Valentine’s Day, the day of overpriced flowers, expensive chocolate and feathery lingerie. Thankfully, I am not stressed. No significant other means no searching through rows of ridiculously expensive cards to find one that expresses the right amount of “love” for a person I do not. So rather than concentrate on the whole V-Day hoopla, Andrea and I have put together our list of most hated “being single on Valentine’s Day drivel” for your entertainment.

Have you tried internet dating, it’s not for me but…

• It’s not good enough for you but I’m desperate so I should be willing to try anything?! (FD)
• Sure I’ll just sign myself up to ogle random strangers in a cold, impersonal format. What could go wrong with that?! (AL)

So when are you going to settle down?

• I suppose when I’m done being unsettled?! (FD)
• The voices in my head haven’t liked anyone I’ve dated so far so I guess it’s when they’re happy (JK…this question makes me punchy sometimes) (AL)

Do you have a special someone you are spending Valentine’s with?

• No. Go Away! (FD)
• Yup, they’re called Ben and Jerry! (AL)

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

• I thought I’d go home, sit in my lingerie, swig a bottle of wine and sing love songs to the mirror. What do you think I’m going to do?! (FD)
• Honestly? Treat it like every other day – that involves wine, chocolate and ignoring love messages from others on Twitter (AL)

I’m sure next year you will have someone to celebrate with.

• Yes, because that is definitely my yearly goal. (FD)
• Really? Are you offering because I’m booking in advance. (AL)

You don’t have anyone special to hang out with on Valentine’s Day, I have a single friend I could set you up with.

• Yes, nothing like spending the most overrated day for love, with a stranger (FD)
• What every single person wants to hear, a friend setting them up with someone who can’t get a date too. We don’t all magically hit it off and marry each other JUST BECAUSE WE’RE SINGLE. (AL)

You’re just too picky and that’s why you are single.

• Yes, because we all know my exes are Prince Charmings… (FD)
• If it means not settling for someone like you then I’m super glad! (AL)

There’s plenty of fish in the sea.

• Hello, I live in Edmonton and there is NO SEA.(FD)
• Ugh, most over-used sentence for singles. Can we agree on something else? (AL)

You’re so lucky you’re single (from married folks)

• I read this as “I’m really miserable in my marriage, feel sorry for me too.” (FD)
• I have little sympathy with people who say this, you made your choice now deal with it! (AL)

You need to get out more.

• Where would you like me to go? A parade of single firemen does not walk by my door everyday… (FD)
• Agreed. Give me a list of where YOU think I should go, give me a boatload of spare cash to participate and then we’re talking…. (AL)

It’s good that you’re not settling.

• Settling? Doesn’t that normally mean there must be some type of dating happening? (FD)
• Translation: You shouldn’t be so picky (see #7) (AL)

Why don’t you go on The Bachelor Canada?

• Yes because I’m sure competing with 20 other women for one guy is the BEST way to find my soul mate. (FD)
• Yes because animalistic competition for someone’s affections ALWAYS leads to marriage and a lifetime of happiness. I need a drink… (AL)

So heed our advice and treat a singleton nice this year on Valentine’s Day. If you can’t say anything nice about their dating situation, best not say anything at all.

I for one never bother too much with Valentine’s Day. I have yet to have been in a relationship with anyone who ever acknowledges it. Instead I’ll be ‘celebrating’ the day the best way I know how – in a Skype conversation with a classmate working on our next assignment for our Master’s program.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Andrea (AL) and Felicia (FD)
The Canadian Single Girls

Bio:
The Canadian Single Girls
The CanadianSingleGirls want to share their best, worst and entertaining stories about wading through the dating pool (or swamp as it seems somedays). They’ve kissed some frogs, pet some dogs, danced with some princes and strolled through Area 51. Currently Felicia Dewar and Andrea Lauder are the primary contributors. Check out their blog at http://canadiansinglegirls.com/ Have a look around, enjoy the “fruits” of their experiences and feel free to share your own amusing stories with them. OR you can also find them on Twitter

Andrea is a PR gal who’s crazy about most things social media. She loves Twitter and connecting with folks on there. Andrea is currently a Master’s student who is passionate about communications and loves having fun. She is a world traveler, sport fanatic and all-around good person. You can also find her on Twitter @andrealauder

Disclaimer
NextGen Speaks Out, our guest blogging series, is envisioned as a hub for information and discussion. NextGen is a non-political, non-denominational organization focused on giving all nextgeners a voice. NextGen does not represent the opinions expressed by the individual columnists.

