A Great Gym Tip From Trusted Saskatoon Fitness & Gym Experts at Fitness Focus

4. May 2022 Admin Saskatoon Fitness & Gyms, Trusted Tips

At Fitness Focus, the goal is to offer a fitness center with a welcoming, fun, and safe environment that all ages can enjoy. They are a forerunner in the fitness industry in Saskatoon. With the ever-changing fitness demands of new and improved classes, training, and nutrition. They are your TRUSTED SASKATOON FITNESS EXPERTS!

This Fitness Focus Trusted Tip is About Gym Memberships

Starting a gym membership can be exciting but also intimidating. Here are some Trusted Tips on taking that first step and finding the right gym for you.

Whether you have tried a fitness regimen before or you’re starting at the gym for the very first time, before you choose a fitness center, you have to start with a goal. Without a goal you’ll have nothing to work towards, making the effort you put in seems like a total waste. Make your goal reasonable, attainable, and specific; and make sure you know the route to attaining it.

It’s important to find a gym with an atmosphere that suits you. If you’re not comfortable in the gym, you won’t enjoy your experience, and then it won’t be long until you start to abandon your routine and your goals. See if the gym will offer you a trial pass or “test drive” that gives you enough time to feel it out and see if it’s the right fit for you.

Pay attention to the not-so-obvious amenities when you’re looking into a new club. Big windows for natural light, what kind of music they play, and the cleanliness of the facility including washrooms and training area, a wide variety of equipment, and knowledgeable staff. Sometimes it’s these subtleties you might not have noticed at first but they can be the difference that makes it a club you want to make your home for years to come.

Convenience! Is the club close to your house or work? If your gym is not easy to get to, you might not use it as much as you had planned. A gym within a stone’s throw of your home can be great, but also consider one that’s close to your workplace. This gives the option to get your workout in during your lunchtime or to avoid the traffic on the commute home after work.

Once you have made your decision to join, make sure you read your membership agreement form. There are a lot of standard points on a membership form but many disclosures can change from gym to gym. First, pay attention to membership cancellation policies, sometimes these can be very strict which might not be a problem if you plan to be there for a few years. Watch out for unexpected annual fees; these should be explained in your membership. Ask if there is a membership freeze option and the cost of it. This allows you to suspend payments of your membership in the event you can’t use it due to injury or inability to make use of your membership for a short period.

If you're looking for a gym in Saskatoon and have never tried Fitness Focus, check them out! Experience the great atmosphere, people, and all the major amenities Fitness Focus offers. They offer a weight room, cardio theatre, group fitness classes, tanning, towel service, lockers, and more.

Find Fitness Focus Health & Athletic Centre at 1250 Ontario Avenue, or check out their listing here in the Saskatoon Fitness & Gyms Category on THE Saskatoon directory of excellence. They are YOUR Trusted experts right here in Saskatoon!

Fitness Focus a Trusted Saskatoon Gym

Saskatoon Pilates Centre, Your Trusted Saskatoon Pilates Studio Compares Yoga and Pilates

4. May 2022 Admin Saskatoon Fitness & Gyms, Trusted Tips

Saskatchewan’s premier Pilates Centre– the largest and most fully-equipped Pilates studio in the province. Saskatoon Pilates Centre continues to provide top-quality classes with the most experienced and dedicated teachers helping you to experience the integrity of the Pilates exercises integrating body and mind for everyday living. Sounds great, doesn’t it? In their latest tip, they share an article that compares Pilates to Yoga.

Saskatoon Pilates Is Your Trusted Saskatoon Pilates Studio

"Trust The Experience!"

"Pilates? That's Like Yoga, Right?"

Author: Jo Ann Graser, PMA®-CPT, PMA Board of Directors.

As a business owner who offers both Pilates and yoga at my studio, I run into this question on a regular basis. My answer can be detailed or basic, depending on my audience. Here are some comparison points about the two disciplines based on my personal experience with both. For the purposes of this discussion, I am comparing yoga to Pilates on the apparatus.

Origins

Yoga was developed over 5,000 years ago in India with the purpose of connecting individual consciousness to a universal consciousness creating spiritual enlightenment. Poses or “asanas” combined with breath control and meditation improve the physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional health of the practitioner.

Joseph Pilates began the development of his regimen (historically called “Corrective Exercise” and then “Contrology”) approximately 100 years ago. The underlying theme of Pilates is a systematic and disciplined approach to physical movement through focus and clarity of the mind. Joseph Pilates created apparatuses that could support the body in order to correct dysfunction and improve movement.

