Mindy-Lou Athlete: Fitness Explorer & Changemaker

Vancouver-born Competition Judge, Posing Coach, Mountain Runner, Amateur Boxer, Community Connector, Published Writer, Geek and PNW Nature Worshipper. This is just  sampling of my health and fitness endeavours. 

[mindylouambrose]

BOXING IS KINDA UGLY. You don't get to look cute, sexy or pretty by the end of a sparring session. The fighting posture is ugly, uniforms are ugly, your face turns red, snot flies out of your nose, your hair looks like a trainwreck, and you spit on yourself. Boxing just doesn't accommodate sexiness in a conventional sense... and yet I feel sexier the more I committ to my goal. This morning I looked like a sweaty mess but felt GOOD! (Thanks for putting me through the ringer Coach @Rosaboxer ) . I have a lot of fitness coach/instructor friends and many have told me that there is a correlation between following through with fitness goals and feeling sexier. Has this happened to you? Maybe it's the increase in growth hormones from consistent exercise (Google it) or maybe it's the sense of accomplishment that feels sexy. Any thoughts? Did I make you blush? lol. . If you want to feel like a badass sexy beeotch try boxing! It doesn't discriminate against age or body type... no really. 😎 If you think you are too old, fat, wimpy or uncoordinated to try it, you are wrooooong 😁 You can do it. . . Tank top- @lole Shorts/shoes - @ReebokCanada Gloves - @Kimurawear . #saucyminx #meowmeow #feltsexy #moveyourbody #movementgoals #unpretty #sweatymess #girlswhofight #vancouverboxing #boxingvancouver (at North Burnaby Boxing Club) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ppb0qBx8D/?igshid=20fomb7yrmt9

[mindylouambrose]

RETIREMENT GOALS: I've decided all we need is #MarioKart and cats. We still don't own a couch and some people think that's weird. I am pretty sure the last time we had a couch in our home was two or three years ago. We don't have a bathtub anymore either. (Jason ripped it out to put in a highly functional shower and we love it. ) . Could you live without a couch or a bathtub? I look at it like there really are no rules in life. Do what brings you joy even if it weirds people out lol. 😁 Who said you must put a couch in your living room? Who said we must own a microwave? We own one but I keep noticing people moving away from using microwaves. They must not be children of the 1980s 😁. Plus, how else would you reheat your coffee 1000 times on a Monday? . . #randomthoughts #ilovemycats #retirementgoals #northvan #northvancouver #videogameart #videogamelife #nintendolife #mariokarts #supermariokart #minimalistlifestyle #postminimalism #northshoregirl #northvancouver #westvancouver #vancityblogger #vancouverblogger #dailyviewvancouver (at North Vancouver, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxLgzxWhshV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15pf73xpe36yi

[mindylouambrose]

"PUT YOUR ASS WHERE YOUR HEART WANTS TO BE." ~ #StevenPressfield . If you wanna get strong, go to the gym. . If you wanna get fast, go to the track. . If you wanna get rich, go to (I’ve never figured that one out). . The point is: where the body goes, the spirit follows. Therefore, move thy butt. Put your ass where your heart wants to be. . If you want to paint, don’t agonize, don’t ikonize, don’t self-hypnotize. Shut up and get into the studio. Once your physical envelope is standing before the easel, your heart and mind will follow. . If you want to write, plant your backside in front of the #typewriter. Don’t get up from the chair, no matter how many brilliantly-plausible reasons your #Resistance - churning brain presents to you. Sooner or later your fingers will settle onto the keys. Not long after that, I promise, the goddess will slip invisibly but #powerfully into the room. . That’s the trick. There’s nothing more to it. . . 👉 LOVE ME SOME #PRESSFIELD for sticky, powerful inspo. 🙌 (at Mahon Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwzmpIUh4L1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ossoc244jsdc

[mindylouambrose]

Do you guys head outside during the rain or do you avoid it at all cost? I am not judging if you don't enjoy it -- I avoid most #subzero weather days by taking my fitness inside. But for some reason the rain doesn'r bother me. Last weekend I enjoyed a spontaneous waterfall walk. in #Agassiz with Jason. We didn't really have rain gear with us, but if we had hesitated because of the weather, look what we would have missed while we were on our #getaway 😁 Mental note: hesitate less, say YES more 😁👌 . Selfie by @jdubwood71 (Go-go Gadget Arms) . #stevenpressfield #hesitation #pressfield #harrisonbc #kentbc #harrisonmills #agassizbc #vancouvertrails #harrisonhotsprings #hikingtrails #raingear #waterproofshoes #waterfallhike #fraservalleybuzz #lowermainland (at Agassiz, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwBVieKhaMN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tu5o9bwbxwxt

