Locally Owned and Operated..Celebrating Issue No. 120 February 7, 2016
Wasaga Beach Brewing Company Gets Set For The Launch.... Where's The Beer?
Wasaga Beach Brewing Company partners: Mike Boyle; Marketing Director, David Cubitt; President, Peter Wilkins;Vice-President. Absent from photo Eric Mitchell; Creative Director.
Wasaga Beach, ON: February 03, 2016 – Where's the Beer? - has been the topic of conversation for over 8 months now and all that is about to come to a grinding halt. “This has been a constant question for us, and I am pleased to finally answer that burning question” states Company President David Cubitt. After the Company being incorporated in 2014, The Town of Wasaga Beach was first exposed to Wasaga Beach Brewing Company on Canada Day, 2015. The company introduced their clothing line alongside their Retro Custom RV, while simultaneously launching their Facebook Page and today have more than 1,000 followers. “We wanted to introduce our name and brand concept to the Town and Canada Day was just a perfect time to do so” says Vice President Peter Wilkins. “We were able to establish ourselves and set our course for our major launch in Spring 2016” Mr. Wilkins goes on to say. The Company has developed their own recipe for their first beer, named Beach One Cerveza. “We are excited to get our beer into the hands of the public, as this has been a long time coming. We know the reaction will be very positive” Cubitt says. Beach One Cerveza is set to be in the local LCBO & Beer Stores in the Spring, as well as flowing in the local restaurants & bars. “The local restaurants & bars have been very receptive to carrying our beer, as they have had customers asking for it” Wilkins states. On Sept, 22, 2015, Wasaga Beach Brewing Company made a presentation to Town Council stating that the company wants to work with the Town to generate and market, a positive perception of Wasaga Beach, in order to grow tourism this year. “We at the Wasaga Beach Brewing Company, feel that it is important for us to contribute to the Town in such a way, that we create a positive awareness about both the Town and Wasaga Beach Brewing Company. Our ultimate goal is to build and grow our town, as we build and grow our Town's Beer Company” says David Cubitt. The company plans to introduce a “Resident Rewards Program” whereby incentives for residents of the Town of Wasaga Beach can be used toward local promotions, to befriend the Town's residential population and promote other retailers that carry their beer and clothing.
The company strategically has a built in Marketing & Media Group, to give them the edge needed in such a competitive category. “This enables us to create inhouse marketing campaigns through multi-media concepts, including targeting specific audiences and demographics” states Mike Boyle, the company's Marketing Director. “We are really excited about this opportunity, as we plan to promote both Beach One Cerveza and the Town of Wasaga Beach that will include a launch campaign to be announced next month” states Eric Mitchell, the company's Creative Director. The launch will include a campaign for the Town of Wasaga Beach, to generate tourism into the Town for the summer. “With exposure outside the Town borders, we can create some excitement for the Town” says Mitchell. Wasaga Beach Brewing Company is already in conversation with local event organizers, to show support and build relationships to generate tourism into the Town. Cubitt goes on to say “This is about working together and everybody doing well in the Town”. The company has already been working with Wasaga Film Festival in acquiring Bobby Curtola to be presenting and performing at the Red Carpet Gala Awards on April 30, 2016. “We are happy that we can work together and bring a Canadian Icon to Wasaga Beach and support this Annual Event” says Cubitt. Wasaga Beach Brewing Company feels a real sense of positive support and looks forward to creating a genuine relationship with ALL our partners, as we build a foundation together that will promote the great Town of Wasaga Beach.
