Ever since October 2009 when Michelle Obama hula hooped 142 times without stopping, the world has gone hooping mad! Gyms and dance studios are including more and more hooping classes, and many celebrities are coming out of the woodwork saying it’s their workout of choice.

The History of Hula Hooping

Hula Hooping originated in ancient Greek times when it was invented as a form of exercise. Although the name ‘hula hooping’ came about in the early 1800’s when British soldiers witnessed Hawaiian women performing hooping as part of a dance. The 1950’s was when hula hooping really took off, and while it has always been popular amongst kids, it’s only been recently when the adult world has rediscovered their love of the hoop.

Nintendo Wii Fit has a lot to do with the sudden popularity of hula hooping as do celebrities such as Michelle Obama. Wii Fit’s hula hooping game is a really effective cardiovascular  workout. Whilst standing on the Wii you have to rotate your hips trying to keep your virtual hoop from falling. In the meantime more hoops are flung in your direction and you have to lean your body whilst rotating to catch them (or you get donked on the head). I was embarrassingly puffed the first time I tried this, luckily I wasn’t the only one!

What are the Benefits of Hula Hooping

• Increased fitness
• Weight loss (you burn around 600-800 calories per hour)
• Improved muscle tone, particularly your core muscles
• Balance and coordination
• Increased energy
• Improves lower back flexibility
• Heaps of fun!

What Muscles does it work

• Upper and lower abdominals
• Obliques
• Lower and mid back
• Gluteus (butt)
• Upper Thighs
• Heart and Lungs – a great cardiovascular workout

How to Get Started

Watch this video to learn how to get started. It takes practise but you will improve faster than you think!

What is a Good Hula Hooping Workout

• Warm up for 5 minutes doing total body stretching and some walking on the spot
• Hoop for 5 rounds of 2 minutes, with a short (30sec) break in between
• Move to your arms and hoop with each arm for 3 rounds of 1 minute, alternating sides.
• Switch back to hooping with your waist for another 5 rounds of 2 minutes, trying to hoop faster and add a few turns with your body if you can
• For your final round count the repetitions and try to beat your last score. Can you beat Michelle Obama’s 142 reps?
• Drop the hoop on the ground and hop in and out of the hoop for 20 reps, turning around going the other direction for 20 reps. (do lunges if you prefer low impact)
• Finish with some cool down stretches, and a big drink of water
• Alternatively you can add hooping into your regular workouts a. Add it at the start and finish of your walk, run, or class. If you do circuit style workouts, make hooping one of your circuits.

Although you probably view hula hooping as a kids game, give it a go and soon you’ll realise it’s a solid workout that will leave you smiling and panting at the same time!

Go to http://www.hooping.org/ to find out about your local hula hooping classes.

If in Sydney Australia visit Hooping empire.

When was the last time you hooped? I’d love to hear your hooping stories!

Since the creation of Wii fitness, there has been an explosion of fitness based products on the market. EA Sports active is one of them, and with a newly launched More Workouts addition, they are proving to be leaders in the development of fitness based Wii products.

Recently I have been trying out the new addition to EA Sports Active Franchise, More Workouts.  They have upgraded their fitness program to include the More Workouts addition with a 6-Week Challenge and this is what I have been trialling.

How it works

The six week challenge is entire workout program based around your level of fitness. It works both cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility. It has a tracking system whereby you can monitor your progress and compare your results to previous weeks.  It is set up, exactly as it says, as a 6 week challenge, designed to push your  boundaries. The exercises are similar to the original EA sports active, but with the addition of new exercises and more of an emphasis on your abdominals, all wrapped up into the six week challenge.

The accessories you need is the leg strap and some elastic resistance bands (provided) and of course the Wii nunchucks. You can also use the balance board on certain exercises (not mandatory).

My Experience

Being a trainer I was really trialling this out from my clients perspective. I wanted to see if this program could be something I prescribed and could feel confident that my clients were getting a decent workout.

The verdict: Yes.

Unlike other Wii games, this program had you moving from one exercise to the next in quick succession and some of the exercises were quite challenging! The squats and lunges I had trouble initially getting the nunchuck to register, which I have decided is a clever ploy by EA to get you holding your position for longer (gotta love that burn!).

