How I Cured the November Blahs

November is my least favorite month for several reasons. First of all, the days seem about two hours long, especially after a night out and a sleep in until the afternoon. Secondly, the weather is absolute crap. It’s too cold to do much outside but not cold enough for snow and ice, and all of the fun winter activities that accompany them.  The final reason I am not a fan of this month is because a large majority of the male population goes around sporting a hairy caterpillar-like growth on their upper lip (which is a bit unsettling, even though it is in support of an amazing cause!). In short, I am very thankful that the month is almost over and that it is only 30 days long.

                This is the part where you are probably asking yourself: how has she survived this month of endless gloom? The answer that query is that November, dreary as it may be, has had one particularly positive aspect to it: the discovery of my new favorite sport. Just when I thought I had seen and tried pretty much every activity under the sun, a poster at the Currie Gym caught my eye. It was titled:  2v2 Soccer November league 2011. As soon as I saw this I knew I needed to sign up and give it a go.

                I’m not sure who invented 2v2, where it originated from or when it started at McGill, but I think it’s a brilliant idea. This game is played with a size 3 (aka SUPER TINY), slightly deflated soccer ball and four players in a squash court. There is one defensive player and one attacking player on each team, with special lines on the floor that either player is not permitted to cross. No one is allowed to use their hands at any time. There are also certain rules regarding the ball bouncing off of the wall before it goes into the goal during free-kick situations. In short, it’s like nothing I have played since basement soccer sessions when I was about 5 years old.

                The game itself is fast and furious, and definitely very tiring! To succeed you need to have a good touch and excellent ball skills in order to maintain control in such a tight space (that’s what she said). The strategy is also different from any other sport I have played, and it’s been a fun trying to figure out the best plays to try in each given situation. While you are playing you are almost always directly involved in the action and you get a lot of ball touches in comparison with a traditional 11 v 11 match.

                Basically, getting involved with a new sport that I love has helped me cure my November “blahs”. I would encourage fans of soccer and other team sports to give 2v2 a try next time registration opens (info here). If this type of craziness is not up your alley, I would suggest breaking out of your old fitness routine and trying something new-for-you that the Currie Gym has to offer. From Zumba, yoga and boot camp classes to fencing, martial arts, triathlon and squash, there has never been more opportunities to step out of your comfort zone and discover a new favorite.

                December can be as brutal as November for those with a tough exams schedule and 5 papers due on the same day, so cure your own “blahs” by doing something new and fun! You will return to the books refreshed, rejuvenated and with a healthy dose of endorphins to keep you motivated.

                Best of luck to everyone as you finish up the semester!

-        -   Martlet Girl  

Cheers and Jeers: When encouragement becomes obnoxious

            Anyone who has attended sporting events or games has probably witnessed at least one demonstration of poor sportsmanship coming from the bleachers. Whether it’s booing the referee or chanting to mock the opposing team, sports culture allows fans some wiggle room in what would normally be considered socially unacceptable behavior.

We don’t boo our waiter for slow service or make up a cruel chant about an employee in a competing business, so why should these actions be tolerated in the sporting world? Where is the line between the die-hard fan and the obnoxious guy who has had a few too many $2 beers?

                This question needs to be asked by sports fans everywhere - from supporters of NHL teams to friends and family watching atom house league. If you’re a vocal fan in the stands, you need to step back and look at your behavior.

Within our own community, McGill teams are happy to have fans of any sort and are not picky about their motives for being in attendance. So what if that drunk chick has been flirting with the shirtless body-painted dude for half an hour and couldn’t tell you the score even after it was announced over the loud speakers 20 seconds earlier? At least they carved some time out of their packed social calendar to show their faces in support of their school team. It is always more encouraging for teams to play in front of a sea of red created by fans in McGill gear than a sea of red created by the empty bleachers in Love Competition Hall.

                What attracts university students to games isn’t usually the sport itself, but the festive atmosphere that goes along with getting a little rowdy with friends in the crowd. There are pros and cons that accompany this fact. On one hand, it’s great having a large group of fans making lots of noise in support of their school team. On the other hand, “festive” and “rowdy” can often turn into obnoxious, annoying and inappropriate. And the question still remains - where do we draw the line?

                Personally, I have attended McGill games that were unsuitable for younger audiences. Nudity, swearing, chanting, public drunkenness and taunting of the opposition are not exactly what you would want your 7-year-old child exposed to. And it’s not just McGill students that are to blame. I have witnessed unsportsmanlike conduct from parents and other adults in attendance. Just the other day I was watching a Redmen hockey game while sitting behind a father who was openly swearing and booing with his two younger daughters at his side. By the end of the game the girls were also booing the ref and joining in with the rude comments directed towards the opposition.