Dear Edmonton,

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…”

We’re proud to present the Love Letters to Edmonton writing contest.

Click here or on the image above to share your love letter to #yeg with us!

Contest is open now to March 14^th and multiple entries per person are encouraged.

Click here for official contest rules and regulations: Rules and regs – love letters

Prizes:

1^st:  A copy of the book “For the Love of Cities” by Peter Kageyama

2^nd: Chocolates from Kerstin’s Chocolates

3^rd: Three runner-up prizes of NextGen Swag

We look forward to reading your love letters & sharing the winning entries with all of our readers!

Fred and Wilma came in for a few sessions and after a while they both agreed that they felt like they were “hamsters running around the same old treadmill, over and over again, blaming each other.” I told them that it’s worse than that. They aren’t just cute hamsters running along side one other, getting themselves tired and then ready for bed after a long hamster day together. They have become…

ZOMBIE HAMSTERS!

Image reprinted with the Author’s Permission by  Jorma McCracken on February 8, 2012

They have gotten to the point that they are looking for ways to hurt each other on the treadmill, taking bites out of each other because they each feel hurt, victimized and entitled to counter-attack.

Not only are these two hamsters actually getting nowhere, they are running for their lives in a hamster-eat-hamster world.

In my practice, I see this dynamic every day. And not even the best relationship is exempt from this pitfall. After 7 years, my wife and I face the same challenge: being aware of our pattern of blaming the other for our own unhappiness.

It is only through recognizing this pitfall that we can stay out of the zombie nightmare.

So easily, we can turn our wife/husband/boyfriend/girlfriend/partner, into the enemy. We do this to the person we say that we are committed to, that we say we love more than anybody else. It seems that the person we vowed to love “till death do we part” becomes the person we try to make wrong, get the upper hand on, beat in an argument, prove that they have no clue what they’re talking about, show them that they are irrational, emotionally inept, misinformed, and above all, stupid.

I said earlier that this is a lovely couple. This is true to me because, despite their undead, cannibalistic tendencies, they have the ability to see their own mistakes, own them and get off the blame wheel.

In our session, Wilma and Fred were both able to see how they had been blaming the other for their unhappiness and committed to look at themselves instead. Ending blame is such an important element in a relationship, that without it, a relationships is eventually eaten away. In looking at their own faults, foibles, imperfections instead of their spouse’s Fred and Wilma begin to see each other in the same imperfect boat as they are.

How does one begin? Simple… stop blaming.

Blame perpetuates itself. When one person feels attacked what do they do? They attack back. When blame is added to what is initially a simple relationship problem, the result is a slow and steady withdrawal of love. And the result of this is a slow and steady build up of resentment, sadness and pain.

What to do instead? Simply state how you feel when your partner does whatever…and state your feelings only.

“I feel angry, sad, disappointed, frustrated, betrayed etc. There is no blame or attack in this. Instead of blaming your partner, you are now giving them information that they can respond to without needing to get defensive.

If my wife says that she’s angry about something, she is allowed to be, even though I might not understand why. I don’t need to understand one hundred percent. Fifty percent is good enough. And if she sticks to stating feelings without blaming me, I have a fighting chance to listen without getting defensive and saying that she’s wrong for getting angry.

Like most things, this takes practice.

And relationships need more than avoiding blame to blossom, but in my opinion, this is a pitfall that many couples fall into quite unnecessarily. With a little effort, and perhaps some help many of us can get out of the zombie hamster apocalypse and learn to have more enjoyable and happier relationships.