There is a large variety of exercises keeping the program interesting and always challenging. I particularly loved the boxing, with ducking and weaving getting my heart pumping. In one workout you can expect to be going from lunging, to waterskiing, to skipping, paddle surfing and negotiating an obstacle course. This is all performed at the Wii Sports resort, which leaves me torn between feeling like I’ve just been on a tropical island to desperately wanting to go to one.

The abdominal component is very thorough, there were some new exercises I hadn’t seen before as well as some variations on the classics. I was surprised that some of the curl ups used straight legs, as opposed to bent, but I feel very confident that a lot of research and testing has gone into the exercises chosen.

Having a virtual trainer there to motivate me was a novelty, being a trainer myself, it was nice not to be in the drivers seat. She (you can chose male or female) was a big help in demonstrating the exercises, and providing motivational comments.

I really enjoyed the cool down at the end of each workout. Some of my favourite stretches were incorporated here although I would have liked to see a bit more variety for next time.

The verdict

The More Workouts 6-Week challenge is a great program for people wanting to incorporate fitness into their life in a fun, convenient way. The program is easy to set up and use and is one where the whole family can get involved. The workout would be best suited to below average to average fitness levels. For above average users, you would need to supplement some other training in (such as a run prior) to get the full benefits.  Unlike other Wii games there is much less fiddling in between sets and this is definitely the ‘real deal’ when it comes to workout programs.

I am giving the 6-Week Challenge a big two thumbs up and recommend it to anyone wanting an effective workout at home, which will leave you smiling, sweaty and with some visible results.

You can order it here or for more information go to EA Sports Active

Have you done the 6-Week Challenge or used Wii Fit? I’d love to know your feedback.

What is the Benefit of Taking a Krill Oil Supplement?

It is known that less than 10% of Australians have the daily recommended amount of Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) which is approx 1500-2000mg per day. Yet it has been scientifically proven that EFAs have the following benefits:

• Less Pain and Inflammation especially joint pain
• Improved Cardiovascular Health
• Protection from Stroke and Heart Attack
• Better Brain Function and Higher Intelligence.
• Less Depression and Psychosis.
• Lower Incidence of Childhood Disorders.
• Reduction of Breast, Colon and Prostate Cancer

What I Like About Omega Gen Neptune Krill Oil

Powerful Antioxidant Protection: Unique antioxidants – including astaxanthin and a novel marine flavonoid – may protect you from damaging free radicals. There is 47 times more anti-oxidant protection in OmegaGen NKO than in most fish oils.

No Contaminants: As Krill are at the bottom of the food chain and harvested in the pristine Antarctic Ocean you don’t have to worry about unsafe accumulations of mercury, heavy metals or other toxins.

Sustainable Resource: Krill are a highly renewable source. They are the largest biomass in the ocean and there is minimal risk of causing them to perish from over-harvesting.

Stability: Omega Gen NKO is more stable than most fish oils due to the high anti-oxidant level. This means it won’t oxidize in your body due to rancidity.

Easy to Swallow: Sometimes I have trouble with swallowing capsules but I didn’t with these.

What I Didn’t Like

They smell fishy! This is probably a good thing as it shows they are the real deal, but I must say the first time I opened the container and inhaled, I thought I was at Sea world!

Conclusion

As a Krill Oil supplement I highly recommend Omega Gen Neptune Krill Oil. I am going to continue using this brand and recommend it to clients.

Click here for more information

Many people attribute the onset of childhood obesity with too much video game playing. There is definite truth to that as kids have gone from playing outside all day long to sitting constantly in front of the screen and playing video games without taking a breather. There is however a new evolution of video games that are actually good for you and/or your children that can help you to burn calories and ultimately lose weight. Who would have thought it? Here we look at the top video games that can help you stay active, burn some calories, and ultimately shed the unwanted weight.

1. Wii Fit:

This is like a whole new movement and nobody wants to be left behind! The Wii Fit is the hottest new game in town and this is the most enjoyable way to burn some serious calories. The Wii was already a popular gaming system with interactive games that made parties fun and kept people jumping. With the addition of the Wii fit, individuals can create customized workout plans or enjoy some excellent plans. You can get some serious calorie burning in on this enjoyable game that makes sweating it out actually enjoyable!

