Dynamic warm up routine

 

Warm up your muscles with September cover model Alexa Towersey's favourite warm up sequence.

 

Alexa always incorporates a structured dynamic warm-up before every training session. It’s the perfect opportunity to prime the nervous system and prepare the muscles, reinforce correct movement patterns and identify and address any structural imbalances or weaknesses. Learning how to switch ‘off’ the wrong muscles, and switch on the ‘right’ muscles, for the workout to come is the key to making your workouts more efficient and effective.

HOT TIP

 

If your hip flexors are tight, they can inhibit the glutes from firing, so you need to include a dynamic warm-up that focuses on opening up the hips first and then isolating and activating the glutes.

Overhead Reverse Lunge x 10

 

Step back into a reverse lunge, bringing the knee down to graze the ground as you reach your arms up and out of your hips towards the ceiling. Emphasise driving the pelvis underneath you to create length along the front of the hip. Alternate legs.

Photographer: James Seneviratne (@jamesjoel)

Dressed in: P.E. Nation

Shot at: F45 Bondi

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Band-resisted lateral monster walk x 20 each way

 

 

Place the band under your mid foot, cross it over and bring it up around the front of your shoulders. Feet are hip-distance apart with hip, knee and second toe lined up. Without compensating with the upper body, exaggerate a step to the side – essentially stepping with one foot and resisting with the other. You can perform variations with feet facing forwards, turned out and turned in to make sure you hit the glutes from all angles.

Photographer: James Seneviratne (@jamesjoel)

Dressed in: P.E. Nation

Shot at: F45 Bondi

 

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Single-leg glute bridge x 15 each leg

Set your heels up in line with your sit bones, having the hip, knee, second toe in alignment – you should be able to touch your heels with your fingertips. Pull one knee into the chest, drawing the thigh towards the ribs. Hold it tight as you drive the hips up towards the ceiling, pushing the heel of your foot through the ground. The knee drawn in helps to disengage the lower back, allowing you to isolate the glutes.

Photographer: James Seneviratne (@jamesjoel)

Dressed in: P.E. Nation

Shot at: F45 Bondi

 

 

Check out Alexa's top three training tips here.

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Raspberry coconut protein truffles

 

Treat yourself with these delicious raspberry coconut protein truffles by Heidi Cannon. 

Ingredients (makes 12)

 

• ¼ cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• ¼ cup shredded almonds
• 2 scoops vanilla protein
• ½ cup coconut oil
• 4 dark chocolate squares
• Cocoa, crushed cacao nibs, crushed nuts or desiccated coconut (optional, for coating)

 

Method

Mash raspberries in mixing bowl.

Mix shredded coconut, almonds and vanilla protein and add mashed raspberries.

Melt coconut oil in microwave and add to mixture.

Blend all ingredients, scoop mixture into small balls and place balls on foil-covered tray.

Melt dark chocolate in bowl and pour over each ball. Roll in nuts, cocoa or other coating if desired.

Place balls in freezer for 10 to 15 minutes and remove for a high-protein treat or recovery snack.

Nutritional info

*Nutrition (per ball, excluding optional coatings) 

kJ 294   Fats 4.4 g  Carbs 4.95 g  Protein 5.9 g

Looking for more healthy recipes? You need to try these sweet potato brownies.

 

 

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Breakfast berry smoothie bowl recipe

 

Kick-start your day with this antioxidant powerhouse breakfast bowl.

 

There’s only half a cup of regular milk in this recipe, which serves two to three people; however, the milk can easily be swapped for low-lactose if desired.    

Ingredients

• ½ cup ice cubes
• 2 frozen, peeled bananas, sliced 
• 1 cup natural yoghurt 
• ¾ cup frozen berries
• ½ cup milk 
• 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
• 2 tsp honey 
• ½ cup oven-toasted fruit muesli 
• Fresh blueberries, to serve 

Method

Blend or process the ice, banana, yoghurt, berries, milk, chia seeds and honey until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the blender, if required. Add an extra tbsp or two of water if you need a little extra moisture in the blender to keep the ingredients moving. (This will depend on your blender). Pour smoothie into two or three chilled bowls and top with muesli and fresh blueberries. Serve immediately.