Bio:
David Solazzo
David grew up in New York City and was told that he was a “healer” at a very early age. At the time, he didn’t really believe it. On a varied and winding career path that led him to Alaska, San Francisco, Seattle and Japan, a life changing realization occurred when he visited a friend who was working as a mechanical engineer. Perceiving how unhappy and stressed the staff in the office was, working in front of computers with little human interaction, he suddenly knew that he couldn’t do “that”. He knew that his job, in this life, was to help others with their jobs, their relationships, their fears and struggles… to help people through their lives in whatever way he could. He knew that helping and healing people WAS his primary calling and, since then, has devoted his life to just that.
 
David received his Master’s Degree in Social Work in New York City in 2002. Deciding that Edmonton was a much better place to live (that’s a long story he’d be glad to share with you) he moved there and began working at AADAC. After several years working with people with addictions/substance abuse issues he developed and expertise in working with people with depression, anxiety, high levels of stress and men and women with relationship issues. After 15 years of working with people in a healing capacity, continuous education and commitment to self-growth, David has developed a solid background in many techniques with fancy names. But you probably won’t care about those. What you will probably care about and appreciate is David’s kind and warm-hearted spirit, his skill in engaging, and his ability to be present in the midst of fears and doubts. At this point, this work is no longer “work” … it is a privilege and a sincere honour.
 
David lives in Edmonton with his wife and continues to laugh and travel as much as possible. He blogs periodically on his website http://www.davidsolazzo.ca and he tweets from @DavidSolazzo

Disclaimer
NextGen Speaks Out, our guest blogging series, is envisioned as a hub for information and discussion. NextGen is a non-political, non-denominational organization focused on giving all nextgeners a voice. NextGen does not represent the opinions expressed by the individual columnists.

Relationships are more than just couples in love. They really come down to all sorts of connections we make each day. Some of those connections represent our inner circle. These are people who are close to our heart such as a parent and child, siblings, or the closest of our friends. Other connections fall into our outer circle. These connections are our acquaintances or friends such as coworkers or friends who aren’t “best” friends. Often we forget about that our relationships have greater reach than even that, think about your more ambiguous relationships. People also have an extended network that includes friends of friends or your social media “friends”. This group could also include people you’ve never met and for some people extends to their faith. This month we will be looking at relationships in the broader sense. We hope that you will find some humor and gain some insight through the blog posts. We may even inspire you to reflect on your own relationships to make positive changes.

We also want you to engage in discussion. Come on nextgener’s we know you have opinions and thoughts on these themes too. We’d love for you to comment, start a discussion, and share these posts with your networks.

Check back weekly as we will be adding new NextGen Speaks Out! posts regularly. We’re looking forward to it and hope you do too!

Disclaimer
NextGen Speaks Out, our guest blogging series, is envisioned as a hub for information and discussion. NextGen is a non-political, non-denominational organization focused on giving all nextgeners a voice. NextGen does not represent the opinions expressed by the individual columnists.

I need to be inspired.

Inspiration brings light to my path when I find myself in the midst of a dark and lonely stretch in the journey. When obstacles, self loathing, and perceived lack of progress crowd in, I light the lamp of inspiration to see where I am going and remind myself that it can be done.

What are my inspirations and motivations?

Incredible Dreams

I dream big and try to shoot the moon on a regular basis.

This is a relatively new skill for me. I used to only have small dreams because I didn’t know that I was worthy of big dreams. When all you have is small dreams it is easy to give up when you find yourself stumbling around in the dark. Asking yourself, ‘Why am I doing this?‘ isn’t helpful when all you have is small dreams to light your path. Small dreams are like a lone match that is easily blown out by the slightest breeze.

I want a search and rescue spotlight to show the way!

Tips for dreaming incredible dreams:

• Keep a dream journal and write down everything that you want to do or be no matter what they are.
• Spend time thinking about who you want to be 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years from now, then make it bigger.
• Be honest with yourself about how fabulous you actually are and ask, “What’s next for this fabulous woman?”

