|
Greetings! Wow, what a year it has been. From the highs of moving into our new Nugent Street premises and the All Blacks bringing home the Rugby World Cup to the lows of the earthquakes in Christchurch, it's now time to rejoice in the Christmas holiday spirit. We are looking forward to the summer months where we can unwind, kick back and enjoy the precious moments with family, friends, BBQ's and time at the beach! Having said that, those of us who have been mindful throughout the year with exercise and healthy eating can continue through the summer holidays with our help. BodyTech offers a complementary Holiday Programme Workout, just book in at Reception for a programme discussion. You can also purchase Therabands for added resistance to your workouts while away. The three gifts I'd like to share with you this summer are not to be kept but to passed on: - The Gift of Mindfulness: Take time to truly be "in" the present moment, whether it is eating a meal alone with no distractions or spending time with friends. The key is to not let your mind wander - just be present and fully engaged.
- The Gift of No Technology: Go on a technological fast for 24 hours. No TV, computer, phone, IPod, Xbox etc. You'll realise just how much time you do have to practice mindfulness.
- The Gift of Thankfulness: Start your day with affirming what you are thankful for. Be it your health, family, relationships and or business, it's a great reminder that no matter how dark things can get, there is always "light in what we can be thankful for."
On behalf of all the amazing BodyTech Team, Peter and I would like to wish you all a safe, happy holiday and Christmas. Look forward to catching you up in 2012. Warmest regards, Peter & Monique
|
In the spirit of Christmas, giving to others selflessly - whether reaching out to a friend, neighbour, our community or further afield - is encapsulated in our member story. Uni student, Clare Barrett, 22, is passionate about making a difference in this world. Next month she heads off to Uganda with" Global Volunteer Network". Find out how BodyTech is helping prepare her for what's ahead.
Einstein once said, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile" and I very much agree. So on the 12th of December I am flying to the small town of Mukono in Uganda to volunteer for four to six weeks. I'll be involved in a public health improvement programme where I design and present seminars on basic hygiene, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, STDs, domestic violence and women's rights etc for adults and secondary schools. I will also be helping out orphanages in different villages, taking part in the organic farming programmes, and acting as a counselling/mentor for young children and teenagers.
It's an exciting project and I know I have to be in peak condition - physically and emotionally prepared so that I can really make a difference as a volunteer in a foreign country. As with other major challenges I've faced so far, I know I couldn't do this without BodyTech.
My focus this year has been on strength, doing weights at least three times a week and the same for cardio. The commitment I have made to my training programme at BodyTech has been instrumental in preparing for my trip because I have had to become the master of my own mind. When I don't feel like going to the gym, I "just do it", when it hurts I know I've been there before so I push myself through it and in doing so I know I've always got more to give.
Uganda will be extremely hot and there is going to be a lot of walking between villages - at least 10km a day but probably a lot more. I think I'll be pretty hard pressed to find a gym there, so before I leave I'll get the trainers to take me through some body weight work-outs so I can maintain my strength.
I know it's going to be an emotional rollercoaster and my ability to just keep going and move through it will be vital. In big part, I'll have BodyTech to thank for that.
To help defer the cost of this trip I've decided to do some fundraising. Because most Ugandan girls and women have really short hair, I am having my hair "buzzed cut" to raise money for this trip.
Joe from New Way Barbers across the courtyard from BodyTech will be giving me the "crew cut" on Wednesday, December 7 at 5.30pm at BodyTech Reception. To donate click here.
|
The Gift of Fitness: This year, slip a "Health Club" under a family or friends' Christmas tree. We have a 3-month Christmas Gift Certificate for only $199. Available now until December 24.
Our Gift to You: As a BodyTech member, we are providing you with an exclusive opportunity. If you refer a friend or family member who purchases our 12 month Christmas membership*, we will return the favour by gifting you a free two-month membership to be used for yourself or a special friend. Call or enquire today as this is a strictly limited offer. *Special conditions apply.
|
Business cards with our Christmas hours are available from Reception. We've noted them here for your advanced planning. 
|
With the weather warming up it's time to get back out on the golf course. While not a contact sport like rugby, the golf swing still places significant demands on your body, especially if you haven't done it for a while. Follow these tips to stay in shape and avoid injury on the course.
Warm up: Before you practice your golf swing or play a round of golf, warm up with some stretches and practice swings.
