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<channel>
	<title>Generation Action &#187; Healthy Living</title>
	<atom:link href="http://ga.tacticaic.com/category/healthy-living/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://ga.tacticaic.com</link>
	<description>The Shift</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 21:48:44 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
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		<title>Changing Things Up-Canada&#8217;s New Physical Activity Guidelines</title>
		<link>http://ga.tacticaic.com/changing-things-up-canadas-new-physical-activity-guidelines</link>
		<comments>http://ga.tacticaic.com/changing-things-up-canadas-new-physical-activity-guidelines#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:50:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kenji</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Physical Activity Guidelines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Physical Inactivity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Research]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Active Lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIHR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CSEP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inactivity Crisis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ParticipACTION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PHAC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Physical Activity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saskatchewan in motion]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ga.tacticaic.com/?p=867</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When I heard there were going to be new physical activity guidelines for Canada my first question was, why? Turns out the old guidelines were simply outdated. The new guidelines were developed because of all the new research that has been conducted recently. This new research allowed the scientists to make more specific recommendations about physical [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/iStock_000000640745Medium.jpg"></a><a href="http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/iStock_000000640745Medium.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-918" title="Move it!" src="http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/iStock_000000640745Medium-150x150.jpg" alt="Girl serves in a tennis match" width="157" height="159" /></p>
<p>When I heard there were going to be <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><a title="CSEP-New Physical Activity Guidelines" href="http://www.csep.ca/english/view.asp?x=804" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">new physical activity guidelines for Canada</span></a></strong> </span>my first question was, <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>why?</strong></span></a></p>
<p>Turns out the old guidelines were simply outdated. The new guidelines were developed because of all the new research that has been conducted recently. This new research allowed the scientists to make more specific recommendations about physical activity. The old guidelines also didn’t cover all of the ages, the new ones do. The best reason for the new physical activity guidelines could be that the inactivity crisis needs up-to-date guidelines to better outline the situation.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>So, how much physical activity is enough?</strong></span></p>
<p>After 4 years of research, analysis and development, followed by recommendations from 3 reviews and a widespread consultation process with organizations like the Public Health Agency of Canada [<a title="Public Health Agency of Canada" href="http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #008000;">PHAC</span></a>], Canadian Institutes of Health Research [<a title="Canadian Institutes of Health Research" href="http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/193.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #008000;">CIHR</span></a>], Health Canada, Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology [<a title="Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology" href="http://www.csep.ca/english/view.asp?x=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #008000;">CSEP</span></a>] and <a title="ParticipACTION" href="http://www.participaction.com/en-us/Splash.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #008000;">ParticipACTION</span></a> the new guidelines were finally ready. The new Canadian guidelines are the most current recommendations for physical activity based on all of the scientific data to date.  </p>
<p>The guidelines are broken down into age categories: <em>Click the category for the guideline information sheet</em></p>
<p><a title="Children Guidelines" href="http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CSEP-InfoSheets-child-ENG.pdf" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Children ages 5 – 11</span></strong></a><span style="color: #0000ff;">          </span><a title="Children Preamble" href="http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CanadianPhysicalActivityGuidelinesStatements_E%201.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">  </span></a><em><a title="Children Preamble" href="http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CanadianPhysicalActivityGuidelinesStatements_E%201.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">[more for Children]<br />
</span></a></em><em><br />
</em><span style="color: #0080c8;"><a title="Youth Guidelines" href="http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CSEP-InfoSheets-youth-ENG.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Youth ages 12 – 17</strong></span></a><span style="color: #0000ff;">              </span><a title="Youth Preamble" href="http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CanadianPhysicalActivityGuidelinesStatements_E%202.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;"> </span></a></span><em><a title="Youth Preamble" href="http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CanadianPhysicalActivityGuidelinesStatements_E%202.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">[more for Youth]<br />
</span></a><br />
</em><span><a title="Adult Guidelines" href="http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CSEP-InfoSheets-adults-ENG.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Adults ages 18 – 64</strong></span></a>            <em>   </em></span><em><a title="Adult Preamble" href="http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CanadianPhysicalActivityGuidelinesStatements_E%203.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">[more for Adults]<br />
</span></a><br />
</em><span><a title="Older Adult Guidelines" href="http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CSEP-InfoSheets-older%20adults-ENG.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Older Adults ages 65 +</strong></span></a>      <span style="color: #0000ff;">  </span><em><a title="Older Adult preamble" href="http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CanadianPhysicalActivityGuidelinesStatements_E%204.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">[</span><span style="color: #0000ff;">more for Older Adults]</span></a></em></span></p>

<a href='http://ga.tacticaic.com/changing-things-up-canadas-new-physical-activity-guidelines/csep-infosheets-child-eng-2' title='CSEP-InfoSheets-child-ENG'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/CSEP-InfoSheets-child-ENG-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Children Guidelines" title="CSEP-InfoSheets-child-ENG" /></a>
<a href='http://ga.tacticaic.com/changing-things-up-canadas-new-physical-activity-guidelines/csep-infosheets-youth-eng' title='CSEP-InfoSheets-youth-ENG'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/CSEP-InfoSheets-youth-ENG-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Youth Guidelines Sheet" title="CSEP-InfoSheets-youth-ENG" /></a>
