by Annette @ Wellness WA | May 2, 2012 | Other
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As I’ve been a bit slack with exercise lately, I was keen to ease back into it with something simple and not too strenuous – enter the ancient Chinese art of tai chi.
My Mum, who is 50+, had previously undertaken a tai chi course and raved about it, so I figured if she could do it then it’d be a cinch for me!
Some of the things tai chi can help with are:
♥ Anxiety and stress
♥ Posture
♥ Balance
♥ Fatigue
And much more!
I visited Next Generation Health Club in Kings Park in order to tour their facilities and trial the tai chi class as I’ve been looking for a gym to sign up to for a while now.
The class runs for an hour, and our friendly instructor Sam is kind enough to acknowledge that there are a few newbies (that’s me!) in the class, so he would go a bit slower this time – phew.
Running for an hour all up, I found the class to be the perfect level of difficulty, and very calming. The emphasis is on lots of different long, sweeping movements and there is a big focus on the breath, which I appreciated, but it’s also a good workout for your arms and thighs. By the end my, admittedly pretty weak, arms were VERY tired and my thighs were quivering slightly, wondering what they’d done to be forced back into the world of exercise.
I really enjoyed this class, and am considering signing up at Next Gen Kings Park as their range of classes and facilities are great.
Have you ever tried tai chi, or would like to? Lets chat in the comments!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | May 1, 2012 | Other
Pilates is a series of over 500 exercises, both mat and equipment based, inspired by calisthenics, yoga and ballet. It was initially introduced into America in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates to assist athletes and dancers to safely exercise and maintain their fitness when rehabilitating injuries.
It is a system that enables tailoring and adaptation to individual requirements, both mental and physical, to ensure that the body is working in harmony: the specific focus is on abdominal strength and muscular activation, and coordination of breathing with movement.
A common question I hear is: what’s better for me, yoga or pilates? And the answer is, both are fantastic, in different ways. It will depend on what you need from your practice right now. If you are rehabilitating an injury or really in need of building abdominal strength and stabilisation through the core, commit to a regular pilates practice. There is no reason you cannot also do yoga – the body loves variety in movement and thought!
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Top Ten Reasons to Commit to Pilates
♥ 1. Improved stabilisation of the spine: consider how much impact you put on your spine through poor posture, twisting, bending, lifting heavy objects (this includes children!), poor running technique…to name but a few sins against the spine
♥ 2. Improved flexibility
♥ 3. Relaxation of the muscles through the neck, back and shoulders through improved postural awareness
♥ 4. Improved physical coordination and balance
♥ 5. Lengthens and stretches the muscles – through body weight and light weight resistance, there is an increase in muscular and bone strength
♥ 6. Time to focus on breath, movement and how the body feels
♥ 7. Improved proprioception (awareness of your body in space)
♥ 8. Released tension in the body equals a less tense and anxious mind!
♥ 9. Engages the mind throughout practice – no time to dwell on the outside world or get restless!
♥ 10. Learning to breathe in the pilates style (inhaling through the nose to fill the back and sides of the ribcage and exhaling through the mouth while bracing the abdominals) oxygenates the blood and increases energy and alertness
ED: Hopefully this has inspired you to get into some Pilates! Check out RENZ Pilates, PFIWA, Perth Pilates Studio & Sense of Space Pilates for some Perth Pilates options! x
Article by Cat Woods (http://catcore.blogspot.com; http://pinterest.com/catcore), Melbourne Pilates teacher (so check her out if you ever go for a holiday!)
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Apr 30, 2012 | Interviews, Products, Wellness Tips
♥ Photo by Sarah Kate Dorman Photography
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Kristy Ellis and I am the WA and SA regional trainer for Mecca Cosmetica and Kit Cosmetics. I also have my own freelance makeup artistry business as well. I do weddings, special occasions, shoots and portrait sittings. I consider myself to be so lucky to have a job that makes women feel good about themselves. The person that once said to me that makeup is a superficial/fickle industry hasn’t has the opportunities I have to really make women feel amazing in their own skin. I LOVE MY JOB!!!!
