For those among us who are runners, joggers, aspiring runners/joggers or slow walkers (hand straight up in the air over here!) and are wanting a little nudge and inspiration to get fit or perhaps take part in one of the Fun Runs coming up in the near future, I present to you: The Jog Squad!

Myspringday is an Australian website I’ve recently stumbled across that will help guide you to fitness. Their latest project, ‘The Jog Squad‘ is a free program designed to make it easier for you to reach your running goals by allowing you to interact with fitness experts and other runners.

There’s a few Fun Runs coming up in Perth over the next 6 months and this could be the catalyst to get you ready for them!

Fun Runs in Western Australia for the rest of 2010:

18th July – Big Fun Run, Perth 5km
1st August – Womens Fun Run, Bunbury 5km
19th August - City to Surf, Perth 4km/11km/12km/21km/42km

As part of the free membership to ‘The Jog Squad‘, myspringday will send you weekly motivational support e-mails and there are even over $4,000 worth of prizes being thrown around which is never a bad thing.

If running if your thing, or you want it to be, I would suggest checking this out! Let me know if you do!

Is anyone else participating in any runs this year?

Be well,

xoxo

I have a little confession to make…..I am a pilates addict. It all started about 6 months ago when I started to have some trouble with my lower back so a friend with a similar problem recommended Pilates, I signed up and haven’t looked back.

Pilates for the uninitiated is a full body workout that uses precise movement, control, technique and strength. Pilates works from the inside out, giving you a greater understanding of your body. The focal point of each workout is on the core which is your abdominals, lower back and waist to give you strength, flexibility and lean muscle tone. The emphasis is on lengthening and aligning muscles rather than bulking and shortening.

I signed up for a beginner’s course with Pilates Fitness Institute of WA or PFIWA. The classes are one hour lessons twice a week for four weeks, or once a week for an hour and a half for six weeks. All equipment is provided you just need to bring a towel and bottle of water. PFIWA have three locations in Perth; South Perth, Canning Vale and Myaree. The beginner technique class is a prerequisite before commencing any other class.

The class sizes are small, and the instructors are friendly and non-intimidating, they are always available to help you if you have any concerns. There is no age or fitness barrier and variations of each exercise are given for higher or lower levels of fitness or injury.

Initially I was pretty worried as my balance and flexibility is not the greatest, but it’s amazing after just a few short weeks how much I improved. When I started doing the standing spine roll (where you stand, feet should width apart and slowly peel each vertebrae down until can touch the floor with your hands) I couldn’t touch the floor, in fact I was no where near it. Now I can put my whole hands palm down on the floor.

You too can be this hot if you do pilates! (May or may not be an exaggeration)

After finishing the beginners course PFIWA offers several different hour long classes that you can do, which are:
- Full Body Sculpt
- Lower Body Sculpt
- Fitball
- Stretch and Core Balance
- Power and Sculpt
- Basic Sculpt

I walk out of each class refreshed, revitalised and realigned!

Pilates Fitness Institute of WA have locations in Myaree, Canning Vale and South Perth.

Cost : Beginners Technique Class $185
Contact: http://www.pfiwa.com.au for more information.

Review by Hannah, pilates lover and all ’round excellent lass.

Be well,

xoxo

Southern Crossfit – Better Than Yesterday.

It is fair to say that we are self confessed Crossfit addicts, more accurately we are Southern Crossfit addicts!

We know what you are thinking “What on EARTH is Crossfit?” We know this because it was precisely what we thought before we started our love affair with the program! So before we get into the actual review here is a bit of an explanation about Crossfit.

Crossfit is a strength and conditioning program that is sweeping the world and gathering dedicated followers wherever it goes. Each day in a Crossfitter’s life they will encounter a different workout (Workout of the Day or WOD). Exercises contained in these workouts vary from running, push ups and sit ups to weightlifting and gymnastic based movements. Each session, or class, held at the gym is led by qualified instructors that provide motivation and feedback and assist with completing the workout correctly and safely whilst still pushing you to achieve a new personal best time or weight. Every workout can be scaled to meet your current fitness level which means that literally everyone can complete the workout regardless of prior experience, fitness level, previous/existing injuries or limitations.

