Be An Active Aussie!

HBF Run for a Reason - Perth, 2012

I really enjoyed participating in the 14km HBF Run for a Reason 2012 a few weeks ago!

8km Harry's Spring Run-Off to fight
prostate cancer - Toronto, 2011 

There are loads of awesome benefits associated with heading outdoors, getting active and enrolling in some upcoming community events. The list of positives is endless but here's a few inspiring thoughts that come to mind for me:

• The fantastic weather we've got here in sunny Australia
• The inspiring stories that motivate people to fundraise and donate
• The chance to meet and socialise with other healthy, active people
• The enthusiasm of the crowds as the count-down begins
• The noticeable Australian mate-ship at big events that encourages the crowds to pull together and support each other 
• Involvement alongside peers gives us a sense of belonging 
• Event completion leads to satisfaction and accomplishment - Aussies love getting personal bests



Bike the Drive with buddies - Chicago, 2010

• Results and healthy competition push us to reach for the stars!

About this time last year I was discussing fitness goals with friends. I remember saying how great it would be to participate in a range of 'fun runs' all around Australia. Why not do the City To Surf or City to Bay in every state? Would be a pretty cool accomplishment! I'll add it to my fitness bucket-list.

The great thing is that there will always be a range of great team events and community challenges to participate in here in Australia.

Are you getting involved in any upcoming events that I don't even know about yet? Keep me in the loop - I hope to see some of your friendly faces at awesome outdoor events in future!

I ran to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation in last year's
City to Surf - Perth, 2011

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!)

Connecting with Sand, Surf and Yoga

I need to share with you my absolute favourite outdoor activity last weekend!

Stu brings yoga back to nature on the sand at City Beach

Went down to City Beach at about 8:45am on Saturday morning, wandered over the dunes and down onto the sand. There I met up with Stu Watkins and his awesome group of devoted beach yogis who hit the beach most Saturday mornings during summer (dependent on good weather) to follow his practice on the sand.

Stu's Akhanda Yoga Flow is a beautiful chance to get outside, soak up some rays and get in touch with nature. The hour long practice takes you through many traditional yoga poses as well as a few fun combinations that Stu puts together. He always saves some time for free-stylin' so you can do whatever feels natural and right in the moment. There's some additional fun times and giggles too - I've never gone to one of his classes without cracking a massive smile! :)

A gorgeous location and blissful way to start my Saturday

Amazingly enough I have known Stu since we were kids. Perth, as everyone who lives here probably realises, is quite a small and interconnected place! Stu and I both attended Coolbinia Primary school what feels like a very long time ago. But having having common background with him is irrelevant. His manner and grace with everyone he meets is so evident. People gravitate to him and appreciate his calm nature and friendly smile. These beautiful attributes shine through in the way he leads his practice - sharing a soulful message with those who practice in a way which offers thought provoking ideas, fitness and fun!

AKHANDA & VINYASA ASANA YOGA FLOW: Stu's classes incorporate two adaptable styles of yoga and cater to people with all levels of experience. He has taught and practiced all over the globe and travelled to the Himalayas in India to study Akhanda Yoga with its founder, Yogi Vishvketu. Stu is a holistic life coach as well as fitness trainer so you will notice his classes combine the ancient teachings of yoga with the application of modern Western philosophies. The end result is an awesome and effective experience which leaves you feeling inspired and focused on health, well being and balance.

Check below for more info...

• DETAILS: Saturday morning, 9:00-10:00am. On the sand at City Beach (drive along West Coast Highway
• COST: This blissful session is what you make it and you get to pay what you wish to attend
• TEACHER: Stu Watkins
• STU'S WEBSITE: www.stuartbwatkins.com

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Saluting the Sun at Yoga Aid

Can you think of three great reasons to start your Sunday right? I could this morning when I went down to Saw Avenue Amphitheatre in Kings Park at 8:00am to participate in the Yoga Aid Challenge 2011.

Do Yoga. Build Community. Support Charity.

Today marked the 5th annual Yoga Aid Challenge Australia. Yoga Aid is an opportunity to connect with your local yoga community at a free 2 hour outdoor yoga class. It is a unique event and is celebrated around the world. Across Australia funds were raised for three valuable charity organisations: Nelune Foundation, Sunnyfield Independence and Barnados.

Reaching up to the sky and saluting the sun!

Although the day started out looking a little overcast and cloudy we were eventually blessed with lovely sunlight peeping out through the clouds. I'm sure the yogis and yoginis in the crowd would attest that the combination of our powers and sun salutations combined brought out the sunshine. In combination with weather conditions, barometric pressure and thermodynamics of course. But who's to say our sun salutations didn't play at least a small part... ;)

Smooth transitions in the yoga flow:
downward facing dog into chataranga

Representatives from the three West Australian lululemon athletica stores were out in force dressed to impress in groove pants and sporting 'currant' tops to share our bright and exciting new season colour. We were pleased to join a number of local West Australians in the iconic Perth landmark that is Kings Park to share our energy, passion and love for yoga.

A massive thanks to everyone who joined, all who fundraised and the excellent teachers who led the group through a mind-blowing 109 sun salutations in the 2 hours from 9:00-11:00am. Hope everyone who was there enjoyed themselves but if you missed out don't worry... I look forward to seeing you next year at Yoga Aid Challenge 2012!

The World's Largest Pilates Class!

So great to see the Perth community getting
 active outdoors for a good cause.

On Sunday 23rd October at 9:00am I attended an awesome outdoor event: The World's Largest Pilates Class presented by LIVe Pilates at Langley Park.

The event was an amazing day with the intention of breaking the world record for the World's Largest Pilates class. Although the record wasn't broken the turnout was phenomenal and the weather held up its end of the bargain and stayed sunny. Such a great day!

Say hello to the lululemon athletica
colour coordinated team!

Funds raised from tickets sold at $35 were donated to the Sarah Gapp Cause. Sarah is a Brisbane Law Student who suffered a severe stroke weeks after her 21st birthday and had to have 60% of her cerebellum removed. Since her stroke she has been left with a condition where her mind is perfectly aware but unable to communicate with her body. She has already defied the odds and regained some speech and movement and funds will help her get the medical care she needs to hopefully learn to swallow and walk.

All participants received a gift bag and, obviously, the enjoyment of participating in an outdoor workout while supporting a worthy cause.

Our staff from lululemon athletica perth city teamed up with representatives from our Karrinyup and Cottesloe stores wearing surge colour coordinated clothes while participating in the event. We were so happy to get outside, get active and make a difference in our community.

Congratulations to Pippa and Owen Hutchinson from LIVe Pilates for putting together such a successful event. Hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed the workout!