                The bottom line is that as fans, we need to keep it classy. The majority of the time our McGill teams do an admirable job of respecting their opponents and letting their skills do the talking. When Redmen hockey were on the road at Queen’s last week, they were taunted by fans and even had objects thrown at them from the stands. They didn’t let this get to them however and pulled off  a 3-2 win. This past weekend they embarrassed Queen’s with a 6-0 win in McConnell arena.

Perhaps McGill fans should take a lesson from this team and learn to keep their cool even in aggravating situations. The next time you‘re tempted to swear at the ref or yell at the opposition’s goalie ask yourself: Is this really necessary? Is this going to help my team win? Is this going to bother the people around me?

                Let’s keep showing our support for McGill teams in the best, most positive way we can.

Go Red Go! 

Hockey Culture at McGill

                Hockey is definitely one of my favorite sports to both watch and play. It’s fast and furious, there are usually a fair number of goals, it can be played under any conditions and skating is simply one of the most enjoyable activities in the world. I’ve played shinny games in -30 degree weather. I’ve played when the ice is melting enough to see blades of grass poking through. I’ve played with people who are 100 times better than I am and with people who have to lean on their sticks to support each shaky stride. And still, miraculously, I have never participated in a game where I have not had a good time. In my opinion, it is no coincidence that hockey is Canada’s national sport. From the ponds and garage leagues to the NHL, Canadians have a passionate relationship with hockey that is difficult to describe to those who have not witnessed it or taken part. It should come as no surprise then that Canada’s top university should share in this national pride by boasting one of the best hockey programs in the country.

                The Martlet hockey squad has recently come off of a 107-game winning streak. Yes you read that correctly: One hundred and seven games without a loss. McGill has been a leader in women’s hockey for several years, and has captured the CIS national championship title in three of the past four seasons. Several members of the Martlet hockey squad, including coaching staff, have also been involved with team Canada in the Olympic Games and other major international competitions. Needless to say, this is one of McGill’s most successful teams and it is always a pleasure to watch them work their magic. Check out the Martlet hockey schedule here.

                Redmen hockey also looks to be having another great season. Currently they sit on top of their division, with only two overtime losses in their first nine games. All of the games I have seen so far this year have been very exciting, with the score staying close until the last seconds. A game I was at last week,  McGill managed to edge out University of Toronto 3-2 in front of a very enthusiastic crowd of students, parents, community members and a few peewee teams who idolize the players on the ice. The game had everything a fan could hope for: action, drama, excitement and a good fight. The Redmen ended up scoring the winning goal on a short-handed breakaway rush. The goaltender for University of Toronto kept his team in the game until the dying seconds despite having to contend with 40 McGill shots (compared with only 26 shot by U of T). In the last few minutes of the game, with tempers running high and the outcome still up in the air, several pairs of gloves were dropped and fans were brought to their feet. A testament to the quality of hockey that was played at McConnell arena last night is the fact that there was a Habs vs Sens game going on at the same time, yet the stands were still full of enthusiastic hockey-lovers. Check out the Redmen schedule here.

                Whether you are a fan of hockey or simply enjoy a fun and festive atmosphere, come check out what’s going on up the hill at the McConnell arena. Fast-paced, exciting and McGill always has a chance of coming out on top… what more could a fan ask for?

See you there!

-          Martlet Girl  

What Adults Can Learn from Children About Sport and Exercise

                For the past two weeks I have been around the Currie Gym much less often than usual. Normally I am in that building for a number of reasons: school, working, working out, playing sports or watching other people play sports. However, until Christmas break I will be spending a considerable amount of time in the gym of an elementary school in Westmount. Currently, I am part way through a 7-week student-teaching field experience that is a component of the third year of McGill’s Physical Education program. It has been a lot of fun so far, and I am really enjoying working with the students and teachers at the school.

                I am a firm believer that adults have a lot to learn from children. Being surrounded by kids all day has started me thinking about the differences between how children and adults view sports and exercise. The following list is a summary of these thoughts: what I believe we can all learn from children about physical activity and sport.

1.       Child Belief: Fun is the most important part!

      Kids definitely know what they like to do! They come into physical education class or to their team practice looking forward to having a good time. If it’s not fun, chances are they will not continue to participate. (Unless a pushy parent says otherwise… but that’s a whole different issue).

Adult take-away message: You should enjoy your athletic pursuits!  

-          Why do people give up on their exercise programs? Why do athletes quit teams? Because somewhere along the way, the sport or exercise stops being fun. It is important to choose an activity you enjoy if you hope to become a life-long exerciser. Hate running? Try taking a class such as zumba or yoga. There are literally hundreds of ways to meet any exercise or health goals you may have. For competitive athletes, if you ever lose enjoyment and become stressed out on a consistent basis while participating in your sport, you should probably re-evaluate your reasons for doing this particular activity.