WASAGA!!! (That's how we say Cheers around here)
See Story Wasaga Film Festival and Bobby Curtola on Page 8
Breakfast Wasaga Beach Lions Club Bingo every Friday evening. Up to $5000 in prizes..New!!$1500 Jackpot Game. RecPlex Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Contact: Wasaga Beach Lions Club at 705-429-3331 Wasaga Beach Toastmasters meet every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Wasaga Beach Public Library. For more information call 429-6416 or 429-5464. February 9 - Pancake Tuesday Location: Sunset Grill, 25 Stonebridge Blvd., Unit #4. $1.00 for every pancake sold will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society. Members of the community and Town Council will be volunteering their expertise in flipping pancakes. 97.7 The Beach will be broadcasting live from Sunset Grill. Come out for breakfast or lunch and support the Canadian Cancer Society!! For more information call Sunset Grill at 705-429-8787 February 10 - Cork & Canvas Location: Wild Wing Wasaga Beach, 321 Main Street, Unit 3. Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Cost: $20.00 - Canvas, paints, instructor and a glass of wine. Be creative and paint your own tropical paradise. No experience required. Please register by Friday Feb. 5 at Wild Wing Wasaga Beach. Spaces Limited please call 705-429-8400 February 25 - Business After 5 Location: Tango Graphics, 1456 Mosley Street. Time: 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Networking, auction prizes, delicious food and great people! Everyone is welcome! There is no charge to attend and membership is not required. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information contact: Cathy Holland-Hendry, Business After 5 Coordinator and WBWBA - 705-429-1112, cathysflowers@rogers.com
at the Beach
Guest Speaker: Gary Cerantola, P.Eng., MBA, ACCUD. Owner of: Critel Professional Services Chair of The Wasaga Film Festival, Wasaga Society for the Arts The Networking Committee for the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce our next 'Breakfast at the Beach' will be on Thursday, February 11th from 7:30am-9:00 am. The speaker will be Gary Cerantola, owner of Critel Professional Services and Chair of the Wasaga Film Festival and Wasaga Society for the Arts. The breakfast will be held at Waterside Retirement Lodge, 239 Zoo Park Rd, Wasaga Beach. Gary will be talking about how three things come together and how local businesses and citizens can help to make it all happen: Wasaga Society for the Arts A New Wasaga Cultural Centre The Wasaga Film Festival Gary will also talk about how the Wasaga Film Festival is growing and how we can all contribute to make it a KEYSTONE event for Wasaga Beach as it will now fill the entire month of April every year to open up the annual Wasaga Beach Tourism Season earlier in the year and attract visitors and provide a high level of entertainment for our residents and visitors while allowing us to celebrate film achievements of people and businesses from our community and beyond.
Braised Chicken with Green Olives and Lemons This is the perfect dish to make when you are a little short on time but still want to create a delicious tasty meal. Braising works well with the chicken thighs and the flavors are released in the stock to produce a tender, full flavored casserole, in this Moroccan themed entre. I like to serve this stew with Israeli Cous and winter vegetables like squash or turnip.
The 5th annual Wasaga Film Festival to be held during the month of April is promising to be another great event for our town mixed with presentations, entertainment, awards, good food and great times. You will still be able to have your picture taken on the Red Carpet at the RecPlex this year at the Red Carpet Awards Gala to be held April 30th, 2016 at the RecPlex. Wear your glamour best and be prepared to see another Facebook parade of pictures after Gala. The Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Networking Committee are delighted to welcome Gary as our speaker for what we believe will be a very interesting and informative talk on the Wasaga Society for the Arts, the future of having a New Wasaga Cultural Centre and what is in store for the fifth annual Wasaga Film Festival.
2 Tbsp Olive oil 8 boneless chicken thighs To confirm your attendance for this breakfast and to obtain more 2 onions diced information, contact Trudie McCrea at the Wasaga Beach Chamber of 1/2 tsp black pepper Commerce at 705-429-2247. 3 garlic cloves minced $15.00 Members - $18.00 Non-Members 1/2 tsp hot pepper flakes 1 lemon cut into slices or wedges 1/2 cup green olives 1 1/2 cups diced potatoes 1 1/2 cups chicken broth 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp cinnamon 2 tsp smoked paprika Heat oil in a large skillet. Brown chicken in the oil and transfer to a bowl. Return the pan to a medium heat and add the onions and pepper and cook for about 1 minute. Stir in the potatoes, garlic, hot pepper, cumin, cinnamon olives, paprika and broth. Top with the browned chicken thighs and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked. Discard the lemon wedges and stir in the cilantro. Serve on its own or with Israeli couscous Israeli couscous is larger than traditional couscous, and it is usually cooked like pasta by being boiled or toasted Boiled couscous 6 cups of boiling water 1 cup of couscous 2 tbsp salt 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp butter 1/4 cup parmesan cheese Add 1 cup couscous to the salted boiling water. Add the olive oil to prevent it sticking together. Cook for about 8 minutes until "al dente" Drain well, toss with butter and parmesan. Serve immediately
