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Home Workout Exercises in Your Furnished Condo

January 19, 2016

Home Workout ExercisesIt can be difficult to stay in shape when you are on vacation or travelling for work, as you are jostled out of your healthy at home routine. You might end up eating out more and having a few drinks – which often means that you return home with a few pounds under your belt as a souvenir. In addition to using the fitness facilities at your furnished apartment in Toronto, you can also do these great at home workout exercises anywhere so that you can keep in shape while on the go:

1. Superman
This exercise will strengthen your core while providing you with a great stretch. Start by lying on your stomach on a mat or on the floor with your legs outstretched behind you. Your toes will be pointed toward the wall and your neck should be relaxed. Exhale while you squeeze your core muscles and reach both legs up a few inches off the floor. While your legs are lifting, float both arms a few inches off the floor as well. Hold for 20 seconds, then slowly release.
2. Push Ups
This classic exercise is great for working the upper body, but it also works to strengthen your core as well.
3. Prisoner Squats
Home Workout ExercisesThese are basic squats, except with your arms up and your fingers laced behind your head. The hand position forces you to keep your chest upright and works your core muscles.
4. Downward Facing Dog
This yoga position gives you a great stretch, as well as strengthening your abs and back.
5. Front Plank
This exercise is harder than it looks. Lie on your stomach and then raise your body up on your elbows and toes, keeping your torso and legs stiff and strong. Your body should be as straight as a plank and the only thing touching the ground should be your forearms and toes. Hold this position for as long as you can, breathing deeply, then lower yourself back to the floor.
6. Tuck Jump
Stand with your knees slightly bent and then jump up as high as possible, bringing your knees to your chest while you are in the air while extending your arms straight out.
7. Mountain ClimberHome Workout Exercises
Start on your hands and knees and bring your left foot under your chest while straightening your right leg. Keep your hands pressed to the ground and jump and switch legs.
8. Burpees
One of the most difficult but effective full body exercises. Start with a squat position and put your hands on the floor. Jump your feet back into a push-up position. As soon as you have completed one push-up, jump your feet back to the squat position. Leap up into the air as high as you can before you squat and repeat.
9. Wall Sit
Slide your back down the wall until your thighs are parallel to the ground and stay that way, like you are sitting on an invisible chair. It won’t take long to feel the burn.
10. Side Plank
From the plank position, roll to the side and come up on one of your elbows and the corresponding foot. Hold it for 30 seconds.

The advantage of staying at one of our furnished condos is that all buildings have on-site fitness centres, including swimming pools, cardio machines and much more. With the on-site recreational centres and these 10 quick at home workout exercises, you can keep a healthy routine without having to worry about the weather or go out to find a gym in an unfamiliar city.

Fitness and Health, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel

Tips to Stay Warm in Toronto in the Winter

January 7, 2016

Tips to Stay Warm in TorontoLet’s face it, Canadian winters can be cold. The streets ice over, the cold wind blows, the snow piles up and the temperature drops well below zero. If you are visitor to Toronto during the winter and you aren’t used to the Canadian chill, it might be a little bit of a shock to your system!
How do the locals survive? It’s all about being prepared and knowing how to handle the cold weather. Here are some valuable tips to stay warm in Toronto if you are visiting.

• You will absolutely need to bring with you a warm winter coat which will keep you warm and cozy on the bitterly cold winter days. It should be waterproof and wind resistant so that you can stay dry.
• You might need to shop for your coat as soon as you arrive in Toronto, if you are coming from a place where Tips to Stay Warm in Torontowinter coats are not a common clothing item. Some good places to start are The Bay or Winners. You could also find a second hand coat at a cheaper price at a store such as Value Village. If you have Canadian friends you are meeting in Toronto, they might even have a spare winter coat you could borrow during your visit.
• If your coat doesn’t cover your neck, you will need to wear a scarf to keep the cold air from blowing down your collar.
• Wearing gloves or mittens is also very important, as your hands and fingers will get cold very easily.
• Also, you will need a pair of insulated waterproof boots, which will keep moisture away from your feet and keep them warm.
• You will lose a lot of body heat through your head, so make sure that you wear a warm hat to prevent heat loss. In Canada this is known as a “toque” and you can find them sold in stores all over Toronto.
Tips to Stay Warm in Toronto• In extreme cold temperatures in Toronto, fingers, ears and other exposed flesh can be at risk for frost bite. Make sure that you are fully covered up.
• The temperature can vary significantly throughout the day. Wear layers so that you can adjust your clothing to the environment you are in.
• When choosing the underneath layer that will be close to the skin, avoid cotton. It tends to absorb water, which will end up making you feel colder as it evaporates. It is better to wear synthetics, wool or silk.
• Make sure that you eat well before you go outside. It will help to get your metabolism going which will keep your body warmer.
• Limit your time spent outside and if you start to feel numb, tired or overly cold you should go indoors to warm up.
• Get lots of rest and drink lots of fluids in order to keep your immune system strong.

