Wednesday, September 30, 2009

There is no Number 1 in Teamwork


Today, I witnessed teamwork. I dropped in to the Breast Cancer Foundation office for a meeting. This Saturday, October 3rd is the Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Walk, the opening event of the Breast Cancer Awareness month in October.It was all hands on deck. Swathed in a flurry of pink, people ran to make this event happen...but in the midst of it all,Prudence still had time to listen. Pink Ribbon Spin For Life is a month away. I want to be as ready as I can be to live up to what the day means. And after all our planning, anticipation and hope, we can leave it in the lap of the Gods to decide our success. But I will give it my best shot.Specially after witnessing the teamwork in that office today.
Please join me in wishing them a fantastic opening event, bright skies,smiling faces and smooth running on Saturday morning!
Chris and BCF team, have a wonderful event and we'll try our best to play our part in making the next one just as good!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

RIDING HIGH

Saturday, September 26, 2009

GREAT QUOTE FOR A GREAT CAUSE

The strongest motivating factor of the Spinning program is the search for liberation or independence....It follows that the greatest Spinning instructor is only as great as his or her ability to impart that independence to a participant...

Do you agree?

Friday, September 18, 2009

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN SPIN?

Why not participate in a...
SPINNING® ORIENTATION DAY
ON OCTOBER 5TH - 7TH 2009
Over 25,000 facilities and millions of club members have made the Spinning program the world's most popular indoor group cycling class.
Contact: SingaporeActive Lifestyle Singapore
Blk 970. Toa Payoh North #04-04
Toa Payoh Industrial Estate Singapore
Christopher Jude/Cecilia Goh +65-6252-4766
chris@activelifestyle.com.sg

PINK PSYCHOLOGY

Hot,pale,baby,shocking,fuchsia,rose,cerise,call it what you want, PINK is a powerful colour.
Long associated with the female gender, love, femininity, pink was chosen by the Breast Cancer organisation for its ribbon colour because of its association with women, but it was a surprise to learn more about the colour pink.
After doing a little research about this hue, I found the following:
"Bright pinks, like the color red, stimulate energy and can increase the blood pressure, respiration, heartbeat, and pulse rate. They also encourage action and confidence." Perfect!
So, armed with this new knowledge, let's check our wardrobe department and see what we can come up to add to the spirit on October 31st...!


This is no time for being shy...! There's more below...



Whether you pink it a little or a lot is up to you, have fun with it and we'll look forward to seeing your style on the day!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

SYNCHRO SPIN A LA DUTCH


FREEDOM OF SPINEECH!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Spinning around the world in October 2009

Cincinnati USA is Spinning for a Cure on October 10th.
http://www.spinforthecurecincinnati.com/
Maryland USA bikes for Breast Cancer on September 19th.
http://bike4breastcancer.org/
Australia's Canberra Pink Ribbon Motor ride on October 25th.
http://www.nbcf.org.au/
Tennessee USA Pink Ribbon Century on September 26th.
http://tricitiesroadclub.org/
Nottingham, England Pedal it Pink on October 25th.
http://breastcancercampaign.org/
London to Paris Cycle Ride August 2010!
http://breastcancercampaign.org/
Greece's Race for the Cure
http://raceforthecure-greece.blogspot.com/
Singapore Pink Ribbon Spin for Life October 31st!
http://pinkribbonsingapore.com/
And many many many more....!
So many volunteers....Thank you.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

MEET AND GREET

Just as we greet new participants in our classes, new members to our sports clubs, this post will feature our volunteers over the next few weeks. So look for that friendly pic and send it in team! You will have to refer back to the post to see it grow and develop into Spin For Life live album!

This is Valerie (right), she says:"Fitness is a way of life for me and cycling indoors and outdoors are both my passion. I am glad to be able to do my part for a worthy cause like the Pink Ribbon Spin for Life Ride, doing something that I absolutely love - cycling! Spinning is a fantastic program that works. It's fun and challenging. Been doing it for the past few years, both as a participant and as an instructor. No regrets and no plans to stop at all. Try it! Join us for the ride:)
Meet Mitch! (Left), she shares:"...My mum passed away caused by cancer and I hope I can contribute to this foundation and awareness..." Mitch spins regularly in Martin's Spin classes at True Fitness. She also has found a balance in her life by attending Yoga classes at True Yoga on a regular basis.
Mitch hopes to start teaching Spinning one day..She will be spinning into the evening so join her and the rest of our team for a fantastic start to a Saturday night!


This is Serene(right)..."Stories of Breast Cancer
Survivorsalways inspire me.These stories often
remind me how life can be fragile and can be like a hurdle race.
These brave women conquered their fear and with perseverance,
they finished the race with dignity.Giving my timeas a team rider
at Spin for Life in support of the Breast Cancer Foundation is fulfilling.
Striking a healthy and balanced life style is essential.
As a full-time homemaker and mom, I see the importance of incorporating exercise into my daily routine.At 41, I have never
felt BETTER!Join us @ Spin for Life.Let us have the honor to
INSPIRE you.


