From Gym to Date in 2 Seconds!

MAC Simply Wow So Supreme Lip Tint
Introducing your new obsession, MAC So Supreme lip tint. Limited Edition "Simply Wow" is my pick - a cool mauvey-plummy shade. SUPER sheer so you're not all gooey and overdone! The tint is PERFECT for moisture and a lick of colour both at the gym and after it.

Check out images and videos for MAC
You can buy in Myer or on the MAC website!

Strength & Beauty

At the end of August I am no longer teaching BodyPump. I admit, I haven't got the passion for it that I once did and I believe there are better ways of training.
I will be teaching more BalletSculpt - and my workouts incorporate a mix of heavier weights and less reps plus cardio intervals, small weights and high reps. Variety is key! That's what I feel is missing in BodyPump and what I have the power to bring to classes that I choreograph myself. Tailored workouts.
Don't ever think you've found the formula though - just as our bodies change, so does our mindset and knowledge. That's the thrill of fitness - there's always more to experience and learn.
Strength and Beauty

Women's Trainers for Wide Feet

I cannot emphasise enough - don't try to squeeze into your sneakers or have an inch spare either way. It's going to lead to pain, injury and on a lesser scale, blisters and callouses.

By request, here is a list of trainers tried and tested for wide feet. If you have no idea if you pronate (turn inwards), supinate (roll outwards), have wide or narrow feet, I recommend getting measured and fitted properly by a reputable footwear store.
The following models are perfect for daily running, providing shock absorption and good fit for wide feet:

Asics Gel Cumulus 15








Nike Vomero 6, 8+ 







New Balance 870 V3








Want More Options? Go to Eastbay.com and type in the search: Womens Running Wide

Microdermabrasion + Laser Treatment

There's a growing market for skin and body treatments that don't involve needles, anaesthetic or hours and days of recovery time. There's got to be a respect for the fact that time cannot be stopped, but there's definitely no shame in wanting to look and feel as brilliant as you can (without submitting to Botox or other injectables!)
Microdermabrasion at Australian Skin Clinics
The celebrities with radiant skin, along with models and fashion editors are always on the prowl for the best treatments and practices. For months now, I have been reading about microdermabrasion, facial massage, peels and retinoic acid formulas.
I regularly use a prescription retinoic acid cream (Retin-A) to improve skin tone, prevent blemishes and removal of dead skin cells overnight (ciao, blackheads).


I am super-careful about who I entrust my skin to so I chose to go for microdermabrasion at Australian Skin Clinics. They have operated numerous centres in Queensland but it is their first Melbourne store that I attended. Worth EVERY second and cent. I was ushered straight into my appointment and the 9-stage

process was thoroughly explained during a skin assessment. "Before" photos were taken and then all I had to do was lie down and let the professional do all the work.
Cleansing, a light glycolic peel and the actual microdermabrasion were painless and the whole treatment took under an hour!
What's it feel like?
The diamond-head microdermabrasion feels like a mini-vacuum buzzing over the skin. I didn't find it uncomfortable at all. Following a light peel and final application of SPF, I was good to go.
I expected to look in the mirror at a bright red face, but actually, it looked like I was wearing foundation! My skin was clear with just a slight flush, as if I'd been walking at a brisk pace. In fact, the morning after it looked even better.

The important post-treatment musts are to avoid harsh exfoliants and to use a SPF 30+ - the facial skin will be much more sensitive in the week following treatment.

I was so impressed with the results, I booked in to get laser treatment on some pesky capillaries on the bridge of my nose - nothing hugely noticeable, but with naturally pale skin, the redness is apparent when I'm not wearing any concealer. I figured, with the promise of a few quick zaps in the time it takes to order and eat lunch, I could fix an issue that bothers me at least once daily!

philosophy miracle anti-aging pads
For the next week and a half, I'm easing up on the exercise to avoid irritating the skin while it's recovering post-laser treatment. I'm also making sure to use BB cream for light coverage with SPF 50+
I'll take a little break from Retin-A and use a lighter glycolic peeling product like philosophy miracle worker anti-aging pads.

