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.