Meet Joyce(left),she shares:"I always feel fortunate that i'm able to be a volunteer as I enjoy all exercises from hiking to Taiji. Cycling is my passion, since very young, I picked up an adult bike whenever possible even if was too small to ride on it! Though I did not put in a lot of time in this activity when young due to other reasons,I am so glad that I'm still able to ride as a long distance cyclist now..."
Welcome to our volunteering team Joyce, and thank you for being there...!

This is Li Lian (right), she says:"I only started exercising after graduation and exercise has since become part of my life.I was a part time aerobic instructor a few years back for a period of 2 years, and had enjoyed those classes.Only started spinning while working in Melbourne 3 years ago, and realised that it was such an enjoyable activity, especially with the fast paced music.It is such a good way to de-stress after a stressful day at work. Now, besides Tennis and jogging, I'll make it a point to attend 2 spinning sessions a week, together with my gym routine. Exercise has become such an integral part of my life and I'll feel so lethargic if I have to miss it for one reason or another.Glad to be able to take part in this year's Pink Ribbon Spin for Life by contributing my time and doing what I enjoy. Hope to be able to influence more Singaporeans to pick up this exercise that is so beneficial and yet enjoyable!"...

Meet Izara(left).."I first took up exercise at the age of 32. All thanks to my dear friend Katia. It's now part of my daily life and I couldn't be without it. It's helped me to loose 30lb's in weight and I now have the body that I never thought I would be able to regain after children. On top of that I have a new group of wonderful gym friends who motivate, inspire and help reaffirm my self-confidence. I love spinning because it's a low impact exercise that builds up my mid and lower level strength while also increasing my overall level of endurance. And best of all, it's great fun, especially when doing with friends and your favorite music playing. Having a great instructor gives the motivation to take your body to new levels of achievement, ensuring you get the most out of your exercise class....See you on 31st!

Sherrin(right),has donated a lot of her time at our event..Thank you Sherrin. She says: "I attended my 1st spinning class in 2005...Being a volunteer in various events like OCBC Cycling 2009, J.P Morgan Corporate Run 2009, Tri-Factor etc., it's a brand new experience to be a volunteer for Pink Ribbon Spin for Life, where I may give support to those less fortunate.Beside running, jogging and cycling on the road, attending spinning class at California Fitness at least once a week has become routine to me now. It's really fantastic after 1 hour of cycling on a stationary bike. With the wonderful music and instructor's encouragement, I feel like flying whenever I cycle...It also improves my stamina in running and help to build my core muscles"...

This is Patricia, (left)... Mum of Cheyenne and Chelsea, I have been fortunate enough to witness some of Pat's "transformation"..Read on...
"A comment by a Physician back in 2006 pushed me into transformation mode. Suffering from migraine for 2 years, endless visits to the neurologist resulting in acunpuncture, I realized I’d had enough of dependency on pain killers & needles.In June 2006, I decided to be a 'new me'. To lead a healthy life was my initial objective. Never would I have dreamt that it would grow into what my friends called it 'obsess' with fitness! From zero activity to training 6 days a week, I'm not the same person I was. To add variety and excitement to my regime, I joined the gym Group Exercises classes: Spinning, pumping, combating, cardio shaping, jamming, I tried it all.I take part in various races to keep training consistently. During a race at East Coast Park ,I saw an inspirational note painted on the pavement “The person you are challenging with is not the one in front of you, behind you nor beside you, it is inside you”. Wow, that inspired me to want to do more! I learnt to ride, swim in open water and I have completed an aquathlon, duathlon & triathlon this year. The pain is temporary but the pride is forever. I now look forward to my first marathon. The benefits of exercise far outweigh the challenges.I'm healthier, I have a new wardrobe and new self esteem.I sleep less but my energy level is endless. I discovered that the body is amazing, it is designed to feel stress and reacts to it.My transformation has motivated my life partner to pick up where he left off.Today, we train and race together.Best of all, I have not visited my neurologist nor TCM for the past 2 years. Decide today to take care of yourself. How to find time? Simply put, you just need to find it..."

Amy (right)has wonderful energy and enthusiasm in her teaching style and we are so glad to have her as a volunteer, Thanks Amy!" Having to wake up every morning knowing that you are healthy is a blessing. Being able to have the chance to work yourself to better heath and being fit is a bonus. I started Spinning about 5 years ago to add more variety to my workout routine. I loved it so much that I went one step further and became a Spinning instructor! Come and join me in the Pink Ribbon SPin For Life and make it a meaningful ride!"
This is Patrick, our first person to volunteer...Thank you Patrick for your time...
"My love for Spinning started 5 years ago in California Fitness centre after trying out a session in Raffles Place branch. Since then, I have been Spinning at least 2 times aweek. I also cycle on the weekend with friends of Team Fitness Yew Tee in the South western part of Singapore, covering between 70 to 90km. I love Spinning because it builds up my strength, endurance and stamina for my weekend cycling. It also gives me satisfication when I feel my heart pumping hard during the class not to mention the sweat that runs down from head to toe! Most importantly, you get to see some really nice, pretty and friendly instructors pushing you way above your limit, something that you don't get when you cycle outside!"


Meet Joanna (right)..."I started Spinning about 3 years ago to cross-train my marathon running. Spinning slowly started to become a huge part of my fitness regime as I loved how much stronger my legs felt from Spinning! The enthusiasm from the members during the class was contagious and shortly after, I became a Spinning regular! I'm glad to be able to contribute to the Pink Ribbon Project as I've lost 2 aunts to breast cancer. I saw how badly affected my mum and my cousin were by my aunts' passing. Breast cancer doesn't just affect patients, it also affects their loved ones and I hope to do anything I can to help spread the awareness. I'm also currently doing Corporate Communications in the defence industry and aspire to be a Spinning instructor one day!
Meet Rebecca (left). Don't be mistaken, there is a human dynamo behind this killer smile. Rebecca brings beautiful technique, enthusiasm and commitment to health and fitness through her regular attendance in Spinning classes and other fitness endeavours. "I LOVE to spin" were the only words she would impart. Pretty straight forward, true to form! Her zest for life has a positive effect on anyone around her and she excels at subtly convincing them that they should attend Spinning classes! Rebecca is at the core of bringing this event together.I invite you all to meet Rebecca at 10a.m on stage as she kindly assists me as a one of my 2 multifaceted and multitalented team riders.

This is Phyllis (right) with Ernee (the dog!)" She shares:"Having been a regular feature in the spin studio for the last 10 years, pedaling on a stationary bike is almost like second nature to me. If you haven't already discovered the wonders of the Spinning programme, I strongly urge you to book a slot for the Spin for Life challenge to discover and experience its essence and spirit for yourself. The other joy of my life is my 4- 1/2 year-old cocker spaniel, Ernee, whom I love to spoil and take for a romp through the botanical gardens. My personal mantra is all about crunching numbers - both at work and at the gym - go figure...!"


Meet Kelly,(left):"For many mothers, family commitments means having to say no to personal time and activities. Interestingly, it is through Motherhood that allows me to rediscover myself and to pursue my interests with passion. It takes Courage to go beyond the comfort zone. And even more determination to quell all thoughts of giving up. By taking this virgin step to be a team rider on stage, I hope all breast cancer patients will be inspired to take possession of each daybreak and charge into activities with vigour and hope".

Felicia(right)is a fitness instructor at California Fitness. She conducts classes such as Spinning, Hilo, Step and ABT regularly in various locations. Apart from these, she also promotes Health and Fitness at "Fitness @ Work" (an outdoor workout) which is organised by the Health Promotion Board (HPB). Fitness is something that Felicia holds very close to her heart and she enjoys the occasional triathlon and run that are organized all year round!!! She LOVES spinning as it's a workout that leaves her feeling totally awesome! In fact, Spinning for a cause (like the Pink Ribbon Spin for Life Ride) is even better!

Magdalene(left)says she prefers to adopt a low profile...But she still found time to come out and help us on October 31st by donating her time as Ground support before her ride as a participant. She says she "spins news at night and spins twice weekly on the road in the day"...! Thank you Mag, keep on spinning day and night!

This is Deborah(right)" I have been mad on spinning for the last 5 years- the philosophy of an indoor cycling group exercise program has completely changed my lifestyle! I received my Spin training in fall of 2007 in gorgeous New York City and have not looked back since. I am currently pursuing a Masters in Applied Psychology and work full-time as a Career Coach at the NUS Career Centre. In my free time I love to cook for my loved-ones and participate in Triathlons to keep fit. My personal philosophy is: take ownership of your life- seek to nourish both your body and soul..receive graciously but also give back generously"...

Meet Vivienne,(left)."She spins with Martin and cycles with JoyRiders!" But although there is much more to Vivienne I'm sure, what I now know is she generously offered her time to volunteer as Ground Support and then signed up as a participant with friends to ride for an hour! Thank You V! No, you are not a washing machine..:)

An ardent supporter of indoor cycling, Julian creates a memorable experience for each and every participant, whether a weekend warrior or hardcore athlete, Julian believes in "leaving no one behind". Aiming to create an engaging atmosphere drawing on the synergy of the group dynamic,he inspires every member of the pack to ride towards their goals, however tough the journey might be.



Christophe(left)teaches Spinning at California Fitness, and competes in Triathlon races as a hobby. He is also a Padi Scuba-Diving instructor and enjoys Skiing and Tennis competition. Christophe is a French National, working in Singapore as a marketing consultant with client companies such as Nike, Nestlé and Singapore Airlines.

Aside from running marathons,Yew Kwong (right)is an avid cyclist. He rides with Joyriders and Fitness Yew Team. Volunteering is not new to Yew Kwong as he helps families in need at a welfare organisation." No one is too old to start exercising!"