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PT News & Research | Group Exercise, Mind Body News | Nutrition News | Club Corner | Announcements | Book Review
PT news & research
Breathe your way to better performance
Recent US research suggests that daily exercises to strength-train your inhalation muscles – and thereby reduce their need for oxygen – can improve performance during endurance activities.
Researchers from Indiana University discovered that inspiratory muscle training (IMT) had a considerable effect on the amount of oxygen that breathing muscles need to use during exercise. This frees up the oxygen to be used in other muscles.
Sixteen male cyclists aged between 18 and 40 years took part in the study, which involved six week of IMT training. IMT uses a device which creates resistance during inhalation, thereby forcing the greater recruitment of muscles used for inhaling. It is a technique which has also been applied with patients suffering lung diseases including asthma, cystic fibrosis and COPD.
After the six week period, an average of 1 per cent less oxygen was required during low-intensity exercise and between three and four per cent during high-intensity exercise.
Louise Turner, a researcher in the university’s kinesiology department, said, ‘The study helps to provide further insight into the potential mechanisms responsible for the improved whole-body endurance performance previously reported following IMT.’
Source: Indiana University
Very light exercise boosts stroke recovery
A Canadian study has shown that for stroke victims, low-intensity exercise can have the dual benefit of reducing depression and intensifying recovery.
Researchers studied 103 people who had suffered stroke and were undergoing follow-up hospital care. Half of the individuals were also enrolled into the Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP).
Four times a week, participants in the GRASP program spent 35 minutes performing non-intense arm exercises, including speed and accuracy games, buttoning a shirt and pouring water into a container. In this group of participants, the function of stroke-affected hands and arms improved by an average 33 per cent, and the amount that participants used their arms and hands also increased.
Dr Jocelyn Harris, a researcher with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, said, ‘At four weeks, the GRASP patients also reported less depressive symptoms and greater change scores than those in the control group did. The GRASP patients all did better – much better. The power of physical activity to raise the spirits of recovering stroke patients is stronger than anyone suspected.’
Dr Michael Hill, spokesman for Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, said that depression was not uncommon in patients in the weeks following stroke; ‘Depression may be a direct result of the damage to a region of brain and, in addition, the sudden change in ability and life circumstances. It's important to know that depression is treatable. Patients and caregivers should mention depressive symptoms and seek treatment during follow-up visits with their neurologist, internist or family physician.’
Source: HealthDay News
Your nutritional knowledge can change people’s lives
Tell us more about your knowledge and be entered to win FREE registration to FILEX 2011
The fitness industry has a major role in helping Australians improve their health and prevent heart disease, obesity, and sedentary health issues. To help understand the fitness industry and the important role it plays in prevention, we need to understand how you help your clients with their nutrition.
Give us 15 minutes of your time and you can help us develop a better understanding of personal trainers’ nutrition knowledge and how you use this information.
The University of the Sunshine Coast has established a groundbreaking research project and we need your help to benchmark the nutrition knowledge of the fitness industry. As fitness professionals, we want you to help us establish the level of nutrition know-how in the Australian fitness industry.
How many times have you heard a client say they want to ‘Tone up, lose weight, and get fit’? While the type of physical activity plays an essential role, nutrition is also paramount to helping clients achieve these goals. Personal trainers are often asked for advice to support their clients’ fitness goals, but little is known about their scope of practice in relation to body composition assessment, nutrition knowledge and skills, or if the current level of education is suitable. This is where you come in.
By volunteering 15 min of your time to complete our online survey you will help us develop a better understanding of the fitness industry’s nutritional knowledge. The results of this survey will assist in refining nutrition courses and workshops and help you improve the skills you need to achieve better results with your clients.
Imagine the benefit to the many Australians who use professional fitness services. Get involved in this survey and help change the lives of our fellow Australians. To enter the draw for a FREE FILEX 2011 registration, simply finish the survey and leave your email address on the last page to enter the draw.
Complete the survey at www.usc.edu.au/AIFR
For further help or questions contact Dr Mark McKean on mmckean@usc.edu or phone 07 5456 5528
Source: University of the Sunshine Coast & Australian Institute of Fitness
Never too young to build hip strength
UK researchers have reported that young children can strengthen their hip bones through vigorous exercise.
Teams from Cambridge University and the University of Southampton studied around 200 six-year-olds for one week. Cutting edge scanning technology was used to measure bone mass and analyse hip (femoral neck) and thigh bone structure.
Analysis of the findings showed a correlation between the amount of time spent participating in vigorous activity and the strength of the femoral neck, gauged by both shape and volumetric mineral density. These results were independent of other factors like lifestyle, diet and physical size.
The findings support the school of thought that encourages higher levels of physical activity in children in order to improve skeletal bone development. This in turn would promote the prevention of osteoporosis in later life.