2.       Child Belief: I always want to be on the same team as my friend!

-          Although this is not always possible, kids know that playing is more fun with friends.

Adult take-away message: Find an exercise buddy or join a team with a group of friends!

-          It is almost a 100% guarantee that you will have more fun if you exercise with someone whose company you enjoy. You will challenge and motivate each other, and hold one another accountable for getting out of bed early in the morning. Team sports are also infinitely more fun when your team mates happen to be a great group of people.

3.       Child Belief: I should go all out, then stop. Then go all out again!

-          This is true for young children especially. They run around like a bunch of mini Usain Bolts for a short period of time and then they walk. They repeat this pattern hundreds of times over the course of a physical education class. By the end of the session they are exhausted enough to sit still in their French lesson.

Adult take-away message: Interval training! Do it!

-          This is an excellent way to stress the cardiovascular system. Whatever your fitness level, you can benefit from this method of training. Intervals can be done while walking, running, biking, swimming or even strength training.

4.       Child Belief: I want to play a game!

-          Children don’t “work out.” They play! And most of them end up getting a great workout without even realizing it.

Adult take-away message: Play while you work (out)!

-          There are so many ways to play and get a workout in at the same time. From soccer and hockey to dancing, crossfit and competitions such as the Spartan Race, playing can and should be a part of everyone’s fitness regime.

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5.       Child Belief: When my team scores, I should be running around yelling in celebration!

-          The other day in class we did the beep test. As the students dropped out one by one, they sat down on the bench and cheered for their classmates without being told to. While the last student was running, the entire class was cheering him on as he pushed himself to his own personal limit. When he finished, everyone ran out to congratulate him.

Adult take-away message: Celebrate achievement!

-          Athletics are an area of life where it is often easy to measure our improvements and our success. Whether it is running for 10 minutes longer than you ever have before or scoring the winning goal, be proud of yourself and happy about your accomplishment.

That’s what I have learned so far from the 6-12 year-olds I have been teaching for the past couple weeks. I will try to think of my students next time I’m not feeling motivated of excited by my exercise program or athletic activities. I hope you will too! 

Martlet Volleyball

                The average McGill student is probably skeptical about going to see a Martlet volleyball game. For most of us, the word “volleyball” brings back memories of high school gym class where 50% of serves went into the net, no one ever moved and the longest rallies lasted about 5 seconds. Volleyball, for many, spells boredom. If you are one of these non-believers, I would highly recommend going to check out a varsity game. Two points in and you will quickly realize that there is much more to the sport than planted feet and uselessly flailing arms.

After witnessing the events of the recent Martlet Invitational Volleyball Tournament, it’s safe to say that McGill has a very strong team this year. They have a good mix of veterans and rookies who have a ton of chemistry on the court. The team has height, great serves, excellent setters and an experienced, successful, kind and knowledgeable coach. Their digs are often spectacular, superhuman dive-rolls that defy the laws of physics. And, most importantly, they all appear to be genuinely enjoying themselves on the court.

The Martlets managed to play their way to a third place finish in the tournament despite injuries to some of their top players, including their starting setter. They beat their division rivals from Universite de Montreal in three straight sets to win the bronze medal game, while St Mary’s University edged out Dalhousie in the finals. McGill played both St Mary’s and Dalhousie earlier in the tournament, managing to beat Dal 3-1 and coming very close to upsetting St Mary’s in a 3-2 loss. They showed poise, confidence and depth in their roster, with rookies stepping up to fill in for injured vets. It was an inspiring effort from all players and truly a pleasure to watch.

The Martlets will kick off the regular season with a home game against Universite de Montreal at 7pm on October 28^th. These teams have a lot of history and Montreal will be looking to redeem themselves after their semi-final loss. The game promises to be action-packed and most likely very close. If you think volleyball is a lazy person’s sport and that girls can’t spike the ball, you need to come to this game and witness the high level of skill and athleticism that is sure to be on display.

See you there!

- Martlet Girl 

McGill Squash

                There are several reasons why I play squash. Mainly, I find running around and crashing into walls to be highly amusing. Also, there aren’t many sports where you can hit the ball as hard as you can in basically any direction (I mean tennis? I would be 100% better at that sport if the courts were as big as football fields). Also my usual squash partner is a friend who I don't get to see very often, so a quick game is always a good chance to catch up on each others lives. Finally, squash is a great excuse to swear as loudly as possible when you mess up (which in my case is often).

