Aug 28, 2016 | Blog Posts
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's mSwing! What is it? Is it a training program? Is it for group exercise or personal trainers? What IS IT? These are questions that both Mark Davis (co-creator of mSwing) and I expected to get from a little promo clip on Facebook...
Aug 8, 2016 | Blog Posts, Fitness Professionals
Pushing Past Your Comfort Zone In fitness, we understand this concept. It would be best if you pushed past your comfort zone to get the benefits of the training. Whether it be weight training, cardio, endurance or flexibility, it is about how much more you can do...
Jun 26, 2016 | Blog Posts, Exercise Enthusiasts, Fitness Professionals, Pelvic Floor Article
Recognising the Importance of Specialised Care Here's the scenario: you've injured your knee. The pain persists, hindering your ability to bend, climb stairs, and lift heavy loads. Seeking advice from a physiotherapist, you learn specific exercises and techniques to...
Jun 8, 2016 | Blog Posts, Fitness Professionals, Pelvic Floor, Pelvic Floor Article
Pelvic Floor training in the fitness industry Before 2005, there was little education or discussion about the pelvic floor in the fitness industry. While I recall being instructed to lift my pelvic floor in aerobic classes during the 1980s and early 1990s, this...
Apr 25, 2016 | Blog Posts, Mindset
Two interesting things happened a few years ago that helped me understand that there is a big difference between having a mentor and a role model. The first was when an instructor commented to a friend that I was her mentor. It was interesting because, at that time, I...
Mar 14, 2016 | Blog Posts, Mindset
Back in 2013, I attended FILEX and was captivated by Sebastian Terry's keynote address. His journey of ticking off 100 things sparked an idea that resurfaced on New Year's Eve 2014. Creating An Adventure List Inspired by Sebastian's adventure, my friends and I started...
Dec 12, 2015 | Articles, Blog Posts, Mindset
A time for reflection I decided to use a quote for the title of this blog as it really resonates with me at this time of year. December/January each year is when I reflect on the past year, then plan and look forward to the new year ahead. Of course, this can only be...
Nov 4, 2015 | Blog Posts, Fitness Professionals, Instructor Issues
The Power of Self-Discovery Learning about the sort of person you are and want to be can be a life-changing realization. It's a lesson that often needs to be taught and can take a long time to grasp. Several years ago, while delivering an aqua workshop in Kapiti...
Oct 18, 2015 | Blog Posts, Fitness Professionals, Mindset
Interpreting the words 'Professional Behaviour' My Aqua Mentoring group recently discussed professional behaviour within the aquatic fitness industry and how to manage this expectation. It was refreshing to engage with other instructors and hear about their challenges...
Sep 4, 2015 | Blog Posts
What happens when you put a visionary, together with extraordinary energy and an abundance of positive enthusiasm? Answer: Michelle Wright and with a surname like Wright, there is very little that this woman gets wrong. I use the word 'extraordinary' deliberately for...
Sep 4, 2015 | Blog Posts
Are we replacing workouts that challenge us mentally? It must be. The proof is in the way people say that 'they are uncoordinated' as a preface to any exercise they are about to partake in. The evidence is that in Australia (yep – this is not a worldwide phenomenon),...
Jun 29, 2015 | Articles, Blog Posts, Mindset
Embracing the Unknown Stepping out of your comfort zone is like embarking on a journey into the unknown, where uncertainty and unfamiliarity await. It's not always about facing your deepest fears or taking drastic measures like skydiving (seriously, why jump out of a...
Jun 10, 2015 | Blog Posts
This is a BIG question and one that I have been asked several times this year so far and it comes down to what you think a 'career' in the fitness industry is. This is up to individual interpretation and as this industry is much younger than others, a career...
May 4, 2015 | Blog Posts, Exercise Enthusiasts, Fitness Professionals, Pelvic Floor, Pelvic Floor Article
A Journey of Discovery In my journey as a fitness enthusiast, I frequently referenced 'the core' in my classes and workshops. This was before I dug deeper into its intricacies. If questioned, I might have vaguely described it as 'deep torso muscles,' referencing the...
Apr 6, 2015 | Blog Posts, Mindset
Are you tired of being 'BUSY' and suffering from overload? A conversation with a friend once opened a dialogue that I was all too familiar with. That conversation of being so flat out that you are suffering from overload and stress and everything you do seems to bring...
Apr 6, 2015 | Blog Posts
I am a huge believer in functional training. Coming from a background in isolated training, that focused on single joint action and specific muscle development, I love the freshness of functional training. The whole body is engaged in movement, making it time...
