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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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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am a 26 year old Boutique owner, dog lover and reality TV addict. My current project is getting my brand new website and online store up and running….I’m preparing for a buying trip to NYC in a month and I’m also doing a little bit of design for my small in-house fashion label which starts arriving at the end of the year…It’s pretty crazy at the moment!

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Morning time starts with cleansing, I use Priori Gentle Facial cleanser then I follow with Priori Cellular Recovery serum and then Priori Barrier Repair Complex. Before Makeup I always prime my skin with Nars classic primer. I use Giorgio Armani Foundation and blush…Nars bronzer, Stila Eyeshadow and a Japanese black liquid eyeliner that Ive been using for nearly 10 years…Its by B+C (I order it online) Maybelline or Max Factor Mascara and Nars or Lancome Lip Gloss.

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Nightime I always take off my makeup with Simple Cleansing wipes (These are the BEST) wash with Neutrogena’s Oil Free Acne wash to take the days oil and pollution off my skin and follow with Lancome Generifique Youth Activating Serum and Lancome Hydra Zen Nuit Cream.

Image from Aussie Bombshell.

♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

It would have to be a Spray Tan…I’m a very pale girl and I avoid the sun….so a spray tan is an absolute essential for looking good all year round. I will only use Aussie Bombshell. Penni and her team are the best in the business and I wont go anywhere else.

♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

Melissa at Reno’s in Claremont. She does the best balayage in town. Full stop.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

I cant beat a simple Aapri face scrub…the stuff is cheap as chips and its been around forever…so great for congestion in your T-zone.

♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

Oh gosh….thats an impossible ask but I’ll try…..Simple Cleansing Wipes (I buy 6 or 8 packs at a time…OBSESSED), Carmex Lip Balm and Giorgio Armani Luminous silk foundation.

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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

I don’t have any big secrets, I just like to stay on top of the little things like always having manicured and polished fingers and toes…Expertly shaped brows and well maintained hair. I find if I pay attention to those things I have to put in less effort in the morning to make myself look presentable.

♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)

I would love to try Power Plate classes…I hear they are amazing for fast fat burning! I would also like to try an oxygen facial, I think that sounds so good!

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I have been following the Dukan Diet for a couple of months and its been working well. I start my day with scrambled eggs and Oatbran Porridge with Soy Milk. Lunch is roasted chicken or veal meatballs and salad or a chicken and veggie soup. Snacks are sugar free jelly and yoghurt. Dinner is Salmon and greens or steak and veggies. It’s lucky I like protein!

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I have just started Personal Training again…this time with my girlfriends..which is such a nice change. I’ve also been power walking with a friend that lives in my area. I think adding friends to my fitness routine has been fantastic and I notice the difference in my motivation.

♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.

I don’t really like taking too many things, but I do take Blackmore’s Immuno Defence when I’m feeling like I’m coming down with something and they work like an absolute charm.

♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?

I love spending time with my Boyfriend, we enjoy going to the movies or out to breakfast. De-stressing for me simply means not being at work…Oh and I LOVE bad reality TV…I’m a big Kardashians fan.

Thank you Zara for taking time out of your busy, busy schedule to share with us your thoughts on beauty & wellbeing!!

If anyone has any questions please leave them below 🙂

Be well,

xoxo