                In case it wasn’t made obvious enough in the previous paragraph, I definitely do not play squash because I am good at it. I can run, I have hand eye coordination and I can hit the ball well enough to have a good time, but that’s about it. Do I know strategy, tactics or proper technique? Not so much. That’s why I was completely shocked when, as I was playing with my friend the other day, we were approached by the coach of the McGill squash team and asked to come out to their next practice.

                “But I don’t really play squash…” was my first response. “That’s ok!” said the coach, “You can run, you have hand eye coordination and you can hit the ball! Practice is this Tuesday at 8:30. It would be great if you both came out.” We managed to wait until she was out of earshot before the giggling started. However, even though the idea of being on a squash team was completely ridiculous to my friend and I, we decided we would give it a try. Why not, right? It could be a lot of fun, and maybe we weren’t as terrible as we thought.

                Tuesday rolled around and I started to have second thoughts. These thoughts intensified when we arrived at the courts and all of the other girls were dressed in these professional looking sport-skirt things. I felt like a total newbie in my soccer shorts and science goggles (couldn’t find my squash goggles), holding a crappy racquet. I became even more uneasy after talking to one of the players who had been practicing squash since the age of 2. I glanced over at my friend and I realized we were both thinking exactly the same thing: what the heck are we doing here???

                Fortunately we split into two groups: the more experienced players (ie: the ones in skirts) and the less experienced players (ie: the ones looking lost and terrified). The coach worked with us lost and terrified players and was very encouraging throughout the process. I learned how to hold my racquet, hit the ball properly and where to aim the serve on the court. The coach’s instruction was very helpful and I feel as though I improved more over the course of that practice than I have during the all of my previous squash experiences combined.

                Although it was a good practice, I respectfully declined the offer to be on the squash team. Personally, I would rather just run around like an idiot and hit the ball wherever than spending hours each week trying to refine my technique. Squash for me will remain a recreational pursuit.

                However, if you are a dedicated player who owns real squash goggles, I highly recommend checking out the McGill Athletics website and getting involved with the team. If you're a beginner, don’t be shy to rent a court with a friend and enjoy a low-key game. It’s a guaranteed good time, good workout, and the kind of stress relief you can only get from smacking an object as hard as possible.

See you on the court! 

The Beautiful Game

                When I woke up yesterday I was in a pretty bad mood. Whether it was the sudden shift to winter, the unfortunate outcome of the fill the stadium game (except for this: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150321113124876&set=a.166319314875.114443.157991499875&type=1&theater) or simply a bad day for the hormones, I was not a happy camper. When my room mates found me clattering dishes around in our disastrous mess of a kitchen with a scowl on my face they probably should have quickly run in the other direction. Luckily, they did something much better: suggested that we all go play soccer.

                My hometown is an interesting place.  There are 6000 people, no high school, a handful of restaurants, one grocery store and 7 soccer fields. Needless to say, a lot of soccer is played by the residents. I think that we boast the highest per-capita number of registered soccer players in Quebec, mainly because there is not much else to do! The summer when I was 17 and didn’t have a driver’s license yet I was so bored that I tried every day to juggle the ball 1000 times with only my feet (a summer well spent as I eventually succeeded and can now brag about it whenever possible for the rest of my life). I started playing soccer on a team when I was 5 years old and played competitively up until CEGEP. At that point, I decided that all of the drama with parents, screaming coaches and catty team mates was not worth it. Since then I have continued to play at a more recreational level and have rediscovered just how much fun the game came be when you strip away the politics.

                While away at McGill, I was happy to discover that there are lots of opportunities to play soccer without having to commit to the varsity team. Aside from intramurals, which only give you about five games per semester, there is recreational soccer in the field house several times per week. Rec soccer basically means that you show up hoping that other people do as well (but not too many!). You never really know how it’s going to turn out. Sometimes there will be 40-50 people there waiting to get a turn to play. Sometimes everyone will be so skilled that you will rarely manage to touch the ball. But other times, there will be 10-12 appropriately skilled players to create the perfect pick-up game.

                Luckily, yesterday was that kind of day for the rec soccer world. I had a blast playing for the first time since August. Nothing on earth is more fun than a good pick up soccer game, where the atmosphere is competitive yet relaxed, where you don’t hesitate to carry the ball if you feel like it and where no one is screaming at you for doing the “wrong” thing. Two hours later I was a sweaty-but-happy mess, having scored some goals, made some plays and laughed a lot with my roomies.

                If you are a soccer player at McGill who is looking for a quick scrimmage now and then, I would definitely recommend stopping by the field house during a recreational soccer time period. Although the players are 90% male, most of them are respectful and have matured past the sixth-grade mentality of never passing to a girl. I will definitely be going back whenever I can this semester, to enjoy the best game in the world.