Heroes

I need to know that I am not doing something that is completely impossible. Some days I just need to know that this thing can and will be done.

My heroes aren’t the people that have arrived, rather the people that have overcome. When you see the final product or people that have ‘arrived’ its easy to feel disappointed with yourself because you aren’t where they are and it seems so easy for them. There is power in sharing your story. This is one of the reasons that I blog. I don’t think I have it all figured out, but I hope that in the midst of my struggle and wins others will see what is possible for them.

Speaking of overcoming the impossible, meet Barbie Guerra. She is a gorgeous fitness competitor that has no arms. YES. She is in better shape than 98% of the world and has no arms. When I get upset about having Hashimoto or have a day where I hate myself because Gertrude (my muffin top) is making a scene, I remember my blessings.

Heroes can give you a new perspective on life if you let them.

Tips for finding heroes:

• Talk to people that you admire. Email, Twitter, and Facebook are a great way to connect with people you admire.
• Don’t assume everyone has it easy.
• Uproot the jealousy from your heart and be willing to see how amazing other people are.

Community

Life is not meant to be lived alone; yet so many of us live it alone. Maybe you are just starting out on the road to health and your friends and family just don’t understand. When I started training for my first bodybuilding competition, I didn’t know a soul that competed. I wanted to share my fears, hopes, dreams, interesting experiences, and questions with other women that just ‘got it’.

Sometimes you just want to sit down and say you are quitting; that you cannot go any further. A true community comes alongside of you and lets you scream, cry, and rant and then tells you to get off your arse and get going. They remind you that you are worth the struggle and push you to where you want to go even if that is the last thing you want in that moment.

Tips for creating a community:

• If there isn’t one, make it.
• Choose to see the best in others and help them be it.
• Be the friend that you want to have.

Knowing who I am

I am a champion that will change the world!

It takes guts to say that, or does it? Knowing who I am has been one of the biggest motivations and inspirations in my life. Instead of listening to all of the negative things; seeing what is possible for me and the great things about me propels me forward even in the midst of the pitch black darkness.

Champions don’t quit, give up, or say its too hard; they know who they are and what MUST be done…then they do it until they die. When you encounter someone that is living out who they have been made to be it changes the world. You can change the world. In fact, you MUST change the world.

Tips for knowing who you are:

• Keep track of the things that make you lose track of time
• Get curious about what makes you mad, sad, and glad.
• Look for what is fabulous in you rather than what needs fixing.

What motivates and inspires you on the road to health?

Bio:
Donloree Hoffman
Donloree is a Leadership Coach and Natural Figure Competitor who empowers women to bridge the chasm of the impossible. She blogs at www.bikiniorbust.com about bodybuilding and getting your life back, all of it. She can also be found tweeting from @bikiniorbust starting at 4:30 am most mornings.
Disclaimer
NextGen Speaks Out, our guest blogging series, is envisioned as a hub for information and discussion. NextGen is a non-political, non-denominational organization focused on giving all nextgeners a voice. NextGen does not represent the opinions expressed by the individual columnists.

It gives them the ability to do their workouts, while still maintaining a healthy and active home life.

  by  sean dreilinger

 
Each client has a set of equipment in their homes that we have deemed as “valuable” in achieving their desired goals. Setting up the treadmill or bike in front of the T.V. may make the time go by much quicker than listening to the same songs over and over again on the mp3. But what happens when they hit their goals? Where do you go from there to expand their gyms or personal fitness rooms?

 
Many people have that expensive “coat hanger” at home that they spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on. Or they just purchased the latest and greatest abdominal machine to reduce their belly fat. Will spending more money on more equipment or the latest “fad” help reach the new goals? Maybe you should get out and go to the gym for a more effective method?

 
Thousands of people hit the gyms yearly, and most for a fraction of the cost of purchasing in home gyms. For many, the gym becomes a social and personal monitor for each individual goal.