[mindylouambrose]

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Handstands and headstands.. I get a lot of DMs about inversions when I post videos like this. I just want you guys to know that there are levels to this game. These are scalable - you can start on a handstand goal at any level. . If you live locally to me and would be interested in a safe, non-judgemental hangout where a pro teaches us how to ease into headstand and handstands, let me know. I know how to do handstands because of childhood fun. But I have a LOT to learn about form, and upping my game. So it would be fun to learn alongside my buds some day soon. . Can you handstand or headstand? . .#fitnessvideos #takebackfitspo #strengthtraining #handstandvideo #handstandgoals #handwraps #boxingclub #femaleboxers #femaleathletes #vancouverblogger #vancouverfitness #handstandchallenge (at Burnaby, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvzkSWPBvcH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1v855r6twl9in

[mindylouambrose]

HEMP JEWELLERY is my favourite. If you can't make it to my Bracelets & Brews hangout party at @dageraadbeer in Burnaby this week, I will let you in on my fav source for hemp anklets and bracelets... . 🍃 @knackforknots 🍃 (local Etsy seller) is where I like to buy them. This is not an ad. I just never grew out of the whole FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS obsession as a kid in the 80s/90s and I love the beachy #bohostyle of the hemp. . Don't you think it would be cool to surprise your girlfriends with a friendship bracelet the next time you meet for coffee? This should be a THING again, but for adults 😀👌 Jason and I keep saying we want to bring back #jellybracelets too 😀👌 Would you wear them? #xennialsGetIt #80sKid #1980s #friendshipbracelets . . . #vancouverblogger #yogastyles #yogafashionblogger #vancouverblog #vancouverevent #northburnaby #vancouverbusiness #vancitybiz #sweatpantssorority #yogaposes #dailyflow #hempbracelets #hempbracelet #hempanklet #bohobracelets #vancouvergirls #vancouverfashion #xennialfashion #xennials . (at North Vancouver, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsDE-9BYmT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1cyfdsufofpfz

[mindylouambrose]

I enjoyed a 💞BELATED #GALENTINES 💞 day with these two #RideOrDie sweethearts @leebran and @ami.spring 😍 The three of us met about 7 years ago while training for fitness competitions. ( #TeamBlessedBodies alumni) with coach @fatidaluz411 💞 Goals like that sure bring people together. . It feels amazing to be healthy and start seeing people in person again. The best part about having friends like these ladies is being able to roll into a social occassion with messy hair and not being judged. Also, you know someone is a real friend when it doesn't matter how much time has passed, nobody has to feel guilty, because you just pick up where you left off - isn't that the best kind of friendship?! 😁 . That's my friendship motto anyway 😁 if you agree, then we just became best friends. #secretHandshake . . Thanks @leebran for suggesting breakfast at Big Flat Pancake! I'm still thinking about how good it was . . #portcoquitlam #tricities #vancouvereats #poco #lusciouslifedesign #vancouverfood #vancouvergirls #ladieswholunch #ladieswhobrunch #vancouvergirl #girlfriendship #vancityblogger #lusciouslife #brunchwithfriends (at The Big Flat Pancake Co.) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuDGeRiBfjU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hglwexb8tyyn

[mindylouambrose]

CRAZY - 78% of you shared with me that Valentine's Day is not special to you. (This was in my recent IG stories poll.) I actually feel the same way. I was surprised so many of you feel this way, and it wasn't just single people who happen to not be celebrating this year. The 78% included many married folks, lovebirds as well as single people. . Likewise, many singles shared with me that today DOES mean somethin ro them regardless of being in a relationship or not - some of you have the coolest ideas for how to celebrate today on your own terms. I love it. . Sometimes Jason and I do celebrate and sometimes we don't. It has no meaning to us but I do understand why some of you are overjoyed today 😀 SO, I have to throw a shout to my man @jdubwood71 - TEN years ago we met on @plentyoffish (for real) and even though we don't know or celebrate our anniversary, and don't celebrate V-day, it's nothing but love every day. He is the most intelligent, kind and hilarious guy I know and I treasure him more than anything. I swear we are romantic despite not doing much today 😂 xoxo . HAPPY VALENTINE'S!!! . PS don't be afraid to try online dating. . (at North Vancouver, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt3lYxxBUi3/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17ss9bd8epllv

