I've been attending the CAN FIT PRO conference since 1998 and it's only now that I feel like I've found a way to truly enjoy the experience. First off, I pick sessions based not only on subject matter or content, but on presenter. The presenter makes all the difference!
I also now make sure not to physically overdo things. This year I refrained from participating in the workout part of all the cardio sessions I did and on Friday, when it was stinking hot, I took the subway to the convention centre instead of forcing myself to do the 6km bike ride.
I also bought much less at the Trade Show. I've learned that not all the 'deals' being offered are so wonderful, so impulse buying is not always a good idea. In fact, I bought no clothes and no music. After all, I only teach once a week now and the rest of the time work out in my home, so I have much less need for cute spandex outfits. In addition, I make my own CDs for my spinning classes, so I don't need to purchase any premade mixes.
The only thing I actually bought for myself is another Mindy Mylrea DVD, All Out Cardio. I've already tried out a few segments of it, and it's pretty good, although I am not convinced anything out there compares to Insanity.
But the trade show was chock full of new products and free samples, so I thought I'd provide a review of some of the best new fitness trends, equipment and supplements I found there.
Nutrition
biPro whey protein powder
This whey protein powder is unflavoured and unsweetened and lactose-free. It can be used for cooking and baking.
Sacha inchi seed oil, available as an oil or in pill form, is a great vegetarian source of omega 3 fats, much better than flax.
The composition of this oil is as follows:
48.8% alpha linolenic acid (ala: omega-3 essential fatty acid)
36.6.% linoleic acid (la: omega-6 essential fatty acid)
9.2% oleic (oa: omega-9 fatty acid)
5.4% saturated fatty acid
Health benefits include:
- boost good cholesterol and reduce bad cholesterol
- prevent heart disease, hypertension and diabetes
- reduce inflammation resulting from arthiritis
- improve brain function including memory capacity
- alleviate depression and mood swings
- stengthen immunity
- benefits nervous system
- improve vision
- promote natural fat loss
Synergy caffeine strips are sugar-free, calorie-free strips that dissolve on your tongue. They come in cinnamon and mint flavours, and also freshen breath.
What I like about these, is that they give you the option of a little energy boost or added alertness without making you have to pee like crazy, like energy drinks or coffee. Perfect when you are on a long car trip. Apparently they are already available in many stores across Canada. I tried them during the conference (Saturday I left the house without having enough coffee) and they work!
Pure Naturals protein bars:
At the end of the trade show, vendors were giving away 2 boxes of these babies for $5. I snatched them up for Adam. These bars have 200 calories, 7 grams of protein and 5 grams of fibre so they are a better alternative to the chocolate protein bars he usually eats, which are really high in saturated fat. The only thing I don't love about these bars is their 9g of sugar.
At first I thought Vitamints was a silly idea: vitamins that are sugar-free mints. But I realized they are ideal for anyone who has difficulty swallowing big pills and wants to avoid sugar-filled chewable or gummy vitamins.
Fitness Trends and Equipment
What's hot in the fitness world right now? Zumba, Crossfit, yoga and functional/sport-specific training. I finally feel like the fitness industry is in a good place, because there is now something for everyone. Whether you prefer dance, athletic training, mind-body activities, or plyometrics, you will something that suits your interests, goals and skill level.
I did 2 sessions with the TRX Rip Trainer and I'm in love. I definitely want to get one of these! Adam groaned, but they don't take up much space and are only $189. I won't buy one right away, I'll have to butter him up a bit first.
The Rip Trainer is all about producing and resisting rotation. It is an extremely versatile piece of equipment that can be part of training programs for a wide variety of activities including hockey, paddling, golf, or simply the sport of life. It can be used by individuals of all ability levels, it's truly a remarkable piece of equipment.
Octane Lateral X machine.
Conference attendees were encouraged to give this new piece of equipment a try. I was happy to oblige. They salesman described it as a stepper with the ability to encorporate lateral movement.
I found it much more like an elliptical - and I hate ellipticals - but it's a nice option for elliptical lovers, and I know there are lots of you out there, who want to add some variation to your workout and target your muscles in new ways. If you have $7,000 burning a whole in your pocket, you can have one of your very own!
I attended two sessions with Julz Arney this year - one for spinning and one for the Bosu Ball. I loved her last year and she was just as good this year. What's so amazing is the breadth of her talent. She comes from a dance background, but also teaches and trains spinning and Bosu, AND has apparently just taken up competitive running. Pretty impressive!
I also did an amazing spinning session with Jay Blahnik, a fitness celebrity who has been a name in the industry for a long time. In spite of his fame, he comes across as pretty down-to-earth and approachable. He did a great session on building community in fitness classes.
Now, how can I smooth-talk Adam into letting me buy a Rip trainer???
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