The new kid on the fitness block is the Pilatesstick workout, currently being offered at Move-Meant Pilates Studio in Adelaide.

The Pilatesstick workout is a hybrid of traditional Pilates mat-work and equipment, it’s a fun and innovative new class that will challenge both the weekend warrior looking for something new or the novice ‘not-sure-where-to-start’ exerciser.

The Pilatesstick workout  has been getting rave reviews from the current clientele. Says one client: ‘It’s fun, but also challenging, I can really feel the exercises working the entire body’

Here’s a sneak peek:

These one hourly classes develop all over body tone, strength, flexibility and control. What’s more, the class is suitable for all levels making it a fun way to get fit while improving your posture and strength.

Move-meant Pilates Studio owner, Kim Paxton introduced the Pilatesstick class so people can get the feel of the equipment, without having to pay for the more costly private or small group classes.

‘I want to make doing Pilates in a traditional studio accessible and inviting’ says Paxton, ‘the idea is that you get the best of both worlds: the mat-work and the equipment combined. The class is a lot of fun, but challenging and classes are kept small to get the attention needed to learn Pilates safely and effectively’

Pilates is still the go-to exercise to develop great posture and strength. Developed over 80 years ago, the Pilates method is still going strong today.

Says Paxton: ‘Pilates is designed for everyone in mind, whether you’re a conditioned athlete or a totally novice exerciser. The beauty of the Pilates method lies in its ability to modify for beginners or those with injuries, but challenge professional sports people or the weekend warrior. I see the positive affects it has on clients all the time and that’s what gives me the inspiration to teach this incredible method’

Twitter: @move_meant

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/movemeantpilatesstudio

www.movemeantpilates.com.au

With one-third of South Australians getting burnt last summer, Cancer Council SA is gearing up to get the message out that there is nothing healthy about a tan these holidays.

Today marks the start of Cancer Council SA's annual summer campaign to remind us all of the dangers of tanning and being caught out unprotected in the sun.

Known as the Dark Side of Tanning, the campaign will appear on TV, outdoor advertising and social media; aiming to increase awareness of the dangers of melanoma and challenge the belief that a tan is healthy.

To support this year’s campaign, an exciting new SunSmart addition has been made right in the heart of local summer hotspot, Moseley Square, Glenelg.

South Australians and visitors alike will have access to Cancer Council’s very own ‘SunSmart tram stop’ that will have FREE sunscreen on tap and provide a stark reminder of the darker side of tanning.

“You cannot miss it, just look out for the big yellow umbrella!

“By stopping by and ‘slopping’ on some sunscreen you will be supporting the campaign and helping us to promote SunSmart behaviours; which also include wearing protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses, ” says Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive Cancer Council SA.

“Challenging beliefs and changing attitudes about sun tanning is crucial if we are to reduce the incidence of skin cancer in our state.

“Our latest survey results tell us that one-third of South Australians are still getting burnt at least once every summer, some up to four or more times!

This is scary when you consider that 617 South Australians are already being diagnosed with melanoma every year.”

26 year old Donna Schwartz knows only too well about the consequences of buying into the notion that she needed a tan to look good for summer. 

“I was regularly out in the sun growing up and remember tanning during summer because I thought it looked good and because all my friends were doing it.

When I was diagnosed with an invasive malignant melanoma on my leg at age 22, my attitude towards tanning changed quickly!

“The scar on my leg after having the melanoma cut out and needing 42 stiches is a constant reminder of how dangerous the sun is and my need to always be vigilant.

“One positive from my skin cancer experience is that my friends are now a lot more SunSmart as a result. Being a young person that has had melanoma has enabled me to get the SunSmart message out to other young people.

“When I tell my story I think it really hits home that skin cancer is real and it can happen to anyone, particularly those that put themselves at risk by seeking a tan.”

This change in attitudes was reflected in the results of a recent national survey which found a 15% drop in the number of teens preferring a tan over their natural skin colour, indicating that the dangers of tanning were beginning to cut through.