[mindylouambrose]

I think I need a physiotherapist for my MOBILITY GOALS. Know any? . Swipe to the third (last) video and you will see that I can't squat without falling backwards... unless I have weight in front of me as seen in this first video. If you look closely, all my bodyweight is behind my legs, while someone with flexible ankles has a portion of their weight centered over their legs as they travel downward. . I don't love squatting so I don't care about lifting heavy weight. The problem is that this affects my running. It's something I have to work on if I want to be a 75-year-old granny track star 😀 Apparently if your ankle mobility isn't at least 15 degrees you are at risk of tearing your Achilles. I tore my Soleus. If you run frequently and get burning heels/Achilles you probably need to address your ankles like me (but I'm no expert). . SO.this is the year I actually follow a consistent rehab program so I can sprint safely again and squat without holding any weight, or having elevated heels. . Hey buds I am looking for recommendations of physiotherapists or any professionals (hopefully in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, or Vancouver) who can help me get past this problem. I have been given stretching routines by physio pros before and it helps but I also have scar tissue affecting it. . . Thanks in advance for tips and referrals!! . . #mobilityproblems #mobilitygoals #personaltrainers #dorsiflexion #physiovancouver #physiotherapists #vancouverpersonaltrainer #vancouverfitness #northvanfitness #westvanrun #westvancouver #squatform #squatproblems #squattraining (at North Vancouver, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtXjgeahYwi/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=sazkc639bz1c

[mindylouambrose]

🌎WHO WORE IT BETTER ? 🤟😎🤟 I was housesitting at my sister's place last week. I was super sick so in order to feel better I put on some makeup and non-pajama type clothes. This was my attempt to look good. I then I realized that my hair looked like a freaking spider plant 👎... . THEN I read an article about how Princess Meghan Markle's MESSY BUN hairstyle outraged a bunch of people in England. They thought her sloppy hair was a disgrace to the Royal image.. Swipe to see her offensive hairdo lol. What would they think of ME? 😂 I'm half English so I feel I have permission to say those people need to get with the times. I always have messy hair so I need messy buns to keep being a THING. Go Meghan 👊 . FYI My makeup du jour is @coverfx which is vegan-friendly, sold at Sephora and photographs well because it is high-def 👌 #NotAnAd . . . . #MESSYBUNDONTCARE #royalhair #messyhairdontcare #selfdeprecation #whoworeitbetter #hairbloggers #vancouvergirl #housesitter #houseplantsclub #coverfx #coverfxdrops #coverfxglow #vancouverblogger #vancitybloggers (at North Vancouver, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsrn_wpBlqG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dq8ht0qqharf

[mindylouambrose]

🌎WHO WORE IT BETTER ? 🤟😎🤟 I was housesitting at my sister's place last week. I was super sick so in order to feel better I put on some makeup and non-pajama type clothes. This was my attempt to look good. I then I realized that my hair looked like a freaking spider plant 👎... . THEN I read an article about how Princess Meghan Markle's MESSY BUN hairstyle outraged a bunch of people in England. They thought her sloppy hair was a disgrace to the Royal image.. Swipe to see her offensive hairdo lol. What would they think of ME? 😂 I'm half English so I feel I have permission to say those people need to get with the times. I always have messy hair so I need messy buns to keep being a THING. Go Meghan 👊 . FYI My makeup du jour is @coverfx which is vegan-friendly, sold at Sephora and photographs well because it is high-def 👌 #NotAnAd . . . . #MESSYBUNDONTCARE #royalhair #messyhairdontcare #selfdeprecation #whoworeitbetter #hairbloggers #vancouvergirl #housesitter #houseplantsclub #coverfx #coverfxdrops #coverfxglow #vancouverblogger #vancitybloggers (at North Vancouver, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsrn_wpBlqG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1fc38g0sppb37

[mindylouambrose]