Equipment

Yoga utilizes mats and small props to aid or support the practitioner. Pilates has an extensive array of machines, or “apparatuses,” designed to assist the individual in improving alignment, strength, and coordination.

Movement

In my experience, yoga poses are typically held for extended time periods to release muscle tension. In some styles of yoga, a long series of poses are repeated sequentially, with the purpose of warming the body to allow for an increased range of motion.

Pilates movements are often guided by the apparatus, which can be configured by the teacher to provide assistance or resistance for the client. The focus in a Pilates session is often on a relatively short piece of choreography emphasizing control and precision. A movement is focused on and repeated for a few repetitions before moving on to the next exercise.

Mind-Body Connection

In many types of yoga, the session starts with the setting of an intention for the practice and ends with a guided meditation and relaxation or “savasana.” The goals are to clear the mind and surrender to the movement.

In Pilates, there is constant attention to posture, alignment, and movement mechanics. The practitioner is encouraged to focus on each movement, staying present and intentional. The theme of controlling the body with the mind is ever-present.

Breath

Yoga teaches breathing in and out through the nose or a “warming breath.” This type of breathing is designed to relax the body and calm the mind. The focus of yoga is on “belly breathing.” The classes I take often use the breath as a mechanism to time each pose for example: "Hold this pose for another 4 breaths.”

Pilates teaches breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. This type of breath is considered “diaphragmatic” and is meant to energize and prepare the body for strong engagement. The practitioner is encouraged to “move with the tempo of the breath,” coordinating the two.

Intention

Yoga emphasizes the mind-body and spiritual connection, quieting the mind by focusing on mastery through introspection. Flexibility and strength are improved through the repetition of the asanas.

Pilates follows a systematic approach, focusing on individual movements as they integrate with the whole. The intended outcome of Pilates is improved posture and creating a strong, balanced and stable base from which to move.

“You only have one body and you deserve the best.” Kathy Bond

Saskatoon Pilates Classes Include:

Mat Work
Equipment Work
Structural Integration Work
Group Classes
Open Gym
Personal Fitness Programs

Saskatoon Pilates Is Your Trusted Saskatoon Pilates Studio

Trusted Saskatoon Hot Tub experts at Backyard Living Center explain what you should consider BEFORE buying a hot tub.

1. May 2022 Trusted Saskatoon Saskatoon Hot Tubs, Trusted Tips

Backyard Living Center is a locally owned and operated Saskatoon hot tub store. They offer an exclusive line of high-quality Canadian-built hot tubs that are perfectly suited to the Saskatchewan climate. With a variety of design choices, they have a spa that will suit every lifestyle! Service means everything to owners Sheryl and Matthew! Whether it's finding the perfect spa, hot tub servicing or repair, water testing, or helping find or deliver parts for your hot tub, they're here to help. In this hot tub tip, they explain what you should consider BEFORE buying a hot tub. Backyard Living Center Is Your Trusted Saskatoon Hot Tub Store!

Does the company that you’re considering buying a hot tub from offer service, maintenance and repairs in-house? What are their fees to repair or service?

We recommend shopping local from a company that services what they sell. Some companies will charge significantly more for parts, their hourly rate, and service call-out fee, ask before you buy so there are no surprises.

What is included in the hot tub start-up kit? How long will the start-up kit last? Is there anything that you’ll have to buy in the first 1-3 months?

Chances are you’ll want and need a second filter so that you have a backup when you’re doing a deep clean of the filter. You’ll also need products to raise and lower alkalinity, PH, etc. If the start-up kit doesn’t include those items you might want to budget or at least be aware that they are products you will need.

How does the company support you after you’ve received the hot tub? Do they offer water testing? How do they support you with your water balancing?

Look for a company that cares about its customers and offers support after the sale. There is a bit of a learning curve, especially in the first month of owning your first hot tub. It’s nice to be able to call, email or text a water care specialist if you have any questions. Even better is having someone reach out to you to see if everything is going well.

Does the hot tub have a circulation pump? Why is this important?

-Having a circulation pump is very energy efficient (it also saves you money).

-It circulates and filters the water 24/7 cleaning the water constantly (cleaner water means easier water care).

-It is whisper quiet. We had our last hot tub about 6 feet from the foot of our bed and couldn’t hear it.
Do they offer a free site inspection before delivery? Before the installation date, will a technician come out and take a look at your yard, make recommendations of where to place the hot tub, go over what options you could consider for the base, make sure they can safely get the tub in place, and answer any questions you have?

What does the hot tub delivery include?

Do they drop the hot tub off at your curbside and leave you to deal with getting the 800-pound hot tub into place in your yard? Or do they put the hot tub in place, fill the hot tub and give you an orientation so that you know how the hot tub works and how to balance the water?