Wasaga Beach Hopes To Be Home To Regional Hospital by Joe Bickerstaff In April of 2015, during a public meeting about the future of the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital, Hospital CEO Guy Chartrand stated “all options are on the table for location” if the continued planning process determines a new hospital site is required. The long overdue renovations and expansion of the existing health facility could take place at the current location off Hume Street in Collingwood, but there would certainly be challenges to continue servicing the community during extensive remodeling and/or expansion and there are space restrictions as well at that location. On February 2nd, The Town of Wasaga Beach stepped up to the plate and announced it was putting forward 25 acres of fully-serviced property at the western end of Ramblewood Drive at Lyons Court, close to 26 Hwy in Wasaga Beach as a potential site for a redeveloped regional hospital. The proposed site is very central in the region the hospital would service. It has been agreed by Wasaga Beach Council, the town would donated the land, although only about 50% of the property is currently owned by the town. An agreement is in place with the private landowner (Zancor Homes) for the town to purchase the remaining property for $4.5 million if the land is deemed appropriate and the hospital wants the property. Mayor Brian Smith commented “Having a hospital centrally located to the region it serves, with excellent highway access, will be beneficial to the entire area. It is important to note that the donation of land will only occur if this site is selected for a new regional hospital.” Hospital CAO Chartrand called it a “very generous offer.” Wasaga Beach Councillor Ron Anderson, a member of the hospital board, says he believes Wasaga Beach has a good chance to be chosen as host to a new hospital, due to a high population of seniors. He said “We have to do our best efforts to try to do that because it would be a huge boon to this town,” .
INSURANCE MATTERS Winter tires beneficially affect all of us. Proper tires mean fewer collisions, fewer injuries and deaths and the Insurance industry recognizes this. As a result, effective January 1, 2016, a new Winter Tire discount on your car insurance is available. This Ontario wide discount ranges from 2% to 5% off most, but not all, of your insurance costs. The vast majority of Insurers are providing the discount now, however a few (sadly) demand their customers wait until their car insurance policy renews, which could be months down the road.
Insurance companies do require a few things to verify the discount including all 4 tires must be recognized as winter tires, proof of purchase or installation and usually a picture of the tires on the car showing the Transport Canada alpine logo - a mountain with a snowflake in it. Call your Broker or Agent to see what documentation is required for your Insurer to award you this discount.This discount is there for the asking- ask for it today! Provided by Ian Vincent R.I.B.(Ont) Executive Director, Special Insurance Operations, Insuranceland
BREAKING : New Toronto Maple Leaf logo unveiled earlier than expected!
Wasaga Beach Paintball Adventure Gearing Up for WFF View &Vote To commemorate with the fifth season of the Wasaga Film Festival, the Public View & Vote will take place at some of our local businesses in town that are members of the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce. The public will have an opportunity to view and vote for their favourite films or videos culminating at the 5th Annual WFF Red Carpet Gala Awards scheduled April 30th, 2016 at the Wasaga Beach RecPlex. One of the businesses that has partnered with the WFF and beachBOOSTER Group is Wasaga Beach Paintball Adventure. Donna and Stephen Langman are thrilled to host the Action and Sportscam categories for the community by inviting the public to their world-class facility located at 3600 Vigo Road in Elmvale on April 16th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. “I've attended most of the festivals from its inception and watched it grown. The whole idea is ingenious from a business standpoint. You not only have the gala event you also have the online, view and vote, people interested in videography and other things they want to videotape, all of that coming together on the medium where most individuals are now viewing and doing things online,” said Langman, Owner of WB Paintball Adventure. Apart from the overall winner of these categories being announced at the gala awards, the event will also feature a “special cash award” to a WB Paintball Adventure film and video entrant judged to be the winner of the day by a selected panel of appointed judges. WB Paintball Adventure is offering a cash prize of $300 to be spent in their pro shop. “I'm excited they have the opportunity to win that award and then it will be carried over to the gala,” expressed Langman. This WFF Public View &Vote Action/Sportscam categories will be in conjunction with an Annual WB Paintball Adventure “Feed the Needy” fundraiser event held the third Saturday in April of every year. Langman said they have been associated with this mission work with the Dominican Republic since 2002 in raising money. “We became involved in the Dominican Feed the Kids in a village we helped create actually. It is to provide food bundles for family feeding young children and elderly. We take our profits from our sale on that day (April 16th) and donate to the Dominican Feed the Kids. Some years were very profitable where we were able to buy them a vehicle.” WB Paintball Adventure has been in operation for 23years they began their business underneath the water tower and purchased land in 2004 on Virgo Road to build a 20,000 square foot indoor facility and created a 70-acres of wooded terrain themed areas. They offer birthday parties, family reunion, stag and stagette parties. This facility attracts over 13,000 people during the year from Toronto, Brampton, Owen Sound, Flesherton, Muskoka, Orillia and as far away from California to the east coast. For more information visit wasagapaintball.com and social media.
