Winter is here!  And for many of you this brings shivers of dread …and cold!

Not only is it really hard to get out of your warm bed into the cold dark mornings, it is also a challenge to get motivated to exercise in the cold outdoors. If you do make it outside for your workout you’ll probably find it is, surprisingly, quite pleasant to be exercising in cooler temperatures without the effects of heat stress and dehydration.

However, it is easy to overlook the importance of staying hydrated because you tend to sweat less and don’t feel as thirsty but in actual fact exercising in the cold can impair your ability to recognise fluid loss and increase your fluid loss through respiration.

So it is just as important and, in fact, essential for your exercise performance and recovery to keep your body hydrated with regular water intake before, during and after your winter workout. [Read more…]

Think you can’t kick the sugar habit? Then think again.

Belinda, our administrative assistant, has quit sugar after reading Sarah Wilson’s new book, I Quit Sugar. 

Here is her review of Sarah Wilson’s book…..

Journalist, tv personality, blogger and author Sarah Wilson’s ebook “I Quit Sugar” explains why eating sugar is bad for us, with an eight week program to remove sugar from your diet, as well as recipes for new snacks and breakfast ideas. Also available is the I Quit Sugar cookbook – as an ebook or in hard copy – containing recipes for a variety of sugar-free meals including breakfasts, smoothies, sweet treats, savoury snacks, ideas for kids, sauces, drinks and more. [Read more…]

Fitness seems to be travelling in two opposite directions.The general population is getting fatter and less fit, while an increasingly smaller population is improving their fitness in a more specialised way.

This raises the question of whether we need to get back to basics?

The more advanced and hi-tech we make fitness and the trappings of the fitness lifestyle, the more unlikely we are to attract those who need it most. The deconditioned, the disenfranchised…..those for whom it is all too intimidating, too hard.

[Read more…]

It’s no secret that Yoga has a ton of well-documented health benefits.  It has physical, mental and emotional benefits, including reduced blood pressure, enhanced feelings of relaxation, stress reduction, improved digestion, better posture, increased strength and flexibility and improved balance.

But all your enhanced feelings and relaxation can be seriously affected by a STINKY mat. There is nothing worse then having your nose inches away from a yoga mat that reeks especially when it’s not yours!

One way to clean up your yoga practice and make sure your mat stays smelling fresh so you can concentrate on your rhythmic yoga breath is by using a towel. A towel will cover your mat and soak up all your sweat and also protect you from the germs on a shared mat.

Our new Asana® Yoga/Pilates towel is designed to fit the standard mat (so is ideal for most gym mats too) and being made of microfibre it is ultra absorbent, quick drying and antibacterial. It is also easy care – you can throw it in the washing machine after each use. A corner zip pocket is designed to store your keys/phone.  Click here for more info.

While Christmas is a time of eating, drinking and celebration, many of us quiver with dread at the thought of the extra kilos this time of year will add. But don’t despair – here are some tips that will help you navigate through all the extra calories without adding them to your waistline.

1. Don’t skip meals – make sure you eat 3 normal meals on the day of the party. This means you won’t arrive at a party ravenously hungry and will prevent you eating everything in sight when you get there.
2. Be a snob – that is a food snob! If you don’t love it – don’t eat it.
3. Use a small dessert plate at a buffet – this will make sure you keep portions small.
4. Drink lots of water and at least a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage.
5. Plan exercise into your day of festivities – but be realistic! Aim to do 30 mins of exercise rather then an hour. And it doesn’t have to be at the gym. Walking instead of driving where you can, take the stairs instead of lifts, walk with the family to look at Xmas lights, play with the kids.

But most of all enjoy your day, have fun and relax!

Wishing you and your families a magical Christmas and a New Year filled with excellent health, peace and abundant joy.

Dr Pete, Glenda, Diana, Steve and Mackie.

Only 10 days until summer is officially here!

Time to update your togs and get your body out into the public. And if that thought sends shivers down your spine then it’s not too late to do something to get your body ready – beach ready!

One of the best things you can do is start is an exercise program – but it is important that you monitor your progress, with a heart rate monitor, so that you can get fitter faster and do it safely. Dr Pete explains how……. Click here to find out.

Introducing two new pedometers to our range with revolutionary 3D motion sensing technology that allows you to wear them anywhere on your body or slip them into a pocket or bum bag!

This is a whole new way to think about pedometers. No more having to clip the pedometer to your waist band. They will accurately track your exercise movement, from anywhere on your body, making it easier than ever to take advantage of this motivational training companion in your everyday life.

Not only will you feel good about your progress but you’ll look good too with a choice of two state of the art, sleek models. They are the most flexible of pedometers and deliver unmatched performance and accuracy.

Click here for more info!

Your heart rate is a good indication of your health and fitness so it is important that you monitor it during a workout. The two most important reasons for this are:-

[Read more…]