Fitness Advice from Six Local Experts

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to give my expert advice on fitness and lifestyle to DDG Daily recently. A fabulous online mag dedicated to wellbeing, beauty and health. Totally recommend you go and read my advice and the tips from 5 other fantastic local fitness experts.

Swisse Giveaway!

Following up on the supplements and nutrition front - I've got two packs of nutrient-rich power foods to give away to a lucky individual. Swisse Chia Seeds and Swisse Acai Berry Powder.
Hit me up on the Core Integrity With Cat Facebook page and tell me why you want to win.

Popping Pills for Hair Skin and Nails!

And your immune system.

Pre-party period, it's time to look at your diet and lifestyle and work out where you might be falling short. Is your skin blotchy, do you wake up bloated or with dark eyebags? Do you feel completely BLAH by 3pm?

Nothing will amend for a diet that falls short in vitamins, carbohydrates and protein. But you can BOLSTER your diet and your health with some smart supplements. I don't believe in taking all of them long term, but during periods of stress or post-illness, I definitely recommend adding:

• Spirulina (powerful, green, antioxidant that comes in powder but I prefer the tablet)
• Hair, Skin & Nails
• Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin - if you don't get much direct sunlight or you exercise a lot, this is one for you!)
• Omega 3 (your body can't create omega 3 fatty acids in the body and they are vital for optimal brain, heart, skin and muscular health)
• Coenzyme Q10 (joint support!)

If you're going to go to the effort of taking supplements, obey these two laws:

• Follow the dosage guidelines on the pack, UNLESS your doctor has told you otherwise!
• Buy quality product.

I recommend Biosource Spirulina, Vitamin D, Chlorophyll, Odourless Fish Oil

Find all Biosource Vitamins and Supplements exclusively at Priceline.

I also recommend Swisse. Their blood orange flavoured Hair, Skin & Nails liquid supplement is YUM. I also take their Mega B to combat poor sleep, slumpy metabolism and energy levels and stress.

Race Readiness - Keep It Classy With An Edge

Ok, you got me. I’m not actually going to any of the major race days, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be watching the fashion coverage with relish and living vicariously through those be-hatted, be-lipsticked ladies in the tents.

I’m also quite partial to a sleek, glossy maned horse just brimming with speed, power and ferocity. Join me in dressing up for the Cup. Whether you’re in the tent for David Jones, or just sipping chardonnay under the tent at Dave’s, dress up. Go on.

Here’s what you need – I tried and tested to be sure these are 100% Race-Day Required.

Gel Manicure – sure, you could pay someone to do it, but why bother when it will be a fraction of the cost and super-easy to do at home? I was convinced by spotting Kate Waterhouse, true racing royalty, spruiking Sally Hansen. You’ll get change from $20. You need the miracle top coat and the colour. My pick is Sugar Fix – better than blue jelly beans.

Don’t even THINK about leaving your head and hair unadorned. I love a big, floppy hat but I’m taming that desire for the sake of practicality because I have to teach Ballet Sculpt on Cup Day. I’ll be glamming it up in Lady Jayne accessories. You can find them in Chemist Warehouse and Priceline.

Smell fresh. Not sugar sweet, that’s for teenagers. Not thick gardenia, that’s for the nasally blocked. My pick is Mediterranean coastline because it hits beachy, floral notes while still being light and day/evening appropriate.  I won’t hate you for sharing this scent in common with me: Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia (David Jones).

Lipstick. Der. My MUST-HAVES on Race Day and pretty much every other day are MAC Razzledazzler, Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani 103.  

Fighting the "Hip Drop"

Know what is driving me up the wall? I really like walking mindfully - thinking about just "heel, ball, toe..." and thinking about engaging pelvic floor, standing tall...it calms me. It helps me focus.
At the moment, I'm walking with a pronounced limp and while I know it's noticeable (thankyou for pointing it out people - yes, I have a LIMP...mind your own business!) that doesn't bother me as much as the idea that I'm teaching my body to continue it.

I also think I need to be a little gentler on myself. However. I have found an exercise to improve my hip and pelvic strength. I intend to try it today - not too many, just to see how it feels. I will also be calling the physio centre at the rehabilitation hospital I attended to ask their feedback on what I should be expecting at this point and whether this is a safe move for me. So, while I'll be trying this, I DO suggest you talk to your physio and check this is safe for you if you have any sort of hip complaint.
Pelvic Drop Exercise

From Physiotherapy site

Therapy By Scent and Skin

Truly, I am having an awful week on an epic scale. Personal, professional, everything is in turmoil and I just badly need some peace.

 Having tried and failed to get through a tai chi/dance workshop (it LOOKED great from the sidelines but my hip wasn't up for swivelling...a lot) I opted for retail therapy.
Here's what I tried and I am feeling much rested for it. Get on this train.
Olay Regenerist Skin Brush (UNDER $30!!) - because it cleans and whisks all that grime and outside world off WHILE being super gentle. Magic.
I am using it with Eminence Organics Serums for ultimate organic goodness and hydration. The scents are to DIE for. My picks are Green Tea & Guava, Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic and Eight Greens Youth Serum. Bliss.
I know there's a little while to go yet until the big tinsel-town of Christmas, but I don't care. I'm burning Urban Rituelle Warm Cinnamon & Cranberry Soy Wax Candle. It was a hard choice between that one and Lime, Basil & Mandarin but I made the call, eventually!

