The Ride East Coast

Hey everyone,

So this post isn't going to be much like the usual things I post but it's something important that I really want to bring attention to.

This blog is centred around fitness and health, but just as physical health is important, so is mental health, and it's often an issue that doesn't get looked at as much as it seriously needs to be.

Bondi Lifeguards Maxi and Jesse are embarking on a mission called "The Ride: East Coast", where they'll be riding jet skis from Sydney to Cairns to raise awareness and money for the mental health charity Headspace. It's something that I think is so amazing and if you're wondering why I care so much about this cause in particular, it's because it's something that's very close to me and that I have been very effected by, and not something that I ever like to speak about at all, but Maxi and Jesse are helping to bring this issue into the open and to encourage people to accept that these problems exist, and to make these issues easier to talk about with everybody, instead of just hiding them and letting them get worse. I and I'm sure many of you have experienced some dark times in life and to know that there are people out there to help, that will help and want to help is just so important for individuals facing mental health issues that make an individual feel so lonely, such as depression. I think that these two are inspirational and using their public profiles to help make a change and raise awareness for such an important issue is really amazing. 

What they need from you is support. They need to reach their goal of $100,000 by June 22nd to cover costs needed to make the journey possible. Even just a small donation can go along way - every dollar counts. There are even prizes up for grabs if you donate certain amounts such as a signed photo, lifeguard shirt, even a day at the beach hanging out with Maxi and Jesse, or dinner and drinks with them! Just remember that every dollar counts, and your direct action will play a big role in making such an amazing thing happen! To make a pledge head on over to here, which explains everything in more detail as well.

For more information on "The Ride: East Coast", see the links below:

Donation Page:
http://www.pozible.com/project/23546

Lifeguard Maxi Twitter & Instagram Pages:
https://twitter.com/lifeguardmaxi
http://instagram.com/lifeguardmaxi

Lifeguard Jesse Twitter & Instagram Pages:
https://twitter.com/jessepolock
http://instagram.com/jessepolock

BodyScience Fuel Series Sports Drink

Hey everyone!

So I just thought I'd do a post on this product from BodyScience - it's a sports drink from their Fuel range that aims to maximise your performance while training or during endurance events. I got it for free at the Australia Fitness & Health expo and have been using it ever since.

I have the mixed berry flavour, but it also comes in lemon lime. I haven't tried lemon lime but the mixed berry definitely tastes really, really good! I'm someone who doesn't really like the taste of sports drinks like Powerade and Gatorade, but I really like the taste of this! It's got the perfect amount of sweetness, and you can always adjust the sweetness by adding more water to it if you really want to. But I think it's perfect as recommended (25g to 375mL water).

I always wondered if these kind of drinks actually worked and since I got it for free, I was keen to give it a shot as I really had nothing to lose. I can't speak for any other brands as I haven't tried them but I really genuinely feel like this drink gives you that boost that you need when you're going through a long, hard, intense training session! I've recently started taking some intense spin classes in prep for the half marathon while my tendinitis heals, and the times when I've come with only water compared to when I bring along the BSc Sports Drink and water, I genuinely do feel a difference in my performance. When I feel like my muscles are starting to get fatigued I just sip on this and continue drinking it throughout the session and I feel like it really just gives me the boost I need to keep on going and just reenergises and rehydrates me so that I maximise my training session. 

If you are looking for something to keep you going through tough sessions I really recommend this product! Not only does it taste great but it actually works, too! I'll definitely be carrying some on me when it comes time to race the half marathon, because with my injury interrupting my training I'm definitely going to need as much help as I can get. I'm also definitely going to pick up some of the BodyScience Fuel Energy Gels to try out as well because I've heard great things about them, too.

You can get the BodyScience Fuel Series Sports Drink at www.bodyscience.com.au for $12.50

12WBT!

Hey everyone!

Haven't updated in a while, been really stressed out/sad/confused but I'm ok now hahah!

I'm pleased to announce that I have signed up to Michelle Bridges' famous 12 Week Body Transformation! Yaaaaaaay!

For those of you unfamiliar with the 12WBT, it's a 12 week program that helps you achieve your fitness goals, whether it be weightloss, muscle gain, running, etc. It's been designed by Michelle Bridges' herself, and each week you get your exercise and meal plans. It's priced at either $20 a week or $200 upfront, and while you may think it sounds a lot, it is SO worth it after looking at how amazingly well structured and organised it is as what you get for your money! And after all, health is important, and $20 a week for 12 weeks that are going to change the rest of your life in my opinion is SO worth it!

