Keep The Winter Bugs Away!

Want to find a natural alternative to artificially flavoured throat drops?  Or make DIY products without all the nasties?  Then you need to get to know On Guard - a blend of Wild Orange Peel, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark & Leaf, Eucalyptus Leaf and Rosemary Leaf and Flower, essential oils.  

We diffuse On Guard fairly often because it smells so gorgeous but during winter, if any member of our family has a hint of a sore throat or cold, we put it in all the diffusers (we have one in each bedroom as well as our living area) and roll it on everyone's feet.  It supports the immune system and boosts the body's defences.  For sore throats or mouth ulcers, nothing is more effective than a drop of On Guard in 250ml of milk (we use almond milk at home)...it tastes a little like a chai latte too.  These days doterra have bought out On Guard throat drops which are great for kids, mine think they are lollies (not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing really).

We also make our own kitchen surface spray just with white vinegar, water, a small squirt of washing up liquid and 10 drops of On Guard.  I love not worrying about chemical residues on benchtops.  

There are heaps of DIY recipes but here are some good ones to get you started:

Make Your Own Hand Spray (Kmart sell metal spray bottles for a couple of dollars - with oils, only use glass or metal, not plastic!)

Make Your Own Deoderant

And while a drop in a cup of milk is fast and easy (just watch you don't put two drops in by mistake, if you do, double the milk!), check out this delish recipe.  

On Guard Pumpkin Smoothie.   I love pumpkin pie spices and actually make my own with a recipe like this one.

On Guard is diffusing this month at Sense of Space...enjoy it's aroma and benefits!  You can purchase On Guard either alone, or it comes in some of the starter kits doterra offers.  We recommend the Home Essentials kit, it's awesome.  

For more info, check out our oils page.

Meet Dominique!

Dominique has been passionate about health and wellness for most of her life, which led her to study Occupational Therapy and assist people to overcome limitations and participate in the activities of everyday life. She started her yoga journey in 2010 initially as a form of physical exercise, however immediately fell in love with the clarity and sense of peace that came from the practice. She adopted a daily practice in 2014 and during this time began to notice yoga moving beyond the mat and into her everyday life.

Through her OT work she realised that health and wellbeing needed a more holistic approach and in early 2015 left her corporate job to travel to Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world, to complete her teacher training. This was followed by five months of further training in other styles of yoga, meditation and Reiki in Ubud.

Dominique’s teaching style is a blend of her own experience – drawing on her traditional Hatha training and infusing it with a modern Vinyasa practice to create a dynamic flow. She is a firm believer that yoga is for everyone, with modifications and adjustments for the beginner to the more seasoned yogi.

Stuff We Love! That Sugar Film

 LOVE this film for shaking up ideas on commonly thought of "health foods".  Check out the trailer below...

Just Eat Real Food.  It's that simple folks. 

If you haven't seen it yet, let us know.  Maybe we can host a film night at the studio?  Let us know if you are keen in the comments below.

Gemma

Stuff We Love! The Wholefood Collective

These guys are impressive!  Not only has Laini just had her 5th (yes, 5th!) baby but she and her team are revolutionising how we buy wholefoods.  Thank you The Wholefoods Collective!  

They believe health foods should be affordable for ALL! They're on a mission to empower all Australians to eat healthy, without breaking the budget.

Save BIG on wholefoods, organic and superfoods. TWC members pay an average of 40% less! There are no monthly commitments, just fabulous savings. It’s time to shake up the way we buy wholefoods. Online shopping, home delivery. Easy peasy.

Orders open on the 1st of each month.  Check them out here.

Stuff We Love! art of motion Neutral Pelvis Talk

Have you heard the term, neutral pelvis or neutral spine, thrown around in Pilates class before?  Do you know what these mean and why they are relevant to you?  Too often new clients (instructors too) get fixated (pardon the pun...you'll see why) on being in a neutral position.  Rather than recruiting 'just enough' pelvic floor and deep abdominals to stabilise, they end up recruiting more than they need, over-doing it with obliques (and more but lets keep it simple) and rather than become stable, they actually become fixed, with diminished stability as a result.

There is no fast track to developing core stability, improved musculo-skeletal balance and better posture.  I cringe so often to see people thinking they are 'working their core' by doing god knows what at the gym.  What gets you there are three things:

1. Consistency - just turn up.  On a regular basis.  Once a week is enough if you stick with it.

2. Knowledge - find a knowledgeable instructor.  There is a huge diversity in understanding of human anatomy and physiology among teachers.  Choose wisely.