<a href='http://ga.tacticaic.com/changing-things-up-canadas-new-physical-activity-guidelines/csep-infosheets-adults-eng' title='CSEP-InfoSheets-adults-ENG'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/CSEP-InfoSheets-adults-ENG-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Adult Guidelines" title="CSEP-InfoSheets-adults-ENG" /></a>
<a href='http://ga.tacticaic.com/changing-things-up-canadas-new-physical-activity-guidelines/csep-infosheets-older-adults-eng' title='CSEP-InfoSheets-older-adults-ENG'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/CSEP-InfoSheets-older-adults-ENG-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Older Adults Guidelines" title="CSEP-InfoSheets-older-adults-ENG" /></a>

<p>The guidelines for<span style="color: #0080c8;"> </span><a title="Youth Guidelines" href="http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CSEP-InfoSheets-youth-ENG.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0080c8;">Youth</span> </a>– (12 – 17 Years) state:</p>
<ul>
<li>“For health benefits, youth aged 12-17 years should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.”</li>
<li>“Vigorous-intensity at least 3 days per week.”</li>
<li>“Activities that strengthen muscle and bone at least 3 days per week.”</li>
<li>“<strong>MORE </strong>daily physical activity provides greater health benefits.”</li>
</ul>
<p>Once you read the guidelines the next question is, what do they mean by all that? Luckily CSEP made a handy <a title="Physical Activity Guidelines Glossary of Terms" href="http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/PAGuidelinesGlossary_E.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff6600;">glossary</span></a> to help clear things up. I’ve taken the liberty of summarizing some of the really crucial terms.</p>
<p><em><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Moderate intensity physical activity</span></strong> –</em> On a scale of 0-10 moderate-intensity activity would put you at about a 5 or 6. The suggested rule of thumb is; when you are at a moderate intensity level you are able to talk but you won’t be able to sing during the activity (you are working hard enough to raise your heart rate).<br />
<em><span style="color: #993366;">Try: Active recreation (canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, skateboarding, rollerblading) Bike riding (stationary or road) Brisk walking, House and Yard work (pushing a lawn mower) Games that require catching and throwing (baseball, softball).</span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Vigorous intensity physical activity</strong> </span>– </em>On a scale of 0-10 vigorous intensity activity would put you at about a 7 or 8. When you are doing a vigorous intensity activity you won’t be able to say more than a couple words without taking a breath (you’ve raised your heart rate significantly).<br />
<em><span style="color: #993366;">Try: Bike riding, martial arts (karate) dancing, jump rope, sports (tennis, ice or field hockey, basketball, swimming, soccer) aerobics, running, games that include running and chasing (flag football). </span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Muscle strengthening activity</strong> </span>– </em>Strength training, resistance training or muscular strength and endurance exercises. Exercises that increase skeletal muscle strength, power, endurance and mass.<br />
<em><span style="color: #993366;">Try: Rock climbing, games like tug of war, resistance training with bands, weight machines &amp; hand held weights, push-ups and crunches. </span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Bone strengthening activity</strong> </span>– </em>Activities that produce an impact or tension force on the bones that promote bone growth and strength. Running, jumping rope, and lifting weights are examples of bone-strengthening activities (weight-bearing activities).<br />
<em><span style="color: #993366;">Try: Hopping, skipping, jumping, sports (gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, tennis) and Weight training.</span></em></p>
<p>The youth guidelines are for all apparently healthy youth (12-17) no matter your gender, race, ethnicity or socio-economic status. The guidelines encourage a variety of activity choices that support development, are safe and fun!</p>
<p>You can get your daily activity through <span style="color: #008000;">play, games, sport, transportation, recreation, physical education or planned exercise</span>. The activity should be in addition to incidental movement through the day.</p>
<p>Following the recommendations can<span style="color: #000000;"> improve </span>cholesterol levels, blood pressure, body composition, bone density, cardio respiratory and musculoskeletal fitness &amp; aspects of mental health. CSEP says it best, “<em>the potential benefits far exceed the potential risks associated with physical activity.</em>”</p>
<p>Different organizations define “youth” by varying ages so don’t get hung up on terminology. The important thing is to note your age and then look at the appropriate guidelines. I still identify with the term youth, but I’ve cracked my 20’s now so I look at the Adult guidelines (18-64).</p>
<p>It’s totally cool to <span style="color: #000000;">check with your doc</span> if you have any questions about your daily physical activity.</p>
<p>Remember if you are on the inactive side right now; start slow and work up to the recommended levels. Gradually you can increase the <span style="color: #000000;">duration, frequency and intensity</span> of your activity!</p>
<p>Want to know more, get some<span style="color: #008000;"><strong> </strong></span><a title="Guidelines Background Info" href="http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/PAGuidelinesBackgrounder_E.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>background</strong></span></a>,<span style="color: #008000;"><strong> </strong></span><a title="Glossary of Terms" href="http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/PAGuidelinesGlossary_E.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>investigate the glossary</strong></span></a> of terms to better understand the guidelines and check out <a title="Guidelines Frequently Asked Questions" href="http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CSEP_PAGuidelinesQ&amp;A_E.pdf" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #008000;">FAQ’s</span></strong></a>. </p>
<p><span style="color: #e72149;"><strong>Are you meeting Canada’s new Physical Activity Guidelines? I’d love to hear about your activity in the comments below!</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #e72149;"><em><strong>Kenji</strong></em></span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Success!-Sask in motion&#8217;s Dance Flash Mob ft. YBCS</title>
		<link>http://ga.tacticaic.com/success-sask-in-motions-dance-flash-mob-ft-ybcs</link>
		<comments>http://ga.tacticaic.com/success-sask-in-motions-dance-flash-mob-ft-ybcs#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:44:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kenji</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Engagment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Flash Mobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cornwall Centre]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Flash Mob]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saskatchewan in motion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saskatchewan in motion's Dance Flash Mob ft. YBCS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Youth Ballet and Contemporary Dance of Saskatchewan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ga.tacticaic.com/?p=687</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Saskatchewan in motion in partnership with the Youth Ballet and Contemporary Dance of Saskatchewan pulled of a deadly flash mob! With over 200 dancers and a huge crowd, even the most confused spectators walked away smiling. We went out there to show how much fun being active, moving around, and just enjoing the feeling you get from being physically active can be. 
