How to Keep Fitness
Spring has sprung and it’s time to celebrate the progress that strong is the new sexy, fitness is fun, and Instagram health babes are the idols. Bright and beautiful smoothies and fresh produce have replaced Gwyneth’s cabbage water. The world has learnt that there is no magic pill, shake, tea, or superfood that can turn Rosie O’Donnell into Elle MacPherson. Being the best you can be with a healthy mind, body and soul has turned a corner and become fun. Brisbane is bursting with new and exciting ways to keep the blood pumping and mind motivated. There are so many places to explore and classes to try that by the time bikini season rolls around, Brisbane will stun. Inspired by the change in seasons and the recent opening of Simon Kerle’s Raw Power Yoga in Newstead, MyCityLife sits down and looks at ways to keep fit in Brisbane.
| WHERE TO GET FITNESS IN BRISBANE |
Brisbane is blessed with the most beautiful weather on the planet, so it makes sense to get outside and enjoy it. A must try on any fitness to-do list is Kangaroo Point. Getting in early is a must, as these stairs are a favourite for all of Brisbane’s fitness junkies. There’s the option of running along the top of the cliffs, through the parklands along the bottom, doing some bodyweight strength on the park equipment, or tackling the stairs themselves; or both. For that extra test, carry weights on the climb. For the ultimate challenge, attempt to break Sanford McMurray’s personal record of running the stairs 100 times in two hours.
For a moderate length scenic run start at the South Bank Parklands – another favourite workout hotspot and beautiful at sunrise – pass the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, over the Story Bridge and through the Botanical Gardens before returning to the Southbank Parklands for a well-earned post-workout meal. For those who like a challenge, there are a set of stairs behind Newmarket Station and another in Shorncliffe that are just begging to be covered in blood sweat and tears. For the penultimate test on two wheels, ride up Mt Nebo or Mt Cootha and be rewarded with sweet endorphins, jelly legs and a beautiful view. Of course, none of these need to be solo missions: dare your friends, or join your local fitness group and make new ones.
| PERSONAL TRAINERS |
Self-motivation is hard – and there’s only so many times that an inspiration board can be used as a lure to get out of bed. This is where a Personal Trainer comes in handy. Your very own personal trainer means being told what to do – to achieve that dream body. That also includes no excuses. PTs have studied long and hard to be experts in fitness and nutrition recommendations, and providing encouragement and support along the journey. PTs also offer training with a friend to split the costs down the middle: so that’s double the support and motivation for the price of one.
| WORK IT |
Keep working out fun by changing it up. So many classes incorporate sports with fitness and philosophies, while also presenting levels for complete beginners to superhuman professionals. Feel like a part of Cirque Du Soleil and take an AcroYoga class or two at Clayfield, get the grace and beauty of a Prima Ballerina by taking an Xtend Barre class at The Body Refinery in Newstead or be the next Rocky at Boxing Express Kangaroo Point. Shake your Iggy Azalea booty at Zumba classes, try out seductive Pole Fitness classes, join the CrossFit craze with Boxing Express, or find a Boot Camp in your area with Boot Camps Australia.
| YOGA |
Having a healthy mind is an incredibly important part of achieving a dream body, so de-stressing and stretching are an important part of any fitness regime. Heading to yoga first thing in the morning, or after your evening workout helps remove anxiety, stretching out those muscles so you can continue to get the best out of them. And just like frozen yoghurt, yoga comes in a variety of flavours from Bikram to Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and more. For all things yoga in the centre of Brisbane’s “Suburbs of Wholesome”, visit Yoga in Daily Life at Newstead or New Farm Power Yoga. Forthose who have limited time on their hands, Shri Yoga in Teneriffe have their Lunchtime Express class to calm those busy minds. And of course, around the corner in Newstead, brand new and shiny studio Raw Power Yoga have classes combining athleticism with fun, with Long Slow Deep Meditation also a part of the parcel.
| OUTDOOR CHALLENGES |
Fitness doesn’t have to be indoors. Grab your friends, and sign up for all of the upcoming muddy obstacle courses and fun runs popping up left right and centre. Many would have tested the skills and gotten dirty with the recent Stampede, The Spartan Race or taken the more “sedate” challenge of Bridge to Brisbane. But those who really feeling game and don’t mind getting mildly electrocuted the next Tough Mudder is all yours. However, for those who like it bright and fun, sign on for The Neon Run and The Colour Run where colour and glowing are taken to a whole new level. These obstacles also support charities, so completing them means feeling good for yourself and others.
