♥

According to the flyer, the health studio “Bikram Yoga” (or heated yoga) provides a certain type of yoga that is conducted in a room heated to 38 degrees celcius, so that the muscles are warmed and a deeper workout can occur!

To put it simply: you’re gonna sweat.

Bikram Yoga is a 90 minute program of 26 pre-determined poses & postures, plus 2 breathing exercises. The benefits of Bikram include:

♥ Stretching and strengthening muscles, joints & more.
♥ Increased mental clarity & stress reduction.
♥ Stimulation of the organs to cleanse & provide fresh oxygenated blood to the body. This helps restore all systems to optimal working order for total health.

At this stage, the concept sounded so unappealing, what with all the talk about mass sweating.

As I entered the zenly decorated reception area of Bikram Yoga (complete with small fountains), already I could feel a slight rise in humidity. The instructors were extremely friendly as they explained to me the concept and goals of their company and they were extremely open as they answered any questions I had.

Set with a yoga mat, a beach towel and two bottles of water, I stepped into a room that was similar to a sauna minus the steam. During the briefing, the instructor urged us to try our hardest to stay in the room for the whole class, even if it was just lying down on the mat if we felt like we weren’t handling the environment well. The point of this class was to focus solely on yourself without worrying about what other classmates are doing and, contrary to regular yoga, the eyes must be open the whole time.

The class started well enough with some of the typical yoga positions such as the half moon pose. At this stage I was thinking, this isn’t so bad I can totally do this for 90 minutes! However about 30-45 minutes into the class, the room was 10 degrees hotter than when we first started and that’s when the sweating really began.

I was also thanking my mum in my mind as she convinced me to bring a beach towel instead of a tiny face towel. Around this time I started to feel a little light-headed and so I decided to sit the next few poses out, trying to gain some energy back and convincing myself not to step out of the class. A few people decided to rest around this time too, reassuring me that I wasn’t the only one struggling.

After a few minutes of resting I joined the class again, keeping up surprisingly comfortably. Going against the rules, I looked around at the class, and everyone, including myself, was sweating insane amounts! Towards the end of the class the temperature cooled mildly and before I knew it the class was finished.

The poses performed in a Bikram Yoga class.

It may seem that I didn’t enjoy myself in this class but in reality, I loved it! I felt rejuvenated and fresh walking out of the studio and I could breathe easier too. Another benefit was that my skin felt softer (after a good shower).

Overall it was a very intense 90 minutes, very very challenging but incredibly worth it as there are plenty of benefits for your body (as above).

My advice is that you have to listen to your body and take it easy if you’re doing it the first time, especially if you haven’t exercised in a while. The yoga experience combined with the friendly and welcoming instructors has definitely convinced me to come back for more!

They have a special offer for newcomers who are local to Perth, $20 for unlimited Bikram Yoga over 10 days! Unbeatable value and a fantastic way to find out if it suits your lifestyle

Bikram Yoga – http://www.perthbikramyoga.com.au

Location

NOR

158a Vincent Street, NORTH PERTH
On the corner of Vincent and Fitzgerald Streets

SOR

248 Leach Highway MYAREE
(beneath REBEL Sports)

To find out more, contact Jenny Sterpini, certified Bikram Yoga Instructor on 0403 496 422.

Article by Hanna Baradja

Have you tried Bikram Yoga? Too scared? Want to know more? Leave a comment! xx

On a scale of one to ten how typical is it to be inspired to take up dancing again when watching SYTYCD on late night television?!

Regardless of the answer to this question, inspiration has taken hold & me + 1 gorgeous friend are going to be shimmying, floor routine-ing, chair dancing & doing tear drops till our calves fall off! YAY!

Show girl shape up, here we come!

Check out: Sugar Blue Burlesque for more details!

The other great thing to happen Tonight was a salad of EPIC PROPORTIONS!! I’ve recently started getting pretty full-on into delicious salads and am definitely feeling the benefits of it.

Tonights number included such hits as…

♥ Handfuls of baby spinach
♥ Light fetta (with non-animal rennet of course)
♥ Vine ripened tomatoes
♥ Sweetened dried cranberries
♥ Chickpeas
♥ Sesame seeds

Honestly, it sounds so simple but tastes so amazing!

My friend & I have regular “salad dates” once a week, so much healthier than the coffee & cake that most of us go for! Maybe you can try having a salad date too?

It’s fun to go shopping for the ingredients, prepare it together & then sit down in front of a bowl of amazing vitamins & flavour while watching other people exercise! Alternatively you can watch coming-of-age teen comedies which we seem to alternate between.

Please make sure to enter the Safire Competition if you haven’t already and want the chance of winning some sweet goodies!

Be well,

xoxo

Miss Liv @ Disco Cantito!

The new year has well and truly started, the first weeks have flown by already!

