7 Signs You’re Wearing the Wrong Sports Bra

I’ll put my hand up : I’m all-too guilty of buying the prettiest bra, rather than the best suited. I’m a sucker for florals.

However, it’s arguably the most important pieces of kit you’ll own, and can make-or-break a good workout. So many of us are wearing poorly fitted sports bras: uncomfortable at best, and genuinely dangerous for your health at worst.

Permanent soft tissue damage can result from improper support when you’re working out, so make sure you’re strapped in sufficiently.

 

Running Bare’s KINKY No Bounce Crop Top

 

Check whether you have the best support next time you workout with these 7 signs.

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7 SIGNS YOURE WEARING THE WRONG SPORTS BRA:

1. You have a case of the ‘back sausage’
Unsightly bulges from under your bra indicate that the supportive band is too tight.

2. The double-boob
So you’ve squeezed them in,  but now it looks like you have four boobs. You clearly have a bangin’ rack, but lets keep it under wraps.

3. Chest pain after a workout
Pain during or after a workout can be related to the impact on your soft tissue.

4. Back and shoulder ache
It’s bad enough you sit at a desk all day, but now you’re suffering from back aches from body pump. Rubbish.

5. You are always aware of it
You should feel comfortable in your bra – if you’re constantly aware of it, its time for a change.

6. Skin imprints
No clothing should leave its mark on you, even if it is 100% lycra.

7. Movement while running
While a little bit of giggle is to be expected, some women can experience up to 20cm of movement when they run. This is the worst culprit of soft-tissue damage, so watch out for that bounce.

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TIPS:

When buying a bra, consider the impact level of the exercise you’ll be doing. The higher the impact, the more supportive your bra should be.

Low impact: yoga, pilates, strength training, swimming.

Medium impact: power walking, cycling, rowing.

Impact: jogging / running, kick-boxing, netball.

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FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT:

Any good sports bra retailer will talk you through their selection and discuss what size and style is right for you – just be sure to ask in-store.

If you can’t make it to a physical appointment, try the Nike Pro 360 Fit System. A quick test will tell you what size you should be wearing.

Product Review: Omniblend Blender

If you’re anything like me, you blend, a lot. 

My blender is my healthy-kitchen staple, and not a day goes by when I’m not whizzing up something nutritious. But let me {rewind} a few years to my unhealthier days. I was limited on the kitchen equipment front, so much so that I survived without an oven for 8 months.

{Fastforward} I had a little epiphany when moving to Australia, and really began to take notice of my nutrient intake. Rather than buying pasta sauces, soups and smoothies, I began to make everything from scratch, but recipes were hampered by a lack of blending equipment. I mean, making almond butter in a pestle and mortar just isn’t quite going to cut it. 

I spent hours researching the blenders online, and found some very useful reviews. While I would have loved to spend in excess of $1,000 on the most highly acclaimed brand, I couldn’t justify it. Unsurprisingly, many other people had found themselves in the same predicament, and suggested suitable alternatives.

I settled on the Omniblend. With 5 years warranty and not an unhappy customer in sight, I was sold. This is the mean-machine that produces all my recipes, from raw cheesecakes to creamy protein shakes.

Now you may be thinking “argh, another blog endorsement”, but I’ll put the record straight : It was through my own personal choice and research that I bought my very own Omniblend (or rather, I hinted to Mr Fit Foodie).

I’ve been giving this baby a very good workout for the last 18 months, and have never been left disappointed. So if you are looking for a powerful blender, take a look at reviews online and consider this one. You can even use the code “THEFITFOODIE” on the Omniblend website for a $10 discount.

 

Also, sign up to the blog for your chance to WIN A FREE Omniblend! Competition details will be released next month.

Keep it smooth Fitties,

“Contrary to popular belief, you can eat delicious, indulgent food that’s great for your body” ~ The Fit Foodie

The Meaning of Yoga

I’ll admit it: I used to think yoga consisted of chanting, ill-fitting tie-dye and was reserved only for people with a name like Willow. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been to a few of those classes.

Rather than enjoying the moment (as I was so politely instructed), my head has been full of thoughts of ‘what is that disgusting rose incense filling my nostrils’, and ‘must remember to pay the gas bill’ – probably not the desired effect, offering nothing more than a chance to run through my to-do list in a quiet room.

However, the face of yoga has evolved rapidly over the last few years, catering to anyone who is simply looking for a bit of ‘me-time’. This is awesome news for city-dwellers and country bumpkins alike – a place to stretch, flow and relax, wherever the mood takes you.

I realised today when leaving my weekly class that yoga means different things to different people. That in itself, is what makes it so awesome.

For me, yoga is a weekly appointment I set with myself to clear my mind, stretch and meet like-minded people. It’s not about ‘finding’ myself, or even working out.

Hip-hop yoga (so cool!), acro yoga, or just plain old yin – it’s all out there ready for you to experiment. Yoga can be whatever you want it to be. Just because you don’t know the meaning of the ‘eagle’ pose, doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from it. Find out what yoga means to you, and enjoy it for that.