As well, going to the gym or stopping by there before or after work gives you no excuses. Once you are there, your sense of purpose is set, and you are very likely to succeed at starting your goals.

  by  Kizzlexy

 
Facilities generally offer more equipment variety than the regular in home gyms, so it allows you to maintain a workout you will not get “bored” with. Plus, you will get to meet some new people, and it will allow you to expand your support network to help you reach those goals. However, at certain times of the year/day those gyms can be very frustrating and busy places. No where to park, too many people on the machines, the music may be too loud or your fellow gym buddy over there may be producing a smell you have never smelt before. Stats show that 75% of the people with gym memberships only use them the first month, then they stop going. That’s a ton of money “donated” to the gym, when it could have easily bought you a bunch of gym equipment.

 
Overall, it’s not about whether you go to the gym or not to workout.

It comes down to how driven you are to succeed on your path, and how good of a support system you have built around you.

You and the people around you are the biggest influence on your success. No piece of equipment at home or at the gym is more powerful than your will and determination. As long as your goals are set, you have the choice to reach them regardless of where you decide to workout.

 
Personally I topped the scales at a very unhealthy 230+lbs at my most unhealthy. I now weight less than I did in grade 6, and did it with the right combination of in home/outside training and at the gym workouts.

 
As most things are regarding fitness, the answer is in a pretty grey area. The key is to find you’re black and white so you can succeed.
 

Bio:
Mark Kay
Mark has been working in the fitness industry for the past 7+ years, and currently owns and mobile (gym & in-home) trains with Iron Fit Personal Training. He studied Personal Fitness Training at N.A.I.T., is a Certified Personal Trainer through C.S.E.P., and is a Medical Exercise Specialist through the A.A.H.R.P.

Mark began Iron Fit 3 years ago with the intention of helping a broad range of people, from high end Athletes to general fitness clientele. He has worked with numerous N.H.L. players through his experience, as well as current Major Junior Hockey players and youth teams & individuals throughout Canada. During the summer he helps out at hockey schools associated with Pro Players such as the Niedermayer brothers. His clientele has seen results ranging from a loss of 25% body fat, to over 100+lbs. Iron Fit clientele are seeing their success daily.

 
Disclaimer
NextGen Speaks Out, our guest blogging series, is envisioned as a hub for information and discussion. NextGen is a non-political, non-denominational organization focused on giving all nextgeners a voice. NextGen does not represent the opinions expressed by the individual columnists.

There are many more benefits to moving around than there are for staying still.

In my profession as a Massage Therapist I see daily the results of too much exercise and opposite to that the results of too much sedentary living. I have to say that I prefer to see more people coming to me for sore muscles from exercise than from not exercising. Of course a balance between too much and too little exercise is best, and that balance is different for each individual. It often seems hard to find the time, and seems even harder to find a consensus of what a person should do.
Personally I break down health and fitness activities into a few categories. Nutrition, strengthening and flexibility are all factors that we usually have the most control over. I’m not a nutritionist so I won’t go into that aspect, but I do have experience with the musculoskeletal system: our bones and muscles. My opinion of how to start and what to do is simple; do something!!!

To me fitness does not mean having the body of a weightlifter or swimsuit model…it is being able to perform the tasks in life that you wish to do.

This is what I feel people should focus on. Everybody has some limitation on what they can do, so work around it, but do something every day. Stick with realistic goals and activities that make you happy. Make sure you choose things easy for you to access as well, to ensure that you will actually do them. Buy some silly putty from a dollar store so that you can squeeze/play with it at work. Take the stairs more often. Buy an active video game and challenge friends/family to beat your score. Get together at break with a partner to stretch, or set an alarm at your desk to get you to stretch throughout the day. Set aside some time to wrestle with your kids or walk with them to the park. If you hate going to the gym, then don’t- find something else you enjoy.

There are as many ways to exercise as there are excuses not to.

I spent 6 months in a wheelchair prior to becoming a Massage Therapist a few years ago, so I had to find new ways to work my body within many new limitations. I started by wiggling my toes. That’s it! My muscles became stronger as I healed and I added other activities as I was able. To keep my arms active I got therapeutic rubber bands and throughout the day would put them to work, simply moving my arms through their natural range. To me the only thing halting us is our imagination!
A client of mine said it best recently, when talking about being able to stop using crutches “being mobile has changed everything!”. I wholeheartedly agree.

