Tuesday 18 December 2012

Holiday Workout Just for Fun!


Holiday Workout Just for Fun!
 

It’s very simple – 1 a day for 12 days then we’ll see you back in class. 

1.    Lock in a time of day to do it – recommend first thing in morning, then do a good stretch before bed and enjoy a peaceful sleep.

2.   Draw up your pelvic floor and switch on transverse abdominals = CORE for each

3.    15 reps of each and 2 -3 sets, or for plank hold for 30 sec min.  Challenge yourself to see how long you can hold and beat your own record.

4.   You can do the below as a full workout if you want to do more.

5.    Have Fun!  Put on music, laugh with the kids while doing it.

Day 1:  Squats – standard or sumo









Day 2: Lounges

Day 3: Single leg extensions -  12 each side  - picture is advance level with extension from bridge.  Standard is with bottom on floor and knees bent into table top with one leg extending.

Day 4: Push Ups -  as many on toes as possible

Day 5: Criss Cross  - On back hands behind head, legs in tabletop  & twist, opposite armpit to knee

Day 6: Swimming – Tummy arms and legs long, push pubic bone into matt, paddle limbs up & down

Day 7: Tricep Push Up or can do as Dips using park bench – use bench slide bottom off fingers face to bottom, and elbows bend back for triceps

Day 8: Hundred – work up from knees bent to legs extended feet pointing out to sides, hands at hips

Day 9: Inner Thigh Leg raises – lower bottom leg up & down

Day 10: Side leg bends – tap foot up & down

Day 11: Plank at tabletop, curl toes hover knees just above ground

Day 12:  Clam, Level 2 / 3 do with feet in the air, raise top knee open and then close

For Fun finish with – Roll like a ball:
To see workout with all images - email: info@blissactive.com.au and request Holiday Workout
pdf :-)

Please note for pregnancy please follow your health practioners guidelines.  Would be recommended to forgo swimming, instead on hands and knees do single leg and arm extensions.  From 15 -20 weeks no upper abdominal work – can still do lower abs, just don’t raise head & shoulders off ground.

Have a very Happy Holiday Season!

See you all back in class from holidays from:

Mondays with Childcare at Capalaba – 14 January 2013

Thursdays Bubby Pilates & Baby Bootcamp – 17 January 2013

Tuesdays Bubby Pilates at Seven Hills – 22 January 2013

Sunday 25 November 2012

Healthy Yummy Alternative for Chocolate lovers

Happy Healthy Days!
Healthy Version for the Chocolate Brownie

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
How good does this look? Its my chocolate quick fix made with no flour nor sugar nor eggs, is easy to make & tastes delish. Made it into a choc fudge brownie stack for my nieces bday.   Something to have when the sweet temptation takes hold, but still everything in moderation not too many :-)
1 Cup Almonds
4 Tbsp Coconut
1 Cup Pitted Dates
¼ Cup Cocoa for base & ½ Cup Cocoa for top
4 Tbsp Honey
4 Tbsp Nuttelex Butter or other Nut butter
2 Bananas
1 Tbsp juice from Orange
 
1. Grind Almonds, Dates, Coconut & ¼ Cup Cocoa to crumb-like consistency
2. Push mixture firmly into tin to make brownie base
3. Blend Honey, Bananas, ½ cup Cocoa, Nuttelex Butter, orange juice till smooth
4. Spread mixture on top of base
5. Freeze
TIPS
*Substitute Bananas for Apricots and/ or Figs
* Orange may be substitute for other flavourings that you like also
* Pay special attention to compacting base especially in corners
* This is a healthier version to brownie, but still not recommended to enjoy in small portions. That’s the true beauty of this version as you can keep in freezer and just cut off small pieces as you like.
Yes it is true you can find substitutes for Chocolate that are yummy, give this a go you won't be disappointed. It's fantastic cold or at room temperature too.
Enjoy!