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><span style="color: #0000ff;"> </span></div>
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<p class="mceTemp">
<dl id="attachment_693" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 250px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0062.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-693 " title="The mob and the crowd" src="http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0062-300x200.jpg" alt="Over 200 Dancers at Regina Cornwall Centre" width="240" height="160" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Saskatchewan in motion and Youth Ballet and Contemporary Dance of Saskatchewan staged a flash mob at noon in Regina&#8217;s Cornwall Centre on Thursday, August 26, 2010</dd>
</dl>
<p><strong>We&#8217;re Doin&#8217; It!<br />
</strong><span style="color: #333333;">I&#8217;m to excited to wait until my full post is ready to tell you all about how we did it; but </span><a title="saskatchewan in motion website" href="http://www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Saskatchewan <em>in motion</em></strong></span></a><span style="color: #ff6600;"> </span><span style="color: #000000;">in partnership with the </span><a title="Youth Ballet and Contemporary Dance of Saskatchewan " href="http://www.youthballet.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #800080;"><strong>Youth Ballet and Contemporary Dance of Saskatchewan</strong></span></a><span style="color: #800080;"> </span><span style="color: #000000;">pulled of a deadly</span> <a title="Saskatchewan in motion's dance flash mob ft. YBCS" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3pM5C1jQow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #00ccff;"><strong>flash mob</strong></span></a> <span style="color: #000000;">yesterday!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">It took place at the Cornwall Centre in Regina at noon, and with a crowd gathered we did not disapoint! With over 200 dancers and a huge crowd, even the most confused spectators walked away smiling.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Because it&#8217;s Fun!</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #000000;">We went out there to show how much fun being active, moving around, and just enjoing the feeling you get from being physically active can be. With</span> <a title="Download the Saskatchewan Supplement" href="http://www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca/whats_new/?a=121" target="_blank"><span style="color: #99cc00;"><strong>only 15%</strong></span></a> <span style="color: #000000;">of Saskatchewan kids getting the minimum daily physical activity they need, we have to remind people about my favorite reason to be active..because it&#8217;s FUN!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Ya, the health, socail, economic and environmental benefits are relevant arrguments for consistently being active, but there is no better reason than feeling great about yourself and having a blast.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>I got a feeling..</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #000000;">I know when I do any kind of activity, even one that I find a little more tedious, like running, I feel fantastic after. I can be proud of myself, it&#8217;s an accomplishment every time you finish. You can set goals for yourself or do it purley because you love it, like we all did on Thursday.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">It wasn&#8217;t about buring calories or even meeting our &#8220;daily requirments&#8221; because when you&#8217;re having as much fun as we did, it&#8217;s pure joy! We got to hang out with friends, entertain ourselves and other people, and it was a cool feeling making other people happy.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">My point is we we&#8217;re acitve and having fun.. it&#8217;s a great combination! You should try it some time!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Join our </span><a title="Saskatchewan in motion Flash Mobs Facebook group" href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=lf#!/group.php?gid=137092446320206&amp;ref=ts" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Saskatchewan <em>in motion</em> flash mobs</strong></span></a><span style="color: #000000;"> Facebook group and check out <a title="Saskatchewan in motion flash mobs Facebook group photo gallery" href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=lf#!/photo_search.php?oid=137092446320206&amp;view=all" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>pics</strong></span></a> from the flash mob!</span></p>
<p><strong><em><span style="color: #f40a4b;">Kenji</span></em></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #f40a4b;"><strong>Next Time</strong></span>: <span style="color: #000000;">The inside story of how we made the mob. .</span></p>
<p></span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>Active Transportation Flash Mob!</title>
		<link>http://ga.tacticaic.com/active-transportation-flash-mob</link>
		<comments>http://ga.tacticaic.com/active-transportation-flash-mob#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:49:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kenji</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Active Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cycling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Engagment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Active Lifestlye]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Active Transpo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Flash Mob]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[in motion commotion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saskatchewan in motion]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ga.tacticaic.com/?p=665</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On Tuesday (Aug 24th) Saskatchewan in motion (SIM) staffers met up with an eager group of people power enthusiasts for an active transportation flash mob.

It was the second flash mob I was involved with organizing for Sask in motion. We took an entirely different approach with this one, different concept, recruitment plan, filming strategy; the only thing that was similar was location.

]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_679" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/leader-post.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-679" title="leader post" src="http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/leader-post-300x290.jpg" alt="Sask in motion &amp; participants in active transportation flash mob" width="300" height="290" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">An excited group of in motion staffers and participants using active transportation</p></div>
<p>On Tuesday (Aug 24<sup>th</sup>)<a title="Saskatchewan in motion home page" href="http://www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca/" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #ff6600;">Saskatchewan <strong><em>in motion </em></strong></span></a>(SIM)<strong> </strong>staffers met up with an eager group of people power enthusiasts for an active transportation flash mob.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Here we go agian..</strong></span><br />
It was the second flash mob I was involved with organizing for Sask <strong><em>in motion</em></strong>. We took an entirely different approach with this one, different concept, recruitment plan, filming strategy; the only thing that was similar was location.</p>
<p>We were a modest size group, with a mighty message! One local reporter said that we “were definitely heard”.</p>
<p>After the first <a title="Sask in motion's first flash mob" href="http://ga.tacticaic.com/sask-in-motions-first-flash-mob" target="_blank"><span style="color: #800080;"><em>Only 15%</em> flash mob </span></a>was over it was time to brainstorm the next brilliant concept. A bunch of the SIM crew, including myself are really into using “<a title="wiki definition" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_transportation" target="_blank"><span style="color: #008000;">active transportation</span></a>”, which is scientifically speaking, using human kinetic energy to get yourself where you are trying to go. In short, using people power!</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Options<br />
</strong></span>My first choice is my bike, but I’ve also got my long board (which I suck at, but love). The options don’t stop there, rollerblading, skate boarding, running, walking, and scooters are all totally legit options.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Gorilla Style</strong></span><br />
