Pilates is great for strengthening and toning your core and for increasing your flexibility and posture. These exercises are usually done in a specific order at various levels of difficulty. The moves may look simple but take a lot of precision and control. You can do Pilates on a mat in class, at home, or individually with an instructor. Areas that Pilates targets are your core muscles and legs with focus on stabilizing and strengthening your abdominals and back. It generates flexibility and strength using your own body weight but it is not a cardio workout. Pilates can be very demanding, so start slowly. Instructors do not have to be licensed, so it’s best to get recommendations before selecting one.

Marita Dowsett, B.P.T., Physio4U.net

Summertime offers access to outdoor pools and lakes, which provides a wonderful exercise opportunity. There are numerous benefits to exercising in water, including increased muscle strength, as water provides resistance; low-impact exercise, because the buoyancy of the water lessens the stress on joints; and increased joint flexibility, since swimming and aquacizing require movement in various directions while adjusting to the push and pull of the water. Exercising in water builds cardiovascular stamina, helps burn body fat, increases circulation, and can help rehabilitate and heal muscles and joints. There are as many variations of exercises in the water as there are on land. You can simply swim the old-fashioned way, or you can go vertical with jogging, water aerobics, deep-water running, or water walking forward, backward, and sideways. All of these options work various muscle groups. For a pool/ lake program best suited for you, consult your physiotherapist.

Doug Treloar, Physiotherapist, PhysioFirstClinic.ca

Many cat owners feel guilty about keeping their cats inside and worry they are depriving them of natural instincts. Generally speaking, a cat that spends his entire life indoors will live many years longer than a cat restricted to the outdoors. If your cat has indoor/outdoor access, he still faces increased risks to his health and safety. On top of the parasites and potentially fatal diseases it can contract (including feline leukemia and feline AIDS), your outdoor cat is always at risk of being struck by a vehicle. Even the most “street savvy” feline can become distracted while in pursuit of prey or while being chased by another cat or dog. It’s a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness. Playing regularly with cats and providing them with entertaining toys can easily satisfy their stalking instinct, keep them stimulated, and provide the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy.

Rob Lamont, A Pet Lovers Warehouse, Apetlovers.com

Tuina massage therapy makes use of rhythmic compression techniques in different energy channels of the body to establish a harmonious flow of Qi (bio-energy). Tuina uses various hand techniques in combination with acupressure and other manipulation methods. In Tuina massage, that often focuses on the deeper layer muscle and connective tissues. This massage removes the blockages and keeps the energy moving through the meridians, as well as through the muscles and joints. The best part about it is that it relaxes as well as energizes. Tuina is a very effective therapy for stiff neck, sore back, arthritis, sciatica, and muscle aches and spasms. It also helps with stress-related disorders like insomnia, indigestion, and headaches. It can be used to address both internal illness and muscular injuries. If you’re suffering from a physical ailment or looking for an alternative, holistic approach to overall wellness, Tuina massage may be an effective option.

Dr. Li Lin, Brandon-Acupuncture.com

Our skin is our largest organ and it absorbs 60 percent of what we apply to it. That’s right; whatever you are putting on your skin, your body is absorbing it, right into your bloodstream. Don’t rub it with toxic chemicals to protect yourself from bugs. Look for a natural alternative. There are many different options on the market, and using essential oils is one of them. There are many natural alternatives that use essential oils for everything from mosquito spray to lip balm. Essential oils can deter bugs like mosquitoes just as well as their chemicalladen counterparts, but without the use of harmful chemicals!  You may have heard about citronella for mosquitos, but did you know several essential oils can also be effective bug repellants? Clove, rosemary, tea tree, eucalyptus, cedarwood, lavender, geranium, and peppermint are also very effective.

Sylvia Provenski, CanadianMoms.ca