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I LOVE water, especially Perth’s incredible beaches and beautiful river. However I have to admit, unless it’s 40°C outside, immersing myself in water (aka swimming) is not something I enjoy THAT much. I blame it on a terrifying swimming teacher I had to endure during school swimming lessons. I think this is what enticed me into trying Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) – I’m able to enjoy the visual feast of our water without getting too wet or needing a skippers ticket!

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Before I even tried SUP I was in love with it, and my first paddle in Dunsborough enforced this love fest. Virtually anyone can SUP, you don’t need to be athletic or have the balance of a tight rope walker. Everyone seems to think that it’s much harder to balance on the board than it actually is, and I can assure you that after a couple of minutes of getting used to the feeling, you’ll be SUPing away in no time! It’s often recommended that you start out on your knees to get a feel for it, and have an initial short lesson so you can paddle like a pro. I much prefer SUP to kayaking as you have a birds eye view of what’s going on in the water, it’s more peaceful because you don’t have paddles splashing around your face and it’s less stressful on your back.

SUP can be a fantastic total body workout that you’ll actually love doing. Who does exercise that they hate anymore?! SUP improves your balance and coordination, and can be as much of a cardio workout as you want it to be. Heart pumping or peaceful? You set the pace. It tightens and tones your back, shoulders and legs, and works your core big time. What’s more, you don’t even realize that you’re working out, as you’re either enjoying the beautiful view or trying to keep up with a pod of dolphins! My boyfriend and I once spent an hour watching a mother and her babies fish and play – AMAZING. If you want to take SUP to the next level you can join in on a SUP group fitness class, try out some SUP yoga, enter a SUP race or catch some waves, which I’m told is a little easier than normal surfing.

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On a beautiful flat day SUP is incredibly calming – being in the middle of an expanse of glassy water does that to you. It’s a great way to take some time for yourself and get in touch with nature. Our sunny and calm winter days are fantastic for trying SUP out, so rug up, wetsuit or jumper depending on your level of confidence/balance, and give it a go!

My Hot SUP Tips:

♥ Check the wind! Unless you’re after a KILLER workout, paddling in the wind is a bit of a nightmare. If you’re going out for a long time make sure you have a way of getting back to your car if the wind gets up.

♥ If you’re considering buying a board buy the lightest one you can afford – it makes getting it on and off your car a breeze, and you’ll be more likely to SUP often.

♥ If you’re traveling, try and scope out a SUP tour – it’s a fun and healthy way of exploring a new area (deserts not applicable!).

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SUP hire and lessons in Perth

♥ http://www.elementalsup.com.au
♥ http://www.standuppaddleperth.com
♥ http://www.standupaddiction.com.au
♥ http://standuppaddle.com.au
♥ http://www.sossurf.com.au

Do you like the look of Stand Up Paddle Boarding? Any questions please let me know in the comments! 🙂

Review by Emma Smyth, wellness lover, model, SUP fanatic and blogger over at @ This Sparkly Life!

Be well,

xoxo

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The Urbane Body clinic is housed in a beautiful converted cottage on Hay St. I met Nirav, who looked after me for my first visit and gave me some forms to fill in (medical history, disclaimers). He asked what I knew of HYPOXI (embarrassingly little) and explained it in simple terms: HYPOXI works by directing vacuum pressure at certain areas of the body, stimulating better circulation and shifting weight from that area.

To do that, HYPOXI consists of a collection of machines, each one designed to “shut off” a portion of the body and create a vacuum around it as you exercise. In my case, because my problem area is my thighs, I was using a machine that encased my body below the waist. And that first session was a little unnerving – the vacuum works in cycles, and thus will ”deflate” and then begin to build again. My later sessions were more comfortable since I knew what to expect.

