Author Archive
January 28, 2010 by Lorraine Cupido
*This blog was written by my inspiring mother, Lorraine Cupido… enjoy!
I was searching for a hobby. My inclination is always towards some type of physical activity and so I thought it was time to do something that was quiet and forced me to sit in one place and challenge my brain in a different way. I also wanted to do something that would improve the fine motor skills of my hands.
My brother, David Young, is an accomplished and talented musician, teacher and composer of music. I had always believed that he had inherited all of the musical genes in my family. It never occurred to me that I could learn to play a musical instrument until one day, over Christmas I asked myself why I couldn’t learn to play an instrument. I may not have the gift my brother has for music but I could still give myself the opportunity to learn and have fun.
I have since bought myself a guitar and have had four lessons. I can now read music and without looking, my fingers are beginning to find the notes with fewer mistakes.
I am thoroughly enjoying my new hobby and I look forward to practicing. I am so happy I challenged myself to go beyond my comfort zone. I know I can do this!
July 6, 2009 by Lorraine Cupido
Lorraine Cupido Bala Triathlon
I had an interesting experience a few weeks ago when my daughter and I went for a run and we decided to incorporate push-ups and lunges among other exercises into our workout. Carla, my daughter, prepared to lead me in jumping squats up a flight of stairs. That was when it happened… I simply couldn’t make myself jump without holding onto the hand rail.
I realized that I couldn’t remember the last time I needed or wanted to jump. None of the athletic activities I am currently involved in require me to leave the ground with both feet at the same time and especially not up a flight of stairs.
It has become apparent to me that we have to remind our brains how to do some very basic movements at different times in our lives. I often walk along curbs and move as I would on a balance beam. This is such a natural thing for me to do but it had not occurred to me to jump and it was obvious that I had become very rusty at a once simple task. However, it only took a few attempts before I was easily jumping and very gracefully I might add.
I remind myself when the opportunity presents itself to balance, jump and catch et cetera. I give myself the chance to move in different ways whether I am in the water, on a mat, running or playing a sport.
This experience was a reminder for me that as I age it is important for me to incorporate balancing, running/walking, jumping and eye/hand coordination activities into everyday of my life, after all I want to be a stable, strong and independent senior.
October 14, 2008 by Lorraine Cupido
Lorraine Cupido at Muskoka triathlon transition
The other day I had a chat with a young woman who works in our local grocery store. She works full time and has three children. She has lost 75 lbs since the winter of 2007 and she looks and feels great which is very obvious. My acquaintance told me that she has lost enough weight and now really needs to tone her body but she doesn’t have the time.
I asked her if she has 10 minutes in the day to spare. My philosophy is “10 minutes is better than no minutes”. I then asked her if she has stairs in her house and if she has a couple of soup cans. I explained how she could begin to tone her body in a short space of time with very basic equipment. I informed her that the soup cans could be used to work on her biceps, triceps, back, and shoulder muscles and the stairs could be used to do lunges, stepping and stretches on. I encouraged her to take her children with her while she goes for short walks and they can ride their bicycles along side of her. Her face lit up when she realized how she could begin to become more physically active with little time and simple equipment. Then I mentioned to her that she would likely get hooked on that great feeling that comes from moving her body and doing something good for herself. That wonderful feeling comes as a result of the release of hormones called endorphins which are often mentioned in connection with the “runner’s high”. My bet is that her short activity sessions will eventually become important enough that she will search for time for whatever activity she decides to pursue, and at the same time she will be setting a good example for her children.
Remember, “Some minutes are better than no minutes” and once you start making yourself feel good you will be looking for more.
August 22, 2008 by Lorraine Cupido
Lorraine Cupido - Bala Triathlon
I am a new student of Astanga Yoga at De La Sol Yoga Studio in Hamilton, Ontario. I am 55 years young and figured that if I did not try yoga now, then I probably never would. Now, I am hooked.
I have learned that my yoga practice is very personal and it is a life journey. It is a journey that will challenge me both mentally and physically. It is a journey that will challenge me to listen to my body. I am never in competition with the person practicing beside me; my yoga practice is for me. It is helping me to find inner peace and a new breath. Through learning this, my life is positively transforming as I am able to apply these lessons to life off of the mat. I am now more patient with myself; I am now calmer; I am now more observant; I am now more present. You cannot imagine how presence will bring you success in your life.
We are always encouraged to thank ourselves when we come to the mat. We are happy for what we are able to do and not disappointed with what we are not yet ready for. After all, the practice of yoga is a journey that we will move through our entire lives.
I have also discovered that I can take my yoga practice anywhere I travel in the world; yoga is what I make it! If you are fortunate enough to have yoga in your life, enjoy your journey. For those of you who do not have yoga in your lives, enjoy your journey! Life goes quickly and we need to appreciate being in each moment, just as we do in yoga! Slow your breath and appreciate your JOURNEY!
This blog was written by my mother, Lorraine Cupido. She is an inspiration to me and I know many of you will also find her words to be motivating. Because of this, I am making her wisdom available to you via my blog. Lorraine will be contributing on topics relating to health and motivation. My mother has been an athlete her entire life; she is now focusing mostly on running, road cycling, and yoga. She has been a coach, personal trainer, and physical education teacher. Her life has been dedicated to helping others live healthy and happy lives. I know she will offer you insight into life in a way that benefits you and those around you. Here is to the wisdom of a mother who actually always knew best!