Having Fun with a new baby & 3 little ones - 3 and under

Time Flys when your having fun.  Geez, its been a while between posts to fill you in I have had a baby boy :-) Cooper Luke is just over 3 months and I have been absolutely loving my time with him.  I've decided the third baby is definitely the best for me.  While my older 2 play together I get to enjoy my time with my baby and everyone seems to be happy most of the time ;-)

During the pregnancy I started to present with pubis symphis which did make it more challenging to get too active however there are always alternatives, so I sought medical advice on what to be careful of and made sure I worked that into my class plans.  Cooper was 9pound 11ounces at birth so it would be of no surprise to you that aqua was one of my favourite exercises as it gave me a chance to be weightless :-)

Fortunately as soon as he was born my pain had eased away and although I was keen to get active.  I have weighted 6 weeks before getting too busy and am holding off on running for a last another month just to let things settle down.  Cooper & I have been having fun participating in Bubby Pilates too.

Hope to see you and your little ones at a class soon!

Tuesday 6 March 2012

Happy 2012 Bliss Pilates members Brisbane!

This year certainly kicked off with a Big Bang for Bliss being featured on the Great South East on 1st January and episdode re-runs since. This surpassed our expectations along with the huge demand for new members wishing to join Bliss, with our classes running at capacity, & wait listed.

Over the break I indulged in further training and development in a few areas and have started to incoporate this extra knowledge particularly with Barre Pilates into the studio classes and small parts into the park where posssible. Barre Pilates is the lastest adaption to Pilates, utilising the ballet barre to further enhance toning of the legs and gluts, great fun and gets everyone interacting more.

Classes are scheduled to move all over Brisbane in the next few months including Paddington, Jindalee, Clayfield, Newstead, Wynnum, West End, Wishart and Kangaroo Point so make sure you take advantage of classes in your area or you may even like to take a little journey to try some new parks.  Remember we also have the studio classes in Capalaba and Seven Hills offering 1 on 1 sessions, Mothers Group sessions and open classes.

We are very excited to be welcoming a new addition to our family later in the year. I plan to keep practicising Pilates as I have done previously right up to baby's arrival.
Recently we had the bubbly Karen join us, in addition to lovely Elsabe to accomodate for our growing classes. Expect to see further expansions from us in the coming months including a greater variety of classes being offered including Baby Bootcamp, Circuit & Yogalates.

Look forward to a fun workout with you soon!

Wednesday 26 October 2011

NO PAIN = NO GAIN?

At no point should you feel any pain or strain in your joints, back or neck during pilates. If you do simply relax out of the exercise and the instructor can adjust your position for you. Pilates is very effective at toning, strengthening and realigning the body and you will feel the burn in your muscles, and there is no need to strain any of your joints, neck or back. By actively working your body through targeted exercises to isolate muscles you will be able to build muscle and lengthen the muscle, gain mobiility and reduce any pain you may experience in daily life, such as the lower back.

Wednesday 8 June 2011

Winter Warmers

Winter Warmers
Keep yourself warm and active in winter.  Here are some my favourite things to keep me warm, motivated and on track during the cooler months:
·         Invest in a jumper that you’ll love to pull on ready for exercise.  Mine is a super soft hoodie, it feels luxurious to wear I never want to take it.  Thanks Lorna Jane!
·         In the morning enjoy a warm and filling breakfast a favourite of mine is warm oats, add LSA (ground Linseed, Soy and Almond), sultanas, chia seeds & flaxseed oil for extra body nutrients.  Try using yoghurt instead of milk for a more creamier taste. 
·         Do a few lounges, squats and stretches to get your blood pumping, while your waiting  for the kettle to boil
·         Place your pilates matt out in the sun and lap up the Vitamin D whilst exercising your body. 
·         Put on your favourite music & dance like no ones watching, sure to amuse your family, they may even join in.
·         Winter is a great time to exercise outside, as there is usually minimal rain, so find a time of day that works for you and get moving to your local park.
·         Layer, layer, layer as you start your day you probably feel more chilled climbing out of bed, but during pilates I always find I start to warm up, so ensure to layer your clothing so you can remove it as your body becomes warmer.
·         Stretching is even more important then usual as cold muscles tend to be tight muscles, give them a chance to perform at there best with some quad, calf and hamstring stretches, spinal twists, side bends & full body lengtheners – trying to stretch from one side of room to the other. 
·         Enjoy a pilates class with a friend, great to ensure you make it to class & even more fun for you.
·         A cuddle is always sure to warm you up from the inside & get those good endorphins pumping.
·         Devour some hot tasty dishes pumpkin soup, curry, shephards pie, vegetarian lasagne or for a few little naughties a fondue chocolate & cheese or warm creamy cobb loaf dip so many yummy things to warm the tummy
·         At the end of day there’s nothing better than putting on your favourite knit boots  & flanny pjs, cuddling up on the couch with a soft & cosy blanket, watching your favourite DVD with a cup of hot chocolate
Chai Latte is calling, heading off to our indoor playdate this afternoon.

