I had a hard time getting into the dances yesterday. I just wasn't feeling it for the first few songs. I'm so glad I go with Tara. Because if I didn't have a workout buddy to keep me accountable I may have slacked and missed out on that calorie burning hour. Instead I would have been sitting on the couch, probably eating popcorn. *sigh* Cheers to workout buddies.

Lucky for me, there are a few dance moves in Zumba that really get me pumped. They are usually the most ridiculous moves, but ridiculous things make me happy... and pretty soon I was lost in the Zumba world as well.

Popcorn Problem

My name is Hong Trieu and I have a popcorn problem.
Last night I emptied my last popcorn bag.
Since moving back to Prince George I have eaten 10 packages of popcorn. That's 10 packages in 1 month... When I realized this; I realized I had a problem. That's when I decided to go cold turkey.
How will I cope with this deprivation of my all time favourite snack? I guess we will have to wait and see.

I just don't want to end up like this...

Ballroom Sunday

Ballroom dance class was wonderful last night.
We had unfortunately missed last week because Graham was sicko but I think we played catch up pretty well.

We learned two new Rumba moves: parallels, and new yorkers, and we also had an introduction to the Cha Cha.

The Cha Cha is almost exactly like the rumba but with a "cha cha cha" in the middle instead. Does that make any sense? Nope... I'm not sure how to explain it. Lets just say it was really fun.

Just like this.

Friday

It's for your own good...

Next week I'm going to go Y crazy and I'll have lots to blog about.
1. Ballroom dance
2. Zumba
3. Bootcamp... so scared
4. Fusion
5. TRX.. excited because it'll be my first TRX class

And these are just a few of the things you can do at the Y. Join me PG. Side effects include elevated moods and abs...

It's almost the weekend!

Almost Friday

Almost Friday... hope everyone is enjoying the wonderful sunshine.
I woke up this morning and I thought I was in a cloud. Is it always this foggy? or is it pollution...

No worries, just dance.

Y Citizens has been going great. Today we are going to work on team building activities. There are going to be a lot group planning activities this year and I wanted to kids to get to know each better and really learn to cooperate.

Wish me luck!

4 Surprising Tips for Getting Flat Abs

1. Pick the right protein: Choosing a protein that is rice-, pea-, artichoke-, or hemp-based may be easier on the digestive tract than many lactose, whey, and milk proteins, which can cause some belly bloat. —Maria Pagano, R.D., exercise physiologist, and Tier 4 coaching manager

2. Breathe: High levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, can cause the body to deposit fat around the midsection. By lowering your stress levels, less cortisol is released. Taking a few five-minute breaks to relax and breathe throughout the day can significantly decrease cortisol. —Jesse Schwartzman, R.D., exercise physiologist, and Tier 4 coach

3. Focus on your hips: Chances are your hips are probably tight. That means you’re in a perpetual state of anterior pelvic tilt, where your back is slightly arched, creating slack in your abdominal wall—not very flattering. Loosening and opening the hips will help you change the position of the torso relative to the hips, so posture improves and abs engage as you go about your business throughout the day. —David Harris, vice president of personal training

4. Become a coffee connoisseur: Instead of adding flavor shots or creamers to your morning cup, experiment with different blends, types, and flavors. The antioxidants and phenols found in coffee might give your metabolism a boost and kick-start your digestive system. Varying the kind you drink can maximize these benefits. —Michael Olzinski, exercise physiologist and personal-training manager

From Sarahfit http://sarahfit.tumblr.com/

Also for an awesome ab workout check out this video. I'm going to start doing this before bed! It's only 14 minutes! no excuses...

Paper Jam

They are always jamming when I'm in a rush...

BidiniBand

Oh just hanging out the the BidiniBand last week at the Y Champions Hockey weekend. NBD

Ballroom +

As you may or may not know, Graham and I started our first dance lessons last spring in preparation for our wedding this summer. We have now moved on from the Beginner Ballroom class to Ballroom Plus.

We're going to pretty much be dancing superstars once our wedding rolls around...

Last Sunday was our first class and it was a lot of fun. Of course we had forgotten all the steps we had previously learned about dance, but we had a quick refresher course and we were back to side stepping and rotating through our waltz. It’s a little bit like riding a bike.

I'm in the process of editing the Y Champions Hockey weekend video, so I’m sorry the posts have been short.  If there are any programs, classes, lessons, etc. you guys want me to try at the Y, leave a comment and I’ll try to be there.

I need to get back into a fitness routine anyway... I'm starting to notice the effects of too much vacation. Primarily in my mid section :(

Monday Night Zumba

Tara (co-worker) and I went to our first Zumba class last night, and oh was it bumping. There were 25 other ladies ready to get their Zumba on as well.

I don't have a lot of Zumba experience, but it really didn't matter. Zumba is all about moving like a crazy person and having fun. No dance experience necessary.

There are Zumba parties Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. So if you want to get your dance on go register at the Y. Also did I mention that it's now FREE if you have a membership.

Wow, there aren't really any excuses now.

And remember someone busier than you is probably Zumba-ing right now...

The Big Weekend

Hey! So the big weekend is almost here. I'm really excited to see the BidiniBand at Shooters tomorrow night. Also stoked about meeting Jay and Dan.

 hahaha... they're so funny

Tickets are still available for the event if you would like to check it out.

Y Citizens

Y Citizens? What is Y Citizens?

Well, let me tell you…

With my return to the Y, things are going to be a little different.  I am now also the program/facilitator of Y Citizens, and it’s a new program that I am very, very excited about.  Y Citizens is a program that is designed to give pre-teens between the ages of 10-13 a safe place to develop a sense of values as well as the skills, competencies and healthy behaviours that will carry them safely and successfully through their adolescent years.

The statistics out there are kinda scary! The after school hours have proven to be the most dangerous for children as victims or as victimizers whether it’s out in public or on the computer. Current trends indicate that children as young as 12 are adopting antisocial behaviours such as drug and alcohol abuse, crime, and physical inactivity. This program is going to be a place where children can avoid these negative tendencies. 

I want this program to be a place where these children can build their leadership skills, engage in hands-on cooperation, and learn lifelong skills!

What I think is going to be really cool about this program is that it’s going to be self-run and self-governed by the kids. I’m hoping to gear the activities to their specific interests, as well as introduce them to new activities that could spark their curiosity on the subject. Anyways I could talk about Y Citizens all day...

Registration for this program is now open. So if you’re interested check out our website for more information and registration details.Y Citizens Information

She's Back!

Hello Friends!!!

I'm back and so happy to be here. My summer was very wonderful but I am happy to be back in Prince George, at my YMCA desk, gearing up for all the new events and programs.

For those interested...
High lights from my summer
1. New York
a. running in central park
b. kleinfields
c. pastrami sandwich (the best thing I have ever eaten...)

2. Harry Potter Land

3. Engagement Photo Session (engagement photo's!)

4. First 1/2 Marathon

5. Finding my wedding dress!

To be honest, I could write a post for each of those high lights. Maybe i'll save those stories for a rainy day.

Right now I want to talk about the Y champions Hockey weekend that is coming up!!! (more info). I get to follow Jay and Dan around all day with a video camera and capture all the behind the scene moments. >I have a pretty cool job.< If you would like any more information about the event visit pgymca.com or click the inserted link :).