Inside The Polished Apple

I have a fear of heights and a plan to hike the West Coast Trail this summer.  The trail just happens to have numerous ladders, suspension bridges and cable cars, so I need to get over my fear. Fast! So I did the only logical thing and booked us a Beginner Lesson at the Calgary Climbing Centre , which is located just minutes from our home and office. While I thought we'd be learning how to climb (yes, but not really), what we were really learning was how to get the harness on properly, how to tie our rope to our harness, how the belay system works (and how to properly and safely hook that on) and how to communicate succinctly when you are climbing and belaying. Once that's all figured out, then you get to climb. By the way, the lesson was excellent and we had a great teacher.  I conveniently have NO photos of me clinging to the rope. Once I was hooked up, climbing up the wall was okay-picking the easy holds of course. The torture for ...

Did you know that 90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by movement of the spine? When you move your body, you also move your spine, so let's share a few ways that you can get active here in Bowness, nice and near the office! As many of you know, I am in the middle of a 180 Day challenge to prepare for the West Coast Trail this summer. Here are some of the close options that I've found (or plan to soon explore!) The stairs up to Greenwood Village are the ones I'm working on first-130'ish steps per set. Amazing lower body and cardio workout! (Bowfort Road/ 83 rd Street and 33 rd Ave NW) Mountain Fitness offers Fitness in the Community at the Bowness Community Association to help you condition for your outdoor sport. Slow Flow Vinyasa Yoga with TerraSoul also at the Bowness Community Association. More yoga you say? Try out one of the many classes at Yoga in Bowness, or an aerial class or family class at Bowga. ...