NEW LOCAL STATS – 2010

SA sun protective behaviours survey (15yrs +):

• One third of South Australians reported getting sunburnt during the 2009/10 summer

• There are more South Australians wearing sunscreen than ever before, 60% usually or always wear sunscreen compared to only 55% in 2004.

• 50% of South Australians usually or always wear a hat when in the sun.

• Only one third of South Australians usually or always wear protective clothing

• Only 17% usually or always practice wearing a hat, sunscreen and protective clothing when in the sun.

• 49% of South Australians had not had their skin checked (either by a GP, themselves or someone else) in the previous 12 months Source: Cancer Council SA, 2011

For more information head to the Cancer Council SA website www.cancersa.org.au

Founder and creative director reveals ‘the fit woman’s secret’ in first ever book

Australia’s premier activewear label, Lorna Jane, is releasing its first ever book by founder and creative director Lorna Jane Clarkson. Published by The Messenger Group, the book is titled MOVE NOURISH BELIEVE: The Fit Woman’s Secret Revealed, after the meaning of the three icons synonymous with the Lorna Jane brand and the three principles Ms Clarkson believes can attribute to all women achieving their best life.

After 21 years in business, the book offers an insight into how Lorna Jane began, grew and became what it is today. It showcases the challenges its founder Ms Clarkson faced along the way, and how she used her MOVE NOURISH BELIEVE philosophy to overcome these hurdles and focus on being successful and happy in both her business and personal lives.

As a brand, Lorna Jane has been promoting its MOVE NOURISH BELIEVE mantra since its icons were relaunched in April 2011 but this book is the first opportunity for customers to discover how Ms Clarkson herself follows this and remains fit, manages her diet, and believes. Ultimately the book unveils ‘the fit woman’s secret’ and proves Ms Clarkson’s MOVE NOURISH BELIEVE philosophy works.

“I have always been asked questions about my lifestyle and how I exercise and what I eat; this book has been an opportunity for me to respond to all those questions,” Ms Clarkson said.

“It proves I practice what I preach and will hopefully encourage more women to take a look at their lifestyles and change them for the better.”

The book is divided into three sections. MOVE looks at motivation, banishing excuses, and showcases LJ customers who have transformed their bodies and lives through exercise and diet. NOURISH offers nutritional facts and advice as well as a look at Lorna’s diet and some tasty recipes. BELIEVE highlights ways to achieve your goals through planning and finding strength in yourself and the people around you.

Revealing ‘never-before-seen’ pictures from Ms Clarkson’s personal albums and also from the Lorna Jane archives, the book aims to provide its readers with inspiration and motivation to live their best life.“As Lorna Jane continues to grow both in Australia and oversees, it has become increasingly important to stay true to myself and the Lorna Jane brand by showing customers where we have come from,” Ms Clarkson said.

“Lorna Jane’s roots are Australian and to be successful in where we are going we must remember where we have come from.

“I hope this book provides that history which will ensure Lorna Jane retains its authenticity as a family company in a market dominated by big global brands,” she said.

On Friday 2^nd of December from 6-8pm, Lorna Jane Clarkson herself will visit Adelaide to launch her new book at the Rundle Street Lorna Jane Store.

Lorna will be in Adelaide to officially launch the book with tales of the journey from making her first homemade leotard, made on her bedroom floor from a pattern cut out of newspaper, to building a leading brand over two decades.

Ms Clarkson’s MOVE NOURISH BELIEVE is published in November and available to buy from Lorna Jane stores nationwide; priced $39.95.

To find out more about Lorna Jane and its current campaign and collection visit www.lornajane.com.au

Janesce Healthy Options+ is not a fad. It’s not a miracle cream. And it’s definitely not going to fix your skincare concerns over night.

What Janesce Healthy Options+ will do is create a platform for you to make real changes to your skin and your health that delivers real results over time.

I was given the chance to head into Janesce on the Parade Norwood to try out the new range and it has changed my perspective on my skin care routine. 

As I'm only 22, I find a lot of skincare ranges either cater to older women or teenagers.

However I was very impressed with the Janesce range and most of all, with the beauty therapist’s knowledge.

The employees at Janesce are more than happy to spend time with you explaining the products, their background and why they work, instead of just trying to sell them to you.