Start slowly: Work up to your desired level of activity, starting with a small bucket of balls at the range (it is okay not to finish them) and build up slowly.
Strengthen your muscles: The stronger your muscles, the greater your club speed and the less prone you are to golf injuries. BodyTech's Supervised Spine programme is designed with golf in mind and includes the Torso Rotation and Stretch machine, both golf specific machines.
Focus on flexibility: Regular stretching can improve your range of motion and lead to a more fluid golf swing. Ask an Instructor to show you some stretches next time you're in.
Develop endurance: Regular aerobic activity (walk, jog, cycle, swim) can give you staying power on the course.
Lift your clubs carefully: Keep your back straight (neutral) and use the strength of your legs to lift your clubs and other heavy objects.
Choose proper footwear: Wear golf shoes with short cleats. Long cleats dig into the sod and hold your feet planted as you swing, which may strain your knees or ankles.
Osteopathy and Physiotherapy are both up and running at BodyTech's Mt Eden and Ascot. Both members and non-members are welcome. For any musculoskeletal injuries, neck and or back problems, please phone Mt. Eden 623-3383 Ascot 524 5224 or email.
|
Walk for Hope fundraiser on October 29 had the biggest turnout of supporters to date. BodyTech's Monique, Danielle Rana and Personal Trainer Ilka led the energetic warm-up onstage for the annual 5 km walk which was held at Takahi Reserve Mt Eden. We encourage members to join us for the Walk for Hope next October. We will keep you posted.
www.agirlcalledhope.org.nz
|
Auckland Marathon: Congratulations to members and staff who competed in Auckland Marathon on October 30. The BodyTech team who ran the full 42km was; Dave B, Richard, Wayne, and AJ. Alana and Amriesh also completed the Auckland Half Marathon. If you'd like to register for next year's event click here. If you have any photos that you'd like us to upload to our Face Book page please send them to Monique@bodytech.co.nz.
New York Marathon: Last December we profiled member Sara Brown's journey from novice to accomplished gym member. 12 months later we congratulate her on achieving her goal of running the New York Marathon on November 6. Sarah gives us the inside story:
"Wahoo I ran the New York marathon! Well, ran the first 25 km without stopping, mostly ran the next 10 km, then crawled, limped and hobbled to the finish line with a very crippled left leg with a time of 5.47.
The marathon was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. I felt like a rock star, the whole city seemed to be behind us with bands playing and cheering crowds at least five deep most of the way. They even cheer for the slow ones like me - in fact I think they especially cheer for us.
In the well organized marathon 'village' waiting (four hours) for my turn to run there were bands, food, and drink. They played Frank Sinatra's New York New York just before we ran over Staten Island Bridge, then at the sound of a canon we started running. As we were all put into running pods on our estimated time, the running flowed really well.
Coming up to the last mile I struggled with my whole left leg and could hardly walk let alone run, but the crowds were cheering, Go Sugar, Go Blondie, You can do it... Then this hilarious woman jumped out and yelled at me, "You move your ass girl" and she ran alongside me for a few minutes yelling (mostly inappropriate, but funny) tough love chants at me.
After talking to other more experienced runners in the group, most of them did a time of half an hour more than their Auckland/standard marathon time. I think if my leg hadn't totally gone I would have probably finished in a time of 5.15/5.30ish and if I had have been fit I think I would have finished about 4.30ish. I am thrilled and so pleased I did it. Well worth the tears and frustrations for sure. You must do it one day, it is quite incredible."
|
Mat Pilates: The last Mat Pilates class for 2011 is Thursday, December 22, resuming on Monday, January 9.
Pilates Reformer Workshops will begin early February 2012. Please email if you are interested. Limit 4 people per class.
New- Reformer Personal Training: Pilates one-on-one and two-on-one sessions on the Reformer. A great Christmas idea for you and a friend or partner. $55 for 30 minutes one-on-one, $79 for 1 hour one-on-one; $99 for 1 hour two-on-one. Book now at Mt Eden Reception or email.
Yoga: The last Yoga class for 2011 is Wednesday December 21. Classes for the New Year are to be confirmed.
Outdoor Fitness: BodyTech is running a 6 week programme of outdoor exercise classes over the summer break beginning on Monday, December 5.
Classes will be run in the morning and evening on Monday and Wednesday between the 5th December and 21st December then there will be a Christmas Break with the remaining 3 weeks beginning back on the 9th January and finishing on 25th January.