To read more and make any enquiries, go to Australian Skin Clinics or call 03 8672 5600

Passionately Purple

Not so secret - I love purple. All shades. Lilac, mauve, deep velvety aubergine...plum, grape, neon magenta...
Here's my pick of the best buys in purple - go from work to workout to evening out by throwing everything you need in the handy Starlight gym bag!
Purple Sports and Cosmetics

Clockwise from Top Left Corner

  1. Zaggora 7/8 Hotpants
  2. Swatch watch
  3. Adidas graphic print tank
  4. Bloch Starlight bag
  5. Spalding yoga mat
  6. Rimmel Long lasting nailpolish
  7. CK One eyeshadow quad
  8. Illamasqua lipstick "ESP"
  9. LA Splash purple mascara
  10. Running Bare crop top
  11. Nike Zoom Vomero trainers

Classic Versus Experimental

Skip rope
I read a quote I really loved - Balenciaga designer, Nicolas Ghesquiere, articulated what he was trying to achieve with my favourite perfume (Florabotanica - so addictive).
"There is a real duality... between classicism and experimentation...I wanted to explore this paradox between the pure and the enigmatic further."

Kristen Stewart Florabotanica
It got me thinking - the same approach can apply to your fitness and health in general. Adopting experimental ideas and actions is the way to discover new and effective methods, but it's also important to remember that the traditional beliefs and systems are the most dependable foundation.

So, stick to some basics. Combine strength and resistance training with cardio training. Stretch after exercise. Stay hydrated. Eat vegetables, fruit, legumes, wholegrains and protein.

But challenge yourself! Routine wrecks results. Not only is it not working, it's boring! No wonder so many people sign up to the gym at Christmas and head back to the couch by February. How can you be experimental without taking unnecessary risks?
 
Fitness Tools
Join a class you haven't ever done before. Try martial arts. Join a dance studio. Go to crossfit. Join an adult gymnastics class (guaranteed, climbing that rope is JUST AS FUN now as it was then!)
Go buy some fitness tools and create your own circuit.

Finally, I've been told several times that I look like Kristen Stewart so perhaps I was always going to be a Florabotanica flirt. Can you see it?


Dress like a Dancer!

Bloch Dancewear

Shimmer Eyes
The catwalks are embracing the "sports-luxe" look and there's no reason not to take your tights and sneakers out to brunch and daily duties. Keep it clean though! Nobody wants to see sweat patches or tights that sag around your knees and backside. With so many brands and designs - the world of sportswear is your oyster! My pick for great colours, fit and high-tech design: Nike, Bloch, lululemon and Pilot.
Add some tinted lip balm, shimmery eyeshadow (featured: Laura Mercier Twinkle Eyes and Snazaroo Turquoise/Silver glitter pot), concealer and you're an off-duty dancer/athlete!
Bloch Studio Y-Back Crop
Laura Mercier Twinkle Eyes
Snazaroo Glitter Pot

BalletSculpt: Ballet x Pilates x Yoga

As many of you know, as you attend my classes, I teach a class called BalletSculpt in Melbourne.

What is it?

  • A combination of ballet-influenced stretches, toning exercises, flexibility and stability training together with a challenging core workout
  • 30 minutes of standing work
  • 30 minutes of work on the yoga mat



What are the results?
  • Enhanced posture - standing tall, long through the spine 
  • Increased flexibility (with regular classes, you'll notice the improvements within two weeks)
  • Stronger, leaner abdominals and thighs
  • Sculpted, lean arms 
  • Sculpted, stronger thighs and calves
  • Tauter glutes (it's true!)
How can you introduce BalletSculpt to your local gymnasium or studio?
Ask your Group Fitness Manager to email me about availability!

