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

♥

I’m in a fit of excitement, a ‘Hissyfit‘ of excitement, over this range of sunscreen prods that are all Australian made, perfectly matched for beach bums like myself, but the great thing is, it doesn’t just work for the Summer months, it’s suitable during all seasons for dry skin too.

Ever wondered how to think AND look the part of a beach babe? The answer is Hissyfit’s ‘Saving Face’ tinted moisturiser. It comes in 6 different colours to match most skin tones, so it works as a foundation and sunscreen for your face. It is, as reviews have said, the ‘holy grail’ of make-up. It’s not just 15+ ladies, we’re talking 30+. It gives me the bronzed look and doesn’t look over-done. It feels great and doesn’t leave grease on my face.

Like many girls, I keep a hand cream in my bag for all those times I get dry, flaky skin on my hands. It’s “handy” for when I’m sitting on the beach towel ready to get my le tan on, or “handy” when I’m in the office. In fact, I can use it anytime, anywhere. With Hissyfit’s hand cream; appropriately named ‘Handy Work’ (not that I was hinting) it’s a cream and sunscreen in one and has the scent of orange mint. My paws feel soft and smell like orange tic tacs smooshed into a mint chocolate.

They also have something to soothe those aching sun-kissed/winter-y lips. ‘Lip Service’ contains shea butter, jojoba oil and vitamin e, and I’m currently infatuated with the ‘clear’ shade; naturally gorgeous and plump lips. It also comes in 4 other adorable colours, berry, guava, plum & toffee, all yummy sounding and completely kissable by your dreamboat of choice.

Next up is the ‘Body Double’ bod moisturiser and sunscreen that I’m personally yet to try. Well, I’ve always wanted a body double doppleganger for those open-eyed sleeping boardroom meetings; but in this case, I think the guys at Hissyfit have solved my problem in another sense. This lotion in a bottle gives an extra layer of protection from the sun while hydrating the skin. And since alot of us are time-poor these days it makes sense to just slap on one lotion instead of applying two. The fragrance of vanilla, almond, orange & grapefruit sounds like it’ll turn you into scrumptious (cutie) pie.

“You should know by know you’re a goddess” (their motto) didn’t lure me to want to try these products, well flattery gets you everywhere really. But it’s not just flattery and packaging that had me at hello, it was the exceptionally high quality of the products that ‘Hissyfit’ have to offer, as I’ve found out!

Love it. My current favourite brand! x

Guest post by Kelly-Anne, self-confessed Hissyfit addict

Be well,

xoxo

When offered the chance to experience a 90 minute indulgent massage involving hot ancient stones, Australian native botanicals & the opportunity to “leave my body’s energies dancing with joy” at Bodhi J Health + Beauty Spa, I reluctantly accepted 😉

Bodhi J is located in Wembley, a short drive past the picturesque Herdsman Lake – driving past is a lovely precursor to a spa treatment.

Quick Warning: This review might get a bit lengthy, I had a lot of interesting (I hope!) observations about this particular spa that I’d like to share with you.

First up the welcome area is spacious, which immediately makes for a relaxed feel. There are a stack of neatly presented and CURRENT (A+, such a rarity in any setting) magazines to browse through whilst waiting & filling in the client form.

The treatment I’m having is called the “Li’tya Marta Kodo Rock Massage” and it lasts for 90 minutes (dreamy), here is the excerpt from the Bodhi J website:

These magical Ancient Primordial Stones from North Western Australia are integrated into a treatment that is aligned with the rhythmic Kodo body massage that is inspired by traditional Australian Aboriginal techniques which tone and re-align energy flow, enhancing mind and body balance and wellness. The therapist skilfully integrates the rocks with pressure points and spiralling movements that work to ground and uplift, leaving the body’s energies dancing with joy.

A quick bathroom stop before the treatment begins reveals a well thought out addition to the spa, large enough to accommodate any disabilities and complete with hand rails. That really struck me, as I haven’t seen such facilities in all spas I’ve been to – but why should feeling and looking good be limited only to the completely able bodied? It shouldn’t, so I really commend Bodhi J for being a spa suitable for those with disabilities.

Beginning with a ‘foot bath ritual’ where my feet are dipped into water (complete with floating orchids!) and massaged, I’m then asked to close my eyes and choose from 3 scented essential oils that are presented to my curious nose. The “Reharmonise Oil” was the one that sang to me.

Next, I was asked to choose 4 rocks (out of 9-ish) I felt drawn to, that I’d like to be used in my massage!

I love customisable treatments!

Rocks chosen, my therapist got down to business. As I lay on the bed, a ‘smoking ritual’ was performed – leaves were lit, which I then inhaled through the hole where the face rests in the massage bed, then the smoke was wafted over my body. Interesting experience!

The full body massage itself was great and the hot rocks were a real treat on a cool morning, although the room was heated to a very pleasant temperature.

A word of warning to the demure, this treatment involves the therapist massaging down the middle of and around the chest (ooh la la) so if you are uncomfortable with this perhaps mention it prior to commencement!