Source: International Osteoporosis Foundation
Helping the fallen arches
There are not many instances in the fitness industry when you are able to take off your client’s shoes due to safety and insurance reasons. Therefore, I find that anatomy of the lower limb – below the knee and feet – is not really considered or routinely strengthened.
It is a common scenario for a client to have their feet in shoes all day, maybe wearing orthotics as well, and never getting the opportunity to move and use their toes individually. Furthermore, no health professional has prescribed any corrective exercises to help strengthen the arches of the feet or the muscles which control stability at the ankle.
The arches and ankle stability are extremely important for balance in upright standing and are an integral part of the righting reflexes. If the intrinsic muscles of the feet become weak, they will load the long toe flexors and more global movement muscles of the ankle, increasing risk of overuse injuries, e.g.; shin splints – or tendonitis.
Anatomy
Feet intrinsics
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Image courtesy of An Atlas of Human Anatomy by Carl Toldt, M.D |
The intrinsic muscles are made up of interosseous and lumbrical muscles. They are very small muscles in the feet, and in between the toes. They help to maintain the transverse arch of the foot and keep the toes straight when the foot is pointed. Therefore they prevent scrunching of the toes.
Arches of the foot
These function to provide the following:
- Absorb and distribute forces with walking
- Improve walking by increasing speed and agility
- Provide both stability and flexibility to the foot
Medial longitudinal arch
This arch is maintained by the peroneus longus, tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, FHL, abductor hallicus and plantar aponeurosis (including ligaments, tarsals and metatarsals). The peroneus longus and the tibialis anterior both attach to the medial cuneiform and base of the 1st metatarsal, thereby acting together forming a stirrup which runs under the arch. The fact that both these tendons join to the same bones of the foot highlights the importance of maintaining control of the medial side of the foot, particularly during activity or on uneven surfaces.
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Image courtesy of www.bandhayoga.com/keys_arches.html |
Image courtesy of runjoerun21.wordpress.com/ |
Exercises to improve strength in the arches:
intrinsic muscles, peroneus longus and tibialis anterior muscles
Big toe lifts |
Repeat x10 |
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Piano playing |
Repeat x5 |
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Towel picking up |
Repeat x5 |
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Toe flaring |
Start with foot relaxed, then try and abduct the big toe and little toe outwards, spreading all the toes in between. Hold for 2 seconds and repeat. |
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Inversion strengthening |
Make sure the eccentric action is smooth and controlled.
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Eversion strengthening |
Make sure the eccentric action is smooth and controlled. |
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Calf rises with band resistance |
Progress to wobble board balance while maintaining arches. |
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For more examples of hip, knee or ankle stability exercises along with their descriptions and pictures in order of progression, visit www.activeanatomy.com or call or 0414 423744 for more information about the Workshop Textbook or Corrective Exercise information CD.
Merrin Martin, BAppSc (Physio), BSpSc (ExScience)
Merrin is the director of Active Anatomy, a successful health professional education business. Combining her experience as a physiotherapist, Pilates instructor and exercise scientist has enabled her to become a specialist in corrective exercise programs. To contact Merrin or the Active Anatomy team call 0414 423 744 or visit www.activeanatomy.com
Group Exercise, Mind Body News
Group Ex music ruling to be appealed
As you will be aware by now, on 17 May the Australian Copyright Tribunal decided to significantly increase the licence fee for the right to play protected sound recordings in fitness classes. This decision relates to the licence issued by the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) for Tariff V.
Tariff V has been increased to $15 per class or $1 per attendee per class. The current rate is 96.8c per class with a capped annual maximum of $2,654. This represents an increase of over 1,500 per cent for the cost of this licence to businesses in the fitness industry.
The effective date for the revised Licence Scheme is yet to be determined by the Copyright Tribunal, but the PPCA has proposed that it be from 1 November 2010 with a short phase-in period.
In relation to the judgment and decision by the Copyright Tribunal, Fitness Australia has sought advice from experts in administrative law and grounds for an appeal have been identified. Following industry consultation, the Fitness Australia Board of Directors has decided to proceed with an appeal of this decision to the Federal Court of Australia.
The Operation M.U.S.I.C campaign will now focus on raising the necessary funds to meet the costs of the appeal. To date, the campaign has raised $150,000 for the appeal but it needs to raise another $150,000 to cover all the necessary costs.
If you believe that this decision is unfair and unreasonable, pledge your financial support to the Operation M.U.S.I.C appeal, which aims to have the decision overturned, at www.operationmusic.org.au or by calling 1300 211 311
Source: Fitness Australia
PPCA-free – the debate rages!