My co-organizer Julie (<a title="Julie's Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/CHABTHOR24" target="_blank"><span style="color: #008000;">@</span><span style="color: #008000;">CHABTHOR24</span></a>) and I decided we would try to use Facebook, twitter and good old fashion flyer circulation to recruit mobbers this time. We set up the <a title="Flash Mob Facebook group" href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=137092446320206&amp;ref=ts" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Saskatchewan <strong><em>in motion</em></strong> Flash Mobs</span> </a>Facebook group to keep everyone in the loop. We tweeted about it to our followers. Finally we worked up a couple of <a title="posters" href="http://www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca/flash_mobs/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #800080;">posters</span></a> and delivered them to bike shops, skate shops, sports stores, running stores, recreation/community centres, and put them up on any public flyer space we could find!</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Flashing Lights</strong></span><br />
While we planned the route through downtown Regina, we really wanted to make sure everyone was going to be safe. Some might say that what we decided to do would negate our flash mob status, but personally I think it just made us more surprising. We got in touch with some great officers from the Regina City Police Service who arranged to escort our mob safely through our 2km route. We had 2 cars and some of the bike cops as well. The fun and periodic sirens from the lead car made us hard to miss or ignore, it was awesome.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Lets Get Loud<br />
</strong></span>We wore our <strong><em>in motion</em></strong> gear so people would know what we were out there for. Plus, we screamed and cheered “Saskatchewan <strong><em>in motion</em></strong>” &amp; “active transportation”! We made a lot of noise and people downtown on their lunch breaks really couldn’t help but take notice us (Mission Accomplished). We let the media know what we were up to and got some great <a title="Leader Post article" href="http://www.leaderpost.com/health/Flash+gets+moving/3440297/story.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #008000;">coverage</span></a> from them.</p>
<p>We didn’t just choose active transportation because we like it, here are some of our other reasons we wanted to highlight physical activity through active transportation.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">Health Benefits</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Lower obesity risks, reduced risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes, improved fitness, better posture &amp; balance, stronger muscles &amp; bones, stress reduction and better self esteem</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">Economic Benefits</span></p>
<ul>
<li>No need to fill up gas, reduced insurance costs, leads the way to less roadway costs</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">Safety</span></p>
<ul>
<li>There is strong evidence to suggest that as the number of people using active transpo increases, the more the risk of injury goes down</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">Environmental Benefits</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Reduce your environmental footprint significantly! (reduce or eliminate your transportation carbon emissions)</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">Social Capital</span></p>
<ul>
<li>You’ll be more involved and active within your community, increased opportunity for social interactions.</li>
</ul>
<p><a title="Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute" href="http://www.cflri.ca/eng/active_transportation/index.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #008000;">Fun Facts</span></a>: A stats Canada study found that 19% of cyclists felt that their commutes are the most pleasant activity of the day, whereas only 2% of drivers felt the same way. (huh&#8230;who knew!)</p>
<p>See you on the streets!</p>
<p><em><span style="color: #f12170;"><strong>Kenji</strong></span></em></p>
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		<title>Competitive Spirit – Activity and the World Cup</title>
		<link>http://ga.tacticaic.com/competitive-spirit-%e2%80%93-activity-and-the-world-cup</link>
		<comments>http://ga.tacticaic.com/competitive-spirit-%e2%80%93-activity-and-the-world-cup#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:24:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kenji</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Play]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hockey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Physical Activity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[World Cup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ga.tacticaic.com/?p=603</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It doesn’t really matter what you’re motivation is, for us it was the competitive spirit, which can be a really amazing force. Look at the World Cup. People from all over the world are coming together.  A few of them come to actually compete as world class athletes. Most come to cheer and be entertained by the competition both in person and all around the globe.

]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSC_0612.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-605" title="Tennis" src="http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSC_0612-200x300.jpg" alt="Tennis Serve" width="200" height="300" /></a>My family is full of competitive lifelong athletes. We all have, and still play a variety of sports, from my cousins who are nine to my grandparents in their 70’s.</p>
<p>To us sport and being active is a part of life, things would be dull without it. This past weekend my lil cousin played for his elite hockey team. They are like a bunch of mini NHL’s flying around out there, it’s incredible to watch! Even my gramps, that has played coached and watched hockey his entire life is amazed at how well they play at 9 years old.</p>
<p>It was definitely exciting hockey and when someone we’re related to plays we all get pretty amped up! (Who am I kidding; we don’t have to be related to them at all lol) Once we&#8217;re amped up, we all start griping over whose sport is better or tougher. Or if being great at one sport is better than being good at a lot.</p>
<p>It’s never good enough to talk about it, we always have to say “prove it”, followed by an inevitable “let’s race” or “best 2 out of 3”. This time somehow the deciding game came down to tennis..I’m not sure how, being that none of us play tennis normally..(maybe that’s why).</p>
<p>The first day the boys battled it out for a couple hours at the public outdoor courts. Then on day 2 (yes, there is a day 2, it’s ok you can call us ridiculous if you want) we all packed up and went to the courts for a final show down.</p>
<p>We brought a football and a soccer ball and spent the whole afternoon at the park all together. It sounds sappy, but it was awesome. At the end of the day I’m not even sure who was crowned the champ..Each person would probably tell you it was them. Haha</p>
<p>The moral of my little story is that it’s good to get out and run around, play, and be active no matter how old you are. It doesn’t really matter what you’re motivation is. For us it was the competitive spirit, which can be a really amazing force.</p>
<p>Look at the World Cup, people from all over the world are coming together.  A few of them come to actually compete as world class athletes. Most come to cheer and be entertained by the competition both in person and all around the globe.</p>
<p>Check out some of the world cup soccer, maybe it will be your latest inspiration!</p>
<p>Find what motivates you to be active, and remember your way more likely to be active when you’re having fun!</p>
<p>Let me know what gets and keeps you active in the comments below!</p>
<p><span style="color: #f8063b;"><strong>Kenji</strong></span></p>
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		<title>Pin it for the Planet</title>
		<link>http://ga.tacticaic.com/pin-it-for-the-planet</link>
		<comments>http://ga.tacticaic.com/pin-it-for-the-planet#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 May 2010 22:39:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kenji</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Active Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Active in Nature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Contest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cycling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ParticipACTION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pin it for the Planet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[World Wildlife Fund Canada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWF]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ga.tacticaic.com/?p=539</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Thomas Fuller said, “All things are difficult before they are easy.”

If what our buddie Thomas said is true, it stands to reason that people need a good cause to choose to act.

I found a good one; maybe you’ll think so too. Here’s the scoop.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada has launched Pin it for the Planet.  It’s simple and broken down into 3 simple steps.
