In January of 2017 I was lucky enough to head to the Mayan Riviera to work with LATravel Group on their 6th annual Health and Wellness retreat, lead by fitness fanatic and all around incredible human, Sharon Delbridge. It may have honestly been one of the very best ways I have ever started out a new year. Sharon was accompanied by Heather Sanderewich (owner of The Yoga Barre – one of the BEST new fitness spots in Winnipeg located at 6640 Roblin Blvd) for the week that I was there. In addition, the LATravel Fitness Hero Contest winner from 2016, Jody McIntyre, came down to teach piloxing on the beach. There was Zumba, Aqua Zumba, Cycling classes, piloxing and sunset yoga on the beach every day. You could do as many or as few classes as you wish. There was a group of approximately 40 all-star women who came down, all of different ages, fitness levels and life experience. I truly felt surrounded by positive vibes and great energy. I sat down with Sharon to chat with her about fitness, food and life for our Fit Communications blog.
Sharon is so inspiring. Spending five minutes with her you will feel amazing – she is so full of energy I seriously have no idea how she does it. I guess when you’re living your true dream life, the energy comes easy. “I get to live half a year in Winnipeg spring and summer and teach at my fave studios and inspire people everyday and see how their lives change through fitness. As well, since my husband retired, we are now living in Puerto Vallarta for half the year and continue to do this going forward. I get to teach here daily my favorite classes at the best studio in PV and meet another phenomenal group of people that are loving my classes. This is truly living the dream.”
Sharon started teaching aerobics in the 80’s and after taking a few years off for family and business, returned to the scene in 2005. She constantly keeps things new and fresh because this isn’t just a job to her, it’s a lifestyle. At Fit Communications we often talk about this concept – it’s not a diet or a fad rather health and fitness are a way of life. Sharon beyond ‘get’s it’. And she comes by it honestly. Both her parents, at age 90 and 92, still work out every single day. If that’s not inspirational, I don’t know what is.
Sharon finds such a thrill in seeing the people who take her classes reach their goals. Be it to lose weight, recover from illness, get stronger, or increase their confidence, Sharon is by their side every step of the way. So when LATravel Group owner Chris Lucas approached her to do a Zumba trip in Mexico, she jumped at the chance. This was totally up her alley – fun and fitness combined. Again…she’s living the dream.
In 2018, Sharon will be coming into her 8th year doing this retreat. The awesome thing about it is the repeat attendees. You know an event is good when it’s sold out and it has the same people coming back for more. When chatting with the women you feel the admiration they have for the entire situation – for Sharon, for the trip, and for the chance to connect with their friends, old and new, for the week. I honestly can’t begin to describe how inspiring it is to surround yourself with women for the first week of a new year who are on a mission to make themselves the best version of themselves they can be.
“In 2018, we are switching to a new city and taking the trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (previously in the Mayan Riviera). This is where I have been living with my husband for the winter and it has become our home. This city has a passion and a pulse like no other. In 2018 the resort is right in the town. You can walk out of the resort and be in the most beautiful city with ocean and mountains and the most incredible weather. It’s the safest area and has the best sunsets in the world. We will be taking people on walking tours and showing everyone around. As well, we’ll be having a get together in our home for everyone to come and see where we live,” says Delbridge.
Sharon will be back in Winnipeg teaching her energizing classes around the city in April. Until then, Sharon has a few words of advice on how we can all find a little more balance in life:
- Find a way to disconnect from your everyday crazy life: find quiet time, where you recharge your batteries. Spending quality quiet time with family and watching a movie or a show. Disconnect from your phone, computer and social media. Quiet time is the best!
- Take care of your health. No matter what is going on in your life, find the time to do something for yourself that is active. Walking, cycling, dancing whatever it is. When you have crisis in your life or even if you don’t, we all need to get the blood flowing and moving to feel better.
- Avoid toxic people. We all need to remove the negative people in our lives that bring us under. Surround yourself with people that make you feel good.
- Treat yourself to a treat – spa and yummy lunch, mani or pedi!
- Laugh everyday. Life is about attitude. No matter what, try and see the humor in everything that goes on in life.
- Positive attitude. Life has a way of pulling us under. We can’t let it. We must fight it and move forward. It’s all about moving forward and looking ahead. Send out positive vibes and you will get it all back.
Follow Sharon on Instagram @FreshSoulFitness or on Facebook Fresh Soul Fitness with Sharon for added inspiration, health and fitness tips. She is truly one of a kind and I feel honored to call her my friend. Or for more information about the 2018 Health and Wellness Retreat, contact LATravel Group at 204.988.8441
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