Meanwhile, check out the latest Network blog where the debate rages over the adoption of PPCA-free music in Group Ex classes. The comments are flowing and there seem to be two firm camps into which instructors are dividing. What has your experience in the changeover from original artist to PPCA-free music been like? Do you have any experiences you would like to share? Check out the blog and join in the debate at http://tinyurl.com/AusFitNetworkBlog
Ever had 10,000 participants in your class…?
New York’s Central Park recently played host to the biggest ever yoga class, when over 10,000 people headed out after work to perform a selection of asanas beneath the summer (if cloud heavy) skies. The culture guide, Flavorpill, partnered with Standard Hotels and Jetblue to set a new world record for the largest yoga class ever.
By 7:30pm – incentivised by free yoga mats and the power of social networking – 13,000 people had registered, and most of them had turned up with their free tickets to perform downward dogs, sun salutations and cobras until the heavens opened, making it, arguably, the world’s shortest yoga class as well.
Gumtree, the online community web site in Australia, hosts a free yoga class annually on Bondi beach, NSW, and despite attracting hundreds to it’s spectacular setting, it has some way to go before it is in danger of contesting the New York record.
Source: Jaunted.com
G'Day to All Group Ex Instructors!
Group exercise instructors are primarily responsible for teaching and leading a group of individuals on a series of exercises (often to music) to achieve aerobic training effects. It is also, without a doubt, our responsibility to provide and teach the exercises in a safe and effective manner. Yet, even within group exercise settings there are risks. As the saying goes ‘Accidents will happen’, particularly in classes where equipment such as hand-weights, resistance bands, steps, training bars, fit-balls, stationary bikes and other apparatus is used.
Working with equipment requires the same attention and consideration as the general principles of exercise safety, which include movement control, exercise selection, environment and training area, as well as participants’ health and physical condition. For this edition of eNews, we look at some practical tips and reminders to assist instructors in managing the responsibilities of preventing injury and minimising the risk of occurrence in a class situation that involves equipment.
- Movement control. Using equipment such as hand-weights adds resistance and intensity to the workout. As such, selection and use of music speed requires careful attention to ensure participants' range of motion, alignment and control are not compromised in terms of effectiveness. Besides movement control, grip control is also important (e.g. holding onto resistance bands during an exercise). Observe in participants any signs of discomfort or struggle in movement where use of equipment is involved and attend appropriately as he/she would require assistance/guidance on proper handling and ease of use.
- Exercise selection. Encourage good form from execution to completion of the chosen exercise. Select exercises that are 'easy' for participants to follow and co-ordinate with the use of equipment. Where elevated moves are incorporated with resistance-based equipment, remind participants that there is the option to omit the use of equipment. Extra care and consideration should be taken to ensure an exercise is within the ability of the muscles to cope with both speed and load of movement. Furthermore, make sure adjustments and adequate options are available, conveyed and demonstrated clearly during the class.
- Environment/training area. Training surface area (e.g. floor-boards and carpet) is also an important consideration in terms of safety and awareness. It is important for group exercise studios to have good shock absorbance. It is good to walk around the studio to check for slipperiness (on wooden floors), wet/damp spots/areas, and irregular surface before and (if feasible) during the class. Be cautious and aware of the fact that some equipment (e.g. a bar-bell) may not remain stationary when placed on wooden floors; therefore, in a busy class where participants could be moving around the room occasionally, it is a good habit to remind the class to keep an eye on the floor space and their surroundings when mobilising and carrying equipment.
- Health and physical condition. In any given class, the age group of participants can vary widely. When elderly participants attend your class alongside a predominantly younger-age group, be attentive to the factor of balance when incorporating weight-bearing/equipment-based activities that involve either standing or lying on the floor.
Whether your class participants are novices or regular exercisers, it is critical to continually consider and assess classes that involve equipment. Fundamental to delivering an effective workout, is delivering a safe and effective one.
Until next eNews, stay healthy and happy to ya all Groovy and Inspiring Group Ex Instructors and Managers!
Kinnie Ho
Nutrition News
Effect of coffee may be non-existent…
It seems as if every month brings another report on the effects of coffee on health, and this month is no different. In fact, we have two. Rather than finding in favour of or against the stimulatory effects of caffeine, the first of these studies claims that no such effect actually exists.
Those of us for whom a takeaway cup of the dark stuff provides the spark to get us going in the morning may greet this finding with scepticism – so how was this conclusion arrived at?
Researchers from the UK’s University of Bristol carried out tests on 379 study subjects who abstained from caffeine for 16 hours prior to being given either caffeine or a placebo. The results showed no significant variation in alertness levels.
The team, led by Peter Rogers from the university's Department of Experimental Psychology, found that regular coffee drinkers develop a tolerance to both the perceived pro’s and cons of coffee; namely, its anxiety-producing and its stimulatory effects.