Tips 

Stock your freezer with peeled bananas sealed in an airtight container or bag. They will keep for about four weeks. If you don’t have frozen fruit, your smoothie bowl won’t be quite as thick. Try adding a few more ice cubes. 

Looking for more healthy breakfast ideas? Here's how to make your own homemade bowls.

 

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Quinoa, chicken and feta salad recipe

 

Looking for more healthy lunch ideas? This quinoa, chicken and feta salad has it all.

 

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tbsp chopped mint
• ⅓ cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 500 g skinless chicken tenderloins or thigh fillets
• 200 g quinoa, rinsed, drained
• Olive oil spray
• 1 bunch broccolini or asparagus, cut into 4cm lengths
• 250 g reduced-fat feta, crumbled
• 4 spring onions, thinly sliced
• 50 g baby rocket leaves
• 1 pomegranate, seeds removed

Method

Whisk together parsley, mint, lemon juice and oil; season to taste. Pour half of the dressing over the chicken and allow to marinate while cooking quinoa. Reserve remaining dressing for salad. Boil quinoa for 12 to 15 minutes, or until just tender but still firm to the bite. Drain well, and transfer to a large bowl. Set aside to cool. Spray chicken and broccolini or asparagus lightly with oil, BBQ or char-grill over high heat until cooked through and tender.

Rest for five minutes and slice chicken. Add the sliced chicken, broccolini or asparagus, feta, spring onions, rocket and pomegranate seeds to the quinoa and drizzle with reserved dressing. Toss to combine and arrange in a serving platter. If preparing this salad ahead of time for a work lunch, omit the rocket and refrigerate. Toss through the rocket at the last minute to prevent it from wilting. 

Recipe by Bianca Cheah.

 

 

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Source : Diet & Nutrition http://www.womenshealthandfitness.com.au/diet-nutrition/recipe-finder/2133-quinoa-chicken-and-feta-salad-recipe

Sweet potato cupcakes with peanut butter frosting

 

If you're looking for a sweet alternative to your regular cupcakes, this sweet potato creation is a must-try.

 

 

Ingredients (makes 18)

Cakes 

• 2 eggs 
• 1 cup vanilla protein powder 
• 1 cup mashed sweet potato
• 2 tsp baking soda 
• 4 packs Stevia sweetner

Frosting

 

• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• ¼  low-fat cream cheese
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 

 

Method

Blend ingredients and pour into non-stick muffin tins. Bake at 175°C for about 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly brown on top.

 

For the frosting blend ingredients with hand mixer or beater and spread on top of cupcake when cool.

 

Nutrition info (per cake, including frosting)

530 kJ

5.5 g fat

21 g carb 

9 g protein 

 

 

 

Based on recipe by Heidi Cannon. For more low-carb, high-protein treats her official website.

 

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Source : Diet & Nutrition http://www.womenshealthandfitness.com.au/diet-nutrition/recipe-finder/2135-sweet-potato-cupcakes-with-peanut-butter-frosting

5 reasons why smoothies are good for you

 

Shakes and smoothies have become synonymous with weight loss, but there's a fine line between detox and dessert. Nutritionist Lucinda Zammit helps us uncover 5 liquid meal myths.

1. Liquid meals contain fewer calories than solid food

It’s surprisingly easy to ‘overeat’ when you’re liquefying your food. While you’d struggle to scarf six bananas, the same quantity of fruit blends to a deceptively small smoothie. Rather than throwing ingredients in a blender ad libitum, measure ingredients beforehand in accordance with what you’d reasonably eat if you sat down to a solid meal. Tip: mix you choice of milk 50:50 with some chilled water, you won’t taste the difference but it will help with your calorie intake.

2. They are better for you

The health credentials of liquid meals ranges from uber-healthy to little better than a burger. Without added flavour, wholefood smoothies can be bland, so they often get a kick along from additives such as honey or nut butter. While a small amount is fine, a liberal serve can turn a healthy liquid meal into a glorified thickshake. 