Apr 6, 2015 | Blog Posts, Mindset
In the rhythm of daily life, health extends beyond the physical realm, encompassing emotional and relationship well-being. Just as exercise and nutrition nurture the body, cultivating healthy connections nurtures the soul. Practices like meditation, journaling, and...
Sep 11, 2014 | Blog Posts, Exercise Enthusiasts, Fitness Professionals, Pelvic Floor, Pelvic Floor Article
Why all the fuss about the pelvic floor? When contemplating our 'core,' the initial association typically involves muscles in the torso. However, what often goes unnoticed or misunderstood is the pivotal role the pelvic floor plays in effectively controlling the core...
Sep 11, 2014 | Aqua Articles, Blog Posts, Pelvic Floor Article
By Dianne Edmonds and Marietta Mehanni "Lower back pain is also strongly linked with pelvic floor weakness and there is certainly an awareness that aqua aerobics provides a safer choice of fitness program for these individuals." Introduction Many people who want to...
Mar 21, 2014 | Blog Posts
Life balance Can I balance for 10 seconds on each leg with my eyes closed? Sure, but it has taken me years to find balance in life. With over 30 years in the fitness industry, I've discovered a sense of balance in my own life. It's ironic, considering I've spent all...
Mar 21, 2014 | Blog Posts
It was certainly not a planned new year's resolution, but it ended up being something that started on new year's day and has continued since and here is the story of two girls and a garden. Once upon a time...well actually it was 1st January 2014, Carla Bond (a very...
Nov 28, 2013 | Aqua, Aqua Articles, Blog Posts, Fitness Professionals
Pursuing the next great aqua move Aqua Fitness has taken the world by storm, captivating enthusiasts with its invigorating and effective workouts. Aqua instructors constantly pursue groundbreaking techniques and cutting-edge moves to stay ahead in this rapidly...
Nov 28, 2013 | Aqua, Aqua Articles, Blog Posts, Fitness Professionals
What are the ingredients of a fabulous aqua session? Class Plan Music Teaching Skills X factor One of the most important aspects of a fabulous class is the plan. Even with all other factors being present, without a plan, your sessions will be a “hit or miss”. It will...
Nov 28, 2013 | Aqua, Aqua Articles, Blog Posts, Fitness Professionals
Consider this… Participants coming to YOUR class because of the MUSIC you play! This has certainly been an important aspect in land based classes for as long as group fitness has existed. Admittedly, this is sometimes missing in aqua classes and music is merely a...
Nov 28, 2013 | Aqua Articles, Blog Posts, Fitness Professionals
Aqua instructors are continually challenged to create new and interesting formats for their classes. Hence, the development of different forms of equipment such as dumbbells, woggles, aqua belts, etc. Unfortunately, not all facilities are equipped with these great...
Nov 28, 2013 | Aqua, Aqua Articles, Blog Posts, Fitness Professionals
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes - Aqua Instructors Today I shine a spotlight on a remarkable group of individuals who truly deserve our appreciation: aqua instructors. These dedicated individuals often find themselves teaching in less-than-ideal environments—hot, humid,...
Nov 27, 2013 | Blog Posts
Setting the scene Almost 10 years ago, I had the enormous privilege to present on behalf of the Continence Foundation of Australia with Mary O'Dwyer. This opportunity was on my wish list as I had heard of Mary for years and knew about her books, and quite simply, I...
Nov 27, 2013 | Blog Posts, Gymstick, Gymstick Articles, Gymstick Programs
Unconventional tools I have always been one to stray from the beaten path, drawn to unconventional ideas, tools, and programs. It's hard to pinpoint the exact reason behind this inclination. Perhaps it stems from my upbringing or even my genetics. Whatever the cause,...
Nov 27, 2013 | Blog Posts
'Life has seasons – winter, spring, summer and autumn' my mentor and friend Jennifer Schembri Portelli said to me a few years ago. I remember thinking that I believed her, but did not know what season I was in or when I would have that realisation. I knew that we did...
Nov 27, 2013 | Blog Posts
Pelvic floor awareness has been a passion for me. Travelling around the country and now New Zealand, I am constantly delighted and surprised by the interest in the topic, the lack of knowledge about this very important muscle and how it works within the body. It is...
Mar 23, 2023
How I found my tribe If you're like me, you love...
Oct 28, 2022
Have you ever really asked yourself why you...
Jul 17, 2022
The biggest challenge It's hard to let go of...