🌎 BEAUTIFUL PROBLEMS 🌎 Love this image by @luscious.hustle - it sums up one of my favourite tools for battling pity parties 😂 . If you are feeling like you haven't accomplished enough in life and are feeling overwhelmed with the #possibilities of how you can be MORE or do MORE, think about your current first world problems. They are usually beautiful problems disguised as icky ones. . EXAMPLE: I once submitted #fitness #workout photos to a #magazine with a polite request that if they plan to print it, to please notify me, as I was going to submit it to another publication. (Most magazines require that the content be original and unseen in other publications.) After months of not hearing back from the first mag, I assumed they weren't going to use it and I was ecstatic that the second source scooped it up for a two-page spread. I sent a note to the first mag updating them that it was now being used elsewhere. They replied saying they would not print the images. . Three months later when my spread was in print, a friend tagged me in a post showing the first magazine DID publish a photo from my submission. I was livid. I viewed this as mag #1 carelessly causing me to look inexperienced and unprofessional to mag #2. My article was published on the condition that the content was unseen elsewhere, and here I was with one of those images published simultaneously in a #competing magazine. . I thought it was the end of the world and I felt like a total hack. I had taken measures to prevent this dilemma and it still happened. I had zero perspective and while I am not a very emotionally reactive person, I did have a pity party for a whole day. . The next day I gained some perspective. What the eff was I having a pity party over? 20-year-old Mindy would have KILLED to have this problem. It was a beautiful problem that came out of a lot of hard work. . I am guessing you guys experience beautiful problems too. Maybe you are stressed that your house needs so much maintenance, while 20-year-old you never thought they could own a house. Maybe you want a faster #marathon time but 20-year-old you never thought they would ever run, period. #celebratethewins #LifeIsGood (at Greater Vancouver) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsMIIzmBpoL/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=mwrqoyg0m2j8

[mindylouambrose]

🌎 GET AT ME 2019!! 🌎 . One thing I KNOW for sure about 2018 is that is was a massive transformational year for so many of you. . My man @jdubwood71 and I threw our whole life up in the air in March and things still haven't settled, but it was a great year. I know from following along on your journeys that so many of you experienced life changes like new careers, going back to school, having babies, moving cities, visiting new destinations around the world and trying new sports and hobbies for the first time, buying houses, getting married and investing in your businesses. Many of you took some scary action 💕💕💕 . We all MADE BIG MOVES to live life on our own terms didn't we? I believe in 2019 we will all settle in a liitle more and attract good things and feel a little more grounded. 2019 is our year for savouring life and owning it! . Thank you all for the supportive community-minded vibes. I love my IG friends. In 2019 I plan to meet even more of you face-to-face. XOXOXO . HAPPY NEW YEAR Buds! . Photo by @alyssacdawson which she captured while I was runnning around in pajama bottoms between wardrobe changes, during my photo shoot event in October lol. 😁👊 . . #takebackfitspo #2019ismyyear #lusciouslife #luscioushustle #vancouverbloggers #ontheblog #2019planner #2019goals #getatme #northvan #westvan #northvanlife #northvancouverphotographer #vancityphotographer #storyteller_tribe (at North Vancouver, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsGfLxIhBGd/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=dnc9ence38gk

[mindylouambrose]

[ WOMAN CRUSH WEDNESDAY ] I have to throw a #WCW shout out to this local girl @rosaboxer 💕 because she DOES IT ALL. Go stalk her account. Not only is she a 2 x Golden Gloves champion boxer but she is an Italian food guru, a TV personality, Business Analyst and talented Fitness Trainer. . I am inserting her smiling face into my page for two reasons: 1.) to remind you all that boxing is for EVERYONE (she is about 5'1" and can kick all of our asses) so if you are curious about it, go try it already! I don't look at boxing as a male-dominated sport. I just look at it as a sport. Period. It doesn't have to feel intimidating. Boxing is not reserved for a certain age, body type or demographic. . 2.) her smiling face is also here to remind me I am surrounded by caring, genuine souls. FYI I met Rosa via Intagram and the more I get to know herr, the more grateful I am for Social Media. Keep making connections Friends. You never know who will show up in your life and inspire you too be the best version of yourself. There is always room for more real friends. Open your hearts and convert some of your casual acquaintances into real friends. 💕 OK preach over. Have a good day Buds!! . Photo by @alyssacdawson . . . . . #femalefighters #goldengloves #boxinggear #sportsphotography #vancouverphotographer #vancitybusinessbabes #bloggersgetsocial #vancouvergirls #womenwhobox #vancitybloggers #lusciouslife #womenwhofight #rivalboxing #vancouverphotographers (at Burnaby, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrA2K42BSRY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=4su9nxab77a5