Now, when we first heard this we would be lying to say we weren’t nervous and worried about what sounded like a fairly full on exercise program. The biggest step was putting on our workout gear and heading down to our first session at Southern Crossfit. We have never looked back! Southern Crossfit (or SXF as it is commonly known by its flock of members) embodies all that Crossfit stands for. The three owners and trainers are dedicated to each and every member’s fitness goals and the community this creates amongst its members and trainers is social, motivated and most of all fun! Southern Crossfit is one of many Crossfit gyms across Australia and is located in Willetton, Western Australia.

Our typical day starts with checking what the WOD (Workout of the Day) is on the website, this is either a very good idea or bad idea depending on the workout but we learnt very quickly that the ones that look hard or sometimes even impossible are the better ones to attend as you get the most out of completing them. WOD’s vary day to day, week to week and month to month, you will find it very hard to get bored. When it comes time to leave work it’s off to the gym (“the box”). Classes are held in the morning and afternoon at various times but we personally prefer the afternoon/evening classes as we are certainly not early birds!

When we arrive at the box we get to catch up with everyone, discuss workout times and the impending workout. “The Box” or the Southern Crossfit gym is a large building in the industrial area of Willetton. This is not your usual gym. You will not find mirrors here or treadmills, instead you will find sand bags, pull up bars, gymnastic rings and a second level dedicated to teaching technique and most importantly stretching after a workout. For us, joining the gym has always been the same, there is the worry about how you are perceived, the meatheads in the corner always vying for the best position in front of the mirror so they can grunt as they lift dumbbells and the heavily made up gym bunny who seems to be able to run for miles without sweating! Southern Crossfit is different, very different. It seems to attract the genuine, the friendly and the dedicated amongst us. Every new member is quickly made to feel very welcome and just like Cheers, Southern Crossfit is the place where everybody knows your name. Everyone is there for the same reason and this resonates throughout the gym when members stay behind to cheer on the next class or arrive early to cheer on the other class. We have never experienced anything like it!

First we are run through a warm up that makes sure we are fully prepared for the workout as well as a run through of the workout itself and how each movement can be performed. Yesterday’s workout was 3 rounds of an 800m run and then 21 Dumbbell Push Presses with the recommended weight for the dumbbells being 20kg each arm for men and 15kg each arm for the ladies. This is to be done in the quickest time possible. During the explanation the trainers come around and ask if you have done the workout before and if so what weight. They tend to ask what you feel like you can do and will tell you to stick with it or try for a higher weight if they know or think you can challenge yourself a bit more. We went with 5kg and 7.5kg respectively based on previous workouts (which are logged each time we do a workout in our log books. Very handy!). Before you know it the countdown to start the clock is on and we are lined up at the start of the run (runs are performed around the surrounding areas with 100m, 200m and 400m marked on the side of the road for reference. This is excellent as getting out and about in the fresh air is very rewarding on the hots days and refreshing on the cold days).

3, 2, 1 and we were off for our first 800m run which was two laps to the 400m mark. Today’s trainers, Hayden and Cheng, keep spurring us on by telling us our times as we head off on the second lap and offering words of encouragement. Once we are done with the first run it’s into the gym to do the Push Presses. These are tough but the trainers keep us motivated and help us with technique as we go through and the music is up to keep us going. Two more rounds to go! Second round of any three round workout is tough but we push through. The final round, we are nearly there! We always find that little bit extra in the final round and end up finishing with good times. Finished! There is smiles and heavy breathing all round but we feel great for having challenged ourselves.

After the workout its time to pop our times and weights used down in our log books and head upstairs to compare workout stories and congratulate each other on a job well done! The stretching area is fitted out with a padded floor to make it more comfortable and uses special equipment to help get into every muscle. The trainers demonstrate each stretch and can also be quizzed if you have any sore spots from previous workouts during the week. A single class takes 1 hours including warm up, skills instruction, workout and cool down.