So, how to explain the dependence many frequent consumers have on this humble refreshment? The research suggests that the feelings of alertness are actually just the reversal of the fatiguing effects brought about by acute caffeine withdrawal. This conclusion, coupled with previous findings linking caffeine to anxiety and raised blood pressure, would suggest that we ought to be knocking the morning cappuccino on the head.
Rogers said, ‘Our study shows that we don't gain an advantage from consuming caffeine -- although we feel alerted by it, this is caffeine just bringing us back to normal. On the other hand, while caffeine can increase anxiety, tolerance means that for most caffeine consumers this effect is negligible.’
Source: University of Bristol & Neuropsychopharmacology
…Or it may benefit athletes
That’s right, the second of the coffee studies (also out of the UK), appears to contradict the study discussed above, by finding a link between high caffeine intake and increased performance in the leg muscles.
Basing their claims on studies carried out on mice, researchers from Coventry University found that a caffeine dose of 70 micrometers resulted in a 6 per cent increase in the power output of lower leg muscles in mice. This effect, they theorised, could translate to humans.
Lead researcher, Dr Rob James, said that this amount ‘is the absolute maximum that can normally be achieved in the blood plasma of humans. However, concentrations of 20 to 50 micrometers are not unusual in people with high caffeine intake.’
Caffeine is not banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, so its use by sportspeople is understandably attractive (though AFL players should note that caffeine-based stimulants should be used with caution, especially in combination with other prescribed legal substances). James noted; ‘A very high dosage of caffeine, most likely achieved via tablets, powder or a concentrated liquid, is feasible and might prove attractive to a number of athletes wishing to improve their athletic performance. A small increase in athletic performance via caffeine could mean the difference between a gold medal in the Olympics and an also-ran.’
Source: Society for Experimental Biology
Why the Mediterranean diet is heart healthy
It’s been studied and reported numerous times, but now Spanish researchers claim to have discovered exactly why the acclaimed Mediterranean diet is heart healthy.
A team from the Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition Research Group at the Institut Municipal d'Investigacio Medica in Barcelona, say that the foods, including fresh fish, legumes, fruit and olive oil, change the way in which genes associated with atherosclerosis function.
Atherosclerosis is the thickening of the artery wall through the build-up of fatty materials such as cholesterol. Maria Isabel Covas, PhD, a researcher involved in the study said, ‘Knowing which genes can be modulated by diet in a healthy way can help people select healthy diets. It is also a first step for future nutritional therapies with selected foods.’
Study participants were divided into three groups, the first eating a traditional Mediterranean diet including virgin olive oil high in polyphenols; the second consuming a Mediterranean diet with an olive oil low in polyphenols; and the third eating their regular diet.
After a three-month duration, the high polyphenols group exhibited a down-regulation (process by which a cell decreases the quantity of a cellular component) in atherosclerosis-related genes in their peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The polyphenols significantly impacted genetic changes influencing coronary heart disease. The researchers said that the results also showed that virgin olive oil consumption, coupled with a Mediterranean diet, can positively impact insulin resistance, lipid and DNA oxidation, inflammation, carcinogenesis, and suppression of tumours.
Gerald Weissmann, MD, editor-in-chief of the FASEB Journal said, ‘This study is ground breaking because it shows that olive oil and a Mediterranean diet affect our bodies in a far more significant way than previously believed. Not only does this research offer more support for encouraging people to change their eating habits, it is an important first step toward identifying drug targets that affect how our genes express themselves.’
Source: FASEB Journal
VIC first state for fast food disclosure
Victoria is set to become the first Australian state to force fast food restaurants to disclose nutritional information on in-store menu boards.
The aim of this venture, which has been much discussed in recent years, is to reduce obesity and incidence of diabetes. Presumably this is based on the premise that ‘knowledge is power’ and that patrons, who have hitherto been blissfully unaware that sinking their teeth into a McBurger may not be their healthiest food choice, will now have the veil lifted from their eyes and ditch the large fries in favour of some apple slices.
It may seem incomprehensible to many of us that people who eat at fast food joints are unaware of the nutritional deficits of their choices. Surely, most people who regularly eat this sort of food do so because they want to, regardless of the health benefits or otherwise. In an age where obesity and its related lifestyle diseases are costing the taxpayer billions, however, it is inevitable that governments are trying anything they can to slow the march towards ever greater levels of overweight and obesity. Although perhaps school lessons on nutrition and increased physical education hours would be a more effective move to stem the rise.
John Brumby, premier of VIC, said ‘So you're talking about your KFCs and McDonald's and Subways and others that, from the second half of 2012, they will be required to disclose the calorie content, the kilojoules of the food that they sell. And that will be on their menus… If you're having a well known hamburger with a large chips and a large Coke that's 60 per cent. Just that one meal is 60 per cent of your daily kilojoule allowance. And most people wouldn't know that.’