Are there proprietary parts used in the hot tub? Is this a good or bad thing?

If proprietary parts are used you are tied to that store to buy parts. Proprietary parts are usually much higher in price than parts that can be purchased from any pool and spa store. What happens if the store is closed for a long weekend, or they don’t answer their phone in the evening and you have a leak? You could call us to fix it, but if it’s a proprietary part we wouldn’t have it, and chances are, we wouldn’t be able to order it.

See their selection of in-stock H2O Canadian-made premium spas at their showroom on Brodsky Avenue, or visit their website for more choices and information on hot tub supplies, hot tub care and maintenance and service. Take it from us… you will not be disappointed!!!

“Your Backyard Oasis is Waiting For You!”

You can read more amazing client testimonials and see all products and services they offer by checking out the Backyard Living Center’s listing by clicking on the link below.

Backyard Living Center is Your Trusted Saskatoon Hot Tub and Outdoor Furniture Store!

Trusted Saskatoon Wheatland Fireplace, Kitchen & Bath Have Smart Bathroom Design Tips!

29. Mar 2022 Admin Saskatoon Bathrooms, Trusted Tips

Your first step into the beautiful Wheatland Fireplace Kitchen & Bath Saskatoon showroom will help you understand why Wheatland Fireplace has been given the Thumbs up by Trusted Saskatoon. Wheatland loves their customers and as a result, their customers love and TRUST them. In their latest bathroom tip, they have smart advice on how to design your bathroom.

How To Design Your Bathroom

1. MEASURE YOUR BATHROOM & DRAW YOUR PLAN

Tips and tricks:

Measure the space between your walls.
Provide the location of doors, windows, and other space constraints.
Indicate the positioning of the existing plumbing if you want to limit the cost of the project.
Ideally allow 30" of clearance in front of the bathtub, toilet, sink base, and shower.
Allow 24" to 36" wide for toilet space.

2. SPECIFY YOUR NEEDS & BUDGET

Who will use this room?

For a family bathroom, consider optimizing storage and opting for durable and easy-to-clean materials.
Master bathroom - choose creatively designed sink bases that feature high-quality materials.
Guest bathroom - You want it to be elegant, flamboyant, and stylish. Choose a streamlined design using bright materials

What products best suit your space?

Certain collections and products are nicely suited for smaller spaces.

What style do you like?

Contemporary, transitional, or traditional…1 tone or 2 tones… mounted on the wall, floor, or on legs; let your style do the choosing! Your bathroom style should ideally blend in with the rest of your home.

What is your budget?

The cost of a bathroom renovation should be about 5% of your home valuation, for example, $15,000 for a home worth $300,000.

It is a worthy investment! According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada, bathroom renovations are second only to kitchens in the list of works that generate the best return on investment. The recovery value is estimated at about 85%.

Keep in mind that expenses incurred vary a lot depending on the materials chosen.

3. CHOOSE A FURNITURE COLLECTION THAT MATCHES YOUR TASTES

Check out Wheatland's showroom!

4. IDENTIFY THE PRODUCTS YOU NEED TO OPTIMIZE BOTH LAYOUT AND STORAGE

Sink Base

1 centered or off-centered sink: generally between 24" and 48"
2 sinks: generally between 48" and 84"
Wallmount, floormount or on legs
With doors or drawers

Medicine Cabinet or Mirror

With or without integrated lighting
Recessed or surface-mounted medicine cabinet
Medicine cabinet with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 doors

Linen Cabinet

Wallmount, floor mount, on legs or countertop
Single or double
Half-linen cabinet or full height
Separated or adjoining the sink base

Auxilary Medicine Cabinet (over the toilet)

Separated or adjoining a medicine cabinet or mirror
Upward opening or standard doors

Dressing Table or Styling Station

Integrated into a medicine cabinet or separated
With or without seat

5. CHOOSE MATERIALS AND COLOURS

According to the desired collection, they offer a wide range of materials and colors for furniture. Whether it’s melamine, wood, thermo, or satin/high-gloss lacquer, you will find a finish to your liking!

6. CHOOSE THE RIGHT FIXTURES FOR YOUR BATHROOM

Bathtubs

Do you want Freestanding, wall-mounted, corner-designed, or in an alcove?