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Very little was required of me during the session – there is a cycle setup inside the machine, and I was asked to pedal for 30 minutes. I was very dubious about my ability to do so in the first session, but the screen is clearly visible whilst doing your treatment and the idea is not to go all-out into cardio mode (in this case defined as a BPM above 125) but to stay in the 120-125 mode, which while not being lazy, isn’t a gym-workout speed either. I was surprised at how easily you can control your own heart rate – when I was too high I found a single long exhalation of breath was enough to slow it down drastically (I’m rather comforted by this). Also since I was lying down I didn’t find it anywhere near as challenging as I find cycling in general and the pressure vacuum inside the chamber really helps – your legs feel heavy when the pressure empties out.

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I was advised to eat a full meal an hour beforehand, because you cannot eat for 4 hours afterwards. Nirav also recommended eliminating caffeine, since the HYPOXI treats it as a toxin. You should also continue your normal exercise routine alongside the treatments, and considering you must do three HYPOXI sessions a week for the effects to work, I did have trouble fitting this upsurge of exercise in.
You are measured once a week and my results initially were modest. As the month rolled on though they improved, and I ended up losing 22cm (in diameter) combined from my thighs, bum and hips – from twelve sessions, a months worth.

I went to my gym for a fresh assessment afterwards (unrelated – I just needed to get a new one done) and when I was measured there the results were the same. Which is not to cast doubt over The Urbane Body, but to stress that I was also measured by a neutral party. I didn’t really lose any weight over the period – but I’d also had to skip gym sessions to fit all the HYPOXI in. Which is the only issue for me – it’s speedy and effective, but to get the most out of it you need to be additionally exercising regularly, and for anyone working full-time (or even part time) it’s a challenge.

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Ultimately it was an effective process and a pleasant exercise supplement – in beautiful surrounds and attentive staff. I would advise some serious time management if you decided to undertake it, however. I would also consider it an expensive process – but having seen how advanced the machines are, how much space they take up and how much staff monitoring is required – it made sense.

You can look a little closer at the process at The Urbane Body, or the HYPOXI website itself.

I’ll be keeping an eye on the comments section! Any questions?

Review by Suzanne @ Don’t They Know Who I Am?

Be well,

xoxo

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Ever had that feeling when you’re in a HUGE exercise funk? Bored of the gym, not feeling Zen enough for yoga, can’t be bothered to drag yourself out for a run? Yep…me too. I don’t know if it’s the cooler weather, but the pull of comfort food and a cosy night in is currently much more seductive than getting my exercise groove on.

I might have just the thing for you if so. Something that will make you giggle and grin and possibly even forget that you’re getting a super dooper workout. Possibly.

Enter the Power Plate at Perth Pilates Studio. I recently had the pleasure of a private session with the lithe and graceful Liz Wilson who took me through a 30 minute session, which is apparently equivalent to a hard 60-90 minutes weights workout. So super-efficient too.

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Power Plate works by stimulating the body’s natural response to vibration which activates accelerated muscle contractions. It’s a low impact exercise, so suitable for people recovering from injuries, as well as exercise renegades like me.

There’s a definite knack to positioning yourself on the Plate. Before you get this there can be a strange ‘teeth chattering’ effect at times, which is rather unnerving. But Liz is there to guide you through all of this, with sessions offered either one to one or small groups.

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The session involved a series of static and dynamic exercises, such as lunges and crunches, and while it was challenging, it was also fun, novel and boredom-busting. Another bonus was the massage at the end of the workout, as the Power Plate doubles up as your own personal masseuse. This boosts circulation, reducing post-workout soreness and, so they say, decreases cellulite. It’s also a great reward for all of your efforts. Did I mention super-efficient?!

Intrigued? Find out more at the Perth Pilates Studio website.

Have you ever ventured onto the Power Plate? How did you find it if so? And what are your tips for mixing things up with your exercise routine?

Article by Karen Miller, reformed gym junkie, but self-confessed endorphin addict!