I’m sure you’ve made a few resolutions about getting and keeping fit in the new year. It’s one of the best resolutions, helping not only with our appearance, but health, mind and body as well. Unfortunately, life gets busy and the idea of getting hot and sweaty, running nowhere on a treadmill with countless others is hardly a motivational one.

Staying interested is the key to keeping up the new regime and sticking to that new year’s resolution. So this year, why don’t you try something new to keep you feeling good about you?

Disco Cantito, run by Isobel Lyall in North Perth and Victoria Park has a very different approach to staying in shape.

They’re a non-profit organisation that work mainly with children to teach them through playing. While most classes are for children, the hidden gem is in their adult classes.

Run during the day on Wednesdays in Victoria Park and on Saturdays in North Perth, there are classes in hula hooping, aerials and acrobatics. You continuously improve on the previous weeks progress as your muscles and confidence develop. The great thing is, you don’t realise the magnitude of your work out until the next day, and the day after that…(!)

If you’re looking to increase your upper body strength, the aerials class is the perfect work out, it works on all the muscles that support the back and shoulders. It’s also a great option for people who find they slouch, or who slave over a computer during the week. Being a 9 to 5, Monday to Friday desk jockey, my posture was terrible and even after three classes there was a very noticeable difference. It’s easy to put aside the time when you see the kinds of tricks you can do on the trapeze. Learning to climb up and down the silks like P!nk did in her latest tour is another bonus. It’s worth going down to check out the classes, even just for a look. Casual rates are available for courses, but I’m sure once you’ve tried it you’ll be hooked (like me) on Disco Cantito!

DATE: Term 1 Commences February 9

TIME: 10.00am – 4.30pm

LOCATION: North Perth Classes @ The Chapel Space, 117 Angove St North Perth
Vic Park Classes @ Leisure Life Centre, Kent St, East Victoria Park

COST: Varies depending on the course

BOOKING: Call Isobel on 0408 626 941.

WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable clothes, bring a water bottle.

MORE INFORMATION: Check out Disco Cantito on Facebook or email disco.cantito@gmail.com

Review by Liv Bambola ♥

Yoga Health have long been one of my favourite conductors of yoga classes in Perth!

They offer classes in many locations around Perth which are absolutely fantastic for:

♥ Stretching

♥ Stress reduction (I can personally attest to the amazing feeling of calm after the class!)

♥ Light exercise

♥ Balancing your mind & thoughts

Given that I enjoy these weekly classes so much, I’m excited to say they are running a Yoga & Detox day VERY SOON – Sunday the 3rd of January 2010 in fact!

The day is going to focus on 4 areas:

- Physical Detoxing
- Mental Detoxing
- Emotional Detoxing
- Spiritual Detoxing

DATE: Sunday, 3 January 2010

TIME: 10.00am – 4.30pm

LOCATION: Lesmurdie Community Hall, Gladys Road, Lesmurdie (Ray Owen Centre) (MAP)

COST: $77

BOOKING: Places are limited. To book email (click here) or call Bhumi or Rama on (08) 9448 0904. (please provide your name and contact phone number)

WHAT TO BRING: Bring a mat, cushion (or pillow), a bottle of drinking water and a light lunch. Tea/coffee/light refreshments will be provided.

Men and women of all ages and levels of fitness are welcome. No previous experience is required.

If you are interested you better hop to it as it’s in a couple of days! I’ll be attending and reporting back on what I learn & discover… hopefully with a few less toxins!

Be well,

xoxo

♥

‘The Bridges in WA‘

You are: Cardio lover, looking for a bit of variety in your exercise routine, love getting outdoors.

I am: A workout for all fitness levels, guaranteed to give you a beautiful view, very versatile – you can experience me in so many ways!

Verdict: Lets get together! Opt for something different and ‘Do the Bridges’ Today!

The starting point for this 10 km route is anywhere you like along the North or South Swan River foreshore in Perth. The course follows the South Foreshore to the Causeway Bridge number one and then on to the North foreshore and Narrows Bridge number two. Bridge order is depending on which way you decide to take, clockwise or counter-clockwise, surrounding the beautiful Swan River in Perth, Western Australia.

The reason why this track is so popular with runners, joggers, walkers, cyclists (WARNING! Watch out for the “cycle-way” and don’t even try to get in their way because some cyclists can be aggressive) is because from every angle of the path is a magnificent view over-looking the Perth skyline and various local landmarks.

Being out in the fresh air, a nice change from the gym, is another reason this is a much loved route. There are many walkers who take their dogs out to frolic and strut, along with birds that pose along the sidelines of the river.

Sunset is the best time of day to go, as there is exquisite picture taking to be experienced for those so inclined. Also with the weather getting warmer, the evening air suits anyone who doesn’t like the hot sun.