Stay warm!


Enjoy the benefits of a toned body, improved strength & flexibility find a Pilates class today! 
Bliss Pilates – Baby Pilates, Childcare, Mum classes run simultaneous to kids gymnastic / dance classes.
www.blisspilates.com.au

Saturday 4 June 2011

Enjoy a week of planned Bliss – in just 15 minutes!

On Sunday find 15 minutes to jot down your week and be amazed how things will go much more smoothly.  Key things to consider for your health & wellbeing:
·         Meals for the week – start with planning your dinners & if your super keen include lunches, snacks and breakfasts!  This is one chore I enjoy sharing with my partner, so everyone can have some imput.  Be creative and try adding a new dish making use of your recipe books .  The beauty of this is that it doesn’t just mean you save yourself the dreaded question “What are we going to have for dinner?” also saves you money as you already have a set list of what you need for each meal.  Best of all you are likely to end up with left overs so no need to have to cook every night .

·         Groceries List -  after having your meals sorted check through your pantry & fridge to see what extras you need to pick up. 

·         Exercise Time  - setting this up as a regular part of your routine will ultimately have you feeling better mentally & physically.  Find 2-3 times per week to dedicate to exercise – classes you love and enjoy like pilates or even something as simple as a walk in the park, or factoring in stretching as you wakeup, a set of pushups & set of ab work are great to kickstart your day.  Finding a trained instructor that can help ensure your performing exercises correctly and that can continue to progress the exercises to suit your level as your fitness improves is key to ensuring you get the results you want and motivate you to achieve the best you can.

·         To Dos / Activities for week  - errands & tasks you need to get done this week.  Sometimes I think I can fit more in than I really can, so prioritise the must do’s and the nice to do’s.  Don’t forget to factor in a little “me” time into this planning whether this be a coffee with friends, seeing a movie night or a relaxing massage its always great to have something to look forward to.

Here’s a snapshot of the week I just planned:
·         Meals
Sun:  Bake zuchinni & feta muffins for snack during week.  Dinner BBQ rolls
Mon:  Vegetarian Lasagne
Tues: Crispy Chicken Tacos
Wed: Busiest day during week, leftovers
Thurs: Shephards Pie
Fri:  Chickpea curry
Sat:  Homemade Pizza with pumpkin & feta

·         Groceries
Fruit (banana, watermelon, grapes), Veges (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, capsicum), Bread (multigrain – 11mth old refuses white bread),  Beetroot, Sauce, Mince, Cheese, Milk

·         Exercise Time
Monday: Pilates class for me, little ones in childcare
Thursday: Afternoon park playtime with kids
Saturday: Pilates class for me

·         To Dos / Activities
Sun - Vet checkup for dog, clean car & wash dog, grocery shopping, chemist – formula & inhaler, arvo family park playtime
Mon – Library session for kids (return books), collect dry cleaning, prep class, proposal for summer classes, book dr appoint, place new orders & pay bill, pilates class
Tues – New Bubby Pilates class starts, health food shop sale day (LSA, Olive leaf extract, Immunofactors)
Wed - Webinar
Thurs – Dance class & playdate, book holidays
Fri – Gymnastics, fri arvo drinks with girls
Sat – Pilates class, family dinner

Looking forward to welcoming all the new mums and babies to Baby Pilates, playtime with kids at library & park, enjoying a family dinner & drinks with girls – fun week ahead J

Enjoy the benefits of a toned body, improved strength & flexibility find a Pilates class today! 
Bliss Pilates – Baby Pilates, Childcare, Mum classes run simultaneous to kids gymnastic / dance classes.