While having your face scrutinized under a huge magnifying glass is slightly daunting, I can guarantee it’s worth it in the end.

An employee at Janesce will go through your skin concerns with you (most of which are probably unfounded if you’re anything like me) before sitting down and working out a program with you.

Here I was thinking I had oily skin when I was soon informed that it was actually a bit dry. Something no one in a chemist has ever told me.

The Janesce Healthy Options+ program is a self-help guide to correcting skin health concerns through good nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices.

Janesce Healthy Options+ is a free program available from Janesce Experience Stores, Janesce Beauty Bar or selected National Pharmacies in South Australia.

Healthy Options+ includes online, in-store and in-pharmacy support through facial treatments, supplement and vitamin recommendations and hundreds of recipes to create healthy, satisfying and skin enriching meals.

Healthy Options+ is designed around nutrition for the skin.

Janesce founder and naturopath Janice Smith believes that good nutrition brings great benefits to the health of your skin and to your general well being and this is the philosophy behind Janesce.

Rather than simply trying to sell you a prduct, Janecse attempts to teach you to start from the inside out.

What really sold me on Janesce was that everything just made sense and was so practical and sensible.

And really when you think about it, what could make more sense than a healthy inside creating a healthy outside?

Best of all Janesce is a local company, established in 1986, Janesce is a South Australian based company producing 100 per cent plant-based skin care.

With more than 40 years experience in cosmetics and naturopathy, founder Janice Smith creates skin care solutions made from natural ingredients grown on the company’s farm in the Adelaide Hills.

Janesce Healthy Options+ is a natural extension of the Janesce philosophy that is all about positive long-term outcomes.

I myself was sold on Janesce and have since completely overhauled my skincare routine.

My skin is feeling better already and I hope that if I continue with the vitamins Janesce suggested I will be feeling better on the inside too in no time!

Check out Janesce Healthy Options+ www.janesce.com

http://www.facebook.com/Janesce

Menz Giant FruChocs are serious about having fun, but they are also serious about men’s health and to prove it, they are going blue for you, the men in our lives!

For a limited time, Menz Giant FruChocs iconic burnt orange packaging will turn blue to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research.

Turning blue for a good cause will mark the first time SA’s Menz GIANT FruChocs have changed its packaging colour, so starting next month, 'Menz' means men's health!

A host of South Australian celebrities have joined forces with Menz, Triple M and Channel 9 to raise awareness and much needed funds for prostate cancer research, including

- Stephen Yarwood (The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Stephen Yarwood)

- Roger Rasheed (tennis)

- Dario Vidosic (Socceroos and Adelaide United)

- Mitch Creek (36ers) Brett Maher (former 36er)

- Brenton Ragless (Channel 9)

- Kym Dillon (Channel 9) Ali Carle (Triple M, Hot Breakfast)

- Warren Tredrea (Triple M, Hot Breakfast)

- Dale Lewis (Triple M, Hot Breakfast)

- Leigh Warren (dance)

- Joff & Razak (fashion)

- Filip Odzak (fashion)

- Houssam Abiad (Adelaide City Council)

- Paul Wood (Chef & food writer)

Menz recognises that prostate cancer is a real men’s health issue, affecting one in every six males.

The disease is one that is often avoided by men, who choose to ignore – or simply aren’t aware of the warning signs. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, men’s health can be forgotten.

“Menz means men’s health” aims to increase awareness of prostate cancer in the community and raise valuable dollars for research in a bid to secure better treatment and understanding of the disease.

Phil Sims CEO of Robern Menz said “Many of our core brand values are around corporate responsibility and Menz has long been a supporter of our local community.

Over the years we have had the opportunity to champion various causes, many focusing on children’s charities.

We are very excited about launching this campaign, particularly considering the natural fit between the Menz brand and Men’s health!”

PROSTATE CANCER FACTS

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers).

As many men die of prostate cancer as women die of breast cancer.

Men in rural Australia have a 21% higher prostate cancer mortality rate than men in capital cities.

Almost 20,000 Australian men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010 alone.

Tragically, more than 3,300 died as a direct result of prostate cancer in 2010: This equates to one man every three hours!