Do something! Move! You owe it to yourself

.

Bio:
Kristian Jacobsen BSc, RMT
Kristian is a Registered Massage Therapist currently working at “The Chiropractors at Commerce Place” and making on-site visits during non-office hours (780) 616-0950.

A lifelong proponent of physical action, Kristian has worked in various fields before a skydiving accident broke both of his legs and caused him to take a different career path. Time spent recovering further impressed upon Kristian the importance of continual health awareness.

On a daily basis he strives to assist people in gaining back quality of life due to impeded muscular motion, utilizing skills learned in massage at Grant MacEwan University, during his degree in Biology at the University of Alberta, and life experiences as a Sempai (instructor) of the martial art of Ju-jitsu and a varied work history. He strives to ensure that each treatment is individualized to best suit each clients specific needs and limitations.
Disclaimer
NextGen Speaks Out, our guest blogging series, is envisioned as a hub for information and discussion. NextGen is a non-political, non-denominational organization focused on giving all nextgeners a voice. NextGen does not represent the opinions expressed by the individual columnists.

Edmonton’s NextGen presents Pecha Kucha Night 12, February 2, 212, at the Metro Cinema at the Garneau Theatre (8712 109 Street).

Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m.; with presentations beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now at TIX on the Square; charge by phone at 780.420.1757 or online at www.tixonthesquare.ca.

Join the conversation on Twitter, hashtag #PKN12.

PKN12 features presentations on local ideas, projects and musings in the 20 slides x 20 second per slide format made popular world-wide by Klein Dytham Architecture.

A first for Pecha Kucha Nights in Edmonton, PKN12 features live music from Kevin Marsh and Jill Roszell.

PKN12 Presentations:

1. Joseph Ahorro, GA Joe

• U2: Adventures in General Admission

2. Chris Falconer, Foodie/HR Guy & Owen Petersen, Baker & Miller

• A Stave of Life

3. Ben Henderson, Edmonton City Councillor, Ward 8

• WinterCity Snaps: My Trip to the Arctic Circle

4. Sue Huff, Alberta Party Candidate

• Creative Politics

5. Duncan Kinney, Writer/Credit Union Enthusiast

• Bank Local

6. Dawn Lamothe, Yoga Instructor & Stephen Visser, Software Developer

•  Touching the 21st Century

7. Erin Monaghan, Streetwear Photographer

• Street Fashion

8. Steven Sandor, Editor, Avenue Edmonton

• The push for an SCTV monument

9. Leroy Schulz, Photographer

• The Ongoing International Adventures of Miguelito’s Little Green Car

10. Michel Walters, Community Organizer

• Building a Local Food Hub for Edmonton

It doesn’t need to be that way though (and even though it’s not January 1^st, you could start again, no one has to be the wiser). Let’s look at the top 3 reasons people are unsuccessful and how you can be one of the 12% fulfilling your goal this 2012.

 

Your resolution is too generic

Losing weight, getting fit and/or healthy and making more money are the top 3 resolutions made every year. But all three of those are too generic. They don’t hold any specifics – How much weight do you want to lose or money do you want to make? By when? How? Even saying that you are going to lose 20 pounds in 2012 isn’t specific enough. Set a very specific goal for yourself and then break it down into smaller even more achievable goals to keep you focused and motivated.

For example a good resolution would be; “I will lose 20 pounds of body fat by May 15, 2012 by eating healthy, clean meals 80% of the time, working out with a personal trainer Tuesday/Thursday and attending a group fitness or yoga class Monday/Wednesday/Friday. Either Saturday or Sunday I will do a fun activity with friends or family, that is not in my normal comfort zone (indoor rock climbing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, etc).”