                See you on the pitch!

                

Fill The Stadium

One of the biggest parties of the year is taking place this weekend. It’s not at a club, at someone’s apartment or even at Gert’s. It involves turf, cleats, facemasks, short skirts, back-flips, bullhorns, body paint and morphsuits. Last year, a large part of the McGill population attended this event held at McGill’s own Molson Stadium.

                It’s that time of year again, when fans of sports, buff men, cheerleaders and loud noises gather to “Fill the Stadium” in support of the McGill Redmen Football team. So far this season, the Redmen have lost all of their games but that should definitely not deter anyone for showing up to this epic event. When myself and 3,144 others attended the season opener back on September 7^th, there was more than enough excitement both on and off the field to turn even skeptics of the sport into believers.

Although the Redmen ended up losing that game 39-13, they managed to hold the visiting Sherbrooke Vert et Or to within a few points for the entire first half. McGill actually had the lead early on when they converted a Sherbrooke fumble into a touchdown, giving the hyped-up crowd something to cheer about. Expect the team to be in even better form this weekend when they face Bishop’s University. In their game on September 25th, the Redmen managed to hold one of the country’s top teams, Universite de Laval, to only 12 points in a 12-4 loss.  

If everything I just said was extremely boring to you and you could not care less about what you perceive to be a bunch of guys running around bashing into each other and occasionally catching a funny-shaped ball, do not worry! Because of the culture and excitement surrounding the sport, there is much more to football than just football. The cheerleading team has been practicing together for a month now, perfecting some impressive routines and stunts. Also, Red Thunder will definitely be out in large numbers making lots of noise and starting some serious cheering. Although this can be entertaining from far away, be warned that if you are sitting in their section you might not be able to hear for a few days afterwards.

The party starts at 6pm with a DJ, beer and hotdogs (ie: everything you need in life). I hope to see you all there enjoying the day and cheering for the Redmen team. With the support of the home crowd behind them, maybe McGill football will be able to pull off their first win since 2009. 

It's Pop vs Jock

Pop vs Jock Charity Basketball Game

On the McGill campus, the division between the jocks and the artsy musicians is usually obvious. The jocks are quite easy to spot.  Decked out in their red and white sweaters or tracksuits, they’re often carrying a gym bag, lacrosse stick or football and sometimes all three. They usually walk with their chests stuck out hoping that other students passing them on the street will take the time to read the words on their team jacket and admire the fact that they belong to a varsity squad. Jocks generally want to stand out, to be seen and to be recognized by the rest of the university community.

Music students and musicians, on the other hand, are harder to find - unless they are trying to squeeze onto a crowded bus with a giant tuba case. In general, they are much more mysterious than the jocks and may often spend hours locked away in a dark room practicing their art. They are less obnoxious, less likely to brag and much less known in comparison to varsity athletes.

                During a typical day at McGill, the worlds of the jock and the musician rarely collide. These two groups go their separate ways, working hard to reach their potential. But what happens when one world encroaches on the other? When a group of musicians decide to  beat athletes at their own game?

This is exactly what will happen right here at the McGill gym on September 24^th at the “Pop vs. Jock” charity basketball game. Win Butler of the Grammy-award winning band Arcade Fire has organized a team of musicians which includes his brother Will and Chris Tomson of Vampire Weekend. The jock team will feature NBA veteran Matt Bonner and is made up primarily of star players and coaches from the McGill and Concordia varsity squads.

                Both teams met in Love Competition Hall last Wednesday to warm up and play an exhibition match before the big day. It was very cool to see members of Arcade Fire decked out in gym clothes, shooting around like any other McGill student would do on a break between classes. The jock side of the court was also looking pretty sharp, with members of both McGill women’s and men’s teams practicing their 3-point shots. The basketball players seemed a bit star struck by the presence of Arcade Fire on their home court, since the last time many of the athletes had seen the band was when they played at Osheaga in 2010 in front of almost 30000 people.

                Besides the basketball game, this event promises to provide musical entertainment as well. Arcade Fire’s Régine Chassagne will play the organ at the game, and band member Richard Reed Parry will play a bicycle symphony during the halftime show, which will also feature Kid Koala. Proceeds from this charity event go to the DJ Sports Club, a non-profit organization that offers sports programs in the city to kids ages 7 to 17.

                Whether you are a band geek or a gym rat, a varsity athlete or a music major this event has something for you. As a Physical Education Major, a music enthusiast, a competitive runner and a pianist, I know I’m looking forward to seeing how these two worlds collide.