2. GameRunner:

This is essentially a treadmill tied to the screen of a video game, but the fun and the calorie burning are far beyond expectations. You take on a character and move along throughout the game in a rather interactive manner that helps to burn some serious calories in the process. This has gained in popularity so that people of all ages and walks of life that enjoy a good work out and a fun video game can truly have it all.

3. Exer-Station:

This is a big life-sized joystick that allows you to enjoy a workout right in front of your video game monitor. You get a full body workout due to the resistance that this device provides, so once you strap in you can enjoy some music and get a fun little workout in without even feeling like you’re breaking a sweat. This is an excellent way to burn some calories and enjoy a fun video game in the process-fun for kids of all ages!

4. Dance Dance Revolution: (see above you tube clip)

If you’ve always been a fan of dance or just want to enjoy some dancing in the comfort of your own home without anybody observing or judging, then this is a great option. You can participate in any one of the fun and exhilarating programs within this video game and burn the calories while you laugh it up at your results. This is a lot of fun and great for groups or regular physical activity that doesn’t need to feel that way.

5. Tetris Weightlifting:

This is definitely kicking it back old school, but that doesn’t lessen the effect of this game. You can sit at the monitor and decide upon how much resistance you want to enjoy the utmost in weight lifting through a virtual video game experience. Not quite sure if this one is meant to be taken seriously!

Who says exercise can’t be fun?  Certainly not the creators-or users-of these 5 video games; with them, you and yours can be well on your way to fit without ever feeling like it’s a chore.

Mary Ward writes about various health care career topics, including how to choose among surgical technician courses.

A British woman’s “washboard” stomach muscles have saved her from dying in a freak paragliding accident, doctors say.

Peggy Williams was on a holiday in Andalusia, southern Spain when a gust of wind caught her paraglider and lifted her off the top of a cliff, theTelegraph newspaper reports.

Thrown about like a rag doll, she plunged 5m and was dragged across a rocky outcrop on her stomach.

Ms Williams suffered a torn liver and almost severed her pancreas but was ultimately saved by her stomach muscles which acted as a “girdle” to protect her other vital organs.

“I kept seeing rocks going past me and smacking me,” Ms Williams was quoted as saying.

“I was dragged for what seemed like an eternity over the rocks, tearing my stomach in the process.

“I was only told later that it was my washboard stomach that saved my life.”

Ms Williams was airlifted to hospital and spent more than eight days in intensive care before recovering from the

accident.

The adventurous woman had been flying for more than two years and was

in the middle of a paragliding holiday with friends when the incident occurred.

Ms Williams, who has no children, said she kept to a simple exercise regime to keep fit.

“I do 15 sit-ups and 30 bicycle sit-ups, or lateral crunches, every day” it’s

just a one-minute regime,” she said.

“I also run two or three times a week, and together that keeps me fit.

“More than one doctor has said that being so fit is what saved my life.”

Recently I competed in and completed the 2009 Boston Marathon (that’s me on the left being an idiot at Niketown!). I have never seen a city get so hyped up by a road race, not just on race day but the preceding days as well. It seemed bigger than Christmas day, New years eve and the big game rolled into one. With 25000 competitors, it’s a big race, but New York gets double that, as does Sydney’s City to Surf. So why is there such a hype around the Boston Marathon and is running this race really worth the gruelling winter training and US$250 involved?

Why is Boston deemed such a prestigious race?

Firstly it is the oldest road race in the world, this year being the 113^th since its creation in 1896.

Secondly it is one of the only marathons that require a qualification time to enter. In fact only 10% of the world’s marathoners actually qualify so for many it is the amateur equivalent of reaching the Olympics.

It costs US$250 to enter so even the price is elite.

Competitors get treated well, with a pre-race bag filled with goodies such as long sleeved BM shirt, samples and free entry to a giant fitness expo held at the same location. There is a tent covered athletes village with water, Gatorade,  power bars and a million port-a-potti’s (although the line still took a crossed leg lifetime!).

The course is well marked, with copious amounts of Gatorade and water stops (26) as well as free energy bars, gels, and Vaseline paddle pop sticks.