Since I don't really need to lose weight (less than 5kg to lose) and I reached the Advanced level in the fitness test, I'm doing the Lean & Strong program, which is focussing on reducing body fat % and increasing muscle. I've really want to put on muscle now so if I put on 5kg over the 12 weeks in muscle I'd be extremely happy!

The program started yesterday and so far I've been so happy with the meal plan and the exercise plan! I really needed a plan in the gym because it's hard to know what exactly to do to achieve your goals but everything is set out and explained so well and I used a few different machines I'd been too scared to try before! It was a little bit intimidating because I felt like I was venturing into the "man" section of the gym where all the bulky guys go but I settled in and it's been so much fun I just can't wait for every session. All up my program involves 6 days of training a week. My muscles are already sore but I love the feeling and it makes me feel like I'm actually achieving something!

The recipes in the meal plans are actually really delicious! So if that's what you're worried about, then you don't have to! I was pleasantly suprised with everything - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And the great thing is if you're not really a fan of one of the recipes in the set plan, you can customise your plan and replace recipes with one of the MANY recipes they have in their database! So good! And it just makes life so easy - you don't have to think about what you're going to make or how you're going to make up the calories, it's just there for you!

Another amazing thing that 12WBT has already taught me in such a short space of time is planning! Already I've started structuring my days so much better so that I can fit in everything that I need to do and it feels so great! This isn't just a weightloss program, it's a lifestyle changer and it just benefits so many other aspects of life aside from physical health!

I actually joined up about 2 weeks ago but I kept forgetting to blog about it but now that I'm finally on I can't say enough good things and I'm only 2 days into the actual program! The pre-season tasks were also fantastic and really get you into the right headspace! I quick google search of 12wbt shows some of the INCREDIBLE transformations people have gone throughout the program and for me that was enough to sign up because it just looked like such a positive thing to do! It makes exercise and healthy living so appealing!

I believe that the sign up date has been extended til the end of the week so if you're ready to change your life I SERIOUSLY recommend doing this!! Start now and you won't have to wait another 3 months til the next round starts! Honestly, it's been 2 days and it's been absolutely fabulous - you don't get to see just how amazing it is until you're actually logged in and everythings there for you!

I weighed in at 51.5kg last Wednesday, so obviously I'm not overweight, although I have put on 4.5kg since January (oops, too many brownies) haha so I wouldn't mind losing the 4.5kg of fat and putting it pack on in muscle. I'd be happy at anything over what I weigh now anyway if it was muscle because I don't really believe in looking at numbers to determine how happy you are with your body. Everybody's different, and since I'm only 5'1 my number will mean something totally different to someone who's 5'6 you know, so I try not to go off the numbers and look towards the mirror as a guide instead haha :) But yeah hopefully by the end of the twelve weeks I'll be pretty ripped and bulked up :P 55kg would be nice! I was going to post my before pic but it's a really unflattering angle so I'll save it for 12 weeks time (depending on how much of an improvement the after pic is hahahah)

Anyway yes I seriously recommend joining up 12wbt if you're looking for a change or just need help with exercise planning because it's been so fantastic and it's $200 absolutely well spent!

See you next time!

Danni
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Review: BodyScience (BSc) Womens Elite Athletic Compression Tights

For quite I long time I was searching for a pair of full length compression tights. I'd tried a few different pairs on from different brands in the shops but I never found one that fit quite right. I had been meaning to try a pair of BodyScience tights but I couldn't find them anywhere in store to try on. Although I'd only heard good things, I still wanted to make sure they were the right fit before I bought them online, so I was so excited for the Australia Fitness & Health expo where I could finally see them in person, and I'm so happy I decided to buy them because I honestly can say nothing bad about them!

"Body Science Elite Athletic Tights utilises BSc Compression Technology, helping to enhance performance, reduce muscle injury, and aid recovery between training sessions. Perfect for, training, running, travel." - www.bodyscience.com.au

"Body Science Elite Athletic Tights utilises BSc Compression Technology, helping to enhance performance, reduce muscle injury, and aid recovery between training sessions. Perfect for, training, running, travel."

- www.bodyscience.com.au

I think the best way to do this review would be in 3 sections; appearance, fit, and performance.

Appearance:

The design of these tights is super nice! I think BSc has got it absolutely right. The BSc logo is used the perfect amount - not over doing it but making it clear these are bodyscience tights, and they're placed in a way that just compliments the whole design. The detailing around the lower half adds a subtle contrast rather than just having all straight black tights which I think is really nice and works well. Just the way all the panels are is so flattering and I just can't really fault anything about the look of them. They're just overall very clean looking and they make me feel really good when I wear them because the way they are cut and sown is very flattering! Appearance obviously isn't everything but if you look good you definitely feel good and that's the way these tights make me feel. They're very, very nice and sometimes I just don't ever want to take them off because I think they look amaze!