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thomas Fuller said, “All things are difficult before they are easy.”</p>
<p>If what our buddie Thomas said is true, it stands to reason that people need a good cause to choose to act.</p>
<p>I found a good one; maybe you’ll think so too. Here’s the scoop.</p>
<p>World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada has launched <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynRLpSsBF9s" target="_blank"><span style="color: #008000;">Pin it for the Planet</span></a>.  It’s simple and broken down into 3 simple steps.  </p>
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>Walk it</strong></span> (or bike it, bus it, board it…whatever!)</li>
<li><a href="https://community.wwf.ca/PinIt/index.cfm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>Track it</strong></span></a> (by telling WWF what you’ve done every day.)</li>
<li><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>Pin it</strong></span> (your car key. On your shirt. Do it) ps. Each time you report what you’ve done you are entered to win a great bike!</li>
</ol>
<p>So that’s the breakdown, now I promised some good reasons to choose the “hard way”.</p>
<p><span style="color: #0d16f1;"><strong>Since I work for (and believe in the importance of) a physical activity strategy let’s start there.</strong></span></p>
<p>When you choose to drive less and employ active transportation to get around you’re incorporating physical activity into your lifestyle (which is awesome).</p>
<p>ParticipACTION has provided WWF with a great list of reasons, in terms of health, to Pin it for the Planet.</p>
<ul>
<li>Improved air quality – reduces asthma related issues</li>
<li>Daily physical activity is preventative against Heart Disease and Stroke</li>
<li>Stress reduction -no traffic =less stress</li>
</ul>
<p>(Check out the list)</p>
<p>Need a little more?</p>
<p><span style="color: #0d16f1;"><strong>This one will be obvious but.. the planet!</strong></span></p>
<p>WWF is of course hoping to reduce emissions and help the planet. According to their website transportation is responsible for 27% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. Eshk.. sounds like we all need to drive a lot less!</p>
<p>Still, even if all we can do for a start is a little that adds up to big reductions. Plus, just to be repetitive, you’ll be providing yourself the opportunity to get active.</p>
<p>The pinning your key to your shirt element is edgy too. It’s just like wearing a ribbon or a live strong bracelet. You’re telling the rest of the world what’s important to you, and raising awareness. (Very cool, and easy!)</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0d16f1;">Still not convinced?</span> </strong>(even if you’re on board, keeping reading it’s good stuff <img src='http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> )</p>
<p>I’ve told you about the physical activity and the environmental impact you can have, but there is one other thing that we all understand very well. Money. Consider how much you would save on gas by using “people power”  (to borrow ParticipACTION’s term).  </p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0d16f1;">So</span><span style="color: #0d16f1;"> a valid case?</span></strong></p>
<p>I hope you’ll give Pinning it for the Planet a try on May 31<sup>st</sup> – June 6<sup>th</sup>.  The WWF website has a bunch more info, including <a href="https://community.wwf.ca/PinIt/What.cfm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #008000;">toolkits</span></a> with ideas for school, home and workplaces.</p>
<p>The website says “we all need to rethink our relationships with cars”.</p>
<p>It’s true. What is more important our health and the health our of planet and climate or driving cars?</p>
<p><span style="color: #0d16f1;"><strong>Ps.</strong></span> don’t say you don’t have time!</p>
<p><span style="color: #0d16f1;"><strong>DYK</strong></span>: In distances up to 5km, cycling is recognized as the fastest door to door more of transportation. &#8212;Gotcha there don’t I!</p>
<p>Hit the streets and let me know how it goes in the comments below!</p>
<p><span style="color: #f30b3e;"><strong>Kenji!</strong></span></p>
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		<title>The Top 8 Reasons I Bike to Work</title>
		<link>http://ga.tacticaic.com/the-top-8-reasons-i-bike-to-work</link>
		<comments>http://ga.tacticaic.com/the-top-8-reasons-i-bike-to-work#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 May 2010 18:00:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kenji</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Active Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Active in Nature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cycling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bike 2 Work Week Regina]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Bike Month]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VEER]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ga.tacticaic.com/?p=519</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The top 8 reason I bike to work: 

 I hope they encourage you to try it for yourself or motivate you to continue. After all it is National Bike Month, and May 10-15 is the 2nd annual Bike 2 Work Week Regina.  
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_521" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 328px"><a href="http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/100_5423.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-521" title="Bike Month" src="http://ga.tacticaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/100_5423-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="318" height="250" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Bikes Parked Outside the SK in motion Office</p></div>
<p>The top<strong> <span style="color: #000000;">8</span></strong> reason I bike to work: </p>
<p> I hope they encourage you to try it for yourself or motivate you to continue. After all it is <a href="http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2010/05/push-some-pedals-may-is-national-bike-month/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #0c36f2;">National Bike Month</span></strong></a><span style="color: #0c36f2;"> </span>( I love the biker &#8220;groups&#8221; in this blog &#8220;a hipster on a fixie&#8221;), and in Regina May 10-15 is the 2<sup>nd</sup> annual <a href="http://www.bike2workregina.ca/joomla/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #0c36f2;">Bike 2 Work Week</span> <span style="color: #0c36f2;">Regina</span></strong></a>!</p>
<ol>
<li><strong><span style="color: #26d826;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Physical Activity Opportunity</span> </span></strong>- 5 days a week I get up and go to work, but recently I made a change. Instead of driving to work I bike. It does take longer to get here, but only by about 15 minutes, which isn’t much out of the day. It works out to about a half hour each way. That’s 60 out of my 60-90 minutes a day. Since it’s just part of my routine I don’t even think about it as “getting my physical activity”, now it’s just part of my day; one of my favorite parts.        </li>
<li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #26d826;">The Eco Friendly and Sustainable Choice</span></span></strong>- Around the “basecamp” office, sometimes I’m referred to as <em>the Green Goblin </em>(ok, it was a self imposed nickname haha). It had to be intimidating because I’m (also a self imposed position) the green police around here. Sustainability and environmental conservation are 2 of my other passions so finding an alternative means of transportation that fit with my work and my personal passions was like icing on the cake!</li>
<li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #26d826;">Enjoying the Outdoors</span></span></strong>- I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying “stop and smell the roses”. There is something truly awesome about starting and wrapping the day spending a good chunk of time outside. Breathing some fresh air, enjoying the visuals, and the other people you meet along the way (if you want to be social).</li>
<li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #26d826;">The Money I Save on Gas</span></span></strong>- Self explanatory; I used to drive a truck, which I loved. We had some great times..but buying my bike cost me what would have been about 7 tanks of gas. Now it’s all me, no gas required.</li>