There is an athlete alert system whereby nominated friends and family can receive real time sms or email updates every 5km.  At the end of the race, competitors get silver heat blankets, a bag of food, more water, free energy bars,  But does all of this lead to a better over-all marathon experience? Here’s how it went for me…

My Boston Marathon Story

The day before: Peruse the running expo and chat to other fans like superfans comedians Carl and Karl Underwood (left). Met some elite runners and bought lots of new running gear.

Race day: 5:45am wake up, eat some raisin bran, milk and a banana, get dressed in clothes I laid out last night. Catch cab to other hotel to meet my charity team (MAB)
7am 15 of us depart in mini bus for Hopkinton where the race commences. Freezing cold but the wind doesn’t seem too bad – yet.
Upon entering athletes village, forest is scattered with runners, peeing behind trees, squatting and who knows what else. Saw more than I cared to see at that early time. Policemen on bicycles came and scared tree waterers away.
8:15am Buses drop us at Athletes village which is basically a giant tent surrounded by port-a-potti’s. Now I understand previous tree huggers, the loo lines were longer than most bladders could handle.
Pumping music and live commentary kept the mood upbeat, and despite the freezing temperatures and bursting bladders, everyone seemed pumped up and ready to race. Got talking to all sorts or characters, one had been altitude training, while another was covered in French flag face paint. Saw one guy with 12 energy gels on his belt. How many marathons was he planning to run that day???
9:30 Elite females begin the race
10:00 Elite men and preferred athletes begin race along with the first wave of runners
10:10 Loudspeaker calls my group of bib numbers (24000-27000), so we walk up to the baggage busses
10:15 Time to strip off. Tracksuit off, dimply blotchy shivering body revealed. Bag into bus – please don’t lose it, I’ll be needing that tracksuit at the end
10:30 and their off!
10:40 and I’m off. Took 10mins to walk over start line, but not to worry, times are based on our foot chips, not the clock.
First 5km – painful! Not physically but these crowds are slowing me down. They say to start off slow but this is ridiculous!  Quite a steady downhill
5-10km – that’s better, but now I’m behind my target time of 5min per km so I need to haul ass! Getting used to the crowds so time to pump up the ipod and get ‘in the zone’
10-15km – wow, my zone seems to be settling at a speedy 4:40m/km pace, I’m liking this. Hope it’s not too fast and I pay for it later…
15-25km  – 15km time to take my first GU, don’t feel like I need it but have it anyway. I’ve just been overtaken by mini mouse and a guy in a tutu, should I be worried? Someone yelled out ‘Go England’ when they spotted the Aussie flag on my leg, thanks anyway buddy! Even Elvis rose from the dead to sing some at a pub. 25km 2nd GU, needed that!
25 – 30km Still feeling good and managing to hold my pace, I am loving this atmosphere although my ears are ringing from the Wellsley school girls squealing. They held up signs saying ‘free kisses’ and heaps of the guys were stopping to kiss them – ewe sweaty Gatorade breath. There were even a few signs saying ‘lesbian kisses over here!’
30 – 35km This is where the work really begins. The Newton hills are upon us (7 smallish hills in succession), lots of people walking. Madonna’s ‘Ray of light’ just came on – perfect timing, motor up the hill. Heart break hill is the last hill but I have no idea when it is, lost count.
I just asked a runner ‘how long till heart break hill?’ and she said, ‘Honey we just passed it!’ Woohoo maybe I can get under 3 ½ hrs, sudden motivation. 35km time for my last GU.
35 – 40km I feel sooooo good! The crowds are now at least six deep, and are getting more and more rowdy as we get closer to Boston. Just passed a one legged runner with a sprung prosthetic, he was going pretty fast. Was that Anna Nicole Smith on the sidelines? Oh no a very clever drag queen. I can see the CitiGo sign which I know is one mile to go, but it’s so far in the distance it’s like a mirage.
40-42km. Ouch ouch ouch, did someone replace the cement with quicksand? Quads are screaming. Am pumping my arms but my legs won’t follow, I feel like I am flying but look at my watch and I am barely under 5min/km. Come on legs…work!
If I wave my arms in the air the crowd goes wild – gotta work that crowd baby! Last turn onto Boylston, I see the finish line. Chest up, chin up, pump arms – Bolt!
Cross finish line. Woohoo! 3hrs 26min, that’s an 8min PB! I feel great – hang on, no I don’t, I suddenly feel terrible. A breath of wind would knock me over. Stumble to people with silver thermal sheets, I’m suddenly cold and dizzy. Stumble to people with cups of something, drink it. Could have been vodka but I don’t care. Who’s that tugging at my shoelace? Oh they’re taking my timing chip from my shoe.  What’s this, ohhh my medal. Suddenly I feel much better! Someone hands me a bag with food in it. Inhale banana.
Just as I am about to leave a woman cries out and collapses onto me. Her calves are cramping and she can’t stand. A medic comes instantly and whisks her away in a wheelchair.  Short walk to Boston Striders Recovery area. As I enter the gym, I stop for a photo. Squat down next to sign. Bad idea, can’t get up! Need 2 people to lift me.
Have the longest, heavenly shower (sorry water conversationalists) and swap stories with my sister running group the Boston Striders. Have a lovely massage and stretch. Feel human again. Watched all the troops roll in off the battlefield.
Reweighed myself. Lost 3kg (6.6lbs) which is 5% of my body weight. Need to eat and drink.Go home to bed for 2 hrs. Read all my tweets. How can people tweet and run alludes me! 7pm meet up with my charity group for post race dinner. I ate a cheeseburger, fries, cheesecake and icecream, all washed down with champagne.  3kg right back on! The rest is a blur…
The next day – legs don’t work, can’t face stairs but no joint pain, swelling or orange pee. All in all mission accomplished. The only downer is the fear that no other race will ever compare to this one…we’ll see. This video clip says it all! This 48sec Video says it all.

