June @ Oaktree! 💪 Fitness & Father's Day 💪

Subject: June @ Oaktree! 💪 Fitness & Father's Day 💪

June @ Oaktree!

Fitness and

Fathers Day!!

By Veronique Savoie,

Orleans and Downtown Acupuncturist

Though the official first day of summer is still a few weeks away, we can look forward to some warm beautiful months ahead.

I don’t know about you, but this weather definitely makes me want to spend some time outdoors. This month's theme is about fitness, and what better way to stay fit than moving your body outside! For those of you who find it difficult to get motivated to stay fit, this season is always a good boost. Going for a hike in Gatineau park is a wonderful way to explore serene scenery and get some cardio in. There are many opportunities to do some outdoor yoga in the city and keep those limbs limber. And let’s not forget the importance of muscle building. We tend to lose muscle mass as we grow older and forget to do actual strengthening exercises. Joining a gym is always an option, and I myself go a few times a week, but if going to a gym is a no go, investing in some light weights or using your own body weight in resistance training is something I strongly recommend. Even when I go hiking, every 15 minutes or so I add some squats or lunges to push my body even more.

So when you think of fitness, mixing up cardio, stretching, and strengthening is key.

And fitness isn’t only about physicality! Mental fitness should also be a focus. Read a book, download an app with daily lectures, learn a new skill. There are so many ways to increase your mental strength and finding what works best for you should never feel like a chore. We are fortunate to live in an age where information is everywhere.

I would also like to wish all the papas out there Happy Father’s Day! This year we celebrate our dads on June 16th. We just spoiled our moms in May, and they very much deserve it. But let’s not forget about our dad’s that drive us to sport practices, take care of the yard, somehow know how to “fix” everything in the house (though sometimes not properly but we wouldn’t tell them that).

Thank you dads for everything you do.

Happy June everyone!

Veronique RAc

By Dr. Marie-Pier, Stittsville Chiropractor.

In honour of June being our month of fitness, I wanted to share my journey with it in hopes to inspire some of you who also struggle in feeling like they don't like to exercise.

When I was doing my undergrad in Kinesiology, we had a few classes that took us in the gym to get us moving and measure different aspects of exercise (like our maximum heart rate or VO2 max). To say I didn't like these classes is an understatement. I never understood the appeal of going to the gym and lifting weights or running on a treadmill. I just didn't get it, particularly when someone would inevitably mention "runner's high" or how addicting it was to move your body. Being active in my young adulthood (beyond just going for a walk) was not something I ever did, which is a bit surprising considering my childhood of competitive gymnastics and swimming.

Fast forward a few years to chiropractic school, and I was still the same - I never stepped foot inside the gym at the school, but I did eventually commit to swimming twice a week during my last year and a half there, so at least that was something! Fast forward again to after graduation, and I stopped moving my body intentionally again. It wasn't until a few years later that it all changed.

Now don't get me wrong - I knew the incredible importance of movement, I just struggled to find what was right for me and the motivation to actually do it. I was still young and healthy, and even if I knew that it would eventually come crashing down around me if I didn't do something about it, I struggled to actually do something about it.

It wasn't until I met Sam, owner of the gym Between The Bumpers in Stittsville, that it all changed. I got to know the incredible community that he built, and that I eventually became a part of. His gym is different than what I had always pictured - I didn't want to go to the gym by myself, come up with a whole workout by myself, and feel stupid for not knowing how to use all the different equipment. At Between The Bumpers, he showed all the different exercises with the equipment before I joined the group classes - that way I knew what I was doing and wouldn't feel foolish in front of others. There's always a coach there to give you tips on how to improve and guide you so you don't injure yourself. And the group class means we're all in it together - and we push ourselves and each other to do our best every day!

The gym became a big part of my life, and while I don't go every day of the week, I still make it a priority to go every week to move my body and build muscle. Even on the days I don't feel like it, it is now a part of my routine - it's easy to not feel motivated to do it, but if you build it into your schedule, it's way easier to get it done.