<li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #26d826;">A Sense of Accomplishment</span></span></strong>- You have to experience it to know the feeling, or maybe you already have. You wake up knowing you have to get somewhere and then you physically move yourself there. Even on the days it isn’t fun during the ride, once you make it you feel confident and empowered. It’s a guaranteed accomplishment every day you do it!</li>
<li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #26d826;">Avoiding Traffic</span></span></strong>- Patience is not one of my best virtues (I’ll admit it). So waiting in a line of cars to get to virtually the same place as everyone else is irritating! Bike paths, trails and bike lanes are an amazing solution to this problem. It’s especially fun when traffic is at a standstill and I ride by everyone, I win! (haha, have I mentioned I’m competitive.)</li>
<li><span style="color: #26d826;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Belonging</span></strong>-</span>As sappy as it sounds even if you don’t directly communicate with the other people you see biking, you know you’re all part of a little club. Take a look at the trailer for the documentary &#8221;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyv0JchtTpQ&amp;feature=player_embedded" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #0c36f2;">VEER</span></strong></a>&#8221; to see what I mean.</li>
<li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #26d826;">The Great Parking Spaces</span></span></strong>- I work downtown and parking a vehicle is one of the most evil things ever. Fortunately most places provide space for us active commuters, and if not a sturdy post usually isn’t too far away (I wouldn’t personally recommend using trees to lock your bike up, it can damage them, not cool).</li>
</ol>
<p>Check out these great links from <a href="http://bicycling.about.com/b/2008/05/03/may-is-national-bike-month-2.htm" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="color: #0c36f2;">David&#8217;s Cycling Blog</span></strong></em> </a>for tips and how to celebrate Bike 2 Work week:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/pdf/50_things_for_bike_month.pdf"><span style="color: #0c36f2;">http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/pdf/50_things_for_bike_month.pdf</span></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/pdf/BTWW_Booklet.pdf"><span style="color: #0c36f2;">http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/pdf/BTWW_Booklet.pdf</span></a></p>
<p>What motivates you to use active transportation? Does your community arrange a Bike 2 Work week?</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ea1450;">Kenji</span></strong></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>World Health Day 2010</title>
		<link>http://ga.tacticaic.com/world-health-day-2010</link>
		<comments>http://ga.tacticaic.com/world-health-day-2010#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Apr 2010 21:02:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kenji</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[1000 cities-1000 lives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sask in motion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[World Health Day 2010]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ga.tacticaic.com/?p=439</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I’m convinced that if you looked hard enough you could find “a day” for everyday of the year. There are the classics like Canada Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and some fascinating others that pop up year after year. Today however, is World Health Day. I’ve done some investigation to educate myself and sum it up for you. For what it’s worth, I’m on board with this day.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I’m convinced that if you looked hard enough you could find “a day” for every day of the year. There are the classics like Canada Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and some fascinating others that pop up year after year. Today however, is World Health Day. I’ve done some investigation to educate myself and sum it up for you. For what it’s worth, I’m on board with this day.</p>
<p>A little over 50 years ago the First World Health Assembly called for an annual “World Health Day” (April 7<sup>th</sup> every year). The idea is once a year the World Health Organization (WHO) addresses the health of the global community,  encourages improvements and fosters develpment of real soulitons.</p>
<p>In 2002 the focus of World Health Day was “Move for Health” which means the WHO wanted to help people understand the increasing problem of non-communicable diseases (NDCs), meaning they are not infectious.</p>
<p>Usually these diseases are caused by personal lifestyle, genetics, or environment. The WHO website acknowledged clearly that increasing numbers of physically inactive people contribute to the problem.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 60px;">“This is due, in part, to a rapid change in lifestyles leading to reduced physical activity, changing diets and increased tobacco use.”</p>
<p>The goal in ‘02 was to make policy makers, the public health community and civil society more aware of the issues. More importantly the WHO wanted to emphasize the importance of fitness and healthy lifestyle.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 60px;">Check out more on “<a href="http://www.who.int/moveforhealth/about/en/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Move for Health</strong></span></a>”,  including research that shows physical inactivity is among the main modifiable risk factors for common NCDs (you’ll find <strong>advocacy tools too!</strong>)</p>
<p>I thought it was important to make the connection between what a huge international organization thinks is important, and what Saskatchewan <em><strong>in motion</strong></em> as a provincial physical activity movement does.</p>
<p>World Health Day 2010 is shining a light on urbanization and health with the campaign “1000 cities-1000 lives”.</p>
<ul>
<li>1000 cities: to open up public spaces to health, whether it be activities in parks, town hall meetings, clean-up campaigns, or closing off portions of streets to motorized vehicles.</li>
<li>1000 lives: to collect 1000 stories of urban health champions who have taken action and had a significant impact on health in their cities.</li>
</ul>
<p>In one way or another the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyle are consistently represented on World Health Day. So it’s agreed: both the World Health Organization and Saskatchewan <em><strong>in motion</strong></em> know how important regular physical activity is for everyone!</p>
<p>For more on “1000 cities-1000 lives” hit the <a href="http://www.who.int/world-health-day/2010/en/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>World Health Day 2010 page</strong></span></a>. You’ll find tools, additional links and media to help you become a healthy active champion for yourself and your community.</p>
<p>Let me know what you’re going to do in the comments below.</p>
<p><span style="color: #f6083c;"><strong>Kenji</strong></span></p>
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		<title>Fuel Up 4 Physical Activity</title>
		<link>http://ga.tacticaic.com/fuel-up-4-physical-activity</link>
		<comments>http://ga.tacticaic.com/fuel-up-4-physical-activity#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:36:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kenji</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Body Fuel/Calories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Body Fat Percentage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Body Fuel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ga.tacticaic.com/?p=385</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It can be an interesting challenge trying to find a specific topic to blog about. This time I was inspired by finding out Feb.3- 9 2010 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week in Canada. Instead of looking at eating disorders specifically, I thought I’d take a look at what our bodies need! Not only to survive, but to be physically active on a regular basis.

People worry about shape, size, and weight for all kinds of reasons. I think the most important thing to know is that there are healthy ways to meet realistic expectations. People quite literally come in all shapes and sizes, and being healthy is what truly matters.

Fact or Fiction?

Does muscle really weigh more than fat? 