3. They keep you fuller for longer

Satiety is primarily determined by a meal’s effect on both blood sugar and gastric emptying. Generally, protein is the most satiating macronutrient while fat slows gastric emptying, prolonging satiety. Fibre slows glucose release into the bloodstream, averting the sudden hunger that occurs when insulin sweeps sugar from the bloodstream after a high-GI hit. Tick these boxes, and a liquid meal can be just as filling as a solid meal. Conversely, a drink devoid of protein and fibre and fat can leave you as hungry as you were despite having consumed the calorie equivalent of a full breakfast. Try nut butter, an egg or some good quality protein powder. For savoury liquid meals, steamed and cooled shredded chicken or beef and steamed and cooled sweet potato or pumpkin can serve as protein and fibre sources. 

4. You need to use fruit  

While fruit is the go-to wholefood for blended meals, vegies are worthy contenders – even for sweet smoothies. Using a blender ensures that vegies’ nutrients are kept intact – unlike with juicing. Smoothie-friendly vegies include spinach, kale, cos lettuce and watercress. Superfood powders such as spirulina, maca powder or a greens powder are another way to add nutrients to a liquid meal.

5. You need to eat food 

Just because it’s in liquid form doesn’t mean a meal can’t be balanced. If you don’t have time to sit down for breakfast, throw the ingredients you’d usually serve in a bowl in the blender – think raw oats (carbs), milk (calcium and protein), berries (antioxidants) and cinnamon. For protein, you can add yoghurt and protein powder. Tip: Blend brekkie the night before, place in a jar or bottle with a secure lid and leave in the fridge. In the morning, shake and drink. You can even add a teaspoon of coffee.

Check out these delicious, super healthy smoothie recipes today.

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8 essential tips for dyeing your hair

 

Are you in need of a hair revamp? Before you jump on the boxed hair dyes, here are eight things to keep in mind before you dye your hair at home.

1. Check the ingredients

Filling your car with the wrong type of petrol can cause serious damage to your vehicle, so it’s important for you the read the signs. The same concept can be applied to dying your hair. According to Vince Sferlazza, owner of Vince and John New Image Salon in Melbourne, it’s crucial to check how many chemicals are in the hair dye to avoid damaging your locks. “The fewer chemicals there are, the better it will be for your hair, so always be sure to check,” says Sferlazza. “Strong chemicals like ammonia shock the hair shaft open, leaving it looking dry and dull after a colour. Herbatint hair colours gently open the shaft of the hair to deposit colour while maintaining the shine and health of your hair.”

2. Opt for natural botanicals

Hair dyes that contain natural botanical ingredients help to restore moisture throughout the dyeing process. “It’s a synergy between nature and technology; different botanicals have different uses,” says Sferlazza. “They can protect the scalp, add shine, moisturise the hair and skin, enhance colour, strengthen and soothe. So ensure that all your hair products are enriched with certified organic extracts.”

WHF pick: restore moisture with Herbatint’s range of hair dyes, which contain aloe vera to protect and nourish, and meadow foam to moisturise and add shine and condition.

3. Select your colour wisely

To find a shade that suits your complexion, Sferlazza recommends picking a colour that’s a few shades lighter or darker than your natural tone. While you can play it safe with the base colour, don’t be afraid to have a little fun with highlights. “You can always play with tones, add some warmer tones, like copper and mahogany, or cooler tones, like ash, to your natural colour to enhance your skin tone.”

4. Prep your space

Before you embark on a DIY colouring session at home, ensure you’ve prepped your space and have the right equipment. “Make sure surfaces are covered and you have all the right tools for the job: a colouring cape, old towel, measuring cup, tint bowl, tint brush and a comb,” says Sferlazza. “And make sure you aren’t wearing your Sunday best when you’re applying your colour.”

5. Read the instructions

While this seems like an obvious tip, you’d be surprised how many people don’t actually read the instructions from start to finish. And perform a skin test to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction to the product.

6. Show your locks some love

So, you’ve dyed your hair and you love the new colour, but the hair care doesn’t stop there. It’s important to use products that will nourish and restore moisture. “It’s in your best interest to invest in products containing natural ingredients to restore the hair after colouring,” says Sferlazza. “Allow yourself five to 10 minutes when washing your hair to leave the Herbatint Royal Cream Conditioner on as an intensive regenerating treatment.”

WHF top pick: Herbatint’s Normalising Shampoo and Royal Cream Conditioner. Enriched with aloe vera, jojoba and wheat germ, it nourishes and revitalises dry, damaged and colour-treated hair.