I'm distracting and inspiring my mind with two books concurrently: Quick Looks by Rae Morris ($16.95 @ Booktopia)who is the superstar of makeup backstage and editorial. She's up there alongside Pat McGrath and Kellie Stratton for amazingness. I'm also reading Pioneers of Digital for inspiration on marketing, media and advertising top creative minds.
Oh, fine, you caught me. I am scrubbing up with Palm Beach clove & sandalwood soap because it's Australian and smells divine.

I'm doing a course in Digital Marketing to update my rusty multimedia degree. I genuinely get excited and inspired by what's possible with digital and can't wait to dive into a more creative career. What's keeping you hopeful and inspired right now?

Bad Hair Day Begone

As I think I've probably admitted before, because it is so frustrating, I have naturally curly, frizzy hair that laughs in the face of glossy ponytails.

It does quiver with fear and accede defeat to straightening irons, Kerastase and certain Aveda products, so I have learnt how to live amicably with it.

When it comes to working out though - or even just washing my face without forming ringlets and frizz, it requires no-tear, kind-to-hair headband and ties. That means:

• no metal bits
• no rubber grips
• no combs to grip and hold
• no glitter/stars/stick-on thingos

Thank god for new scunci everyday & active range - I couldn't decide between different colour options so I did what all wise women do - I didn't choose.

Plus, you know who wears a headband? Kate Moss. Go on, get one. Or three. Scunci website or get to Priceline, Target or Big W.

Hello Deadlifts!

Oh, how I DID miss you deadlifts!
First set in many, many weeks. Hips felt fine but I kept it light to reintroduce body gradually to the moves it knows and loves.
Or at least likes.
Some days.

Deadlifts are great for the back of your legs - hamstrings, glutes and calves all benefit from the action carried out with great alignment and making sure to lock your core on for support. Strong abs make every move more effective for strength-building, but also as a major safety protection for your spine, bones and muscles.
Women's Health has a great guide on How to do a straight leg deadlift with a bar.

Bexters Soda Crystals my balm...

With all the new-fangled recovery options out there - red light, heated boxes, salt lamps, ice wraps, $500 compression suits...we can forget there's some cheap, insanely effective resources at the supermarket or chemist.
Or garden.
But that's another feature!

The reason I'm shouting out to Bexters is they have a special application wrap to put your soda crystals in! It's perfect. I'm used to wrapping them up in a tea towel which can end in mess and definitely involves experimentation over size of tea towel and density. Save yourself the bother.
Still used by AFL players and ballerinas, soda crystals are perfect for muscular strains, swelling and achy joints. Though my hip is much improving every day, I know I'll get to sleep easier knowing the crystals are at work to reduce the swelling and ache from a day of activity.

Bexters available on their website or chemists.

Directions for Use: There are two ways to use Bexters Soda Crystals: as a pack applied directly over a swollen or injured joint or in a bath to ease more generalised aches and pains

As a Pack: Unfold the application wrap to reveal the pockets Fill one or both pockets with 100g Soda Crystals depending on the size of the injury - do not add water Wrap the pack around the affected area and secure with velcro straps Leave pack on for a minimum of 3-4 hours, preferably overnight Place a towel underneath the Application wrap to absorb any fluids Use only on alternate days Tests a small trial patch for skin sensitivity Do not apply to broken skin or open wounds

Make It Big: Lip and Eye Magic

Short of actually getting stung on the lips by a bee, you'll have a hard time naturally boosting lip volume. I was totally sceptical about an off-the-shelf lip volume booster BUT I swallow my words, because my hairdresser was being very solemn-faced and serious when she declared I have "better lips than Miranda Kerr."
Yes.
Considering lip injections cost around $300 as a very STARTING point, a trip to Priceline is going to be much better for your budget. Not to mention that nobody needs black bruising around their lips for possibly weeks!
If you see no difference, I will fall off my chair. Transformulas LipVolume @ Priceline

I decided to give a few eye products a test run too - I have been sleeping terribly (could be the 12 coffees...) so my peepers haven't been looking so white and bright. While I like the effect of Transformulas EyeLifting Gel, it felt like I needed to spend forever applying it to get any on my face! I prefer indeed laboratories eysilix. I'm seeing noticeably less puffiness and it doesn't cause spots or spread into my eyes overnight.
eysilix @ Priceline

Apart from spreading all manner of new things on my visage, I am also loving cult favourite MAC for lipstick. The bullet packaging! The old Pat McGrath videos and photos that remind me how amazing makeup is. If makeup is your weakness, get onto +MAC Cosmetics on Instagram. This is a photo of the MAC flagship store in Paris. I'll be sure to pass through next year!

Up and At Em Sunday!

There's plenty you can do in your loungeroom (hotel room) if you've just rolled out of bed and the idea of picking a gym outfit is bringing tears to your eyes.
You can put your own music on.
You can have a coffee between each set of exercises.

The reason for squatting against a wall is to perfect your technique. Make sure you keep your shoulders back against the wall and keep your abs "switched on"!

Add some push-ups and star jumps to get your heart rate up and your chest and arms will also get a good tone-and-shape.

Set your phone timer for 5 minutes on each different exercise and KEEP GOING until the alarm rings. If you can continue, set it for another 2 minutes at a time.

If you are in the market for a gym outfit, I've tried and tested like a...fitness professional? 
Here are the must-haves.

KOS*USA: This is a US Yoga brand that makes killer pants. The bootlegs flare just in the right spot, the piping twists in such a way that your thighs look leaner, shapelier... it's masterful. I swear by their bootleg pants. If you like your print/unique capri design for aerobics followed by pilates, you'll love the Galaxy Print capri.
They wash easily, they wear well, no fade and they ship here from the US in a super fast turn-around time.
KOS*USA Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest