Get a healthy glow.

Candle Light Yoga at Extreme Fitness offers a unique twist on ways you can participate in Earth Hour events, get a fun workout, meet like-minded people and support action on climate change.

On Saturday, March 27th at 8:30 p.m. across the GTA at five locations, non-members and members alike can sign-up for the 60-minute special class. The purpose of the class is to increase awareness about Earth Hour and to raise money for the World Wildlife Foundation. The class is free, but each club has a limited 30 spaces, which will be filled on a first come first serve basis. The Earth Hour yoga class is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

For more information and to reserve your spot in the class, visit Extreme Fitness. You can also reserve by email: earthhour@extremefitness.ca

Lingerie, chocolate, flowers and jewelry are lovely things to give your Valentine’s sweetheart, but it’s time to be sexy. Tango and Swing are two partner dances in honour of St. Valentine’s that’ll get you close and enjoy the woman in your arms. With either dance it’s understood you’ll get physical, but this Valentine’s get in character, enhance your partnership and have fun with rhythmic exercise that connects you to her heart and soul.

TANGO
The Dance: Called the three-minute love affair, Tango is a striking ballroom-style dance originating in Buenos Aires distinguished by pronounced rhythms, strong postures and abrupt pauses. Tango has many styles: American, as performed in the movie, Shall We Dance? with Jennifer Lopez, is easier to learn than Argentine, yet all are sophisticated and elegant.

The dancers’ home base position is a close embrace, often chest to chest while the sizzling pair swivel, pivot, dip, kick and ricochet around the room. Impetuously, the man twirls his partner, who performs arm sweeps then thrusts her head back as a leg clutches around his thigh or dramatically lunges at the song’s finale.

As with many Latin dances such as the Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Salsa and Mambo, the Tango radiates sex appeal as lovers’ eyes lock in a tango trance. This is good news for beginners as it keeps her from paying attention to your feet.
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According to the Cleveland Clinic, foods rich in antioxidants have substances such as flavonoids and lycopenes, which aren’t included in vitamin supplements. Eating a diet rich in antioxidant-containing foods, namely fruits, vegetables and whole grains, is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Now a new book, The 02 Diet, presents information showing how antioxidants also make you slimmer. If you’re game to eat your way fitter and prettier, in it you’ll learn where your foods rank on the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity Scale, kick-start your weight loss and boost beauty with an easy 4-day cleanse and a delicious 4-week antioxidant-based program.

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Haiti’s disaster relief efforts are taking many forms. Former first daughter, Chelsea Clinton, for example, is co-hosting a 90-minute spinning class in New York City to raise funds. Her efforts inspired me call up friends and host a fund raising yoga party. I encourage you to do the same or join an established group. This week I round up fitness for Haiti events, in addition to posting a new group exercise class and a gadget for swimmers.

Ride/Run for Relief
If you’re compelled to do something physical and raise money for Haiti disaster relief, you’re in good company. QuadSpin Toronto East is hosting a three-hour Ride for Relief Sunday January, 24 at 3 p.m. A $20 donation will benefit Doctors Without Borders. Running Free asks you to register online for its Pay What You Can, Run What You Can event Saturday January 30 at 9 a.m.

Finally, Fiterati in Los Angeles can join TV’s Josh Duhamel and The American Red Cross Youth Run 4 Haiti Saturday, January 23 at 9 a.m. for a two-mile run on the beach at Santa Monica Pier.

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The well-chosen book ideas for Christmas and holiday gifts for the health and fitness buff listed here are new or bestsellers. These books are a worthy addition to everyone’s library shelf or coffee table, but flipping through them, you might find fitness books to inspire your workout.

1.

Knockout Workout, Mia St. John

2.

Body Science, James Cracknell

3.

Walking, John Stanton
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