Thank you for remembering my birthday, last week, and for the many of you who sent me good wishes, cards and even gifts – so kind of you all. For the first time in my 35 years of teaching I took my Birthday night off teaching and went to see Roachford perform in Brighton. If you know me well you might know that he is one of my real favourites and he was just as amazing live as on recordings.
I really did battle with the decision to take the night off, I don’t want to let you down (ever) and I initially said no to the invite then saw the look of disappointment on my loved ones faces. I realise that my dedication to you all seems laudable but it’s not appropriate when it negatively affects those who care about me. Huge thanks go out to Rachel Goulding for taking on the challenge of teaching three classes in two hours to my DYBO family, and I hear she did admirably well. Believe me when I tell you it’s difficult to find independent teachers (most only lead pre-choreographed franchise products) plus teachers who will take on my classes!
After the extra food and drink enjoyed at the Houston wedding and my Birthday celebrations I’m going to tighten up on food and exercise leading up to Christmas, I feel uncomfortable and want to get back to feeling 100%.
With lots of festive parties and the coffee shop treats we give ourselves whilst trying to get our high street gift shopping done, we can very easily gain extra fat/bloat in the build up to the big day. Often this goes hand in hand with skipping our exercise – a double whammy for our figure, fitness and mental/emotional wellness. Just when we want to feel our best we often feel terrible due to weight gain and sluggishness.
So I recommend that you plan your next 20 days ensuring you schedule in daily exercise (a minimum of 30 minutes, can be divided in to 3 x 10 minute bouts), or 60 minutes 3-4 times within the week. I can help you with this with my Classes and PT. Additionally, low mood is something many folks battle with at this time of year, again I’m qualified to help – just call me.
Of course what we eat has a huge effect upon our figure and health. If you have lots of social events coming up, remember to eat healthily the rest of the time, at the very least, and ideally choose the healthier options on the menu. One big meal doesn’t hurt but several less than optimal meals plus minced pies, biscuits and ‘little treats’ really do! One of the most insidious causes of weight gain is what we drink, not just alcohol (which is hard on the liver, brain cells etc.) but also soft drinks, mixers and sodas, which are loaded with sugar. Please bear this mind and try to plan ahead e.g. I have switched to sparkling water with fresh lime, mint and ice as a tasty refreshing drink, also naturally low sugar (by Fever Tree) Tonic water with ice and a slice (no Gin).
Christmas classes.
I have prepared lots of Christmas routines and special classes for the next few weeks remember your festive T -shirts, silly hats and tinsel!
Christmas is less than three weeks away (I haven’t done any Christmas shopping yet, ho hum!) but I want to run as many classes as you are prepared to commit to!
So below is my proposed schedule, will you kindly take the time to let me know which classes you will be attending?
Please remember that running the class’s has overheads and if you don’t come I don’t get paid, this Friday I asked who wanted Freestyle Fitness Yoga (FFY) and only 2 of the 10 people who said they wanted a class turned up, I actually paid out of my pocket to teach that night.
Mondays
5,12,19th Dec, 6.30pm Boogie Fit, 7.15pm Middle Bit, 7.45pm Cardio Dance.
Tuesdays
6th Dec, 6.30pm HIIT, 7.15pm Core Power, 7.45pm Dance Fit.
13th Dec, 6.30pm HIIT, 7.30pm Christmas Party Class ‘80’s Dance Movies (Tickets available – £5 Membership holders, £10 in advance, £15 on the door)
20th Dec, 7-8pm ‘DYBO Christmas Cracker Workout’, DJ Mixed Fun party class for all.
Thursdays
8th, 15th Dec, 6.15pm(ish) Contemporary Stretch, 7.30pm ‘Dancespiration’
Friday
9th Dec, 6.30pm Freestyle Fitness Yoga (please confirm by Wednesday)
16th Dec DYBO dinner at ZIzzi’s, please tell us your menu choices this week!
No Classes from 21st December to 4th January, Some Personal Training and Small Group appointments are available, email or call to enquire and book
Classes Returning
Thursday 5th December, Contemporary Stretch and Dancespiration
Friday 6th December, Ski Fit returns – Designed to help you gain specific Ski fitness, so you can ski better, spend more time on the slopes and reduce your risk of fatigue and possible injury.
Even if you don’t ski, it’s a fantastic workout to burn calories and tone butt, thighs and core – exactly what we all need after Christmas!
Book Now!
Gift Vouchers
We have gift vouchers for all our services (One to One coaching, PT and Classes) plus some Yoga Blocks and Resistance Bands for those who want to give the gift of good health and fitness.
Pre-Christmas Soup
Ideal for lighter meals and weight management in the build up to Christmas, also a great festive meal starter course!
Ingredients
3 cups whole roasted fresh or bottled/canned chestnuts
2 cups chopped white onion
3/4 cup thinly sliced carrot
1-tablespoon olive oil
6 cups, chicken or Veggie Stock
5/8-teaspoon salt,
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup whipping cream/ thick yogurt/crème fraiche.
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Place chestnuts on a baking tray. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes. Place chestnuts in a large bowl; cool to room temperature.
3. Combine onion, carrot, and oil on pan; toss to coat vegetables. Bake at 400° for 1 hour or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add to chestnuts; stir in stock. Pour half of mixture into a blender; blend until smooth. Pour pureed mixture into a large saucepan (with Lid). Repeat procedure with remaining broth mixture. Stir in 1/2-teaspoon salt and pepper. Place pan over medium-high heat; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes.
4. Place cream in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until soft peaks form. Add remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt; beat at high speed until stiff peaks form (do not overbeat). Ladle about 3/4 cup soup into each of 10 bowls; top each serving with about 1 tablespoon cream/yoghurt/crème fresche. Sprinkle with thyme. Serve immediately.
Have a wonderful week and please remember to let me know which classes you will be attending
Love ya
Helen x
