We want to send a big shout out to everyone on Team Inspired who took part in the Rugged Maniac 5K Obstacle Race & Mud Run this past weekend at Chicopee Ski Resort in Kitchener.  We had so much fun tackling obstacles like the Accelerator, Pyromaniac and Warped Wall, and the ear-to-ear smiles on everyone’s faces as they crossed the finish line was awesome.  Every accomplishment, no matter how big or small, is meant to be celebrated, and we are so proud of each and every one of you!

Are you looking for a way to boost your spirits while having some fun?  Participating in a community fundraising event may just be the answer!  These events can provide us with the opportunity to nurture our mind, body and soul, and most importantly, remind us of the power and influence a group of like-minded individuals can have when they come together for an important cause.  And since it is so inspiring to witness the contagious enthusiasm at these events, you can also achieve the “Happiness Effect”.  You know that euphoric feeling you get after a vigorous workout?  It comes from a release of dopamine in the brain.  Helping others has the exact same effect, so the more you volunteer, the happier you become!
 
Here are a couple great events taking place this month:
 
Relay For Life Stratford

• The Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life is a nationwide event that brings communities together to celebrate survivors, honour those we’ve lost and commit to raising funds to fight all types of cancer.
• This event takes place on Friday, June 1st from 6:30 to 11:00 pm at the Stratford Central School Track (60 St. Andrew Street).
• More details can be found at:  http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFL_ON_even_?pg=entry&fr_id=23726

 
Hog Jog

• The Hog Jog supports a local charity every year.  This year they are supporting The Local Community Food Centre.  The Local helps members to benefit from learning how to cook healthy food from scratch on a tight budget, offers community meals and provides several cooking and gardening programs.
• This event takes place on Wednesday, June 20th starting at the Stratford Rotary Complex (353 McCarthy Road).
• More details can be found at:  http://www.hogjog.ca/
  

 
Whether you give back in small or large ways, getting involved can make a lasting difference in the lives of yourself and others!

As a forward-thinking fitness studio, we like to make sure we offer our members the very best experience at our group fitness classes.  Unlike big box gyms, we strive to provide our members with an experience where one-on-one training meets group fitness.  Our knowledgeable and friendly instructors coach members through every class to ensure you get an incredible workout in a safe way, stay engaged and have fun!  And with over 20 classes available per week, we have something for people of all ages and experience levels.
 
We are extremely excited to launch our new programming this month!  These new classes, along with our tried-and-true favourites (ie., Boot Camp, Bounce, Low Impact Body Blast, Yoga, Zumba) are all designed to help you understand the importance of what you’re doing, push you to complete the class, help to spark a camaraderie with your classmates and stay motivated.  Here are some highlights of the new offerings:
 

• Start your week off by pushing your body to its limits at Boot Camp!  Now available at two times on Monday evenings – 5:20 to 6:05 pm with Sherry, and 7:10 to 7:55 pm with Alicia.
• Knock out the belly fat and carve total body definition with Julie W at CORE DE FORCE!  Tuesdays – 5:20 to 6:05 pm.
• Take your fitness to the next level at Fit Camp with Alicia (perfect for the intermediate fitness enthusiast)!  Wednesdays – 6:15 to 7:00 pm.
• By popular demand, Sherry is bringing our member-favourite Butt & Gut class to Morning Classes!  Tuesdays – 9:00 to 9:45 am.
• Get moving on your lunch hour now EVERY week day with fresh and fun workouts – Boot Camp with Sherry, Spin with Julie C, Butt & Gut with Alicia and Circuit with Joan!  Monday thru Friday – 12:15 to 12:45 pm.

 
We like to encourage our members to try a class they have never attended before.  You never know – sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone to try something new can be the best thing you do for your health and fitness routine!
 
Whether you’re already an Inspired Warrior or are new to the studio, it’s important to remember a few things before diving into a new class:
 

• Wear comfortable workout attire for the discipline and proper footwear.
• Give your body time to adapt to the exercise.
• Drink water before, during and after exercise to prevent dehydration and muscle cramps.
• If you arrive late or leave early, you should still warm-up, cool-down and stretch.
• Notify your instructor if you have any special conditions or concerns.

 
As always, we are grateful for you trusting in us to help you meet your fitness goals.  Inspire to do more, to be more, to achieve more!

Sherry and Joan were downtown at Molly Bloom’s this afternoon to provide the warm-up for teams setting out on the Heart & Stroke Big Bike.  This amazing community event raises funds to support critical heart disease and stroke research across Canada.  Last year, more than 70,000 riders in over 200 communities across Canada raised over $8 million for research!  We were so proud to play a small part in such a meaningful event.
 
If you would like more information on the Heart & Stroke Big Bike Event, please visit:
https://secure-support.heartandstroke.ca/site/SPageServer/?pagename=BB2018_home&s_locale=en_CA#_ga=2.46871982.803515748.1525135442-525173816.1524892454.

We loved seeing everyone dressed up in their bright colours for Inspired by Colour Week and had so much fun celebrating health, fitness and life with you!
 
To all who donated to the Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice, a sincere THANK YOU!  With your enthusiastic participation, we raised over $700.00!  Your generous support will help the Hospice create a compassionate place where all who enter are warmly welcomed and cared for at no cost; a comfortable place to provide the better ending we all deserve.
 
And remember, you can always participate in our ongoing fundraising efforts for the Hospice by taking part in DJ for Dollars.  For a $10 donation, you can groove to your own playlist at Boot Camp.
 
“Giving is not just about making a donation.  It is about making a difference.” ~ Kathy Calvin

Our CORE DE FORCE demo was a huge success!  We had a full house of Inspired Warriors punching, kicking and sweating their way to a knockout body!  This fabulous weekly program, led by our new fitness instructor, Julie Witzel, begins on Tuesday, May 1st from 5:20 to 6:05 pm.  If you want to achieve amazing results without lifting a single weight, this is the workout for you!

April is always an exciting month for us at the studio since we will be hosting our 4th Annual Inspired by Colour Week!  This week is a unique and fun way to celebrate health, fitness and life by lighting up the studio with colour.  And this year, we are especially pleased to partner again with Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice to raise funds for a wonderful cause.  Members are invited to make a donation to the Hospice and will, in turn, receive a ballot for a fabulous daily door prize.  As well, all drop-in fees that week will be donated to the Hospice.
 
Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice exists to provide a needed alternative to institutional care facilities and home care; a place where palliative care individuals, as well as their loved ones, are supported through their end-of-life journeys.  All donations will make an impact by providing:
 

• Better end-of-life care for people that provides a one-stop service for those with a life-limiting illness.
• Better support for caregivers, family and friends.
• Better, more coordinated care across the entire healthcare system.
• Better awareness and understanding of hospice palliative care.

 
Besides feeling good about yourself for doing something for others, giving back is also good for your physical health.  Doing for others may stimulate the release of endorphins, which has been linked to improved nervous and immune system functions!  Research has shown that the good feelings you experience when helping others may be just as important to your health as exercise and a healthy diet.
 
Giving back in all shapes and forms strengthens our community, brings people together and provides us with valuable experience and insight.  It feels good to make a difference!  It feels good to give!
 
For more information about Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice, please visit:  http://www.stratfordperthhospice.ca/.

We had such a great time at the first of our Mommy & Me Fitness Classes today!  If you missed out on joining this session, you can always sign-up for our next session which starts on May 2nd.