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It can be an interesting challenge trying to find a specific topic to blog about. This time I was inspired by finding out Feb.3- 9 2010 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week in Canada. Instead of looking at eating disorders specifically, I thought I’d take a look at what our bodies need! Not only to survive, but to be physically active on a regular basis.</p>
<p>People worry about shape, size, and weight for all kinds of reasons. I think the most important thing to know is that there are healthy ways to meet realistic expectations. People quite literally come in all shapes and sizes, and being healthy is what truly matters.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #fc0243;">Fact or Fiction?</span></strong></p>
<p>Does muscle really weigh more than fat? – I’ve told that to myself and my friends as we’ve worked out for years. (To be clear we hit the gym to be healthy, but for me the healthier I get, the closer I get to my <strong>realistic </strong>image goals. So it’s really a win/win.) The answer is no! Muscle doesn’t <em>weigh </em>more than fat; 5 pounds or muscle <em>weighs</em> the same as 5 pounds of fat. The difference is in the composition, muscle is more dense than fat, so a person with more muscle than fat will look smaller. I read that fat actually takes up 4 times the space as lean muscle mass…ugh.. I think most of us would have taken muscle over fat any day but whoa!</p>
<p><span style="color: #fc0243;"><strong>There is a big</strong> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">BUT!</span></strong></span></p>
<p> Having no body fat is not an option!  You need body fat for your body to function properly and be healthy. I also read (this blog has been very educational 4 me!) that essential body fat protects our internal organs (which sounds important to me!) huh?&#8230; who knew?</p>
<p>Now its tricky cuz there is no perfect body fat percentage; age, gender, height and activity level are all factors. Why does body fat percentage matter in terms of being active?</p>
<p>It matters because living an active lifestyle is one key to maintaining your healthy percentage. Also because as you move and build up a larger percentage of muscle being active will get easier!</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #fc0243;">It’s A Balancing Act</span></strong></p>
<p>To live an active lifestyle your body needs the right kind of “fuel”. Vehicles burn gas, we burn what we eat and drink. Just like gas, there is the cheap stuff and the premium. Cheap stuff is high in fat and sugar; things like pizza, cookies, pop and french fries. These foods don’t give our bodies enough healthy carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins to function properly.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #fc0243;">So what Does?</span></strong></p>
<p>Premium healthy beneficial foods are things like: complex carbohydrates, protein (ex:Fish), whole grain breads, fruits and veggies! [Check out <a href="http://www.heartandstroke.com/site/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/b.3484315/k.D9C8/Healthy_living__Eating_Well_with_Canadas_Food_Guide.htm?gclid=CLCZ7N7S2Z8CFRciagodgBe0Hw" target="_blank">Canada’s Food Guide </a>for tips.] Again..why is this relevant to physical activity?</p>
<p> What your body has to burn as fuel has a big impact on how much energy you have to power the muscles you have, and build more lean muscle!</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #fc0243;">Don’t Forget About..</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #fc0243;">Water</span> – </strong>Why?&gt; you are estimated to be 60-70% water (your blood, muscles, lungs, brain all contain a lot of water). It regulates your body temperature, and carries those nutrients from your premium fuel to your organs. Water transports oxygen to your cells, removes waste, and protects your joints and organs. (Once again that sounds pretty crucial to me.)[<a href="http://nutrition.about.com/od/hydrationwater/a/waterarticle.htm" target="_blank">Water Tips</a>]</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #fc0243;">Sleep</span> –</strong> Why?&gt;our bodies build strength and endurance through rest and recovery both during exercise but also while we sleep. Sleep is the time when our body repairs itself on a cellular level. Crazy.. I know!</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #fc0243;">Big Finish!</span></strong></p>
<p>What I’m trying to get across in this mess of info is that looking good comes from feeling good. It doesn’t pay to deprive your body; it pays to take care of it.</p>
<p>I’m not a scientist or a PhD so it doesn’t hurt to do your own research. I think what you’ll find is that living a balanced lifestyle including proper nutrition, sleep and physical activity will be the key to looking, and feeling the best that you can be!</p>
<p><span style="color: #fc0243;"><strong>Kenji</strong></span></p>
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		<title>Scoop by Scoop Snow Shoveling</title>
		<link>http://ga.tacticaic.com/scoop-by-scoop-snow-shoveling</link>
		<comments>http://ga.tacticaic.com/scoop-by-scoop-snow-shoveling#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:41:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kenji</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Active in Nature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Physical Activity Saftey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Quinsy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saskatchewan Blizzard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Snow Shoveling]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[In honor of the blizzard Saskatchewan just had, I thought I’d whip up a little something about the shoveling we’re all going to have to do. I had just finished my workout for the day when I decided to tackle the snow pile. By the time I was done clearing a path out to the world, the shoveling had been a more intense work out than the weights I had done. Every year shoveling always used to sneak up and wreck my back for a couple weeks when we’d get a good snow. After a few years in a row of that I learned my lesson.  So here are my Snow Relocation Tips!