Fit:

The fit is something that just totally impressed me with these because fit is something I've been really struggling with when trying to find a good pair of full length compression tights! At 5ft1 I'm pretty small and I have a very petite build and with so many other pairs of compression tights the legs have been way too long and way too loose in a size 8 and with no smaller size I was kind of stuck. I wouldn't have any compression through the bottom half of my leg because the part that would suppose to be at my calf would around my ankle and therefore way too loose! So when I put on my BodyScience tights for the first time it was like a dream come true! Never have I had a piece of clothing that just literally moulded to the shape of my body and fit so perfectly! Not exaggerating at all here! It was as if they were made specifically for me! I was so happy I finally found my match!! They are just so perfect and so comfortable, there's zero bunching and it just fits perfectly! There is nothing to fault about the fit because they are seriously the most perfect fitting and comfortable pants that I own! The sizing chart on the website is very accurate so definitely trust that if you're going to go ahead and buy a pair (which I recommend you do! :P)

Performance:

There's no doubt that these do what they're suppose to do. I'm no pro athlete or anything but I definitely notice a huge reduction in muscle soreness after a hard gym session, especially when I'm on the bike. Normally I'd be quite sore after but when I wear these tights during and for a little while after a session the muscle soreness the next day is reduced by like at least 90% for me. It might be different for other people but for me it's definitely an extremely effective compression!! They're very comfortable and so breathable as well so they're just great for training in. For me I find them to keep me warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot so that's pretty perfect I reckon! They're also really really great at drawing moisture away so that you always feel fresh. Apart from testing that on sweat, clumsy me did happen to spill water all over myself one day and I was surprised at how fast they dried! So yes, performance wise they are definitely doing exactly what they say they do and what they should do and there's nothing bad to say about their performance either!

So overall it's pretty clear that these are a damn good tights! I seriously recommend them to everyone, especially if you've had trouble with fit before, or even if you're just looking for a top end compression tight! I'm pretty devs I didn't also buy the hot pink ones they were selling at the expo because they were amazing but hopefully they come up again somewhere and I can add those to my sports wardrobe. Also another thing to mention, all of BodyScience products are Australian made! Even better!

If you want to purchase these tights head over to the BodyScience website, and check out some of their other great products too!

Danni

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Shoes!

Feet.

Feet are great. Feet are tiny little things that support our whole body. I think feet often go unappreciated but feet really are fantastic things! So fantastic things need fantastic care, included fantastic shoes.

Most of us have feet, but every bodies feet are different. The way we walk, the way we strike the floor, the way our foot rolls when we run - there are endless variations on how every bodies feet work. This is why it is SO IMPORTANT to make sure you choose the RIGHT shoes for your feet!

Unfortunately, I have developed posterior tibial tendinitis - 9 weeks out of a half marathon. Not good. Basically it's a swelling/inflamation of the tendon that goes from the foot around the inner ankle and up to the calf, quite close to the achilles tendon. As a result, after walking (or running) for an extended amount of time I get a really bad pain in my ankle that stops me from walking any further. So I am now confined to the bike for my cardio exercise for the next 6 weeks. Just hoping that's enough to prepare me for the half marathon July 7. This injury is a result of the WRONG shoes.

Currently, I wear Nike Free 4.0 v2

I was all so keen to jump on the nike free bandwagon, because they look nice and they come in so many different fun colours. But the reality is, appearance is not what you should be basing your choice on.

I'm not at all saying that Nike Frees are bad in general, but they are bad for me. For some people, these would be their shoe, but someone's shoe is not EVERYONE's shoe. If you have Nike Frees and they're working for you then that's great! But unfortunately they've lead to more downsides than benefits in my personal experience.

So now I'm going back to Asics, which is what I always wore up until I got my Nikes. But even though I know Asics makes shoes that are good for my feet, they make A LOT of different shoes, so I'm going to a shoe fitting specialist to find the perfect fit for me. It may take more time, and your options may be limited, but at the end of the day, it's better to be injury-free with not the ideal colour choice than stylish but injured. But that's not too say that the right pair physically won't be the right pair aesthetically! You might just fall in love with the pair that fits right too! At the end of the day, it's wise to go get your fit tested properly by a sports shoe specialist if you want to benefit yourself. Not too mention you'll probably end up saving money even if they pair you buy are a little more expensive - there probably won't be any physio visits, and you won't have to buy a new pair to replace the pair that's damaged you!