Benefits

Whatever you opt for, virtually any type of yoga will help you improve your:

• strength
• flexibility
• balance
• stress levels
• tight muscles and joints

You might need to try a few classes to find the right one for your needs, and that’s cool. There are so many ways to get your ‘om’ on!

I can highly recommend the Lulu Lemon Community Yoga for FREE classes in a store near you. Their ‘gift of yoga’ is a fantastic way to test-drive the ever-rotating mix of styles and teachers who run classes in your area, without costing you a penny.

 

So what are you waiting for? You don’t have to be good, flexible, or know what you’re doing. It’s called yoga practise for a reason.

Namaste,

SYDNEY: The ultimate heath, wellness and beauty show

Women of Sydney, you’re in for an awesome treat this Spring.

Get your blood pumping, detox your mind and body, learn about health issues, holistic therapy and massage, explore how to nourish your body and soul with new information and experiences, pick up essential beauty tips and take the first steps towards achieving your health and fitness goals – all under one roof!

Winter Quiche Recipe and Supplements Cafe Review

Good morning Fitties!

If you live on my side of the globe, you may well be in the throws of a winter hiatus. Douvet days, t.v. and a whole lot of comfort food.

Believe me, I get it.

Who wants to head out for a run on a cold winters eve with a thousand layers, only to remove them all when you begin to sweat?
So while you may be pulling back a little from your outdoor exercise regime, now is the time to pay extra attention to your diet…

A few weeks ago I was invited to the launch of Performa Nutrition’s brand new supplements cafe in Waterloo, Sydney. They were giving out free pterostilbene 50mg samples, which turned out to be pretty good.

My Five Fave Foodie Blogs

So excited to be named one of Lazy Girl Fits top 5 food blogs. What a write up!

lazy girl fitness

I like food. I like to eat it. I like to think about eating it. I like to talk about eating it. I like to read about it. I like to look at photos of it. I like to take photos of it.

I have an addiction to food, and as far as addictions go I guess it’s not a bad one – though the drool on my keyboard does make it difficult to type at times…

You know who I blame? Ladies, I’m looking at you:

Edible Perspective | The Shrinking Hubby | The Fit Foodie

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January’s Most Wanted

Happy New Year Fitties!
2014 is going to be the year you become the best version of you. Eat more kale, sign up to a dance class, drink a green juice, meditate for 10 minutes a day.

Small changes make for big impacts.

Most importantly work hard, enjoy life, and be happy.
Your body and mind will reward you in ways you never thought possible.

With that in mind, check out my top picks for kicking off the new year with a healthy mind and body:

Food & Fitness: December’s Most Wanted

With the silly season just around the corner, make sure you take some time out to be kind to yourself with these fantastic buys.

Food & Fitness: November’s Most Wanted

Spring is the time to dust off those sneakers and get your body beach-ready. Get off to a flying start with my top picks for November.

 

1. Nutritionist in your pocket: Bupa FoodSwitch App
I’m always advising people to read nutritional labels, but admittedly it does take a while longer to navigate the supermarket. This helpful little app will scan the barcode of a chosen product, then suggest healthier alternatives by comparing fat, calories, carb and sugar content. You can also set it to Gluten or Salt Switch, dependant on your dietary needs. Not only is it a stroke of genius, it’s free. Fantastic.
bupa.com.au/foodswitch

2. Body care with a conscience: Thankyou. Hand Lotion
Get super-soft hands while helping someone in need. One Thankyou Hand Lotion™ bottle directly contributes to one person receiving access to health and hygiene training in an underdeveloped country. You can even ‘track your impact’ by entering your unique bar code online to see which project you have directly contributed to. Head over to the website to check it out, along with their delicious new cereals and muesli range.
thankyou.co

3. Clever Konjac: Slendier Rice
If you haven’t jumped on the Konjac bandwagon yet, you’re missing out. Originating from Asia, it remains a staple vegetable in many eastern diets and is used to make fantastic pasta and grain substitutes. It’s extremely high in fibre, low in calories and low in carbs. In fact, just one serve of Slendier Rice yields just 12kcals, so you can fill up, without filling out. Get over to the Slendier website for more information and delicious recipe ideas.
slendierslim.com.au

4. Protein a go-go: Slim Secrets Fit & Fab Mini Protein Bars
Proof once again that good things come in small packages, these mini protein bars from Slim Secrets pack a whopping 9.5g of protein per serve. Perfect for refuelling post-workout, or  just when you need a little treat. Wheat free, low carb and containing less than 1g of sugar,  these bars are your powerful new workout companion.
slimsecrets.com.au 

5. Fierce new gym wear: Vie Active 
Hot workout brand Vie Active are rocking it with their latest release of high-fashion, high performance gym wear. This is more than just a crop top and a pair of leggings we’re talking about here: this slinky black leopard gear will leave you feeling sexy, supported and invincible on the gym floor.
vieactivewear.com