Jane Martin from health lobby group the Obesity Policy Coalition welcomed the move, but called for a more comprehensive system of information; ‘It doesn't tell people about whether the product is high in saturated fat, high in salt or high in sugar and that's why we'd like to see traffic-light labelling of menus which is something that has strong consumer support.’
Source: ABC Online & Australian Fitness Network
Club Corner
Fitness First set for Asian stockmarket flotation
Fitness First, the largest privately owned health club group in the world, is looking to float on an Asian stock exchange and could be valued at up to AUS$3.6bn.
Media reports say that BC Partners, the private equity group which owns Fitness First, is currently deciding whether to pursue the flotation in an unstable market which has seen other private equity companies withdraw from initial public offerings.
BC Partners is considering an Asian flotation in either Hong Kong or Shanghai rather than a London Stock Exchange one, because it believes the rate of expansion of the Asian market outstrips that of Europe and potentially provides more lucrative future growth.
Founded in Bournemouth in the UK in 1993, Fitness First now has over 540 clubs worldwide, over 150 of which are in Asia and Australia.
The chain has previously been listed on the AIM (Alternative Investment Market), the London Stock Exchange’s international market for smaller growing companies. It was subsequently taken private by Cinven, a European private equity firm, which in turn sold in 2005 for AUS$1.5bn.
Source: guardian.co.uk
Australia leads Anytime Fitness growth
With nearly 40 clubs now open and more than 100 franchise territories sold, Anytime Fitness Australia/New Zealand has quickly become the fastest-growing segment of the world’s fastest-growing fitness club chain.
In the past month Anytime Fitness announced plans to open clubs in the UK, Northern Ireland, Japan, Belgium and the Netherlands. But nowhere else in the world is the fitness club franchise expanding more rapidly than in Australia and New Zealand.
In 2008 Justin McDonell and Jacinta McDonell Jimenez, a brother and sister team, became the ‘master franchisees’ for Anytime Fitness in Australia and New Zealand. Since then they have opened 40 new premises and sold more than 100 franchise territories in Australia, as well as opening three gyms and selling 10 territories in New Zealand. Their long-term goals include 300 clubs open in Australia and 50 clubs open in New Zealand within the next three years.
McDonell said, ‘We’ve discovered what works and what our members want – mainly, convenience and affordability. They also demand high-quality equipment in a friendly, non-intimidating environment – we satisfy all these needs and more.
Discussing the growth of the business, he said, ‘We’ve been able to attract qualified franchisees with our low-cost business model which requires minimum staffing. Owners get a great return on their investment and like the opportunity to make a significant difference in people’s lives.’
McDonell Jimenez added, ‘We pride ourselves in providing our individual franchisees with tremendous support. With help from the corporate staff in the US, we’re able to give club owners the tools they need and the guidance they require every step of the way – from finding ideal locations to equipping and marketing their gyms. We are a full-service franchise.’
Source: PR Newswire
International fitness industry posts solid performance
IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association) recently released new findings on the financial performance of the global fitness market, in its 2010 IHRSA Global Report: the State of the Health Club Industry.
The health club industry posted a solid performance in 2009. Industry revenue reached USD$67.2 billion from a global count of 128,500 health clubs and 119.5 million members. With over 42 million members, the market in Europe alone totalled an estimated USD$31 billion in revenue. In the US, 53.1 million members used 38,000 facilities. The Asia-Pacific region has remained steady with over USD$10 billion generated in revenues and nearly 16 million members.
The 2010 IHRSA Global Report contains a detailed synopsis of the of the global health club industry, including the latest financial statistics and industry trends for the top global markets with analysis from independent clubs, large club chains, leading industry suppliers, club associations, and federations.
Jay Ablondi, executive vice president of global products at IHRSA, said, ‘In 2009, the health club industry demonstrated its strength, even while facing a challenging international economy. Successful club companies wisely managed expenses, while consumers worldwide attended their health clubs with increased frequency. There is no doubt that consumers continue to value the many benefits of exercise, including among other things, stress relief. With strong leadership and a firm understanding of consumer needs, global markets should anticipate industry growth in 2010.’
Source: IHRSA
Announcements
Runnin’ up that tower
Australia’s annual stair climb event, the Triple M Sydney Tower Run-Up, will take place on Friday 23 July 2010.
Competitors race from Pitt Street Mall up the 1,504 stairs to the Observation Deck of Sydney Tower to compete for a total prize pool of more than $30,000. In 2009 the average stair climber reached the summit in less than 15 minutes. In fact, every participant in last year’s race made it to the top in under half an hour.