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We all know the importance of taking the time to exercise; it makes us feel calmer, look better and is vital for overall wellbeing. As many of you know, my personal favourite way to exercise is through the magic of yoga classes. I’ve also recently started a beginners pilates course at the Pilates Fitness Institute of WA – results of that one coming soon!

Something I also enjoy about heading to get my downward dog on, other than the fantastic benefits I experience, is getting kitted out in my exercise gear. I find it helps me get in the ‘zone’ and makes me much less likely to forgo the blissful stretching in favour of vegan chocolate and reruns of ‘The Bachelor’. There’s just something about cute fitness clothing that lights my fire!

With this in mind, I’m super excited to announce our latest competition in conjunction with the wonderful folk at abi and joseph. Add a touch of luxe to your lunges with abi and joseph, the Fremantle based local leaders in deluxe, fashion-focused pilates and yoga wear.

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Owner Abi has made it her personal mission to create clothing that can be worn for pilates and yoga, that also double as great basics to complement the current leading fashion labels. Sounds like the perfect idea to me! 🙂

We’ve got a glorious goodie pack, consisting of the following three must-have items, for one lucky reader:

♥ Long Scarf – Ultra Soft Merino in Candy Pink – to keep you warm in Savasana – $59.00

♥ Headband – Lilac – no hair in your face with this lovely accesory – $17

♥ Non-Slip Socks $15.99 – the cutest exercise socks EVER! Perfect for winter when you still want to practice yoga/pilates, but don’t want chilly toes.

These three covetable pieces are valued at $91.99 and can be YOURS!!

All you need to do to be in the running, is like Wellness WA on Facebook, and leave a comment on this blog post letting me know:

Which of the three pieces above is your fave? (you will of course get them all if you win, but I’d love to hear your top pick as I’m thinking of picking up some pieces myself!)

Entries close 10th July, so get in quick! Winner will be drawn at random.

Make sure to check out the abi and joseph website for more gorgeous clothing & accessories!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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As the summer warmth starts to fade, head indoors to try out the hot new fitness workout that is about to explode in Perth. Xtend Barre – total body sculpting with a fusion of dance, Pilates and ballet.

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A three day course in Melbourne last March with the amazing Rockell Williamson-Rudder was my introduction to the Xtend Barre ‘burn’. “This total body workout serves to strengthen, lengthen and stretch the body from top to bottom from the inside out. It gives the poise and grace of a dancer, with the strength and safety of Pilates, and creates stunning physiques.’’ Rockell Williamson-Rudder, Xtend Barre’s International Director.

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People of all ages are coming back for up to 3 to 4 classes a week. Those of you who are looking for a great cardio workout, a stronger core, increased flexibility and overall lengthening and firming of your muscles will love Xtend Barre. One of the best things about Xtend Barre is that we are able to modify every move so that everyone can get the best benefits for their body. It is great for pregnant ladies too, as most of the class is standing.

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Xtend Barre is a 55 min class using weights, balls and resistive tubing. After a little warm up to get the heart pumping, we add light hand weights to work the upper body. Did you always want to try ballet when you were younger? Or did you love your time at the barre and long to return? If yes, you will love the main part of the class which is at the barre. The leg work at the barre are all ballet focused moves (the best thing here is that you don’t have to have a ballet background for this). Finally we focus on the core and then follow with a warm down and stretch.

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All Xtend Barre teachers must have a Pilates accreditation so you can be confident you are in safe hands. We will always be observing to ensure your posture is correct and that you are getting the most benefit out of every move.

For the people out there who head to Jacobs Ladder (one of my personal favourite places) to give your legs and butt and great workout, you will love what Xtend Barre does. If Pilates sculpts the body, Xtend Barre chisels it.

♥ Renee

Check out www.xtendbarreaustralia.com.au to find a class near you.

See you at the Barre!

Article by Renee Kendall from RENZ Pilates. Renee is an Xtend Barre instructor, Pilates blogger at KORA Organics and general all-round fitness babe.

Be well,

xoxo