As you know my fur babies are petrified of the fireworks (I also know that some small children, elderly and military veterans also struggle with fireworks too). Miki, in particular, shakes and pants with an elevated heart rate for hours, his suffering is heart breaking. Now I shall end my moaning there because loud fireworks plague us at random times (not just November the 5th or Halloween) throughout the year. So we barricaded ourselves in the house over the weekend, doors closed, curtains drawn and we all snuggled up watching TV every night this weekend. This isn’t something we do very often, I enjoyed it for a short time but to be honest I’ve had enough of it and I couldn’t wait to get back outside and moving around during the day. I appreciate my health and wellness and value being able to (actually needing to) move around freely and get out and about. Confinement has reminded me of my blessings. My back felt terrible after an evening of sitting, I’m certainly not ‘sit fit’, and it reminds me of some research done comparing calorie expenditure between standing vs sitting. We burn almost one calorie more per minute (almost 60 calories per hour) standing (not even moving) than siting! Multiply that by the time we spend on our bums at the computer, in the car etc. even before sitting down for the evening. I’m happy to be a fidget and to love moving (dancing and exercising to music with you guys and walking/running the dogs in particular). The research guinea pigs also reported fewer aches and pains when standing as opposed to sitting (I can agree with that after this weekend!). We also tend to eat more when sitting, just when we need fewer calories we eat more! It’s far healthier, and more effective, to relax our brain and de stress with movement, this weekend has reaffirmed that for me.
Not all of us were stuck indoors – I have some wonderful news about class members, a request of help from Sarah’s Liberty Gymnasts, a reminder about getting organised for our Christmas events, recipe and more. Read on!
Rachel is a Masters Champion
Bravo to Rachel Davies and her Synchro team mates who won the National 35-49 age group team competition, and swam the Tech team and Free team, beating Brighton Dolphins to win. They were only 0.8 behind the younger (20-24) Rushmoor Masters team too so quite rightly very chuffed with their performance!
Liberty Gymnasts need your votes, HELP!
Liberty Gymnastics Club is all about youngsters having fun and learning a skill, it’s not a highly pressurised top level team, that’s not their objective. They meet the needs of those kids who do gymnastics just for fun and self-improvement and are desperate for new equipment. Your vote can help them achieve that goal.
Freestyle Fitness Yoga
I received a lovely piece of feedback from a class member on Friday Fitness Yoga which I thought I’d share with you…
“Thanks so much for the re-introduction of Friday Fitness Yoga. I loved it, it is such a gorgeous end to the week, it makes me feel great (and 2 inches taller which is always a bonus!).
Thanks for such fab classes always fun, inspiring and motivating. I know how much effort you put into it all, not just with the routines/choreography, but also with all your themes and just want you to know how much it is truly appreciated.
SKI FIT – Register your interest now!
If you want to get fit for your ski holiday (enjoy maximum on-slope ski time, better technique, reduced risk of injury with a firm, fabulous butt, thighs and core) then register your interest now to ensure this course runs on Friday nights in December and January!
Christmas Party Workout
Big in the 80’s Dance Movies
I want your suggestions for your favourite dance tracks from those wonderful 80’s dance movies – you will help create a night to remember.
Taking bookings and payments now!
DYBO Christmas Dinner
Collecting £25 payments (cheques payable to Zizzi’s, not me or UKFA) for next two weeks.
Sweet Potato Soup
I recently had sweet potato soup when out at a restaurant and it was lush, so I decided to make some at home. Many of you have a soup maker which makes it even easier to do!
1 tbsp vegetable oil ( I use coconut oil)
1 onion
1-2 tsp Red Thai curry paste
1 litre vegetable stock
¼ can reduced-fat coconut milk
1 handful coriander, roughly chopped
750g sweet potato grated
Instructions
Heat the oil in a deep saucepan, then soften the onion for 4-5 mins. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 1 min more until fragrant. Add the grated sweet potato and stock, then bring to the boil, simmering for 5 mins until the potato is tender.
Remove from the heat, stir in the coconut and seasoning, then cool briefly before whizzing with a blender until smooth.
Sprinkle with coriander and serve!
If you like a little spice add a little chopped red chili or child oil.
Let me know what you think.
Have a fab week!
Love ya,
Helen x
