Run Forrest Run!

Over the past few years I've fallen in love with running. It's an effective, free and fun activity you can do absolutely anywhere, anytime. 

In case you haven't heard, I'm a total travel junkie. Moving country and being frequently 'on the move' makes it hard to commit to just one gym or health club. So running is my drug and the easiest way to get fit fast with a transient lifestyle.

Chuck on a quality sports bra, a breathable top, decent pair of sports socks to prevent blisters. Then grab your sneakers, a hat and, for those who can't move without tunes, your iPod and you'll be ready to rumble!

I've been blessed enough to run in a number of epic locations. From the 'Rocky' steps in Philadelphia, to the canals of London, through snowy streets of Toronto, the New Jersey waterfront where I could see views of New York City, the suburbs of Santiago and parklands in Bosnia Herzegovina. But want to know the best bit? You can run right here in Perth: around Herdsman Lake, through Kings Park, along the beachfront, at Perry Lakes, through your local suburbs. The list is endless (as will be your passion for smashin' the pavement after a couple of jogs!)

Epic ocean views from the jogging path 

by Hillarys Marina

Running burns calories quickly helping you to achieve weight loss, increases your cardiovascular health, strengthens your bones, stimulates your mood and improves your coordination.

Make the most of the remaining sunny weather and exercise outdoors NOW. Release those positive endorphins, sweat out the stress. Run today, you'll smile tonight (and don't forget to stretch, or you'll feel mighty sore tomorrow!)

Striking the balance at Qi Yoga

Following Body Pump my adrenalin was still high and the day was still young. A few weeks back my close friend Pete recommended I join him at Qi Yoga on an upcoming Monday night, so today felt like the perfect day for it.

We arrived slightly early and I had the pleasure of chatting with Fiona, the teacher and founder of Qi Yoga, prior to the class. Her dynamic energy and entrepreneurial spirit is evident immediately, both in her personality and her practice. She has developed Qi Yoga in both London and Australia and travels between the two, teaching and promoting the benefits of her training.

I thoroughly enjoyed the session which ran for just under 1.5 hours and encompassed a rigorous practice followed by a lengthy guided meditation. Found it to be a wonderful combination of body and mind, which when you read below you will understand is the actual intention of Qi Yoga.

QI YOGA is a blend of the 2 ancient healing sciences of Qi Gong and Hatha Yoga to create an enhanced practice. It harnesses your seven chakras, the energy systems of the body, through various physical postures. Tapping on the meridian lines of the body allows blood to flow freely and oxygenate all the cells. This activity, in conjunction with fluid movements and supple joints, helps to clear stagnant energy from the body. The philosophy of Qi Yoga is not affiliated with any religion or deity, it instead focuses on your own self, ancestors, soul and personal goals. It incorporates balance in the union of mind, body and soul.

• DETAILS: Monday evening, 7:00-8:15pm. Manning Hall, at the corner of Bradshaw Crescent and Jarman Avenue.
• COST: $16.00 per casual class
• TEACHER: Fiona
• BRING: Your own yoga mat. I would also recommend bringing a blanket or cozy scarf to drape over yourself for keeping warm during the guided meditation at the end of practice.
• BEST BITS: Qi Yoga was different to other yoga practices that I have attended recently, plus I had never experienced the technique of tapping the meridian lines of the body before. I really enjoyed the practice because I believe change and a challenge is always the spice of life! 
• QI YOGA: www.qiyoga.org/uk/home

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Turning 10: Taste for Travel Begins

My first snow experience!
Skiing in Sweden with dad.
 April 1994 (age 10).

Growing up in the world's most isolated city has it's perks, but also disadvantages too. One issue faced by many West Australians is the massive distance separating them from the rest of the Western world. Literally. Distance is a BIG thing in WA, where reaching another capital city requires a flight or extremely long, flat drive along a straight stretch of dusty road through the 'treacherous' Aussie outback ;)

Cultural isolation is something my family has always epically persevered against. Dad committed to taking each of his four youngsters on an overseas adventure the year we turned 10 to open our blissfully ignorant eyes to the big wide world.

So around the time of my 10th birthday it was explained to me that I would be joining my dad on a trip to Sweden, London and Paris to 'see the world'. I took extended leave from primary school and spent a month exploring. From my first steps in snow, being awed by Stockholm's epic ice-sculptures and getting bogged while tobogganing - Sweden immediately captured my interest. "These people eat cheese and jam on biscuits for breakfast!" I chirped down the 'telephon' to mum. ('Telephon' being the only Swedish word I was able to pick up with ease throughout my two week stay). I visited a Swedish high school where I was interrogated by classmates with dreadlocks and nose-rings sitting with their feet on desks asking if I really did own a pet kangaroo called Skippy...

Internationally recognised brands blaze
brightly on electronic billboards over
London's famous Piccadilly Circus

The rush of London nearly bowled me over as I clambered to the top of red double decker busses, elbowed through crowds to see the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace and join masses of minors enraptured by the magic of Hamley's Toy Shop. Posing by red post-boxes and trotting through the Tower of London I viewed various highlights of old England with my dad and uncle by my side. Grandma was so proud of us all!

Parisienne cheese shop...
Gourmet gurus eat your heart out!

Three days to fit in Paris would exhaust even the most experienced of travellers. Plus with the Parisian metro on strike we were forced to conquer the city on foot! Nonetheless we climbed the Eiffel Tower, visited the Louvre, Arc De Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and Centre Pompidou, plus took the Bateaux Mouches along the river Seine. All the while re-energising with croissants, eclairs, baguettes...

Needless to say, my first trip abroad was an extremely eye-opening experience. It definitely highlighted how different the real world was outside of my familiar comfort zone and whet my appetite to see more of the big wide world. Much, much more!