]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><span style="color: #2f65e4;">Winter Wonderland</span></strong></p>
<p>In honor of the blizzard Saskatchewan just had, I thought I’d whip up a little something about the shoveling we’re all going to have to do.</p>
<p>I live in a condo with my mom so our “yard” area is small at best… Well that small area took me about 20 minutes to shovel!  The snow build up was approaching the halfway mark on our front door. We were quite literally snowed in!</p>
<p> I had just finished my workout for the day when I decided to tackle the snow pile. By the time I was done clearing a path out to the world, the shoveling had been a more intense work out than the weights I had done.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #2f65e4;">Safety First</span></strong></p>
<p>I don’t think I’m nutty about working out but it makes me feel good, and I know it’s good for me. I’ve always done something active at any given time (ballet, gymnastics, b-ball, rowing). I hope to for as long as I’m kickin’ around. To make that happen I know I have to do things properly because it’s so easy to hurt yourself if you’re not conscious of what you’re doing.</p>
<p>Every year shoveling always used to sneak up and wreck my back for a couple weeks when we’d get a good snow. After a few years in a row of that I learned my lesson.  So here are my <strong><span style="color: #2f65e4;">Snow Relocation Tips</span></strong>! (thanks to <a href="http://truestarhealth.com/members/cm_archives11ML3P1A89.html" target="_blank">truestarhealth.com </a>for their thorough information that I referenced to create my list of tips.)</p>
<p><strong>Snow Relocation Tips</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #f00e64;">Stretch It Out</span></strong></p>
<p>It might sound lame but <strong><span style="color: #2f65e4;">Warm Up</span></strong> before you head outside. Take a few minutes to stretch out your whole body, especially your back, legs and shoulders.  And when you’re done stretch out one more time to help avoid that gross stiff feeling. Plus, stretching when your muscles are warm is the best time to increase flexibility.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #f00e64;">It Really Works</span></strong></p>
<p>You always hear people say <strong><span style="color: #2f65e4;">Lift With Your Legs</span>!</strong> Do it, lifting with your legs will save your back! You’ll prevent injury if you bend your knees when you’re lifting a full shovel, and avoid twisting with a full load. My arms are way weaker than my legs, so I try to leverage the weight on the leg I have forward by resting my lowest arm on it.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #f00e64;">Don’t Be a Hero</span></strong></p>
<p>I often have to remind myself shoveling is not a strong man completion.<span style="color: #2f65e4;"> <strong>Don’t</strong> </span><strong><span style="color: #2f65e4;">Overload</span> </strong> yourself. Don’t try to lift beyond your ability. That said just cuz you can doesn’t mean you should either. Take your time, so you don’t accidently put yourself out of commission.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #f00e64;">Resistance </span></strong></p>
<p>Then there is the temptation to see how far you can toss a shovel full without moving..<strong><span style="color: #2f65e4;">Push the Pile</span></strong>. Rather than trying to make your body awkwardly throw a scoop full of snow. Use some of your strongest muscles, your legs to push the snow close to the pile then once again lift with the legs.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #f00e64;">Play It Cool</span> </strong></p>
<p>Shoveling is a high intensity activity because it gets your heart pumping and requires muscle strength. Remember to <span style="color: #2f65e4;">breathe</span>, <span style="color: #2f65e4;">take breaks</span> if you need to and <span style="color: #2f65e4;">cool down</span> by walking around inside for a few minutes when you’re done.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #f00e64;">Check Out What I’ve Got…</span></strong></p>
<p>For those who like a challenge and something to brag about. You can try building a quinzhee! You can find the directions in <a href="http://www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca/whats_new/?a=91" target="_blank">Back Yard and Beyond</a>. Enjoy the snow, it’s fun!</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #f00e64;">Kenji!</span></strong></p>
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		<title>Why is Physical Activity Fun?? Ask Tim</title>
		<link>http://ga.tacticaic.com/why-is-physical-activity-fun-ask-tim</link>
		<comments>http://ga.tacticaic.com/why-is-physical-activity-fun-ask-tim#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 23:07:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kenji</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Engagment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Competition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motivation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Physical Activity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rowing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Twitter]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[I was stuck on blog inspiration for this week – I had a couple of thoughts but nothing I was feeling desperate to share with the world. Then I checked my twitter (have I mentioned how much I love twitter.. I love it! [follow me @Kenji22] haha). A second glance at my direct messages revealed a tweet for my “awesome friend Tim” with another idea about how he stays active playing league rec hockey. So this one’s for you Timma!



]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Bloggers Block</span></strong></p>
<p>I was stuck on blog inspiration for this week – I had a couple of thoughts but nothing I was feeling desperate to share with the world.</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Moment!</strong></span></p>
<p>Then I checked my twitter (have I mentioned how much I love twitter.. I love it! [follow me @Kenji22] haha). There was a message from our communications guru Kim (follow her @Herperki) with a link to a great blog written about exactly what I was struggling with, so helpful! Check it out if you’re stuck -<a href="http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/13-ideas-to-inspire-your-blog-content/" target="_blank">13 Ideas To Inspire Your Blog Content</a></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">This One’s For You</span></strong></p>
<p>A second glance at my direct messages revealed a tweet for my “awesome friend Tim” with another idea about how he stays active playing league rec hockey. So this one’s for you Timma!</p>
<p>My boy Tim is right; the best inspiration for being active is fun! He doesn’t play on his team because they are elite or win every game..(sorry man, you guys are awesome tho!) It’s because a bunch of buds get to play the game they love. They get their competitive spirit going, and take pride in their team. Let’s be honest, the chill time after the game doesn’t hurt either. But if it wasn’t for the hockey, that bunch of guys wouldn’t hang out nearly as often. (Smart sounding summary of my point—<strong><em><span style="color: #f70767;">activity is a social catalyst</span></em></strong>)</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">The Science—or Not</span></strong></p>
<p>My original plan was to get into the scientific stuff about the chemicals your body produces when your active but; all the articles are really long and would require research into the meaning of strange multi-syllable words. Perhaps a subject for another time, I’m going to stick with the fun!</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Life Experience</span></strong></p>
<p>In grade 9 one of my favorite teachers ever got me and my friends into rowing. We were never at any kind of competition level, but it was cool. I have a competitive spirit for sure. So I may have gotten intense and tried to make us into world champs. Much to my dismay it never happened. Lol. We did spend a lot of time at the marina and gained enough skill to move from an 8 boat to a 4 (the more people the less balanced you have to be on your own). For a while, we took it pretty serious and did dry land training too. We all knew we would never be Canada’s Olympic team or anything, but it motivated us to be active, even off the water.  Plus, learning to row on Wascana lake in Regina pre “big dig” gave my friends and I some now hilarious oars covered in seaweed stories for our crew.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">No Rules</span></strong></p>
<p>You don’t need a league to regularly have a mostly friendly competitive game, family drive way b-ball games can get nasty depending on who’s playing.  Hit the school yard for b-ball, or the ball diamond, or the park for football, soccer or cricket, or fly a kite. Whatever! They’re all a good time and good for ya too!</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">One With the Fun</span></strong></p>
<p>Sometimes being around a bunch of people isn’t my idea of fun either. So I hit the bike path. Either on my bike or my long board, on which I am a hot mess! Ok… just a mess, but it’s a blast anyway. Plus, I get an ab workout from laughing at myself.</p>
<p>Any good stories out there..share em’ in the comments below!</p>
<p><span style="color: #f70767;"><strong>Keniji</strong></span></p>
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