So … look out for the special blue packs of Menz GIANT FruChocs – and help save a man!

http://www.robernmenz.com.au/

Girls Day Out is a Recreation SA event held on Sunday October 30, raising money awareness for ALL women’s cancers 

200 people, all in pink, on the water!

It is okay if you are a beginner, the day is about fun and recreation with funds raised going to Cancer Council SA as a part of their Girls Night In program.

1 in 3 Australian women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. Each year in Australia more than 45,000 women are diagnosed with cancer.

Every contribution to Girls Day Out event makes a difference to these women as Cancer Council is able to fund research into improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Many Australian women today have such busy lives juggling work, family and various social and community commitments. Finding time to be active and face to face time with close friends has become a rare treat.

Hannah Davis, Olympic medallist in kayaking is the ambassador for Girls Day Out said “it is a great opportunity to get the girls together, experience paddling, be active and raise funds and awareness for women’s cancers.”

The paddle will start at West Lakes Canoe Club, Aquatic Reserve, Bower Road, West Lakes. Equipment is provided (life jacket, boat, paddles) however participants are welcome to use their own equipment.

The track will be a leisurely paddle around Delfin Island (approx. 6km.)

Registration is $20 and you can register online at www.recreationsa.org. 

A passionate advocate for cycling, Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood is proud of the city’s 33 kilometres of new bike lanes as a result of Adelaide City Council’s Bicycle Action Plan (BAP).

“Making the city bike-friendly is a top priority for Council and I’m committed to making Adelaide the best cycling city in the Southern Hemisphere,” Stephen said.

Introduced in 2008, the current Bicycle Action Plan is in its final year and has rolled out a number of cycling-friendly initiatives to make pedalling in the city safer.

This includes new bike lanes along Angas Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Highway and the installation of facilities to assist cyclists at various intersections around the city including Frome Road, Rundle Street, Pulteney Street and West Terrace.

There are now more than 250 bike parking rails spread across the city and on-street parking nodes can be found on Rundle Street and Pirie Street.

Undercover bike parking spaces are also available in all 9 undercover UParks and an application is under way for a new city “bike hub” to be established with secure bike lockers, parking and showers.

And the improvements will keep on coming! On Tuesday night, Council endorsed a new interim Bicycle Action Plan, led by the Lord Mayor, to ensure cycling initiatives continue into 2012 while seeking a more ambitious plan for 2012-2014 to be finalised in the New Year.

The new plan will aim to fill in some of the most critical gaps in the cycle lane network, including the design of dedicated cycling routes along sections of Pulteney Street, King William Road and Regent Street / From Road.

It will also continue to improve cyclist safety at intersections, introduce more bike parking, help promote and organise cycling events and networks and add to existing signage and bike racks around the city.

“It’s just logical. We have wide streets, flat terrain and excellent climate, making the city a great place to cycle,” Stephen said.

“The initiatives and facilities that will continue to be rolled out through the Bicycle Action Plan will make it even easier and safer for cyclists to get around.”

“Cycling burns fat and saves you dollars while driving burns dollars and makes you fat – so get on your bike and start riding!”

Council will continue to work with the State Government on ways to improve cycling access into the city and will set up a reference group to oversee the implementation and delivery of the new plan with members from Council staff, the State Government’s Office of Cycling and Walking, city cyclists and a Council Member nominee.

It will be prepared in consultation with the cycling community and alongside the Integrated Movement Strategy review, which will provide a framework to maintain and enhance the accessibility of the city, with top priority given to cycling, pedestrians and public transport.

http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com.au/

As promised, here is an update on my Hypoxi overhaul!

Since having my baby 4 months ago (nearly to the day) I hadn't dropped any of the baby weight that stuck around after my initial loss (I put on 14kg during my pregnancy and lost 7kg in the first two weeks). To combat this, I've signed up for 12 sessions of Hypoxi to help get my tummy & figure back into shape.