Go Glam with Glitter

Life is a performance - don't be a wallflower. Over the coming week, I'll be featuring some fabulous nail and makeup ideas and products to add shine and lustre to your look. There's no need to be sparkling from your hair right down to your toes - save that for Halloween. But some glitter nailpolish? A gold-flecked eyeshadow? It says 'I'm worth it!' My pick is Illamasqua Spartan (gold) for fingers and Untold (red) for toes. Available at Myer!
Illamasqua in Untold (red) and Spartan (gold)


Bloch Legwarmers - so many colours and textures!

Bloch dance and sportswear is a staple of dancers both professional and purely enthusiastic. Their range includes child and adult dance and sportswear, footwear and accessories (ah, how I  miss my purple/pink gymbag!)
Now, every dancer or dancer-at-heart must have their own pair of legwarmers. Wearing them makes your stretch go from merely everyday to professional-at-work. I think I can even reach a little further when I fool myself into believing I'm Margot Fonteyn!
Bloch leggings
Bloch leggings

I've got two new pairs to rock and I want you to get on board. My first pair is thick, cabled and plum coloured. Perfect for those slightly chilly mornings when the legs could use a little extra insulating!

The second are long, blue-striped and so much fun!

Bloch leggings
However, if you are not one for colour and
patterns, there are black leggings with or without stirrups, in various lengths. Take the challenge - perfect for BalletSculpt and also a great option for yoga, pilates or making a fashion statement wherever you're going.
Check out the range, find a store or purchase online at Bloch.

Fitness Swap!


Ballet Warmup
Has anyone else ever watched that abysmal tragi-comedy that is Wife Swap USA? First of all, don't. Secondly, I apologise that it is the inspiration behind the following idea:
When your body is used to the same movements and resistance (exercises and weights) that you're doing, it stops working so hard and you're really just wasting your efforts.
So, here's an idea.
Ask a friend or a trainer what their exercise or gym routine of choice is and commit to doing it - maybe just once, maybe a few times! Perhaps you'll find you LOVE bikram yoga. Maybe you'll go orienteering instead of doing the same Saturday BodyPump you always do...
Who's going to do Fitness Swap? I dare you.
Fitness Swap

Product Review: Fudge Hair Colour (Paintbox)

Fudge Paintbox
Of all the trends to really stand out, the rainbow hair thing is so appealing. Life is too short not to embrace colour. Fudge Paintbox was a staple of my teenage years, but thankfully the formula has been modified and the colour not only lasts longer, but fades out evenly and can be coloured over instantly.
The other beauty of Paintbox is that the deeper colours can be combined with a lightening factor to result in pastel shades, like Kelly Osbourne's lavender mop or Audrey Kitching's candyfloss pink mane!
I used Blueberry Hill, which gave my hair a gorgeous burgundy sheen. Because my hair is already so dark, it was never going to turn blue, but the effect under lights was gorgeous. There's several uses from the one tube and I highly recommend combining two or more flattering shades in super-thin strips to get a multi-tonal effect (ie. purple/blue pink/purple).
Available from Priceline

Eating breakfast: Before or After My Workout?

Oats for breakfast
Personally, I have changed over the years and found that it totally depends on the intensity and duration of the exercise I'm doing whether I want to eat beforehand or not. I have found though, that if I don't eat before a workout, my appetite is raging by midday and nothing I eat afterwards feels like enough!

From personal experience, I know that eating about an hour before a workout is the best idea.
A mix of carbohydrates and protein, no fat. Fat slows down the emptying of the stomach - not a good idea when you need the focus to be on your muscles, not still digesting your food!

Carbs and protein give you an energy boost and balance your blood sugar and hormones so that you can tackle your workout in optimal condition.

Coffee boosts your workout
Coffee before a workout is also a good stimulant - try to stick to one coffee and preferably not too milky. Save the lattes and cappucinos for afterwards.