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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
Oh good question!! My routine changes all the time with the launch of new and exciting products. But I always come back to Perricone MD. I use the Citrus Cleanser AM and PM.
My day-time serum is the Advanced Face Firming Activator (active ingredients are alpha lipoic acid and DMAE) and my night-time serum is the Concentrated Restorative Cream (active ingredient is vitamin C ester) I follow both with the Face Finishing Moisturiser and I use the Advanced Eye Area Therapy. This brand is amazing!
Twice a week I love to do a little facial by exfoliating and a mask double-up, I like to use something with a fruit acid first then follow it with something hydrating. Makeup changes everyday for me, mostly depending on how much time I have. But I do love a bright lipstick, my favourites are “Muse” by hourglass and “Schiap” by Nars.
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♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
I don’t get to go out and have treatments as much as I would like to but I would always pick to have a great body exfoliant and follow it with a massage. The one place that I will always go when travelling to Bali is a place called Jari Menari. It’s the most divine massage that you will ever have and the spa has relaxing and beautiful surrounds. They do a 4 hand massage there and it’s like nothing else! There is one in Seminyak and one in Nusa Dua. I really need to find somewhere to frequent in Perth! Suggestions????
ED: Bodhi J is my top pick for massage in Perth! 🙂
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♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
I go to see Michael O’Dowd at Lee Wallis in Claremont. The man is a genius. Last year when I wanted to lop all my (long) locks off to a short bob he did a gorgeous job. I loved it. He was really honest with me with advice and styling tips. I’m an absolute hair product junkie too, and he always suggests things that I love.
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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
When I want to really give my skin (body) a great scrub and still nourish it at the same time I like to mix sugar or sea salt and olive oil. You can always add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to make it a little more fragrant.
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♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
I get asked this all the time in my job, I don’t have children yet but I liken it to having to pick your favourite child!!!! But I believe that if you want your skin to stay looking young you need to protect it.
♥ 1 is the Mecca ‘To Save Face SPF’. Its lightweight, non-whitening and feels great on the skin, never oily.
♥ 2 is the Lip De-Luscious SPF 25 lip protectant. Every day we layer glosses on and head out in the sun, with the main ingredient in glosses being oil, essentially we’re baking our lips in the sun. I’m not at all saying that we shouldn’t wear our fav glosses, but start the day by protecting those gorgeous lips and keep this product with your skincare in the morning (and maybe one in your car and handbag!!!!) LOVE LOVE LOVE this product. My best friend had a little scare with a lip cancer last year, so I’m super passionate about this one! Oh did I mention it has hyaluronic spheres in it too so its plumping?!
♥ 3 is the Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara. It’s the best for volume, separation and it contains rosewater and Red Seaweed Extract to regenerate lashes. I have tried so many mascaras and I consistently come back to this one.
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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
I don’t think it’s any massive secret but as hard as it is sometimes, a healthy diet with lots of fresh produce and doing exercise that I love is the best way for me to stay feeling great and de-stressed. As hard as it is to get out of bed early some days, I love to go down to Port beach for a walk or run and then a quick dip before work. I don’t have a dog, but I love to watch all the dogs on the beach having a great time too. It cheers me right up!
Omnilux Facial
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
I would love to go have an Omnilux Facial. I have heard that they are amazing for a energising, regenerating and plumping the skin. I also keep meaning to get myself to a Bikram yoga class too.
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
I have my ups and downs for sure but lately I have been reading books by James Duigan and following him on Twitter. It’s more of a lifestyle than a diet and his philosophy is all about being “clean and lean”. Lots of organic fresh produce and lean protein to help clean the body of toxicity levels (in a nutshell!!!). I’m not doing it 100% but where I can, I definitely try. He has the best breakfast recipes and being my favourite meal of the day so have been enjoying things like Buckwheat and Blueberry pancakes, Homemade Flaked Granola and Porridge with orange zest and cinnamon. Yum!!!!! Lunch is usually a salad I can grab on the run and dinner is fish, steak or chicken with veges or salad.
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♥ Describe your fitness routine.