                And if it goes well, who knows? Maybe next up is a Battle of the Bands, Arcade Fire vs. anyone in the NBA who knows how to hold an instrument. Now that would be crazy.

Shockers Take the Win!

Last night at 11 o’clock I made the treacherous climb up to the McConnell Arena to watch the championship game of the men’s intramural hockey A league.  Hockey is one of my favorite sports to watch, but bundling up in my parka and scarf on the second day of Spring to go see this game was not appealing.  That said, I knew quite a few people on the two competing teams so skipping the game was not an option.

The competing teams were “The Shockers” and “The Big U” (it seems that each year the names of intramural teams continue to take on the most bizarre names).  Typically when I show up to watch an intramural game of any sport the mood and atmosphere is relaxed and lighthearted.  When I walked into the arena, however, members from both teams were looking very serious and intent on getting the game started.  I took my seat in the crowd amongst a few dozen other people, some noticeably students and some older people who I assume must have been parents of some of the players. 

The game started off quickly with the Shockers scoring within two minutes of the puck dropping.  The game was extremely fast paced and the skill level of the players was impressive.  The first half (intramural hockey games are divided into two twenty-two minute halves as opposed to three periods) ended with the Shockers scoring their second goal, leading the Big U by two.  During the two minute halftime over a dozen other fans showed up- better late than never.  These fans were definitely livelier than the ones already in the stands.  The fans were equipped with signs, bags of chips and some even with beer.

As the two teams returned to the ice, it was rather obvious that the new fans were here to cheer on the Shockers.  The new cheering proved to be a bit of a distraction for the Shockers as the Big U slipped a goal past the Shockers’ goalie three minutes in.  This was a bit of a wake-up call for the Shockers and things on the ice began to heat up.  Within the next five minutes, both teams had received two penalties.  Although no fights broke out, players from both teams were playing extremely aggressively, provoking cheers from the guys in the stands and alarming looks from the girls.  The game was playing out to be much less of a jovial match between two teams and more of an intense display of testosterone and aggression.  With two minutes left, the Shockers scored two goals, within one minute of each other, crushing any hopes of becoming champions for the Big U.  When the buzzer went the Shockers swarmed their goalie cheering and hugging while the Big U hung their heads and removed their helmets looking ever so defeated.  I really didn't expect an intramural hockey game to evoke such emotions in the players of both teams.  Despite the sadness felt amongst the Big U, the fans seemed to enjoy themselves and the Shockers went home with not only the title of champions but also a nice mug to commemorate their efforts and teamwork.  I am confident they put their mug to good use after the game!  Congratulations, Shockers!

Appropriate Etiquette at the Fitness Centre

After a warm, relaxing and indulgent week spent in Mexico over reading break I was not looking forward to hitting the gym upon my return.  Within two days of being back in Montreal and in the midst of a serious case of beach withdrawal I decided to make my way over to the gym for a long overdue workout.  Seeing as students had already gone on vacation I figured the pre-reading week congestion at the gym would have subsided, however, I was very mistaken.  The gym was just as busy as it had been before reading week. 

It was while I was waiting twenty minutes for a treadmill that I found myself extremely frustrated with not only the wait times for machines at the gym but also the behavior of my fellow gym goers.  Although the gym can be very busy at times I truly believe that if people practiced more suitable gym etiquette, things at the Fitness Centre might run a tad smoother.

First and foremost, the Fitness Centre provides laminated scheduling sheets for each and every cardio machine.  This is to ensure that everyone is able to access the machines fairly.  Notwithstanding the existence of these sheets, I witness countless episodes of people awkwardly and sometimes not so awkwardly interrupting someone’s workout because they’re signed up for a machine that someone else is using.  Signing up for a treadmill or elliptical takes less than a minute and can save you from having your workout interrupted.  Most importantly, if you are not signed up for the machine you’re using and are force to get off, do not simply go to the next available machine! Go and sign up so you don’t have to get kicked off for a second time! 

Secondly, the Fitness Centre is not a meeting place for people to socialize.  I am certainly not suggesting that people cannot speak to each other but that twenty-minute conversation with someone in front of the treadmill I’m using is extremely distracting and unnecessary.  So many people feel uncomfortable coming to the gym as it is and certainly do not need a stranger standing right in front of them for the entirety of their workout.  Furthermore, conversations in front of the water fountain, sets of weights, entrance or exit is not acceptable! Most people want to get in and out of the gym as quickly as possible and groups of people conversing in every corner of the gym is distracting and often bothersome. 

Lastly, a small list of less serious, but nonetheless distracting tendencies gym goers should consider ditching: talking on your cell phone, “forgetting” to wipe down the machine you just used, neglecting to put back your stretching mat and/or weights, bouncing the large exercise balls as if they were a basketballs and simply failing to remember that the McGill Fitness Centre does not only belong to you, but also to the thirty-two thousand other students at McGill!