So the bottom line is - don't follow the trends, do what's best for YOU!

Danni

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Getting Started

To me it seems like the hardest part of everyone's fitness journey is getting started. People struggle to find motivation or time to put their plans into action and they're filled with self-doubt which ultimately holds them back from what they really want to achieve. Far to often people are more focussed on what they have to give up rather than what they have to gain. What people need to realise is what there is to gain is SO MUCH MORE than what they may have to sacrifice.

The first step is saying "I can." "I can't" is the most hurtful phrase to yourself and your well being and you need to eliminate it from your vocabulary, because you really do have the ability to do anything. Just one year ago I wouldn't try run if I was being chased by a hungry tiger. It was like "oh, I wasn't born a good runner so I can't do it so I won't try." Now I'm entered in a half marathon and I'm running multiple times a week, distances that I'd never dreamed of doing before! If you want to run, run! Say that you "can" and you will! This isn't just about running, this is about everything - weight loss, muscle gain, fitness, any sport! Obviously not everyone's going to get to the Olympics, but you can achieve so much even if you're not the best in the world. That seems to be another thing stopping people, "If I can be really good, what's the point?" THERE'S ALWAYS A POINT! It's about achieving things for yourself! It's not about being the best version out of everyone, it's about being the best version of you.

In terms of motivating yourself, you need to stop thinking of living a healthy lifestyle as a chore and as what it really is - a lifestyle! Too often I think people think of exercise and healthy foods as these things that are just waiting to be done and have to be done and are not "enjoyable" but that's so far from the truth! They are enjoyable if you do them the right way! Eating healthy doesn't have to be plain lettuce - find some great recipes, instagram is full of inspiring foodies who post so many amazing food ideas. Find a way to exercise that you really enjoy and incorporate it into your daily routine! I guarantee that it'll become something you'll love to do and rather than making excuses for not having time, you'll be making excuses for why you have plenty of time to workout because it'll become something you love to do! 

Always remember as well to look at how far you've come, not how far you have to go! This is SO important!!! People focus way too much on the negatives and fail to give themselves recognition for what amazing things they have achieved! One thing always to remember - Slow progress is better than no progress! We live in a world where everything is so instant now, but some things will never have a magic quick fix and that's just something you'll have to remember and deal with if you want to achieve your dreams! 

Remember, that you have to want this for yourself. The want for this change needs to come from within you, not from anyone else, and that's what's going to motivate you the most. Make sure you always love yourself and your body, and always motivate you with positive energy! Surround yourself with other people who are living the kind of lifestyle you aspire to be living and surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you through all your decisions!

For me, I just woke up one morning and wanted change. I wanted to achieve things I'd never done before and I wanted to make a commitment to myself that I would follow through with this dream and make it a reality. Find that place within yourself and the rest should just follow easily!

Good luck!

Danni
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On The Bike

Hey all,

So I've been spending a lot of time on the bike at the gym lately because I hurt my ankle on Saturday running which is super annoying because the Gold Coast Half Marathon is approaching and I need some way to keep up my fitness without putting pressure or stress on my ankle. It's nothing to serious but I need to stop it from becoming something serious.

Even when I can run, I still love going on the bike because it's a great way to improve fitness and work the lower body (as long as you don't just sit there with the resistance right now, effortlessly moving your legs while facebooking haha). What I like to do on the bike is intervals, where you alternate between high intensity and recovery periods. I love this kind of training because usually I passionately hate cardio in the gym because I find it boring, but because this is split into different sections I find it much more engaging - plus it's a great workout!

I set the bike to a resistance level that I can consistently pedal at over 110 RPM for a number of minutes not at a super easy level but enough that it's hard but bearable. As long as it's high enough that your legs aren't flying everywhere effortlessly because that kind of defeats the purpose. I start with a 5 minute warm up, the go straight into 1 minute fast pedalling at least over 110 RPM but preferably over 120 RPM for this first minute. Immediately follow that have 1 minute recovery just spinning slowly. Then go straight into 2 minute fast, 2 minute recovery, and continue adding a minute on each time up until 7 minutes. This all takes about 60 minutes to complete. If you can't maintain over 110 RPM over 100 is fine too - especially when you're going for 6 or 7 minutes. This kind of training is great as it builds fitnes and is also great for burning fat and calories! 

That's all from me for now, won't be doing anything spectacular today because I am pretty ill right now with a cold but I should be fine tomorrow. It tends to hit me for a day and disappear the next.

See you next time!

Danni
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