YourSaskatoon Blogs
Brainsport Times May. 4, 2016
In this week's Q&A we speak with Clay Sparks, Co-founder of Breath Cycle Studio, to learn more about this unique form of cross-training.
Q&A with Clay Sparks
Tara: Let's start with what exactly Breathe Cycle Studio is all about. This is not your average spin class - would you mind telling use more about it?
Clay: Breathe exists primarily as a reminder to tap into the power deep within each of us. We've built a special room for you to reconnect with that power through movement. The tool we've chosen to use is a RealRyder "un-stationary" indoor-cycle. We have 30 of them in the studio. This unique tool steers and leans like a real bike! It engages your core immediately and the ability to float into turns really changes the game.
Music plays a huge role in our classes and has a tendency to get people into the zone. It provides a basic beat to which "ryders", if they so choose, can match their pedal stroke.
People love the efficiency of these bikes and the fact that when they leave after their ride, they feel as though they've done legs, cardio, abs, and upper body work. When you learn to truly ride the bike, it becomes a very useful strength and conditioning tool along with its cardio intensity.
Tara: What is the motivation behind making the decision to open a studio in Saskatoon?
Clay: Breathe was co-created by my wife, Cheryl Sparks and I, along with Dorman and Shantel Baltazar. We found ourselves aligned in the desire to create a unique space to move people. Dorman and Shantel are both yoga teachers and share their love of life with everyone they come into contact with.
We felt Saskatoon needed a place like this for people to reconnect with the power within each breath. And if we learn to breathe intentionally and from a mindful place, we will grow - inside and out.
Cheryl and Dorman have both taught spin classes for years I dabble a bit in teaching beginners. We haven't got Shantel up there yet, but her yoga teaching makes her a perfect "spin" teacher. Being mindful and present while helping people to accomplish things they didn't think they could.
Tara: In what ways will the studio benefit runners and triathletes?
Clay: The RealRyder bike provides runners and triathletes with a very useful cross-training tool. It allows for a high-intensity workout that is low-impact on joints, knees and ankles. It also acts as a core-strengthening tool due to the steering and leaning into turns. Running, just like cycling, comes down to cadence. Our classes are created by our teachers and the music they choose to ride to lays the foundation for the workouts. The actual structure of the music provides much of the "terrain" .
Tara: Any advice for those thinking about giving it a try?
Clay: This bike seems a bit intimidating to many people. This, we know. It is, however, a very forgiving tool as you are in complete control of the resistance knob and nobody knows how steep you're climbing. So my advice is to go for it! Give it a try! Oh yeah, I almost forgot the first ride is on us for now (limited time!). So download our APP and book a free ride today! http://www.breathecycle.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
AquaSphere professional wetsuit and goggle fitting at Brainsport
On Thursday, May 5 at 6 p.m. you are invited to come for free wetsuit and goggle fitting advice at Brainsport! Our AquaSphere representative, Steve Sharples, is an expert in fitting gear for open water swimming, training and racing. Come check it out!
Brainsport Spring Run Off in Elbow
38th Saskatchewan Marathon
As you set your training goals for spring, don't forget to register by April 30 2016 for best prices! Don't worry you can always switch your race if you exceed or fall short of your training goals!
The 2016 Saskatchewan Marathon taking place May 29 2016 features 5K, GoodLife Fitness 10K, Half-Marathon and Marathon event distances along a scenic course highlighting the world-renowned Meewasin Valley through the city of Saskatoon. Easily deemed one of the most scenic running events in Canada, the Saskatchewan Marathon is also a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
Register today at http://saskmarathon.ca/races/.
16th Annual Saskatchewan Credit Unions Queen City Marathon
SRRA Trail Race Series
Race #1 Saskatoon April 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Race #2 Cranberry Flats, July 17 at 9 a.m.
Race # 3 Blackstrap, September 18 at a.m.
For more information on all the races visit https://srratrailraces.wordpress.com/.
EY River Run Classic
The EY River Run Classic, organized by Saskatoon Road Runners Association, is being held in Saskatoon on Sunday, July 10. The event consists of a 5k, 10k, and half marathon, with the 10k race being the Saskatchewan 10k provincial championship. It is a great route along the South Saskatchewan River. For those of you who will not be entering the race, please consider volunteering (volunteers can contact Nancy Milhousen at
Hike to Machu Picchu, Peru with Charity Challenge!
Do something truly life changing and start you own inspirational journey to help end blood cancer today! Not only will you be broadening your horizons and experiencing a different environment. You will be funding life saving research to beat blood cancers through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. The journey takes place October 15 to 22, 2016. For more information go to:
https://www.charitychallenge.ca/expedition2.html?id=1885&cid=3106.
Make It Happen — Triathlon
Here's your chance to give the triathlon a go — no timing involved — just fun! Distances for women-only heats are: Swim 200 metres, Bike 6K, Run 2K. Distances for co-ed heats are: Swim 500 metres, Bike 12K, Run 4K. Race day is May 15. For more information visit http://www.triformarlene.com.
NB Run Crew — New Balance running group
NB Run Crew meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. at New Balance Saskatoon. Always free and open to all levels. The group runs every week from April 14 to June 9. This group is led by the girls of Black Dove Healthy Eats (Saija Shearer & Madison Heise) and will finish at the 5K event at the Mogathon on June 12! For more information check out NB's Facebook page.
Club NB — New Balance walking group
This group is led by NB Ambassador Carol Keesey and will finish at the 5K event at the Mogathon on June 12! Check out NB's Facebook page for more details.
Eston River Trek
The 14th annual Eston River Trek will be held on Saturday, May 14. This event has plenty of distance options including a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, full marathon and a 40 mile trek (walking challenge). For more information visit http://www.eston.ca/rivertrek.
YIN/Restorative Yoga Workshop
Join BreatheMoveBe for a 2 hour workshop on Wednesday, June 1 from 6:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. at the Brainsport Community Room. A yoga class that is specifically restorative in design uses props to support the body to encourage relaxation as well as enabling the student to receive the benefit of poses without engaging the muscles, the props do the work, we receive the benefit. $35 registration fee. Space is limited. Register today by contacting Leanne at http:
Yoga For Runners Spring Tune Up
This class is now full, but there are possible drop-in options. Text the number below. Come out for some runner specific yoga. Yoga is a great compliment to running and can help keep you running injury free! Starting Wednesday, April 6 to May 25. From 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Brainsport Community Room.Space is limited and fills up fast. To register contact Leanne via email at http:
Rock Your Run Contest
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Brainsport Running Club we are excited to announce the Rock Your Run contest. Brooks shoes is sending one lucky run club member to run the Las Vegas Marathon this fall.
There are several ways to enter: 1) Every time you lead a group at Run Club you get an entry. 2) All new Run Club members will get an entry. 3) Everyone who comes out to our July 13 anniversary Run Club gets and entry. In order to win you must be present for the draw on July 13. The prize is a trip for two to Las Vegas. Air, hotel and race entry included. Hope to see you at Run Club!
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
AquaSphere Kayenne - Polarized Lens
For all you triathletes out there the AquaSphere Kayenne - Polarized Lens is definitely worth bringing to your attention. With its polarized lens, expanded 4-point vision, and oversized lens, this goggle will keep your eyes protected, and seeing it all in the open water. Come try it out tomorrow night at the professional fitting! All the information on that event is in the "Upcoming Events" section in this edition of the Times.
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara
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