Every time we leave the gym it is with the knowledge that we have achieved something. We both live north of the river and travel to Willetton especially for this gym. There are many Crossfits around Perth but this one is our home. Each class can be compared to a group personal training session as the attention paid by the trainers is meticulous and helps you improve greatly with hints and feedback.

Crossfit as a program extends far beyond just going to the gym as well. There are many competitions, affiliate gatherings (where all the Perth gyms meet up and workout together) as well as the world wide Crossfit games! It is such a flexible program that many refer to it as a sport. We prefer the WA based competition but both hope to give qualification for the Australian Games a shot next year, who knows what we could achieve in a year!

Southern Crossfit (the gym) turns one year old in July and we have enjoyed being part of this amazing community during its first year. We look forward to seeing you down there too! As Southern Crossfit’s mantra suggests the only thing you can be is “Better than Yesterday”.

Web: http://www.southernxfit.com
Address: 10 Whyalla Street, Willetton WA, 6155.
Phone: (08) 9259 0003
Email: info@southernxfit.com

Imogen and Astrid
xo

♥

For those of you who don’t know, Body Balance is a light-medium intensity workout that combines yoga, pilates & tai-chi style movements.

In my personal experience, Body Balance (BB) is more of a workout than a standard yoga or pilates class. All the movements are done in quick succession and there is less time to rest between poses, or ‘tracks’ as they are called in BB, due to each sequence of moves being performed to music.

I’d previously read that BB is pretty easy, however as I was quite unfit I found myself huffing, puffing and generally being very worn out after my first session! It is definitely suitable for beginners, but you’re not going to just breeze through it and even as your fitness and flexibility develop, you can work harder in the poses, so it’s still challenging.

The lovely Beth usually takes the Tuesday evening (6.30pm) & Saturday afternoon (3.00pm) classes that I frequent, she is very approachable and encouraging, which is exactly what you want in a fitness instructor.

There are various ‘releases’ throughout the year, meaning that the sequence and music of the class changes, which keeps things fresh and new!

Classes generally run a little like this:

♥ A tai-chi style track to warm up
♥ Core strengthening work
♥ A track to work on balance
♥ A track to improve flexibility
♥ Some floor work that targets abs, legs & back
♥ Another tai-chi style track to settle down
♥ Meditation (MY FAVOURITE PART!)

All up the class goes for an hour and I have seen benefits from going such as a tighter tummy, more defined calves, a great feeling of relaxation for the rest of the day and consistently being in a super-cheery mood the day after I attend!

The only negative would be that because the classes have so many attendees and only one teacher, there is no time for personal attention to make sure that you are performing the poses correctly. This leaves room for the possibility of injuries, unlike most yoga classes where the teachers come around and correct you if they notice you’re not aligning yourself right.

If you have any known injuries, you can let the teacher know and they will give you alternative options.

Body Balance @ Riverton Leisureplex costs $10 for an hour and is a worthwhile addition to my exercise routine!

Riverton Leisureplex

Address: Corner of Riley and High Roads, Riverton

Fax: 9231 0910

Email: leisureplex@canning.wa.gov.au

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

♥ Yoga Doggy! ♥

Today my friend and I had a Body Balance date all lined up and ready to go. When we arrived, the disinterested receptionists informed us that there was in fact no class due to it being Easter weekend, surely we need exercise more at this time than any other?! Alas, it was not to be.

But my friend is an inspirational little bunny and suggested we head over to the park and do our own workout, something that I probably wouldn’t have thought of.

So we went to a nearby oval and created our own yoga / body balance / light strength training workout for about 20-30 minutes and I have to say that the sun, pups, breeze, birds and grass, along with the light exercise, did me a world of good.

We could have easily gone home and given up, but we DIDN’T! It’s really inspired me to do spontaneous / proactive things like this more often and I hope that the next time you don’t get to your workout class for whatever reason, you consider making up your own – after all, you probably know most of the moves already! I promise you’ll love it

Be well,

xoxo

♥

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.