Notice how this goal is very specific and action orientated! There is a plan built into the goal of what exactly you are going to do to achieve success. Further breakdown of this goal would include meal planning for the week, joining a fitness facility, meeting with a Personal Trainer, choosing your group fitness classes, etc. There’s a reason the expression he who fails to plan, plans to fail exists!

You have unrealistic expectations

We live in a society of instant gratification. It’s become so bad that we expect immediate results in almost everything we do. And if we don’t see it, we’re frustrated, overwhelmed and discouraged! This mindset has to change. It takes work to make changes. No ifs, ands or buts about it!! You will NOT lose 20 pounds in 2 weeks. You will not be able to run a marathon in a month. You will not double your income overnight. Deep down, you know this. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Focus on the little things and the little successes. Losing 1-2 pounds a week is GREAT, not discouraging, change your expectations and celebrate success (just not with chocolate cake).

Your resolution doesn’t really mean that much to you

Sure, it would be great to lose 20 pounds, but if you’re not that unhappy with your current weight or you love the idea of going out for a 5 kilometer run but you have other priorities first, it’s not a good resolution. If your resolution doesn’t get you excited; and I mean, crazy-excited-can’t-wait-to-achieve-your-goal excited, chances are, you won’t achieve it. Why you ask? Because it’s going to take work – hard-work, determination, consistency and dedication. You are going to “fall off the wagon”. You will have set backs. But you aren’t going to let those set backs define you. Your goal means so much to you that you are going to get started and back on track immediately. Not tomorrow, not Monday, not 2013. If your resolution doesn’t do this for you, why are you making it your resolution in the first place??

Take 5 minutes right now. Set a new resolution. A resolution that excites you. A resolution that is specific and most importantly a resolution that is realistic! Post it here – let’s support each other on this quest to making 2012 a great year!

In Health,

Jessica Zapata

Bio:

Jessica Zapata

(BSc. Kin, CSCS, PTS & NWS Pro-Trainer, Stott Pilates)

Jessica has been heavily involved in the fitness industry for over 10 years and has been featured in such publications as Chatelaine Magazine, Global Television and the Globe and Mail as a fitness expert. Her passion and knowledge has helped hundreds of people achieve their own personal success in everything from weight loss to marathon running to post-rehabilitation work. She also educates and trains current Personal Trainers and has been invited to speak at International conferences across the country.

As co-owner of Infinite Fitness Personal Training (www.infinitefit.ca), her and her husband, Tristan Zapata have built a personal training studio based on the core values of Passion – Energy  – Commitment. These values extend into all areas of their business, family and life! Feel free to reach out to Jessica with a health or fitness question! jessica@infinitefit.ca

Disclaimer
NextGen Speaks Out, our guest blogging series, is envisioned as a hub for information and discussion. NextGen is a non-political, non-denominational organization focused on giving all nextgeners a voice. NextGen does not represent the opinions expressed by the individual columnists.

We are getting our peers to help us out. We are happy to introduce our new guest blogging series “NextGen Speaks Out” . With a different theme each month, this feature will showcase a variety of Edmontonians who are influencers or “experts” on that month’s theme. The series is named NextGen Speaks Out because speaking out is defined as the ability to talk freely and fearlessly, about a public issue. With each new post we not only encourage our community to read and share the ideas and opinions brought forward by the guest blogger but also to also engage in conversation and discussion in the comment section or in other social realms.

January’s Next Gen Speaks Out theme is Health and Fitness.  Especially at this time of year, Health and Fitness is a theme on the forefront of people’s minds, whether as a result of a resolution to get healthy, becoming more fit, losing weight or because of a looming winter vacation to somewhere tropical. We anticipate that you will get informed, pick up tips, share your successes or setbacks, and maybe even look at it from a different point for view.

Check back weekly as we will be adding new NextGen Speaks Out posts regularly. We’re looking forward to it and hope you do too!

Disclaimer
NextGen Speaks Out, our guest blogging series, is envisioned as a hub for information and discussion. NextGen is a non-political, non-denominational organization focused on giving all nextgeners a voice. NextGen does not represent the opinions expressed by the individual columnists.