Step Up, Step Down, and Move it All Around!

This week’s pay-as-you-go mission: Monday night step class at the gym.  Since my friends had neglected their promises to accompany me at the last three pay-as-you-go classes I had attended, I didn’t even bother to ask them this time.  Besides, as far as I am concerned, I am turning into quite the pay-as-you-go fitness princess and no longer need a familiar face by my side while trying out something new.  And to be honest, the idea of a step class wasn’t that intimidating- over the course of my life I have participated in similar classes or videos (circa Jane Fonda in the 1980s, anyone?) and felt confident that tonight’s class wouldn’t be as traumatic as some of my other experiences.

The step class took place in the gym’s Aerobics room, meaning that once again, people passing by the big glass windows had full visibility of everyone participating in the class.  Lucky for me, I arrived early enough to secure myself a spot against the left side of the room by the wall where I could remain unseen by most passer-bys.

As expected, the equipment required for this class was the elevated platform routinely used in a step class, and risers were available as an option depending on how challenging you want the class to be.  Seeing as I will be donning a bikini in two shorts week on my vacation in Mexico, I decided to take the risers for the extra challenge.  As soon as everyone had their platforms and risers set up, the instructor, an incredibly enthusiastic, middle-aged blond woman, began to lead a warm-up.  The warm-up, accompanied by a song straight out of the 90s, consisted of some basic aerobic steps and a variety of stretches.

From prior experiences, I have learned that aerobic classes can be one of two things; they can either be more like a dance class with short dance-like sequences or a class more geared towards high energy punches and kicks.  This step class was definitely closer to the former.  As I mentioned in my Zumba post, I’m not that great of a dancer and I found myself spending more time trying to nail down a lot of the steps in this class than actually getting a workout.  My frustrations were high but my heart rate- not so much.  Notwithstanding my experience, everyone else in the class (all girls) seemed to be really enjoying themselves.  The mood was light, the music upbeat and the instructor could not have been more outgoing or friendly.  If I’m ever feeling sluggish on a Monday and not in the mood for a routine run on the treadmill, I will definitely consider returning to the gym’s Monday evening step class.   

Spinning Class: No Ride in the Park!

In keeping up with my goal to try out all the “pay-as-you-go” classes McGill Athletics has to offer this semester, I decided to test out the waters of a spinning class yesterday evening.  Spinning, similar to Zumba last week, was a workout I had yet to experience.  Biking has never been my favorite pastime or means of exercising, but I had heard great reviews about spinning as a workout from friends, so I figured I might as well try it out at least once.

Not surprisingly, the friends who had promised to tag along bailed on me at the last minute and I found myself once again trying something for the first time all on my own.  Luckily I was feeling very optimistic and thankful that it wasn’t a dance class; the likelihood of me embarrassing myself was much smaller than it was last week.

When I got to the spinning room the instructor and around a dozen other people were already setting up their bikes.  Unlike the Zumba class, there were already some males who had shown up, looking ever-so intense and experienced as they adjusted their seats and handle bars on their bikes.  It was at this moment when my optimism for the class was quickly replaced with skepticism- I had absolutely no clue how to adjust my seat or handle bars on the bike, let alone to what position.  It must have been obvious that I was completely clueless and new to the class, because the instructor, a very fit, young and blonde girl, came over to assist me.  She asked me if this was my first time at a spin class and I did not hesitate to admit that yes, it was my first time spinning.  She enlightened me on how and where to adjust the seat and handlebars of the bike, and within minutes I was on the bike, with my feet tightly fastened into the paddle straps, ready to spin.

The total workout was just over forty-five minutes long, however it felt as if it went on for hours.  After the first song I was already drenched in sweat and completely out of breath.  The way spinning works is that there are four positions you take- sitting, squatting, sprinting or standing.  I found each position challenging and the more tension you added (by turning the tension wheel one spin around or backwards at the discretion of the instructor) the harder pedaling became.  Sprinting with added tension was definitely not my strong suit, however, I managed to somewhat successfully tackle the standing position.  The squatting position is one to which I hope to never return.  The pain that position brought me is indescribable.  Had my mother been there I probably would have removed myself from the bike and run into her arms for comfort- it was that bad.

When the class was finally over and I stepped off the bike, my legs were shaking to the point that I didn’t know whether or not I could walk.  I consider myself a rather fit individual but this class literally took everything out of me.  Walking up to the stairs to the girls change room was unbearable and I could not stop sweating.  When I got home to my apartment the only thing I could do was lie on my bed.  Notwithstanding the fact that when I woke up this morning my legs hurt even more than they did after the class ended, I’m also positive that the spin class will become routine on my Friday evenings.  Friends have told me that spinning becomes a little bit easier each time you go and I am hoping that this is true. 