How does this compare with other marathons?

The Boston Marathon is definitely the most well organised event I have ever been to.

Streamlined:With the only real delay being the port-a-potties in the athletes village. They have clearly perfected this event over the last 113 years.

The crowds: I attribute at least 4mins of my fast time to the energy drawn from the crowds. Their enthusiasm literally propels you forward

The Scenery: Well there is not too much to see because the crowds are so thick. But the snippets of Massachusetts are so stunning, as are the houses.

Is it worth all the hype?

Absolutely! Now I understand why this is lifetime goal for so many runners. It is the closest us amateurs will ever get to feeling like we are Olympians! It was made extra special for me by;

MAB Charity: Running for the visually impaired was such an honour. They are the nicest, most generous group of people who do such a lot to help make the lives of visually impaired as normal as possible. In my group was the winner and runner up of the visually impaired category, coming in around the 2hr 50min mark. Imagine running that fast without your eyesight. They have a guide running with them, changing every 10km so they can keep up! Click here to learn more or leave a donation

Boston Striders: Coach Jim Carrol and Ryan Pace were such a huge help not only in getting me into the race (Late entry) but also last minute preparation and the recovery area afterwards. It’s so wonderful that running groups around the world collaborate to help each other out. If you are a Sydney Striders runner, I highly recommend you visit the Boston Striders at some stage.

Close female finish: Watch the last 5 minutes of this race, gives me goosebumps! They said Kara Goucher (US favourite) led the whole way which meant the other two were drafting behind her, not working as hard. A lot of tactics at play in this race.

Have you ever run the Boston Marathon? What about some of the other big ones, New York, London, Paris, Sydney? I’d love to hear your stories!

Do you travel with work? Maybe you don’t have a gym membership right now, or maybe you just want some different exercise ideas. Nuru exercise cards might be just what you need. I was asked to review them and I agreed on the proviso my findings would be honest and unbiased.

What are NURU exercise anywhere cards?

They are a deck of cards on a metal ring containing strength and cardio exercises requiring little to no equipment. It is broken up into sections:
Basics: Programming, routine breakdowns, glossary
Strength exercises: Chest, back, lower body, shoulders, arms, abs
Cardio Lab: Skipping, total body movements that can all be done indoors

The pros

the price! at $10 that’s great value It’s small enough to fit in your hand so you could take it running and perform the exercises in the park/beach etc
The exercises are simple, with some good variations such as hand positioning and grips
The exercises are explained well with clear illustrations
The exercises are designed for most experience levels although beginners, super advanced, and injured exercisers may not find it as useful
You don’t need equipment, just a towel, 2 water bottles (for dumbbells) and a skipping rope.