Movement, strength, and that gym have become such a big part of my life over the last few years that I wanted to incorporate even more of it into my life - so when Sam and I talked about my hosting a Postpartum Rehab class there, it was a no-brainer. I was able to bring a much-needed program to the community that I love to serve.

The point to this story is this - there is no one option that is right for everyone. Big gyms like Goodlife (while there being absolutely nothing wrong with them) just aren't for me. And if that sounds like you too, know that there are other options out there for you! Take this as your push to find something - whatever it might be - and get your body moving! Even if you're not sure where to start, you can talk to your friends or even us, and we might be able to help point you in the right direction.

CLINIC CLOSURES

Lisgar

Dr. Emilie and Martin are off from June 24th to June 28th

No other closures!

Stittsville and Orleans working hard as always :)

CLINIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Elevate Your Fitness Routine This June -- Let's Get Outside!!

By Dr. Vanessa Jalbert-Caputo

With June's arrival comes the invitation to step outside and bask in the the sun. After months of chilly weather, it's time to embrace the great outdoors and infuse your fitness routine with the rejuvenating power of nature. Let the beauty of the outdoors inspire you to elevate your fitness routine and nourish your body, mind, and soul.

I want to share some simple tips to help you make the most of the beautiful weather and get moving outside:

1. Take a Hike: Explore the scenic trails in your area and reconnect with nature while giving your body a fantastic workout. Hiking not only strengthens your muscles but also provides mental clarity and stress relief. Remember to wear proper footwear, stay hydrated, and pack some healthy snacks for fuel along the way.

2. Bike Adventures: Dust off your bicycle and hit the road through your neighbourhood or local bike paths. Cycling is a low-impact exercise that offers cardiovascular benefits and strengthens your leg muscles. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride or an intense workout, biking is a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh air and soak in the sights.

3. Yoga in Nature: Find a peaceful spot in the park or your backyard and roll out your yoga mat for a rejuvenating outdoor practice. The natural surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for mindful movement and deep breathing. Immerse yourself in nature as you flow through sun salutations, stretch your muscles, and find balance both physically and mentally.

5. Swimming: If you're fortunate enough to live near a lake, beach, or have a pool, take advantage of the opportunity to swim in the great outdoors. Swimming is a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, builds endurance, and enhances flexibility. Dive into the refreshing waters and let the rhythm of your strokes synchronize with the soothing sounds of nature.

6. Gardening: Digging, planting, weeding, and watering engage various muscle groups, promoting strength, flexibility, and coordination.

7. Outdoor Circuit Training: Create your own outdoor gym by incorporating bodyweight exercises into a circuit training routine. Choose a few different exercises such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks, and perform each one for a set amount of time or repetitions before moving on to the next. Alternate between strength and cardio exercises to keep your heart rate up and maximize calorie burn.

8. Mindful Walking: Walking mindfully not only improves your physical health but also cultivates a sense of peace and tranquility within.

This June, let the beauty of the outdoors inspire you to elevate your fitness routine and nourish your body, mind, and soul. With these simple tips, getting in shape has never been more enjoyable or accessible.

From the Oaktree Archives today, we're presenting an overview of tips and tricks you can use in the day to day to protect your spine!

If you'd like to read more, the rest of the document can be accessed here!

This month's book recommendation comes from Downtown Chiropractor Dr. Vanessa Jalbert-Caputo. She suggest picking up a copy of Forever Strong by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon. The book offers not only tips for building muscle and burning fat, but methods to boost energy and stay sharp!

The book can be purchased by clicking the link below, and if you're not interested in spending money, her website has several free resources for becoming forever strong!

Share your thoughts about your Oaktree Family using the links below!

LISGAR

ORLEANS

STITTSVILLE

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Subject: June @ Oaktree! 💪 Fitness & Father's Day 💪