ŸALIEN: You Earthlings have many technological advances. How do you predict the weather? ME: We pull a rodent out of a box. ŸI live somewhere between playing my cards right & not playing with a full deck. ŸWell I was right. The reason that oil prices are going down is to kill off electric cars etc. ŸI sure hope my wife sees her shadow in the morning. Or its 6 more weeks of nagging. ŸShe saw her shadow. I get six more weeks of nagging. ŸI'm so happy the American election will be over today. ŸIf I was a Jedi there is a 100% chance that I would use the Force inappropriately. ŸHow scary stories will be told in the future: “..and that's when he realized HE FORGOT TO ENABLE WIFI AND WATCHED 5 SEASONS USING HIS DATA PLAN.” **everyone screams in terror** ŸWell, well, well, if it isn’t another worst-case scenario. ŸIf you'd like to be left alone just carry a doll everywhere you go. ŸAttention Walmart Shoppers ------- There is someone dressed appropriately in aisle 8 ŸRoses are red, Facebook is blue, No mutual friends, Who the hell are you? ŸIm boycotting the Oscars, so dont waste your time inviting me. ŸSomeone needs to invent an alarm clock that, if you hit snooze more than three times, will call in sick for you. ŸNext time you're in a hospital elevator, calmly ask a stranger if they know what floor you should get off at for infectious diseases. ŸPeople think I'm some kind of wizard because I can start a car by blowing in a tube. ŸIt's bad enough when the little voices in my head talk to me. But now they are texting. ŸMiddle Age---When you sit at home and Saturday night and the phone rings and you really hope it's not for you... ŸMy boss questioned my enthusiasm today. I can't believe he woke me up just to tell me that. ŸNoticed this morning that I have the body of a Greek GOD! Old, obsolete, and something that no one is interested in anymore. ŸLive today like it's your last! But pay your bills and use a condom just in case it isn't. ŸToday is a great day. The mailman just delivered me an Iron Maiden cassette, which finally fulfills my Columbia House commitment. ŸChess says everything about men and women. The King has to take things one step at a time, while the Queen can do whatever the hell she wants. ŸJust once on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition", I'd like to hear someone in the family say, "This isn't quite what I had in mind.” ŸI got a box of Animal Crackers the other day, and the box said, WARNING "Do Not Eat if Seal is Broken". I open the box, and Dianna Chycki is host of Beach Corner and Cosure enough...
chair of the Wasaga Film Festival. Beach Corner broadcast weekly Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Beach Corner sponsored by Exchanging Vows Bridal Boutique.
Page 5 beach BOOSTER
TIPPING POINT Changing Wasaga Beach Lives
David Harrison Shop Owner / Mechanic
GARY CERANTOLA gary@beachBOOSTER.com
Wiarton April is Film Festival Month in Wasaga Beach
Antique & Classic
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Doug J. Adams 1-888-EVALUE8 (382-5838) Local (705) 429-4556 djadamsevalue8@yahoo.ca
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Beachers have a lot to look forward to in April this year. There’s a new brand for the Wasaga Film Festival and a new approach to make film fun in our town. The biggest change this year for the 5th annual Wasaga Film Fest is that it’s happening outside of snow storm season so you won’t have to shovel your driveway and scrape off your vehicle to get to the events this year. There’s more to see and more to do. There is more to Public View and Voting this time. There will be a variety of things to enjoy such as listening to a few live bands at the Music Video Category Public View and Vote. The Public View and Vote Events will be events on to themselves culminating at the Red Carpet Gala Awards to be held at the RecPlex, Saturday, April 30th, 2016. Tickets for the Gala are $25.00 each. You get to wear your glamour best duds, be entertained and have a few hors d’oeuvres, buy your favourite person a drink at the bar and take a fancy picture at our Red Carpet station to impress your friends on Facebook. This night is touted as one of Wasaga Beach’s finest evening’s to attend. The Red Carpet Gala Awards ceremonies will feature all of the category award winners and provide a celebration to remember. As far as the Public View and Vote Film Category Events, we will open up Wasaga Beach in April this year instead of the May long weekend. Make a point to invite your