7. Space out your colouring

It’s tempting to reach for the colouring brush as soon as re-growth starts to show. But Sferlazza advises waiting a minimum or four to five weeks between colourings to allow your hair enough time to repair itself.

8. Practise long-term hair care

While many will admit to getting extremely irregular haircuts, they’re vital for healthy, glossy hair. Sferlazza recommends getting regular haircuts every six to eight weeks and using a good-quality hair brush. Also, avoid overusing hair dryers and straighteners, but if you are using them, always use a heat-protecting serum or cream.

WHF pick: TEK wooden hairbrushes help stimulate blood flow to the scalp, promoting hair growth.

Discover more about Herbatint's philosophy and you'll be on your way to having lucious, healthy locks.

 

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6 ways to manage PMS

 

PMS is no fun. Here, we share six ways to help and manage your PMS.

1. Food

Stabilising blood sugar will favour consistent energy levels and moods according to dietitian Melanie McGrice (melaniemcgrice.com.au). “Grains that have a low glycaemic index, which means that they provide longer-lasting energy, can also help to increase the hormone serotonin in the brain, so try some chickpeas, brown rice or quinoa,” says McGrice.

2. Diet

According to accredited practising dietitian Lisa Yates, some studies show that PMS may be exacerbated by too much caffeine, sugar and alcohol. To minimise symptoms, she suggests that you reduce your alcohol, caffeine and salt intake, and follow a low-GI diet.

3. Supplements

Professor Kulkarni says supplements such as evening primrose oil can be effective for relieving PMS symptoms and favours these as a primary intervention before resorting to the contraceptive pill. “The two supplements I suggest are vitamin B6 and evening primrose oil, which has healthy essential fatty acids. Both supplements have been shown in studies to help alleviate some symptoms in women with PMS and many women benefit from them,” Prof Kulkarni says. A study published in 2010 found that the combination of magnesium and vitamin B6 was particularly helpful for decreasing PMS symptoms. “Nuts are rich in both magnesium and B6, so I’d recommend taking 30 g unsalted nuts daily in the week prior to your period,” says McGrice.

Correcting iron deficiency may also ease syptoms as women who consume insufficient iron are at higher risk of suffering PMS according to University of Massachusetts research. Women with higher non-heme iron, which comes from plant sources, are 30 to 40 per cent less likely to experience PMS. This is possibly because low iron affects levels of serotonin, the hormone that elevates mood. Good sources of non-heme iron include silverbeet and spinach, broccoli, bok choy, soybeans and lentils.

4. The Pill

Contraceptive pills can help ameliorate symptoms of severe PMS and PMDD, but not all pills are equally effective. “Women should not take older-style progesterone pills as these can actually contribute to emotions like anger and depression,” warns Prof Kulkarni. “Some of the newer varieties of pill such as Zoely, Diane and Juliet can be very beneficial.”

To establish a more stable hormonal pattern, women may take the pill with the active hormones for three cycles then go on to a sugar pill for one week only, so that within a three-month cycle they only have one week of bleeding.

5. Hormone therapy

The next line of defence is hormone therapy according to Prof Kulkarni. Oestrogen patches or oestradiol patches and progesterone can cause a kind of hormone detour. “For some women who are very sensitive to hormones, another alternative is to deliver the progesterone via the Mirena IUD, which is placed in the uterus. This allows the hormones to go directly into the surrounding organs rather than passing through the bloodstream first, where it may cause more side effects,” Prof Kulkarni says.

6. Antidepressants

For women who feel their lives are hijacked by hormones every month, antidepressants can provide enormous relief. “The antidepressants stabilise the level of hormones like serotonin, so some women with PMS or PMDD no longer experience those huge mood swings from hormonal fluctuations,” says Davison. 

A new approach to this treatment is to take the antidepressant intermittently. “It may be taken for one week or 10 days of each month when symptoms occur,” says Prof Kulkarni. “To ensure the dose and type of antidepressant suits your system, speak to your GP about having a blood test or swab to get background on your metabolic system and guide the choice of antidepressant.” 

If antidepressants are not effective, women who suffer severe symptoms of PMS may then choose to undergo a ‘chemical menopause’, where strong hormones are used to stop ovulation and give women a break from the terrible hormonal and mood swings. “This approach sometimes needs to be permanent but can also have a kind of resetting effect on the brain,” Prof Kulkarni explains. “If women choose to come off the hormones, their impact is usually reversible and even when no longer on the therapy, the hormonal-related moods swings may be greatly reduced.” 