The Cons

There are not enough exercises to make it a long term program. There are 2-3 exercises per body part, which one would quickly become used to
Some exercises are not that effective. For example the towel rows for the upper back are a bit silly, and there are plenty of other exercises that could have been substituted for example arm raises up wall for middle and lower traps (see below picture. Squats are optional)

Nuru cards would be ideal for the moderate exerciser who travels a bit and needs some ideas for exercising outside their gym. At $10 per deck it’s great value and a handy tool to have in your gym bag. I give it the thumbs up!

Order your NURU Exercise Cards here. Note shipping costs outside the USA may apply

Are you looking for the next book to help you shed a few (or maybe a lot) of weight? Well I’ve found it!  Australian Trainer for The Biggest Loser, Michelle Bridges has just published her first book, Crunch Time. You thought Gillian was inspiring, wait until to experience ‘ the Michelle factor…‘

What’s it about?

Crunch time is about how one can lose weight fast and keep it off. It heavily emphasises the psychology behind weight loss whilst arming the reader with a plethora of weight loss tools, exercises and recipes. It is broken down into three main sections;

Get real

o  No more excuses
o  What you resist persists
o  Breaking old habits
o  You gotta have a plan, man!

Get moving

o  Body basics
o  Calories in, calories out
o  Debunking the myths
o  Enough talk, action!
o  Exercises that work
o  Workout program

Get cooking

o  Nutrition
o  Your kitchen makeover
o  A sample eating plan
o  Recipes
o  Eating out
o  Staying on track

The first section, get real, is where this book really steps into a new league. Get real explores the psychology of keeping weight off. Michelle explains “Taking weight off is a science, but keeping it off is a psychology.” She delves into topics such as excuses, what is holding you back, breaking old habits and planning for your future.  What brings this section to life is her stories from The Biggest Loser and the many psychological break throughs that occurred in the house. She then layers in questionnaires and tasks for the reader to help them understand their own psychological patterns. If reading this doesn’t shed some light on your thinking patterns then nothing will!

The second section, get moving is a pictorial register of all the best weight loss exercises.  But in true Michelle style there are extras such as De bunking the myths which many of us ashamedly believe! For example “Myth: Low intensity exercise burns more fat than high intensity exercise.” Rather than just bombarding you with exercises, Michelle heads this chapter up with even more mind shifting material.  Read two pages and I guarantee you will be itching in your seat to get up and move!

“Okay, you’re passionately committed to becoming a leaner, fitter you…Now you are going to exercise. That’s right. You will be an exerciser forever. Not just until you fit into that dress…or until you look great so you can dump your boyfriend while looking hot. No. You are an exerciser. Period.”

The final section, Get cooking not only arms the reader with some delicious recipes but it also shows you how to give your kitchen a complete makeover. Michelle says“Your kitchen is ground control in the war against weight loss!”

There are two pages which outline exactly what should be in your fridge, pantry and freezer (It’s a great litmus test to compare with yours). There’s your shopping list done.  She even goes into detail about the utensils you use (non stick saves you using oil/butter). The sample meal plans give the reader a clear idea of exactly how much their daily intake looks like, and guess what, you might go hungry at first, but before long, your body will be thanking you by shedding that dangerous excess weight.

Who should read it?

Anyone wanting to lose weight, whether it be for the first time or attempt number 101. It is suitable for both men, women and teenagers. Fitness trainers would enjoy this book too due to it’s in depth look at the psychology behind weight loss.

Author’s writing style:

Michelle literally jumps out of the page into your head. It’s as though she is standing there with you speaking these words out loud. Her conversational writing style is straight to the point. No messing around, but there is an abundance of compassion and encouragement which makes you feel like she is on your side rather than a Nazi lecturing you.

What sets it apart from others?

Get Real: Definitely the first section Get Real is nothing like I have read before. It will resinate with anyone trying to lose weight.

Weight Loss should be fast: Her angle that weight loss should be fast bucks the general trend of steady weight loss. “Show me someone who put the weight back on because they lost it too quickly and I’ll show you five people who put the weight back on because they lost it too slowly.

Michelle being Michelle: Let’s face it, this woman is a freak! She has had so much success with contestants on The Biggest Loser along with a life devoted to spreading her message, who wouldn’t want some of Michelle’s zest for life to rub off on them.