Challenge yourself and your clients and members, and be rewarded with the best view in Australia once you reach the top – all in the time it would take you to get a coffee. This year there is a new fancy dress category, so you can get out your fright wig, your Speedos or your super hero costume to join in the fun. Proceeds from the event are donated to Surf Life Saving, helping to make Australia’s 35,000 km of coastlines safer by preventing drowning and saving lives.
Participants must be aged 18 or over to race in the Sydney Tower Run-Up, and you can register as an individual, corporate team, elite athlete or in the community and services category. Registration costs $50 for individuals or $200 for corporate teams. For more information or to register visit www.sydneytowerrunup.com.au
Source: Sydney Tower Run Up
Help keep Australia beautiful this August
Monday 23 August is the start of Keep Australia Beautiful Week (KAB Week) and a great time to think about the simple changes we can make to reduce our impact on our local environment and how to ‘reincarnate your rubbish’.
According to Keep Australia Beautiful, while 99 per cent of Australian households that have access to kerbside recycling do undertake recycling in some form, there is still an excessive amount of rubbish ending up as litter, or unnecessarily being sent to landfill, from people eating and drinking when they are out and about.
Keep Australia Beautiful spokeswoman, Lara Shannon said, ‘Its great to see that Australians are embracing kerbside recycling in their homes, yet out of the total 43.7+ million tonnes of waste generated overall in Australia each year, only 52 per cent of this is actually recycled.’
‘And it’s not only our landfills that are filling up. Our throw away society and attitudes also have an ugly and harmful impact on our local environment, oceans and other waterways – and this is something that every single one of us can do something about! It just takes shifting our perception of what we consider to be ‘rubbish’ and viewing it as a valuable resource, as much of what we throw away can actually be ‘reincarnated’ into new products.’
In an effort to help keep Australia beautiful, this year’s campaign is focused on reminding people to stop and think before throwing their empty packaging into a rubbish bin or on the ground, by highlighting the growing number of public place recycling bins that are available.
And, where recycling bins are not available, Keep Australia Beautiful is urging people to make the small effort of taking their empty containers and other recyclable waste home for recycling, so that they can become a resource rather than rubbish.
Celebrity ambassadors getting behind the initiative include Getaway’s Jules Lund and Natalie Gruzlewski, Hey Hey It’s Saturday’s Livinia Nixon and Suze Raymond with Plucka Duck, cricket great Glenn McGrath, WB Kids TV hosts Shura Taft and Heidi Valkenburg and others.
According to ambassador, Jules Lund, ‘Keep Australia Beautiful Week is the perfect time to think about the impact our lifestyle and behaviour has on the environment and set some goals to reduce our eco footprint all year round. Reducing the amount of rubbish we throw away by reusing or recycling it instead is an easy way to start. If you're out and about, look out for public recycling bins. If you can't find any, take your empty bottles, cans and paper home for recycling so they can be turned into new products and packaging!’
For more information on how you can get involved with Keep Australia Beautiful Week visit www.kab.org.au
Source: Keep Australia Beautiful
| Group Ex music ruling to be appealed |
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See feature above in the Group Ex & Mind Body News section |
Calling female athletes with an Olympic Dream
Once upon a time dreams of becoming an Olympian and representing Australia were simply that, a dream. But the Australian Women’s Bobsleigh Team is opening the door to female Aussie Athletes by giving them the opportunity to make the dream a reality.
Pilot Astrid Loch-Wilkinson will be hosting a series of ‘open days’ to recruit for the vital role of ‘breakwoman’ to help push the team to Olympic glory. The breakwoman plays a major role in the initial push of the bobsleigh, reaching speeds of 40km/h before jumping onboard the sleigh. The success of the run depends on the success of the push and seconds gained at the top can equate to podium finishes at the bottom.
‘We are looking for women aged 18 to 35, preferably over 70kg bodyweight and with a history of power sports, sprinting or activities with similar physical qualities (rugby/weightlifting/athletics, team sports)’ said Loch-Wilkinson, herself a two time Olympian.
Open Days
Brisbane: Sunday, 11 July, 2pm, UQ Athletics Track, St. Lucia, Brisbane.
Sydney: TBC
Melbourne: TBC
For further information, email astrid@avante-group.com or call 0414 313 659
Source: Avante IT
Join the commuter revolution on Ride to Work Day
More and more Australians are joining the commuter revolution, and they
want the world to know about it. Record numbers are registering for Ride to Work Day on 13 October, and are proud to proclaim their commitment to a healthier and congestion-free way to get to work.
Ride to Work Day, the only nationally recognised event of it kind, provides a day in the workplace calendar for those thinking about commuting by bike to start or re-energise cycling habits deterred by the winter months.
Ride to Work Day registrations are crucial in ensuring the continuous improvement of bike facilities across Australia. Ride to Work Day spokesperson, Max Goonan, said the biggest barrier to riding to work was poor facilities, ‘Registering for Ride to Work Day is a sure way for bike riders to make their ride count. Registering your support is a critical means of capturing valuable data on bike commuting. We use this data to convince Governments and business that there is massive support for riding to work amongst Australians, and that it is time to get investment rolling to meet the burgeoning demand.’