 

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Positive body image renovation

 

Body image plays a huge role in our health and fitness, so positive body image is vital. Here are 7 tips to get you on your way to loving your body.

1. Focus on function & sensation

Instead of fixating on the appearance of your body and others’, concentrate instead on what your body can do for you. When you think like that, you’ll find it’s pretty damn amazing! “Start focusing on your body as the vehicle of your experience rather than as a collection of surfaces to be appraised,” advises Cameron. “Switching to this perspective can come about through paying attention more often to sensations your body generates; how it feels to move, breathe, etc. Reflect on physical sensations your body enjoys and the activities it allows you to do, learning about the body and your body in particular, and remembering that your body is also that thing that generates thoughts and emotions, and appreciating all the subjective experiences it gives rise to.”

2. Quit the comparisons

Seriously, just stop it! Paxton strongly encourages avoiding engaging in negative body talk and discouraging it in the people around you. Instead she suggests you learn to identify when you are making body comparisons and remind yourself that “this is not a positive thing to do. I am making comparisons that are bound to make me feel less happy”.

3. Re-evaluate your worth

“When you value yourself as a person on the basis of your appearance, that puts you at risk,” warns Paxton. “If you can reconsider this and think ‘what is really important about me in my life, what do my friends think or my family think is important about me, and what do I value about what I do in my life?’, this can help people refocus away from appearance-related factors.”

4. Practise mindfulness

“Mindfulness brings us back to the here and now,” says McMahon. “It helps us to step outside from surveillancing our body from the outside to existing in our body from the inside.”

5. Build self-compassion

“Normalise the fact that most of us have parts of our bodies we don’t like – this is called normative discontent,” says McMahon. Recognising this will help us avoid “getting caught up in the unhelpful chitter chatter of our mind”. 

6. Engage in regular physical activity that you enjoy

Exercise for pleasure’s sake rather than weight loss, and reap the benefits of those ‘feelgood’ hormones. According to McMahon, an improved mood will have nothing but a positive effect on your body image.

7. Treat yourself kindly

“Nurturing your body and engaging in regular self-care will have a flow-on effect to how you feel about your body,” McMahon adds.

 

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15-minute ab workout

 

Want a strong core? Add this high-energy workout to your workouts and boost fat loss, muscle gain and strength.

All you need is 15 minutes two to three times a week and a medicine ball.

 

Words/workout: Sam Ly (pictured) 

Photography: Jamie Watling 

1. Straight-arm plank

Lie on a flat surface. Position hands directly under shoulders and legs, shoulder-width apart. Stay on the balls of toes and push the body off the ground into a push-up position. Keep head forward and spine neutral as you contract the core, keeping stomach tight, and hold for 30 seconds. 

 

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2. Mountain climbers

For the next 30 seconds, incorporate spider mountain climbers, alternating movements on each side with the knee to elbow, back into the straight-arm plank for a total of one minute. Rest for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times.

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3. Medicine ball crunches

 

 

Start with feet on the floor at a 90-degree angle. Lean back onto tailbone and lift feet off the floor at 45 degrees. Hold a 4 kg medicine ball at your chest. With knees bent and toes pointed upwards, extend arms with the medicine ball while bringing the knees towards the chest. Keeping the abdominal muscles contracted, bring the medicine ball back to chest and extend the legs without letting your feet touch the ground. Stay in that position and preform a Russian twist with the medicine ball for weighted resistance. Twist core with medicine ball from side to side. Keep legs as steady as possible while twisting without touching the floor. Do this as one motion for one minute, rest for 30 seconds, repeat 3 times. 

 

 

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4. High knees

 

Standing on a flat surface with feet hip-width apart, comfortably jump on one foot, lifting your knees as high as possible. Let arms flow with the motion of the opposite knee. Alternate legs for one minute at maximum speed and drop to the floor into the straight-arm plank. Perform spider mountain climbers for one minute, alternating movements on each side with the knee to elbow, back into the straight-arm plank. Rest for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times.

NEXT: Build strong abs with these Pilates moves. 

 

 

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