3. Be Curious -  mind body movement is an epic adventure into who you are, inside and out, and there is much to learn.  After working in this field for 15 years, I have never met a single person who regretted their time, effort and experiences, when they have #1 and #2 in place.

So, enjoy this educational video by my dear friend and colleague Karin.  She is one of my knowledgeable teachers and I am very happy to share her wisdom with you.

Gemma.

Welcome Kelly - Our Newest Barre, Pilates and TRX instructor

Meet Kelly on the mat or at the barre every Saturday!  Book now.  

When Kelly became qualified as a personal trainer in 2011, she knew deep down that her journey would take her beyond the gym environment... What she didn't imagine was that her focus in years to come would in fact be mindfulness, and that her passion would be encouraging mindfulness practice, whether it be during a workshop, pilates class, during one of the Wellness Retreats that she now runs, or even during a high intensity session.

She was once someone who tried to cram as much into her day as possible, train as hard as possible, and keep it together. There was a time when anxiety took control of her life. So to overcome this on her own and allow stillness, recognise the beauty of falling apart and invite opportunity to learn to be mindful during movement and eventually mindful as a practice, truly changed Kelly's course.

"When we become aware of how we move, how we hold ourselves, where our mind goes, what brings us joy, and what makes us feel not so awesome…we start making conscious choices. There is room for mindfulness in every single aspect of our lives, and it will C H A N G E your life. Let’s move because it feels awesome, nourish because food is amazing and should be celebrated, and strive for a life that is simple, yet blissful.

There is always more to learn, there is always more to share, and my commitment to you is that I will always be real, I will always be excited, I will always be silly. I will always seek out people who inspire me, because I want to inspire you."

Janine travels with the Australian Acrobatic Gymnastics Team to China

Last month our Pilates Instructor and Physiotherapist, Janine, travelled with the Australian Acrobatic Gymnastics Team to Putian, China as the team physiotherapist. 

Having previously been an Australian Rhythmic Gymnast, Janine is passionate about giving back to the sport that gave her a number of opportunities as an athlete. When asked to travel with the Australian Acrobatics Team to the World Age Competition and World Championships as the team physiotherapist Janine was not only honoured but eager to make the most of this exciting opportunity. 

The Acrobatic World Age Competition is the pinnacle event for Junior International athletes, whilst the Acrobatic World Championships is one of the most prestigious international tournaments for Senior International gymnasts.  Both events are only held every two years, therefore athletes having extensive preparation periods and selection criteria to be selected to participate. This year’s competition featured gymnasts from powerhouse countries including Russia, China, Israel, USA and Great Britain with a spectacle of talent on display. 

Janine spent three weeks in China, treating the Australian team of 34 gymnasts ageing from 11 to 28 years of age, to ensure all the athletes injuries and musculoskeletal complaints were managed prior to and during competition.

“It was a fantastic experience to assist such an established and talented team of gymnasts from across the country, whilst also having the opportunity to interact with medical support staff from international counterparts.”

Janine offers Physiotherapy Postural and Movement Assessments at Sense of Space, which is ideal for clients who have pre-existing and/or new injuries and movement dysfunctions. In addition to a home exercise program, sessions also include tailored modifications for you to make during classes to ensure you are confident and comfortable throughout your Pilates and Yoga practice. For more information, visit our website.

To view highlights from this event, check our this 1.28 minute you tube video.

Welcome Bronte - Our Newest Yoga Teacher

For those who fancy a challenge - why not join Bronte on the mat on Monday night at 715pm for Power Yoga? A strong, energetic,and challenging class that combines the best core-strengthening, muscle-toning, stress-reducing, clarity-enhancing yoga postures and fitness movements for an amazing workout for men and women.  Why not set yourself a goal for next week to step up your practice and try something new?  Book now!

From the moment I started yoga I feel in love, practising nearly everyday since.  It seemed tohave everything that I needed when I didn't even know I was looking.  A physical workout with a mental nurturing.  A constant challenge with a natural ease.  A deep longing to know, understand and experience more of myself and relationship with others.  

Yoga inspires me, and I knew very quickly that I wanted to become a teacher and bring that energy to my classes. Inviting students to look deeper than the physical asanas, focus on their breath, and discover and explore the beautiful person within.

I made the pilgrimage to India and trained at the ‘Vinyasa School of Yoga’ Rishikesh, in Vinyasa & Hatha Yoga 200hrs, where I was immersed in the world of yoga for a full month. I then travelled for a further 5 months in India. This 6 months was life changing, an experience that taught and touched me greatly and spiritually.

With a background in the community sector I dream of one day combining yoga with mental health and disabilities. There are countless benefits and styles of yoga and I believe they should be available and experienced by all.

Come have some fun with me on the mat!