Bicycle Network’s Ride to Work twelve month behavior change program has been a strong influence in the dramatic increase of people choosing to ride to work. Ride to Work Day post-event surveys revealed that over 50 per cent of those who weren’t riding to work in 2009 are now riding to work in 2010.
Encourage your clients to get on their bikes and register online at www.ride2work.com.au
Source: Bicycle Network
Saddle up for Queensland’s Biggest Bike Ride
And if the idea of riding your bike to work appeals, then Queensland’s Biggest Bike Ride might also ring your bell (pun intended).
Over 10,000 cyclists are expected to participate in the 2010 Wilson HTM Brisbane to the
Gold Coast 100km and Wilson HTM Logan to the Gold Coast 60km Cycle Challenge, which will be held on Sunday 10 October, and entries are now officially open.
The Cycle Challenge offers a chance to be part of one of Queensland’s biggest community events and a fun-filled active day of fitness. Founded by Bicycle Queensland in 2005, the Cycle Challenge aims to increase awareness and participation in cycling while raising valuable funds for charity. Close to 30,000 participants have helped raise over $650,000 for Queensland charities in the past five years. Proceeds from this year’s event will go to the Heart Foundation and Diabetes Australia-Queensland.
With 100km and 60km options available, participants can ride it hard or take it easy. For participants looking to make a whole weekend of the festivities they can enjoy Brisbane’s first ever bicycle exhibition. The Brisbane Bicycle Show will be held at The Avenue, RNA Showgrounds from Friday 8 October to Sunday 10 October.
So dust off your bike, set yourself a challenge and sign up for Queensland’s biggest bike ride! Individuals or teams can register at www.bq.org.au. Early bird specials apply and entries close Friday 1 October.
Source: P4 Group
Ezypay wins Best Medium Business award
Hot on the heels of being included in the BRW 50 Best Places to Work, Ezypay, the direct debit service provider for the fitness industry, was awarded the Panasonic Best Medium Business of the Year in the Telstra Business Awards, held in Sydney on Friday 9 July.
The company was founded by George Holman in 1998 as a solution to cash flow problems experienced by his fitness business and, as the fitness industry has expanded, the company has grown to a staff of 32.
‘As a team, we are very proud of the achievements of the company since inception’ said Trent Brown, CEO; ‘The commitment of the Ezypay staff to our goal of growth throughout Australia and New Zealand, as well as into other countries, is a significant factor in our achievements within the company and those recognised externally.’
One of the key criteria for the choice of winners in the Telstra Business Awards this year is a commitment to growth, nationally and internationally, a factor that Ezypay addressed with its 2006 expansion into New Zealand, continued growth across Australia and plans to open an office in Malaysia before the end of 2010.
Brown attributes Ezypay’s success, both in award recognition and general business growth and achievement, to the dedication of an engaged team who bring life to the visions and goals of the business created by founder George Holman; ‘Direct debit services is not a very exciting product in itself. We have placed high importance on creating a fun, inclusive and dynamic working environment for our staff that fosters creativity beyond their daily activities, cultivates team bonding and encourages them to strive for excellence and take pride in their achievements. Without that dedication, particularly from key drivers within the organisation, many of whom have been with us for a number of years, the significant recognition and continued service development for our customers would not be a reality.’
Source: Inscriptions Media
Book review
Title: Pilates
Author: Rael Isacowitz
Publisher: Human Kinetics (Australia) 2006
Details: Paperback, 360 pages
RRP: $30.95; Network members receive 10% discount off this and any other Human Kinetics resources when purchased at www.fitnessnetworkcentre.com/products/showproduct.cfm?isbn=0736056238
Reviewed by Peter Lawler
I have read countless books on Pilates, yoga, ‘yogalates’ and other sundry faiths like latte coffee, all determined to stretch, lengthen and sculpt sagging bodies in an obese society – quite a challenge! Facetiousness aside, this is the best I have seen, it’s the cream of the crop, the pick of the bunch, the top of the class – foreman material! It’s Bradman! It’s brilliant!
The author is recognised as a contemporary interpreter of the work of the late Joseph Pilates. Rael Isacowitz, in association with Balanced Body, the world’s largest manufacturer of Pilates equipment, has devised new tortuous apparatus not seen in the benign, gentle mat Pilates books that actually seem to breed on the shelves in the Personal Health section of your bookshop.
For once, the self adulation found on the back cover of books like ‘international best seller” is correct. Most Pilates books start and stop with mat work. This book ‘just gets going’ (back cover). It was written for the ‘professionals and serious enthusiasts who seek a deeper understanding of the vast repertoire of Pilates’ (page xiii). Admittedly, to fully utilise this text you would need access to the unique apparatus devised.