Keep these tips to stay warm in Toronto so you can be comfortable in the chilly winter weather. Do you have any tips to stay warm in Toronto in the winter?

Fitness and Health, Food & Recipes, Lifestyle talk

Easy Make-Ahead Dinners When You Are On the Go

August 28, 2015

Easy Make-Ahead DinnersOne of the major advantages to staying in a furnished rental in Toronto is that you will be able to use the kitchen to prepare your own meals, which will save you a lot of money because you won’t have to pay restaurant prices for your meals every night. However, making meals when you are travelling will bring with it a unique set of challenges – as you might be short on time and you might not have all of the ingredients that you have at home.
In order to make cooking in your furnished condo as easy as possible, here are some easy make-ahead dinners that you can  heat up when you need them. Some of these recipes require a slow cooker but if you don’t have one where you are staying, you can always let them simmer on the stove for a while instead.

Black Bean and Pumpkin Chili
This is a deliciously creative twist on chili and the flavour of pumpkin really enhances the dish. Start by heating up a pound

Easy Make-Ahead Dinners

of cubed round steak on a large skillet in oil, simply browning the pieces lightly. Transfer the meat to a five quart slow cooker and leave the oil on the skillet. Use the oil to saute onions and yellow peppers until just barely tender. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add to the slow cooker one can of pumpkin, two cans of black beans, two cups of chicken broth, one can of diced tomatoes, dried parsely flakes, chili powder, dried oregano, ground cumin and salt. Cook on low for five hours.

Spiced Braised Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes
A comforting stew that freezes well, this delicious dish is easy to make and delicious. Start by combining 1.5 pounds of beef cut into chunks, 2 sweet potatoes cut into half-moons, cumin, onions, apricots, ginger, cayenne and cinnamon and one can of tomatoes in a slow cooker with ¾ teaspoon of salt and a half cup of water. Cook the ingredients on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 hours. Right before serving, add a can of chickpeas to the mix and let them cook until they are heated through, for about 2-3 minutes. Serve the stew along with cuscous and spinach.Easy Make-Ahead Dinners

Chicken, Mushroom and Wild Rice Casserole
This is a tasty kid-friendly favourite that you can make in advance and keep in the fridge or freezer. Start by cooking the rice while also simmering the chicken until it is cooked through. Cook two chopped leeks until they are brown in oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until the liquid has been released and evaporated. Add sherry and increase the heat to high and cook until most of the liquid has been evaporated. Sprinkle the vegetables with flour, then stir them to coat. Add milk and then simmer the sauce for one minute before adding parsley, sour cream, pepper and salt. Line an old baking dish with cooking spray and cut the chicken into bite sized pieces. Spread the rice in an even layer in the baking dish, then add the chicken and the green beas – pouring the sauce over top and sprinkling with almonds. Bake in the oven until the casserole bubbles and let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Do you have favourite easy make-ahead dinners that you turn to? We’d love to hear about them!

Community Events, Downtown Toronto, Downtown Toronto Condos, Fitness and Health, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel

Family Fun Outdoor Activities in Toronto

August 14, 2015

Family Fun Outdoor ActivitiesWhen you are staying in a furnished condo in Toronto, your accommodations will be so comfortable that you might not want to go outside – but if you can pry yourself away from your cozy living space you will find so much to see and do right outside your door. Here are some of the best family fun outdoor activities in Toronto that you can enjoy.

1. Rollerblading on the Humber River Recreational Trail
Take the subway to Old Mill Station and you will discover this scenic winding trail. There are shops where you can rent rollerblades for the day if you don’t have your own, such as Wheel Excitement. Follow it through to Thackeray Park at Steeles Avenue West and enjoy the lush and quiet atmosphere of the river valley.