I love to run! It’s a chance be on only in my own thoughts for a while and listen to music. I like to swim if I get a chance but I have just started doing a circuit class with my best friend at a little gym near my house called Fitness Results. Its full on but it’s the interval training that I need. I had set out to run the Perth Marathon this year after completed the City to Surf Half Marathon last year but time (and the extra motivation) has got away from me so I think that will go on the back burner for a bit. Maybe next year who knows? I’d love to do it in New York!!
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♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
I take alpha lipoic acid in a vitamin form. It’s a powerful anti-oxidant and is said to help with controlling blood sugar levels too. James Duigan (mentioned previously) has a website called bodyism.com and they do their own multi-vitamins and supplements that I take. His supplements are great and you can add them to a smoothie in the morning too.
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♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
Sunday morning breakfast for sure! I love to discover new and kooky little cafes with my lovely boyfriend, but if it had to be something on my own I’ll say magazines are my true vice!!! I spend so much on them but as cliche as it sounds I love to sit at home, put a good chick flick on in the background (usually something that I have seen 100 times over!!!!) cruise through the glossy pages checking out all the beautiful clothes, makeup and models. I find it really inspires me and I find it a great way to stay on-trend with what’s happening out there and it makes me get creative in trying to figure out a runway to realway solution!!!!
Thanks Kristy! If you have any questions for this makeup artist extraordinaire, please comment below! 🙂
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Apr 27, 2012 | Exercise, Reviews, Wellness Tips
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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
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Apr 26, 2012 | Other
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Almond milk seems to be the dairy-free alternative of choice at the moment, and the perceptive among us may have noticed an increase in the number of long-life almond milk options available in the supermarkets over the past few months!
It’s a great milk to add some variety to you diet and the long-life versions are useful to have on hand just in case, but the REAL thing is much, much better and incredibly simple to make. So today I’d like to share with you: how I make almond milk!
What you’ll need:
♥ 1 cup of almonds
♥ 2-6 parts of water per 1 part almonds (it’s super rich, so I’d say go with more water to start with)
♥ Nut milk bag (I was sent one from WA brand Living Synergy, which does a great job)
♥ Optional: Vanilla pods, dates, honey, stevia etc for sweetening and experimenting!
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♥ Activate the Almonds!
The first thing to do is soak a cup full of almonds overnight (or for 8 hours) in a bowl of water so they activate. Since an almond (or any other nut) is a seed, it wont grow unless it’s watered. However, once water (or soaked in water in our case), the enzymes and crazy powers that cause a plant to grow are activated, and thus the nutrients become more bioavailable. Plus for this purpose it softens up the nut and makes it able to be made into milk! I activate even my snack almonds now, as I love the softer, easier to chew texture.
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The next day: you should be able to see in the above pic that the almonds are looking a bit fatter and swollen. They’re activated!
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♥ Blendy Blend Blend.
Next up, tip out the old water into the sink and pop almonds into a blender. Add 2-6 parts water to the blender, I found 2 cups water to 1 cup almonds still quite rich so would recommend 3+ cups of water. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes to make sure the almonds are fully blended.
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Should look a lil like this!
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Yum!
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♥ Nut Milk vs Nut Milk Bag
Next, position the nut milk bag over a jug, folding the sides of the bag over the sides of the jug so it doesn’t slip, and pour the almond milk into the bag/jug. You should see most of it filter through, but now comes the fun part!
Squeeze and knead the almond pulp that is left in the bag, it’s kinda like milking a cow (!!), and keep squeezing and mooshing it until it’s all gone and you’re left with dry almond meal which should look like…
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This!
For a yummy recipe that uses up your leftover almond meal check out this nut pulp macaroon recipe! I also like to pop a little bit back into the banana smoothie that I inevitably make straight after finishing a batch of milk.
So THAT’S IT! Super simple, and you can keep it in the fridge for a couple of days, but the sooner you drink it up the better.
You can use it in smoothies, on muesli, or anything else you’d usually use milk for, but between me and you I like making a smoothie the most. It is VERY filling though, so be warned:)
The Living Synergy Nut Milk Bag is about $17 and stockists can be found via their website. There are also videos on the site to help you with whipping up your first batch!
Have I inspired you to make some almond milk? Ever even heard of almond milk before? Lets chat about nut milks.
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