Zumba, Zumba!

This morning I put the dancing skills I have never had to test at the fitness class Zumba, offered as a one of the drop-in fitness classes at McGill.  A huge part of me did not want to go to this class.  Not only am I a terrible dancer but I was forced to go to the class on my own since all my friends were snuggled up in their beds after a night out in the cold at Igloo-Fest.  Despite the fact that I consider myself quite independent and adventurous, when it comes time to trying something new and out of my comfort zone I would much rather do so with a familiar face by my side.  Nevertheless, I sucked it up, made my way up the hill to the gym, and put on my running shoes, anxiously anticipating and dreading the unexpected.

When I got down to the Aerobics room I was relieved to see no one I knew.  I was a bit early so lucky for me, my awkwardness immediately kicked into high gear as I stood in the corner trying to come across as the girl who wasn’t there for her first time or alone. As more girls showed up the instructor signaled for everyone to choose a spot on the floor.  I strategically went as close to the far wall as possible, nowhere near the front or back- drawing attention to myself was the last thing I wanted to do.  The music started with an upbeat exotic-sounding song, and the instructor led our warm-up, which consisted of fairly simple steps.  I tried not to get too excited over the simplicity of the steps because I knew as soon as the song was over the instructor would be switching into a high-intensity Zumba mode.

If I was not determined to master the steps of Zumba I was determined to give off the impression to others that I at least knew what I was doing.  As we started into the first song after the warm-up, I soon realized how ambitious I was being.  It’s not that the steps were extremely challenging, but as soon as I got the hang of some of steps after a few tries, our instructor would start into a new routine. I was relieved however, when I looked around and saw that almost every other girl there was equally if not more confused and uncoordinated as I was.

As far as steps go, the class included a lot of booty shaking, twirling of the hips, fist pumping and clapping.  As soon as I started to get the hang of the steps a bit more I found that I was actually enjoying myself!  And the more I was able to nail down the moves, the more of a workout the class became.  Within twenty minutes I had worked up quite a sweat and needed some water.  The instructor was extremely encouraging and made my first Zumba experience not only less intimidating than I had originally expected, but also a lot of fun! Not one girl in the room didn’t have a smile on her face and giggling could be heard from all directions as girls tripped over their own feet or bumped into one another.  What started off as a very nerve-racking experience ended up being a very enjoyable time.  I am determined to return to Zumba next week to master some of the steps, and this time I am definitely bringing along some friends.

Shoot for the Cure!

Last Thursday night, members of McGill’s women’s basketball team laced up their kicks and swapped their traditional red and white jerseys for flashy cotton candy pink and white uniforms to take on the Concordia Stingers at the annual “Shoot For the Cure” double header game in McGill’s gym. 

Despite the fact that basketball happens to be one of my favorite sports, not only to play but also to watch, this was my first time attending a basketball game at McGill.  I showed up to the game excited to support a fundraiser for breast cancer and to reconnect with a sport that once my occupied a significant amount of my time back in high school.  And to be perfectly honest, I was definitely looking forward to enjoying my first hot dog of the year from the concession stand at the gym.  So with my hot dog in hand, and my newly purchased pink ribbon pinned to my sweater, my friends and I found a seat in the middle of the stands surrounded by some familiar and unfamiliar faces.  The Martlets weren’t the only ones dressed for the cause.  Many female fans were wearing pink shirts or sweaters and men jazzed up their customary dull suits with pink ties.

The game got off to a quick start with the Martlets throwing up six points in a row to take an early lead against the Stingers.  As I watched the energetic Martlets run up and down the court, I couldn’t help but notice how chic the girls looked in their pink uniforms next to the Stingers in their boring black uniforms with only a hint of red and gold.  I felt quite empowered by the players while although donning their overly feminine outfits were also kicking some serious butt on the court, showing the Stingers they weren’t about to get beat on their home court.

The excitement and pace of the game persisted even as the girls rested for a time-out or at the end of each quarter with regular performances given by McGill’s cheerleading squad. During half time an exceptional and heartwarming number performed by McGill’s very own Tonal Ecstasy entertained the crowd.  As the game continued, more McGill fans showed up, creating a Valentine’s Day effect amongst the crowd, some wearing red and white, others wearing pink.  Although the Martlets held the lead for the entire game, the last ten seconds were as exciting as a championship game.  The Martlets not only scored themselves another win for their undefeated season, they also raised breast cancer awareness, and they did so in style.