out of town friends, relatives, colleagues to attend all our Public View and Vote events and our Gala. It’s really word of mouth on a personal basis that gets visitors coming to our town. The more visitors we attract the more successful the events will become and the more support the Wasaga Film Festival will garner in grants and funding sponsors. Tickets to each Public View and Vote Film Category Events will be $5 each at the door. We will be offering a $50 VIP Pass which includes passes for two people for Friends of the Festival that grant access to all of the Public View & Vote venues. Your Friends of the Festival registration will help build the Wasaga Film Festival and keep you on our mailing list where we will update you on all of the up and coming WFF events planned through the year as the WFF promotes more events in the summer months and into the fall. Here’s the Schedule: April 2nd, Doors open at 12:45 pm: Documentary Category Public View & Vote, at the Wasaga Public Library 120 Glenwood Drive, Wasaga Beach April 6th, Doors open at 6:00 pm: International Category Public View & Vote, at the Waterside Retirement Lodge, 239 Zoo Park Road, Wasaga Beach April 7th, Doors open at 6:00 pm: National Category Public View & Vote, at the Waterside Retirement Lodge, 239 Zoo Park Road, Wasaga Beach April 8th, Doors open at 6:00 pm: Youth Film Category Public View & Vote, at the Simcoe Street Theatre, 65 Simcoe Street, Collingwood April 9th, Doors open at 6:00 pm: Business Video Ad Category Public View & Vote, at Upstairs Stars Arena Hall, 425 River Rd W, Wasaga Beach April 16th, Doors open at 1:00 pm: Action and Sportscam Categories Public View & Vote, at the Wasaga Beach Paintball Adventure, 3600 Vigo Road, Elmvale April 20th, Doors open at 6 pm: National Canadian Film Day at the Waterside Retirement Lodge 239 Zoo Park Road, Wasaga Beach (Free Admission) April 23rd, Doors open at 6:00 pm: Music Video Category Public View & Vote, at the Wasaga Beach RecPlex, Oakview Room, 1724 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach at 6:00 pm April 30th, Doors open at 6:00 pm: Red Carpet Gala Awards, at the Wasaga Beach RecPlex, Halls 1A & 1B, 1724 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach at 6:00 “Be the Beach”, send me your thoughts and comments at Gary@beachBOOSTER.com. Your efforts count in making this community the preferred place in which to live, work and play. Gary is president of Critel Professional Services, www.critel.ca, chairs the Wasaga Society for the Arts and the Wasaga Film Festival. Gary also lives, works and plays in Wasaga Beach.
Approx. 2,300. In Amabel Township, Bruce County, on Colpoy’s Bay off Georgian Bay and Hwy. 6 and County Rds 21 & 26, 33 km NorthWest of Wiarton. The first settler was James Lennox, who arrived in 1866. Three years later when lots were offered for sale, B.B. Miller, a Scot who had been teaching school in Arran and Elderslie and who had stores in Paisley and Oxenden, arrived. Miller may not have been the first settler, but he rapidly became involved in the community’s affairs. He opened a hotel, took charge of the post office, and held the offices of clerk of the First Division Court, the Indian lands agent, the first police magistrate, and the town’s first reeve and mayor. When the post office was established in 1868, the community was called Wiarton after the English birthplace of Sir Edmund Walker Head, governor general of Canada at the time the Bruce Peninsula was surveyed. Wiarton’s nickname is “Gateway to the Bruce Peninsula.”
Wiarton Willie was a Canadian groundhog who lived in the community of Wiarton in Bruce County, Ontario. Every February 2, on Groundhog Day, Willie took part in the local Wiarton Willie Festival. His role is to predict whether there will be an early spring. Although the original Wiarton Willie died, the Wiarton Groundhog Day celebrations continue each year with successors of the original Willie, also referred to as "Wiarton Willie." Groundhog Day, featuring Wiarton Willie, is a popular annual festival in Wiarton and is similar to events in other locations in North America. A midwinter celebration involving an animal with predictive powers was an element of Celtic culture. The link between weather prediction and the day is said to have been inspired by an old Scottish couplet: "If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there'll be two winters in the year."
Front view of the Wiarton Willie Statue in Wiarton Ontario. Erected in 1996 in Bluewater Park.