The workout

The first session I did was in the Trainer L250 which is a unit that you lay down inside (up to your waist). The other sessions have all been done on the S120 which is upright. On both machines, you are pedaling like you're on a bike.  There is a "wetsuit skirt" which you wear that zips up tight around your ribcage. It then clips in to the machine to ensure that there is an air lock from your waist down. The idea is that you pedal in this chamber while the air pressure changes to draw the blood to your target areas of the hips, bum & waist. The improved circulation in these areas helps your body to process the exercise far more effectively, therefore diminishing cellulite and allowing you to tone up much faster than traditional exercise. Confused? Go in for a trial. I'm sure Mel at Hypoxi North Adelaide can explain it better than I can!

Where I'm At

Now that I've done 6 sessions I was weighed and measured this morning before my 7th session. It's the halfway point in the 12 session package which generally takes a month to carry out.

Although I haven't been hardcore with my eating plan since I started Hypoxi again, I have been following the "no carbs for 4-6 hours after your session" and "drink 2L of water a day". Other than that I've tried to eat healthily and have stopped having big meals after 7pm.

I must admit, I was curious to see if anything had changed since I began the sessions so I tried to pull on a pair of pre-pregnancy jeans yesterday. Well let's just say that although I got them on, it wasn't great. Still… I got them on. Small victories.

My Measurements

Well, everyone wanted to know if it works. The answer is yes. After a week and a half of sessions I have lost nearly 13cms! Here's the breakdown:

300gm overall
3.4cm tummy
1cm hips
0.4cm bottom
5cm thighs
0.4cm relaxed org
0.7cm contracted leg
2cm knee

Overall I've lost 12.9cm already and my body shape is changing for the better. I haven't lost much weight, but this was never about the kilos. I wanted to fit back into my pre-pregnancy clothing and I'm well on the way. I still have more sessions to go before I head overseas on Thursday next week so let's see how my measurements stack up then!

On October 13th, my new family and I will be heading to London and then Malaysia on our first proper holiday.

It's been 3 and a half months since I had our beautiful daughter Ivy Grace, and we can't wait to introduce her to Steve's family (& sneak in a little time for ourselves!)

Now its time to ensure I make a great first impression and feel good about the inevitable family photos to come. Plus it wouldn't hurt to feel nice in a bathing suit again (it's been over a year since I've worn one!)

In the two weeks following Ivy's birth, I lost half of my baby weight (7kg) but haven't moved a single gram more since then. It took about 7 weeks for me to recover from childbirth and then I had an operation (to remove an ovarian cyst) so I've also had to recover from that.

During this recovery period I've been eating healthily and walking where I can, but nothing has made any difference. The weight & my bizarre new figure have stuck around.

So, with less than four weeks to go, it's time to bring in the big guns.

Prior to falling pregnant I threw myself into Hypoxi (with amazing results), so I'm keen to see if it will work with my post-baby body.

I'm not so hung up on the weight, but my stomach is a weird shape, which means none of my pre-baby clothes fit.

Can i make a difference in four weeks?

The challenge has been set.

Today I begin my new Hypoxi regime at the North Adelaide boutique and I'll be posting weekly updates so you can track my progress. If you want more details, I'll also be tweeting about my experience at @kellynoble.

Wish me luck!

St. Anthony’s Primary School, who teamed up with Castle Plaza Shopping Centre, beat more than 300 schools across Australia after taking up the challenge to turn their students into Australia’s healthiest kids.

Talk show favourite Chef Laurent and the founder of the Children’s Food Education Foundation Kay Richardson were at the school to deliver the kids their prizes on Monday the 1st of August.

Colonial First State Global Asset Management (CFSGAM) shopping centres, in partnership with the Children’s Food Education Foundation, launched Let’s Live Better in 2010 to teach children about healthy eating and lifestyle.

By winning the Let’s Live Better campaign, St. Anthony’s Primary School will receive a $40,000 canteen makeover including a solar energy package provided by Solar Sunwerx, two Thermomix kitchen miracles, a menu makeover and $15,000 cash.

To win, children were encouraged to include fresh food in their diets and exercise regularly.

Battling it out to win the top spots, kids simply had to shop at participating CFSGAM centres from April 4 to June 12. Every dollar spent earned students one point for their school but double points were awarded for fresh food purchases.

Great work kids, keep up the healthy eating!