2. Surf Kayaking at Woodbine Beach
Kayaks actually work better than surfboards when it comes to catching waves, as they offer a lower centre of gravity, higher speeds and better manoeuvrability. Try surf kayaking on the waves of Woodbine Beach, Family Fun Outdoor Activities in Toronto where you can carve through the swells. Flipping over is very likely, so before you try this make sure that you and your family have taken kayaking lessons and knowhow to roll the kayak upright or exit the boat underwater.

3. Swimming and Sandcastles at Centre Island Beach
Take the kids to Toronto Island, which is a quiet and peaceful oasis far from downtown that offers stunning views of the city skyline. This is a very family friendly beach that is close to the ferry docks and it is a wonderful place for your little ones to splash in the surf, build sandcastles and much more. There are changing rooms nearby, as well as concession stands where you can grab a bite to eat. You can also rent a canoe or a kayak from the Boat RFamily Fun Outdoor Activities in Torontoental, but make sure that you get there early in the day as the boats will go quickly.

4. Biking on the Don River Trail
Rent bikes and go for a ride along the Don River Trail, a 20 km dirt trail that takes you from the waterfront in the south all the way to Sunnybrook Park and Taylor Creek Park. This beautiful trail is very kid friendly and it offers many quiet woodland areas as well as some neat wooden bridges to ride across. You and the kids will have a blast!

5. Exploring Bluffer’s Park
Escape the city and find some wilderness to explore in beautiful Bluffer’s Park. It is located just outside of Toronto in Scarborough and it is the perfect spot for cycling or cycling. Admire the gorgeous views of the bluffs that were formed 12,000 years ago by the Wisconsin Glacier.

These are just five of the family fun outdoor activities in Toronto that you can do with your family while you are staying in furnished condo rental.

Business Travel, Community Events, Customer Service Experience, Downtown Toronto Condos, Family Vacations in Toronto, Fitness and Health, Lifestyle talk

Advantages to Living in a Furnished Condo

June 12, 2015

Living in a Furnished CondoMoving into a new place or city can elicit both emotions of excitement and anxiety, especially if it is unfurnished. There can be an additional consideration given to decorating your own place. This transition can be fraught with feeling overwhelmed, especially if you are relocating to Toronto or if you have been displaced from your home due to a fire or flood. The advantage of staying with DelSuites is that our apartments and townhomes are furnished in modern decor as with an efficient and practical layout. HereLiving in a Furnished Condo are a few more advantages of living in a furnished condo and what you can expect from our award-winning services:

1. No worries. Having a furnished rental means you are relieved of the worries associated with furnishing. No moving. No worrying about decor or dimensions. No moving costs or having to figure out who will help you move. From airport pick up and drop off to taking care of your family needs, Delsuites makes you feel at home, stress free!

2. Everything is set up for you. Delsuites furnished suites are all designed with modern decor. Everything is set up according to the dimensions of the apartment. This way, if you’re not of a design mindset, we’ve hired the experts to mLiving in a Furnished Condoake sure where you live is comfortable, easy, stylishing and relaxed. You also don’t have to worry about buying anything else because it’s already been done! (Not to mention that your bed is already made for you!)

3. Housekeeping included. One of the big advantages of living in a furnished condo is that if you are busy and on the go, whether you’re an executive or traveling for leisure, is our housekeeping services. Once aLiving in a Furnished Condo week, at a scheduled time, your apartment will be cleaned and tidy. Another bonus is that you don’t have to do your laundry anywhere either. It’s ensuite!

4. Ease of Meeting Neighbours. Since you are located in a property with various amenities like a fitness centre, outdoor deck and swimming pool, or party/billiards room, it is quite easy to encounter and befriend your neighbours. Many of our clients may be in similar situations such as relocation or displacement so it will be easier to bond over these shared situations.

5. All Inclusive Rates. Delsuites has all-inclusive rates so you’ll also get other amenities included in your rental including 24/hour security, an exercise/party room, and with many properties, an outdoor pool or lounge (not to mention being located in central and accessible locations, as per our above points).

Do you like living in a furnished condo, or rental? Why?