Let the Introduction speak for this great book:
‘Pilates takes you through a range of exercise levels, from fundamental through intermediate and finally touching on the advanced level. The book’s 210 exercises are conveniently organized; each piece of apparatus is addressed in a separate chapter. The exercises in each chapter are grouped into blocks based on the regions of the body. The description of each exercise includes its level of difficulty and resistance range. I also provide a muscle focus, objectives of the exercise, commentary, some ideas for imagery…’ (pp xv)
I write this review following a recent excursion to Wollongong Hospital where I spent 9 days writhing in agony in search of a pain-free site. Morphine and Valium assisted me in my search. It seems the L3 was in uncooperative mode, a herniated disc, and impingement pain prevailed. I was not comforted by the glowing statistic that the lumber region constitutes 93 per cent of ‘back problems.’ This means I am normal! Nor was I comforted by page 15 of this book:
‘The pelvis and lower spine (the pelvic-lumber region) is of particular interest in Pilates because herein lies the powerhouse, the core, from which all movement emanates.’
Pilates impresses mightily with its organisation and thoroughness. From the exposition of the movement principles – breathing, control, imagery, creating flow in your movements – through the anatomical detail on alignment and posture and onto the boat to ford the river into the land of powerful Pilates practice! The author is critical of some practitioners of Pilates:
‘Over the years I have witnessed Pilates classes that lack structure, direction and the concept of the whole… without a logical structure and progression the valuable elements of Pilates are lacking.” (pp 29)
The structure is the BLOCK SYSTEM. The 210 exercises flow one into another, the difficulty rises and yet the transition is seemingly effortless. Using this book, you will progress from fundamental exercises to intermediate depending upon the complexity of the movement. The master level has been ignored. The simplicity of this structure is the essence. When one undertakes stretching, are the stretches graded and grouped into antagonist pairings? Is the whole body the beneficiary or are uncomfortable stretches left for another day?
As mentioned previously, this book requires access to unique Pilates equipment. The fundamental mat exercises commence in Chapter 4. The relentless pattern of this book begins. Each exercise is identified and graded, its purpose explained. Sequence photographs illustrate technique. Each photo is captioned with clear instruction notes. Imagery notes assist the delicate movements required and the muscles used are listed. Just turn the pages and begin. Mat exercises run from page 44 to 107.
It’s now equipment time. The remaining chapters are devoted to individual apparatus. Chapter 5 is the Universal Reformer. It looks like a bed frame with a sliding sled within it. The devotee lies supine upon the sled. The feet are positioned on a foot stirrup and the resistance comes from rubber strands and springs. Every athletic club and institute should have this apparatus! The exercises run from Page 112 to 204. An outstanding chapter if you ask me. Many of the exercises could be adapted to benches, boxes and rubber resistors.
If you are still alive and functioning, its time to meet the challenge of Chapter 6: the Cadillac is the leitmotif on this occasion. For those not familiar or still stuck on the mat, this intriguing contraption is a low solid table with a four poster steel canopy. Joseph Pilates modelled it on a hospital bed. The body can be stretched via an attached foot bar once again or from overhead cables attached to the immovable frame. This is a slimmer but still potent chapter of imaginative exercises that the Cirque Du Soleil would find challenging. Again, it must be said that many of the exercises could be completed on alternative sites.
This review is taking on marathon proportions, but, I am finding it difficult to contain my enthusiasm for this publication. Chapter 7 is the Wunda Chair, the author’s favourite apparatus. It’s a box with four springs that locates imbalances and weaknesses. Joseph must have been a genius to devise this chair and the array of exercises for it.
The next gadget is called the Barrels. There are two, the high or ladder barrel and the floor model – the step barrel. The barrel is beneficial for the back and there are no springs attached – gravity is the master with this fiendish furniture.
We are nearly there! The remaining chapters offer the Ped-a Pul, the Arm Chair and the Magic Circle. A brief comment will suffice. The first is designed to work the shoulders in a standing position. The Arm Chair is not for indolent men to sleep in front of the telly – it’s a rarely used apparatus again for the shoulders and also the arms. It is essential in the Pilates philosophy to treat shoulder dysfunction, yet another worldwide epidemic.
Finally, the magic circle. This portable apparatus can now be found in the sports department at your local K Mart. This is a small hoop that must be compressed and held under tension.
Having exposed the reader to the entire range of apparatus, the text offers workout routines. Three for the mat, the most popular branch of Pilates, three for the rest. One workout submits you to 41 exercises. This is serious stuff.
THIS IS A BRILLIANT BOOK. RECOMMENDED WITHOUT RESERVATION.
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