One of my favourite parts was when tiny warm stones were placed between each of my toes, it felt really unique & special. The head massage was also blissful.

Some products from the Li’Tya range

Other things of note:

♥ The Aboriginal music & light chanting played throughout the treatment set the mood.

♥ Mid-way through the treatment some grainy rocks were softly rubbed over my back and it felt amazing.

♥ There were tealight candles in the room (real, not fake).

♥ Bodhi J use iPods in all of their rooms, I thought this was really cool.

Afterwards I had some gorgeous fresh fruit (kiwi, strawberries & pineapple) & a delicious cup of caffeine free ‘Yulu Tea’ to complete the experience.

Highly, highly recommended! If you decide to go based on my review, let me know, I’d love to hear your thoughts 🙂

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask me in the comments!

Li’tya Marta Kodo Rock Massage (90 min) $160

Contact Bodhi J Health + Beauty Spa

42C Grantham St (Cnr Nanson St)
Wembley, Western Australia 6014

Ph: (08) 9387 5152
Fax: (08) 9387 4548

Email: admin@bodhij.com.au

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

There’s been something in the air where I work lately, it’s got everyone talking, sniffing and asking – what IS that smell?!

It’s my Endota Lavender & Alpine Pepper Hand Cream and I need to stop being so generous, because this baby is running out.

The Endota brand is making a name for itself in a big way over in the Eastern States as a chain of environmentally conscious spas that use certified organic, 100% natural products to keep our bodies looking beautiful in a safe manner.

Unfortunately for us West-siders, they haven’t yet made the trek over the great plain, but rest assured I’ll be e-mailing them to enquire “WHEN?!@#!@” as we can never have too many options for pampering, especially when it’s kind on the environment and our bodies!

So back to the hand cream:

♥ It smells phenomenal
♥ Luxurious to apply
♥ Absorbs quickly
♥ Will get you compliments galore as you glide around the office leaving a trail of olfactory delight

Endota Lavender + Alpine Pepper Hand Cream is my current favourite. All possibility of me sharing has gone, I’M SORRY FRIENDS.

Try this hand cream and you too can become obsessive & selfish, but at least you’ll have the finest hands in town.

Love it.

RRP $34 for 90ml. Available online and at David Jones stores.

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

My hair smells like rosemary and mint, but not because I’ve been rollin’ around in the vege patch. I’ve just come from an amazing experience at Luxe Aveda Concept Salon in the Garden City Shopping Centre.

I booked a hair appointment at the salon after hearing many raves. They use all Aveda products with their treatments; and their motto follows the art and science of pure flower and plant essences. Before going in, I let the staff know over the phone that I would be requiring a brand new head; a new colour, cut and style and blow-dry. An experience with my previous hairdresser from a salon that shall not be named, had scarred me almost 6 months ago, but I was ready to go back and face my fears and begin a relationship with a new hairdresser.

As soon as I sat down, I was asked to close my eyes and choose from four different scents in a bottle. As she lifted each scent up to my nostrils, I made a mental note to remember each scent as I wanted to pick the best one. I picked the one called ‘energy’. She placed a few drops in her palms and gave me a wonderful scalp and head massage- heavenly – and it was then I knew that I was on my way to star treatment. All of this, before the consultation.

They really took the time to really listen to what I wanted and gave me some advice to find out what was the best for my hair to give it a dose of healthy and a spoonful of shiny. I chose a sexy dark brown/black shade and said goodbye to my fading highlights and the transition from sunkissed summer to rich chocolate winter hair began.

As I sat in the chair for the dye process, I was given a tiny cup of the Aveda tea to drink that tasted like sweet licorice, a nice touch. 20 mins later and after waiting for the dye to do its thing, I was brought over to the sink where I received another head massage after a rosemary and mint shampoo. The same sensation when you place a mint in your mouth was all over my scalp and it was invigorating, I had never felt anything like it before. It felt tingly but in a good way, and lasted for 2 minutes. It was doing some brilliant things to my scalp let me tell you!

As for the hairstyle, they trimmed up my split ends and the layers at the back, also a few short layers at the front that really brings out the shape of my face. Then the blow-dry which gave my hair bounce and showed off my layers.

The result: A healthy head of hair and a fantastic experience with some tender lovin’ care from the Aveda ladies; muchos gracias, now I can say my dream of looking more like a dark-haired goddess came to fruition.

That’s not where it ends though; afterwards I was given a client file, yes my very own client file! And some tempting offers for when I collect points for each treatment I book. I also purchased 1 litre of the colour shampoo and conditioner to go with it to take some care of my hair when it’s off-duty.

All up for the colour, cut & style was $185, a reasonable price at any well-known salon, only this time I got the little extras that were well worth every penny. Service means everything, take note, other hairdressers, you have some fair competition here.

THANKS LADIES AT LUXE AVEDA CONCEPT, I’ll be seeing you in 6 weeks.

Aveda products are available for purchase in-salon, or online at StrawberryNET!

Reviewed by Kelly-Anne, waiting impatiently for her next tingly scalp experience!

Be well,

xoxo