Good breakfast options include:
  • Whole-grain cereals or bread
  • Low-fat milk
  • Vegetable and fruit-based juice
  • Bananas
My personal preference is a bowl of wholegrain rolled oats, soy milk and sultanas; a piece of fruit (plum, nectarine, mandarin) and either coffee or hot lemon juice.

If you want expert advice on your diet, you can look up a registered professional with Sports Dietitians Australia

Work your inner ballet dancer at home

What's better than rocking a pair of legwarmers and tights to the gym and joining me at BalletSculpt? Well, nothing. But, this is a good introduction or alternative when you can't make it. Follow the instructions and try not to topple over. Do you love a Scottish accent? Me too!

Product Review: Sanctuary Spa Age Reverse

Darcey Bussell
I was browsing Vogue recently and an editorial on Kate Moss really struck me that she looks, to me, a zillion times more attractive than she did at 18. The same with Christy Turlington, Katie Holmes, Nicole Kidman and both the Minogue sisters. Sure, they all have an array of dermatologists, facialists and nutritionists. But the great thing is, with access to targeted products and attention to our lifestyle, skincare and nutrition, we can look better at 40 than we did at 18. True. So, while Kate and the Minogues can indulge in Covent Garden's own Sanctuary Spa facials and massage, I will happily settle for using their new anti-ageing range. The Active Reverse Peptide Replenist Serum is amazing - goes on like a gel and absorbs quickly - no gooeyness! The Lipid Recovery Facial Oil is to die for. My favourite. Smells divine and I can sit and massage it in while watching The Sopranos. Best of all? Darcey Bussell is the face of the range - formerly Principal Ballerina with the Royal Ballet in London. Nobody embodies grace, beauty and strength quite like her.

Feel The Fear...And BOSU Anyway


We're all guilty of just wanting to do what we know - inside and outside the gym! But discovering a new way to move and challenge your strength, stability and endurance is how you'll change how you look AND how you feel.
So be an intrepid gym bunny (or seek out a BOSU at your local sport or discount store)!
On that note, I have just started reading Dr Susan Jeffers "Feel The Fear...And Do it Anyway" and I'm determined to apply that mindset as broadly as I can. Come with me.

The BOSU looks like a half-ball and it is intended to provide an instable surface so that you are forced to use your core stabiliser muscles (abdominals, glutes and back) to maintain your balance. BOSU Squats: you can do these on the round or flat surfact of the ball


 Single Leg Extension: Pull your belly button towards your spine, slightly tuck your chin and extend one leg at a time
 Back Extension: Lying with your belly over the round side of the ball, pull your belly button to your spine and raise your chest. Fingertips are either side of your face and keep your elbows back, shoulders slightly contracted towards the spine
 Lunges: Front foot either on the round or flat surface of the BOSU, ensuring your front knee and ankle are aligned. Your back knee moves in a STRAIGHT line up and down


Mountain climber: Gripping either side of the flat surface, keep your body in a plank position. Without raising your hips, pull one knee towards your chest, sucking your belly in. Alternate legs. Keep your eyes ahead and avoid dropping your head down!

Skin goodies: Gym/sweat friendly and skin lovin'

Ok, shh.. just between you and me (and Google?), I invest in a prescription Vitamin A cream. It is proven to blitz blemishes, plump up and soften wrinkles, and purge the pores. About $40 and it lasts for months.
Sanctuary Spa
Vapour Beauty
 
If you want the best from the shelves though? Sanctuary Spa has brought out a kickass range - Deep Cleanse. I've got the "Exfoliating Pore Refiner" and "Pore Refining Toner". Available at Priceline!
You want organic, really flattering colours and concealer/foundation in EVERY POSSIBLE matching colour? I've just discovered Vapour Beauty. I SWEAR by the Illusionist concealer! Why? You can wear it to the gym - it won't clog pores! Love. Hello perfect skin
I also use the multi-use blush as a lippie. Lasts for ages. Secrets revealed. Don't tell anyone xo