Page 6 beach BOOSTER
Bingo Jackpot $1500
Volleyball Tournaments Are Happening at Wasaga Beach RecPlex
Up to $5000 in Prizes Jackpot now $1500
Listen to the Podcast available now! Wasaga Beach Recreation Coordinator Josh Pallas joins Ron McGoey and Bill Frieday to talk Volleyball and other Sports taking place at the RecPlex, Sports Park and Beach 2. Good information for everyone especially Adults in our community. B.A.T.S. Beach Adult Team Sports. Listen to "Larry Doesn't Play Here Anymore!" Go to www.BeachBOOSTERradio.com and Click on "Podcasts" Photo Courtesy Enrique Photo Art
Our first get-together was a BIG success so we're making it a regular event on the second Friday of each month NEXT 'OPEN MIC' NIGHT Friday, February 12th 2016 @ 7pm Musicians, singers, poets, comedians Soloists, duets, small groups - you name it! Open to everyone Mikes & amps available If you can't sing etc., come and listen to the performers and have a coffee. Contact: Bruce 705 429 4573
Bobby Curtola Canada’s Rock & Roll Legend Coming to The Beach! The Wasaga Film Festival is very excited to announce that Canada’s own Rock & Roll Legend will be attending this year’s festival as a presenter and will perform at the Red Carpet Gala on April 30, 2016 at the Wasaga Beach RecPlex. Bobby Curtola is presented by Wasaga Beach Brewing Company With over 25 Gold Single Records and the massive success of his signature song “Fortune Teller” that sold 2.5 million records worldwide, Bobby Curtola is still performing for his loyal fans at sold out concerts. Mr. Curtola will also be a Special Guest at the intimate, invitation only Wasaga Film Festival Pre-Party for presenters, artists, sponsors and other VIPs. Special thanks to Wasaga Film Festival partners, the Wasaga Beach Brewing Company for arranging Bobby Curtola’s participation in this year’s festival. Beach BOOSTER Media Group is a proud sponsor of the 2016 Wasaga Film Festival. For more information please visit: www.wasagafilmfest.com Joe Bickerstaff
Fit and Healthy in The Beach
AM I JUST HUNGRY OR DID EVERYBODY ELSE SEE FRIED CHICKEN AT FIRST TOO?
Expert answers to your health and wellness questions by Jessica Brown Question: The popular activity trackers overwhelm me! I don’t have a smart phone nor am I very computer savvy. Is there one out there that would be good for someone like me? Answer: Most of the popular activity trackers do require you to sync the device to your smartphone or computer in order to track data and utilize all of the features the device has to offer such as sleep activity, calories burned, and heart rate. If simply tracking movement is your primary focus and you’re interested in a device that doesn’t require additional technology, the tried-and-true pedometer is the way to go. A pedometer senses your body motion and counts your footsteps. This count is converted into distance by knowing the length of your usual stride. Some of the best pedometers can calculate more than just steps. Without the need to sync to a computer, you might find a pedometer that also displays distance, calories burned, speed, and steps per minute or function as a stopwatch or clock. Wearing a pedometer and recording steps is a great motivating tool to keep moving daily and it’s as easy as clipping the pedometer to your belt and heading out the door. Question: I have trouble remembering to stretch after my workouts. Is it really that important, and if so, what am I missing by not doing it regularly? Answer: Yes, stretching is a very important part of an overall fitness routine. In fact, it’s just as important as strength training and cardiovascular conditioning, though many individuals don’t adhere to a regular program like they do with these other forms of exercise. Stretching offers numerous benefits, including injury prevention, an increased efficiency of movement and
improved blood flow and nutrient delivery to the joints. It also improves muscle coordination, overall balance and postural alignment. It can even help to alleviate muscle soreness and stress after a workout. These are pretty impressive results for just a few minutes of relaxation. Unfortunately, people always seem to be crunched for time, and stretching is usually the first thing to go. In order to make it a consistent part of your training regimen, you need plan for it. Reserve the last ten minutes of your session for stretching, and try not to let your schedule get in the way. After all, you wouldn’t normally cut your lifting or cardio sessions short, would you?
About the author: Jessica Brown is the Member Experience Manager at Anytime Fitness in Wasaga Beach, Alliston & Orillia. She studied Fitness & Health Promotion at Durham College, where she became certified as a CSEPCertified Personal Trainer. To submit a question for future articles, please contact the author at jessica.brown@anytimefitness.com