The duration of the course is linked with your fitness level. A fit person running at a steady pace will take approximately 2 hours. A bike ride takes about an hour. Time flies though when it is an enjoyable exercise and even quicker if you bring a friend along to walk / jog / run / exercise with you.

If you’re on your own, an mp3 player will give you the boost you need and it’s great to run along to some catchy beats! My current recommendations are: Daft Punk, Birds of Tokyo or La Roux.

The best thing about this course is that it almost forces you to do the whole 10kms to get back to your car. As a bonus, there is plenty of eye-candy, which is a great motivational tool for those who feel like giving up.

Ladies who are wondering what to wear, crop tops are more than acceptable. Sunglasses are a necessity and don’t forget your hat. It is highly recommended to bring a water bottle with you, there are many water fountains along the way but it is important to keep constantly hydrated especially in the Summer months.

The feeling of slight exhaustion subsides after the massive feat, and the endorphins kick in. Sometimes to variate the course it’s fun to create obstacles along the way, such as push-ups and sit-ups to tone the body to throw in some strength along with your cardio. Either way you will reap the rewards from this mammoth achievement.

Downsides: Word of warning is the midgies that have come out to play around this time of year, but this is almost avoidable if you don’t stay out too late.

Upsides: It’s free, gorgeous, can be a social activity, good for a perve, fido gets fit too, plenty of variation, SO good for you! There’s something for everyone.

Author: Kelly – The Bridges Activist.
Kelly has been doing the bridges for 6 months and also accomplished the City to Surf in Perth, Western Australia. She keeps healthy & feeling great by creating her own recipes at home, reading cooking magazines, going to the beach, getting massages every so often, spending time with wonderful friends and keeping creative in her chosen field, Graphic Design.

Given my interest bordering on obsession with the benefits of yoga there are lots of questions that are constantly being thrown my way. While I am always happy to help one-on-one, I thought it might be useful to answer one of the more common questions here!

I really want to get into yoga, what do I need to bring to a class?

There are a few things you may need that you might not have thought of, read on to find out how to construct your very own Perfect Yoga Start-Up Kit!

Note: Though most yoga companies provide the bare essentials for their classes, if they are very popular equipment may run out. The other benefit of having your own gear is hygiene, you’re the only one sweating on it & you know how clean it is.

- Numero Uno! Most importantly you will want a great quality yoga mat. There are mats of varying thickness, you’ll want to choose one that is thick enough to provide some comfort on a hard surface, as well as being non-slip so the mat doesn’t slide around all over the place when you are trying to practice your yoga.

Think about your personality when buying a mat as well, there are plenty of colours to choose from so pick one that will inspire you to be zen, be active or be healthier. My pick are these gorgeous mats that come in an amazing array of colours!

- Next, you’ll want some clothes, though I’m sure there’s naked yoga somewhere in the world, it’s best not to risk it. Maybe a review for another day?!

This is really a personal preference; tight shorts, baggy shorts, track pants, legging style workout gear, singlets, t-shirts – you can really take your pick! Be sure to take the weather into account when choosing what to wear, however make sure you bring a light sweater or blanket along to pop on at the end of class for meditation because your body loses a lot of heat during this time.

For cheap & cheerful opt for K-Mart, Best & Less or Target. If you have money to burn you can head to Lulu Lemon which is a new yoga & sportswear store just opened in the ENX100 building in the city!

- An eye pillow is your next stop. These are FANTASTIC! My favourite types are lightly scented with lavender for extra relaxation and usually filled with rice or seeds to delicately rest on the eyelids, block out light and soothe.

This one looks great: Barefoot Yoga Silk Eye Pillows – with Flax Seed & Lavender Scent!

- You’ll want a water bottle, staying hydrated is super important during yoga so this is a must have! Sure you can grab a plastic bottle from the supermarket, but with health concerns about plastic bottles abound it may be nice to have your own reusable one (stylish, environmentally friendly & good for you!)

This is one of the most popular and well reviewed water bottles on the internet and free from lots of nasties, so well worth a look: CamelBak BPA-Free Better Bottle

- For women and men with long hair, don’t forget to bring a hair tie. Yoga can have you in upside down, inside out poses that you might never have expected and hair can get in the way and be annoying.

- Deodorant. This is most certainly an essential! We’re all working together in a fairly small room usually and while our classmates are generally nice people, we don’t like them enough to endure their body odour. Please don’t forget this!

On the same token, don’t use strong (or any) perfume before coming to class. It spreads throughout the room and can be overpowering. Stick to a neutral deodorant and save the perfume for hot dates

So these are your absolute basics! Depending on different yoga styles (for example, Iyengar) you may need some extra equipment, but it varies from class to class and your instructor can let you know.

Remember that you don’t need to go out any buy any special shoes or socks for yoga because it’s practiced barefoot.

The only other thing you’ll need to bring is a desire to quiet your mind and get a little bit more strength and flexibility. Sorted!

Be well,

xoxo