Showers

Square or rectangular
Size: 36" to 72" x 32" to 54"
Installation against 1, 2, or 3 walls
Variable threshold height
Shower walls and storage niche options

Sinks and Countertops

Vessel sink, top mount or undermount sink, one-piece vanity top
Quartz countertop, slate, or composite material
With or without overflow

7. HEAD TO WHEATLAND! THEN CARRY OUT YOUR RENOVATIONS ACCORDING TO THE BEST PRACTICES:

Read the documents carefully to help guide you through the planning, preparation, and installation steps on the furniture you have chosen.
Properly prepare your bathroom walls and floor to receive products.
Prepare your space for plumbing and electricity for your furniture according to the instructions provided by your retailer.
Use professional installer services (highly recommended).

Wheatland Fireplace, Kitchen & Bath are successful for a reason! This really is where your outdoor living and indoor fireplace, bathroom & kitchen dreams meet in spectacular surroundings! Wheatland services and installs high-quality fireplaces, Visit their website or stop by their showroom to feel the warmth and comfort of their amazing selection.

"Better Living Begins Here... At Wheatland, it is ALL ABOUT YOU!"

Wheatland Fireplace Kitchen & Bath are your Trusted Saskatoon Bathroom Store

Trusted Saskatoon Funeral Home Provides Important Guidelines For When Death Occurs

29. Mar 2022 Admin Saskatoon Funeral, Trusted Tips

Since 1910, Saskatoon Funeral Home has responded to the needs of Saskatoon & area citizens of every faith and every walk of life. They have a proud history as Saskatoon's longest-serving, local, family-owned and operated, full-service funeral and cremation provider to trace its roots to the beginning days of our city. Saskatoon Funeral Home are a Trusted Saskatoon funeral home.

In their latest article on funerals, they provide important guidelines regarding what to do when a death occurs.

When Death Occurs

No matter if a death is sudden, or if it is something that was a long time coming, the loss of a loved one makes us feel emotional and overwhelmed. No amount of preparation can fully prepare you for the loss of a loved one. When you are in a heightened emotional state, even the most basic decisions can seem staggering. The following is a rough guideline of what needs to be done within the first 24 hours after death.

When a death occurs at home or a place of business

If the person was not under palliative home care, the police will have to be notified immediately. The police will be dispatched to the home and place the call to the coroner. From there the coroner determines whether further action is necessary. The coroner must release the deceased before a funeral home can do anything. If the person was under palliative home care, contact the home care representative if they were not present and they will notify family members what the proper procedures are to follow.

When a death occurs at a hospital/nursing home/hospice facility

The staff of a care facility such as a hospital or a nursing home will notify you and the necessary authorities immediately after a death has occurred. If a funeral home name has been provided to the hospital or nursing home, they will be notified at the time of death. If you are present at the hospital when the funeral home representative arrives, they will ask a few questions about the deceased wishes and set up a time to come into the funeral home to make arrangements, however, if you are not present a funeral director will contact you by telephone to discuss these arrangements.

Informing a Funeral Director

Once everything has been cleared with the proper authorities, the next call you place should be to a licensed funeral director. Funeral directors are here to help you obtain a death certificate, transport the deceased, and in the event, pre-planning was not done, select a casket/urn and arrange the funeral/memorial service. Funeral directors are here to help and advise you and will work very hard to relieve the stress and logistics involved in funeral planning.

Meeting a Funeral Director

You should meet with a funeral director within 24 hours of a death to begin to make final arrangements for your loved one. Deciding on these final arrangements may seem like a very daunting task, especially when you are in a heightened emotional state, but, funeral home staff have years of experience dealing with these issues, and strive to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Making Arrangements

First, the Funeral Director will gather the information required for registering the death. This includes:

Full Name and Address
Marital Status
Date and Place of Birth
Father’s Name, Mother’s Name (including maiden name)
Birthplaces of Father and Mother
Name of Spouse (if married or widowed, including maiden name)
Occupation

It is advisable to bring in a copy of the will if it is available to show who is the Executor in charge of making funeral arrangements.

If no pre-planning has been done, necessary arrangements need to be made for the funeral service. These include:

Scheduling the location, date, and time of the visitation and funeral service
Selecting burial or cremation
Choosing Funeral Products
Arranging a cemetery plot if requested
Preparing an obituary notice
Scheduling transportation arrangements

A funeral director will guide you through all these steps, using your wants, needs, and desires as a foundation to create a memorable funeral for your loved one. From here the funeral services can be personalized. Did your loved one have a favorite sports team? What was their favorite type of music? What activity was your loved one known best for? Recalling fond memories assists with the grieving process and will help honor the life of your loved one.

For more information on planning a memorable goodbye see Saskatoon Funeral Home's helpful guide.

Visit their website to learn more about pre-planning a funeral and grief support, as well as the traditional funeral and cremation services that they have to offer. They are always there to help. Check out their listing on Trusted Saskatoon to read more reviews and to see all the services they offer.

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