Crunch Time is a must for any person trying to lose weight or any trainer trying to understand the psychology behind weight loss. You won’t find another book as motivating, straight to the point yet resourceful as Michelle’s masterpiece. I give it 10/10!

Click here to order Crunch Time

Pole Dancing

What is it: Yes you can now make your partner proud! Pole dancing for fitness lessons are available where you learn the moves, strengthen your upper and lower body and get covered in bruises! My favourite pose is called the ‘hello boys!’ One thing is for sure, those women are strong and flexible! Take a look at the winner of the Miss Australia Pole Dancing Championships 2006.

Watch Clip:

And the best thing about pole dancing is you can find poles in many places, even the subway!

You have to watch this clip!!!

Karaoke Spinning

What is it: A stationary cycling class, where the microphone is handed around the room and people sing along.  I can barely breathe, let alone sing in a spinning class – how do they do it!

Watch clip:

Zumba

What is it: A type of dance-aerobics combining cumbia, salsa, and samba, mixed with Latin rhythms. Basically shake you booty to pulsating Latin beats!

Watch Clip:

I Gallop – a personal favorite

What is it: Simulates horse riding in a bizarre manner. Definitely one to do behind closed doors! It is meant to tone your abs, hips, butt and thighs. You be the judge!

Watch clip

A Tribute to the pioneers of the original fitness craze – Aerobics

Richard Simmons: 1980s pioneer of aerobic videos, big hair and white tennis shoes.

watch clip

Jane fonda: Also a 1980’s pioneer of aerobic videos, big hair, white tennis shoes and who can forget those lycra leotards!

Watch clip

Do you have any fitness gadgets or crazes that you have come across?  I’d love to hear about them.

I recently purchased the Wii fit and the Wii fit balance board to see if it really can work up a sweat and get people active.  Well it worked! While it won’t help you to lose heaps of weight or get super fit, it’s a lot of fun and will actually help you track and improve your core strength.

Wii Fit What is it?

It’s a computer game that is aimed to get you moving through an array of games, workouts, yoga poses and body tests. There are grips you hold in your hand so it can sense your arm movements and a board you stand on so it can monitor your weight distribution.  It uses these two mechanisms to put you through a series of workouts and games that leave you puffed, toned, flexible and laughing.
Some of the games include:
Slalom skiing, Ski jumping, Hoola hoop, Tightrope walking, Soccer.
Some of the workouts include:
Running, Aerobics, Yoga, Strength/tone, Balance

When you first fire it up, it asks you to stand on it and perform a number of tests. It then gives you your Wii fit age based on things like weight, BMI, Weight distribution and balance. Warning, the Wii is notoriously harsh when giving you your Wii fit age so don’t take it too seriously!

What I Like About the Wii Fit:

I love the assessments. They give you some really incredible data about your weight distribution and centre of gravity. If you are off centre, it gets you to shift your weight and tells you when you are balanced, which is a massive eye opener. I also love the balance test that has you shift your weight in line with some markers and gives you a score.  This will improve as you play more games

The Slalom skiing: My friends and I stayed up for hours racing each other down the slopes.  It’s quite realistic and your heart is pumping by the end. It’s addictive!

The Ski jumping: You feel like you’re flying and it’s quite hard to get the exact take off you need.

Hula hoops: Warning. Make sure there are no hidden cameras when you play this game! It is so funny to watch and really gets your hear pumping.  Boys, make sure you check out this Youtube clip (it’s had over 6 million hits!) which gives you a nice idea of what’s in store for you.

Strength and balance exercises: Because the board is so sensitive, you can really train your centre of gravity to stay even. There are very little other devices that give such detailed feedback.

What I don’t like About the Wii Fit

Some of the games: Some of the games are too basic.  I’m not a fan of the running one, but they are great for kids

Sometimes there is too much explaining: For example the yoga poses are explained too much which slows it down.  It needs to flow faster.

Who should invest in one?

Anyone with kids!!  It’s a compromise between physical activity and video games. Also anyone who spends time at home and needs to up their daily calorie expenditure.  You wont be able to run a marathon after using the Wii fit but you will be more balanced, toned, and agile.