In 2004 Karen Leibovitch was a busy mother of three young children, running a small counselling practice from home. But a routine visit to her GP led to a diagnosis of oral cancer, and within a matter of weeks Karen’s life was irrevocably changed.
Surgery saved her life but left her with many challenges and a distressing sense of emotional disconnection from the family she loves. Desperate to find her way back, she is told it will take two years to regain what she has lost. The phrase two years to ‘normal’ becomes a barometer against which she measures her journey towards recovery.
A loving and inspirational memoir written with honesty, insight and a self-deprecating sense of humour, Two years to ‘Normal’ will reassure those facing similar circumstances that they and their families are not alone in their experiences.
My love of Les Mills Body Balance classes at Fitness First gyms has found me adding an additional career to my daily life. Not only do Fitness First sponsor me but they also strongly encouraged me to make the switch from participant to instructor in Body Balance. And much like becoming a published author, I never imagined I would become a fitness instructor especially at the age of 42! Though it shows that age is nothing as I have become a qualified Les Mills Body Balance instructor and I just love teaching this amazing combination of tai-chi, yoga and pilates. I guess to me it doesn’t feel like exercise as the inspiring music distracts me away from the mind and body challenges of core and standing strengths and of course, balance for the duration of the class. Unlike other programs, Body Balance has a reward at the end of relaxing meditation; so relaxing that some have been caught snoring in a very relaxed state! If you haven’t tried it, give it a go – Fitness First will even let you try it for free – check out their website at fitnessfirst.com or drop into your local club. I’d love to hear your feedback – just drop me an email at karen@karenleibovitch.com or post something on the Two Years to normal facebook page. Happy Balancing
Check out our interview with the West Australian online. Andrew was away on a business trip so he missed out but me and the children and running buddy Amber had a very fun afternoon… except for the running! Here it is… The West Australian online
Posted by karen on February 14th, 2011 | 0 comments
I’ve just started training for the HBF Run for a Reason and as the Cancer Council’s Ambassador, am especially keen to make it to the finish line of the 14km walk/run. There is a 4.5km walk/run which you may prefer to enter. And if you need a kick start, Fitness First are offering club entry including a complementary personal training session. Just go into any Fitness First and mention my name and/or the HBF Run for a Reason and they’ll get you started. Once you’ve trained at Fitness First, you won’t go anywhere else!
Oh how I love Adelaide – it’s so easy to get around here and the old buildings have so much character.
I met some great people today and in particular a courageous lady named Kelly – what an inspiration! Thanks Bridget for driving me to the City . One more event tomorrow morning and then back home to my family…I’ve missed them all a lot but the tour has been amazing. What a wonderful life I have