[mindylouambrose]

[ WE DO WHAT WE WANT ] So... the more I talk to people about vacations, the more I realize there are two types of vacationers: spontaneous peeps and planned itinerary peeps. Jason and I lean towards spontaneous activities on our vacations. We are putting in a little more effort in recent years, to make sure we experience some epic sh@*, but we LOVE that feeling of just walking out of the hotel without a plan and just doing whatever the Hell feels right. Where do you stand? For us, walkable neighbourhoods are ideal vacation spots. . We just got back from 9 days in Oahu and while we packed in some pre-planned crazy activities, we also kept ditching our itinerary for more, more and more bike rides. Listen to the sounds in the last slide video. The birdsong was INSANE in the neighbourhood parks. We just couldn't get enough parks in! # Banyantrees are something special. Basically we enjoyed a vacation on our own terms and it felt great. . If you find that your vacations feel more like WORK than a vacation, I urge you to try living like the locals and ditching the tourist attractions. It can be liberating 😄. Shut out the "shoulds" and do what you want 😄 . . Bike rentals made easy via the @gobikihi app! . . #oahulife #flashbackwednesday #kahalabeach #bikerental #takebackfitspo #vancouvergirl #vancitybloggers #vancouverblogger #bikihawaii #hawaiivacation #bikerentals (at Kahala, Hawaii) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqvpUFnBPaT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1k1v1pb13lknw

[mindylouambrose]

[ DEAR HANDSTAND-CHALLENGED INDIVIDUALS ] Have you tried handstands before? I get a lot of messages from people who want to set some handstand goals but fear the first step - throwing your hands down and flipping upside down. SO I am posting this to let you all know that there are dozens of progression exercises you can do, to get started right away. Getting started is easier than you think. All you need is a wall 😁 and you can transform you core and upper body strength . CLICK ON THIS HASHTAG TO SEE THOUSANDS OF POSTS FROM PEOPLE PERFORMING VARIOUS STEPS TO MASTER THEIR HANDSTAND. . . . >>> #handstandprogressions or #handstandprogression . SIDENOTE: As you can see in one of the videos, I am trying to get my strength back to doing shoulder taps but I am super weak on one side. If any of you personal trainers out there know of a good strength exercise that might help me support my weight on my left arm while inverted, I would appreciate it. I don't recall having issues with shoulder taps a couple years ago, so this is kinda weird. . Thanks Trainers!! leggings: @bench tank: @calicontenders 💕 . . . . . . #fitnessvideos #takebackfitspo #strengthtraining #handstandvideo #handstandgoals #handwraps #boxingclub #femaleboxers #femaleathletes #vancouverblogger #vancouverfitness #handstandchallenge (at Beyond Boxing) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpn-FLsHc6D/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1huryshymmjc9

[mindylouambrose]

[ TWO THINGS! ] Suggestions pleeeease 😁 So excited! I am heading on a beach vacation next month! Today I happen to be packing my clothes for a big move into our new home and realized I own almost no swimsuits. I also realized I am pasty AF lol. I would love some suggestions for swimsuit companies you love, AND #sunless tanning products (cruelty free) ☀️ I think I will also plan a sunny vacation for my 40th birthday in 6 months so now is a good time to shop. Thanks Friends!! . PS my favourite swimsuits are TWO-PIECE, HIGH-NECK, LOW-RISE with TIE-SIDES if you happen to see any.😁 . PSS #messyhairdontcare . . . . #drugfreeathlete #naturalathlete #sunnyvacation #fallvacation #swimsuitshopping #swimwear2018 #highneckbikini #lowrise #stringbikini #bikinigoals #pastyaf #vancouvergirl #paleskindarkhair #paleskindontcare #bikinishopping #newbikini #femaleathlete #blackbikini #bikinifitnessathlete #bigbun #bunhairstyle #swimshop #crueltyfreeproducts #sunlesstanner (at North Vancouver, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BokGPIwgzmh/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=14iusj1tangjk