These hour-long classes will be a mixture of strength and cardio. They are available to members and non-members. So invite your friends to join you.
Please contact Reception for more details and bookings.
For more updated class schedules check the BodyTech's Facebook page and/or our website. |
Mt Eden
On the Move: Wayne Clarke our Sales Manager, who has been with us for nearly seven years is leaving. He will be greatly missed. We wish him every success in his future endeavours.
Farewell to Wendy from Accounts who, after 5+ years part-time at BodyTech is moving on to take up fulltime employment. Also, leaving are Fitness Trainer/Supervisor Mareeba Hendgen, Personal Trainer Matt Harper and Rebecca Dowse from Nugent. We wish then well in their future endeavours.
Welcome to Scott and Sam, our new Fitness Trainers at Mt. Eden.
Promotion: Congratulations to Grace Walker who has been promoted to Front Desk Supervisor.
Ascot
Farewell: Gabrielle Colley is leaving to finish her studies at University.
Welcome: Keven and Ben as Fitness Trainers at Ascot.
|
BodyTech Breakfasts: The last breakfast at Mt. Eden is served Tuesday December 20, resuming on Monday, February 13, 2012. Car Park: A reminder for members that there are specified "BodyTech Reserved" car parks on level 5 for BodyTech members. In addition to this you have access to parking on levels 6 & 7, however these levels have a strict 2 hour parking limit. Any cars that remain in the car park for more than 2 hours will be given a ticket. Please do not park in the six allocated spaces for "BodyTech Staff" on Level 6. At times these car parks may be empty, however many of our staff are shift workers who come in at various times during the day. Thank you. Gym Etiquette: As summer fast approaches so does the increase of our body odour and perspiration. If this is the case, please apply deodarant or crystals before working out. As a courtesy to fellow members and for hygiene reasons, please remember to wipe down your exercise machines post use with the towel and spray bottles provided. Don't forget to bring your own sweat towel. Towel Hire is available from front Reception for $3. Please remember to return BodyTech towels in the locker room towel bins before leaving . |
Auckland Dermatology's Susan Devonshire has these sun smart skin tips.
Daily: Wear sunscreen 30 SPF 30+ every day: It is your #1 anti-ageing product, but more importantly it reduces the risk of melanoma. Preferably purchase Australasian brands and always check that the sun block/screen has not expired.
Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours of 10 am and 4 pm when possible.
Reapply: At the beach/pools: apply sun block before you enter the water and reapply sunscreen every time you get out of the water. Carry a facecloth in a plastic zip lock bag, soak with water, wipe your face and reapply sunscreen.
Everyone should use sunscreen: Melanoma has the highest rate of increase with those people with medium to olive coloured skin. New Zealand has periods of very high UV radiation, meaning that everyone, regardless of skin type, should be aware of the risk of skin damage. Many people with olive skin underestimate how much protection they need.
Auckland Dermatology also has a broad range of specialist skin products for those with sun damaged, sensitive or hypoallergenic skin reactions. We also offer the best available skin protection preparations to help prevent skin damage from the harsh New Zealand sun. http://www.dermatology.co.nz
|
Our Registered Nutritionist Nicola Page says summer is a great opportunity to optimize your wellbeing by increasing vegetables through summer salads. Aim for as many colours as you can for the different phytochemicals, which give antioxidant and health promoting benefits. Experiment with dressings by replacing olive oil with flaxseed oil, a golden oil like 'liquid sunshine' rich in omega 3 fats which improve your skin from the inside. Look for this oil at health stores (Note: should be refrigerated, and used within six weeks after opening). Nicole can be contacted on 027 277 6445 for consultations. |
This recipe was a sure winner in our household this spring. From Gwinganna's Health Retreat Kitchen - Coconut Crusted Fish Ingredients: 1kg snapper 1 cup (80g) desiccated coconut 1 tbsp (25g) sesame seeds ½ bunch fresh coriander zest & juice of 1 lime 1 tsp maple syrup sea salt & pepper Directions: - In food processor combine coconut, sesame seeds and coriander and blend until finely chopped.
- Add remaining ingredients, except fish, until combined.
- Cut snapper either into bite size pieces or main course size.
- Press the topping onto the fish pieces and bake in pre-heated oven 160ºC until cooked.
Serves 6 as main course or 20 bite sizes. Gwinganna |
City Cake Company Mt Eden
Keep Thursday, December 10 free from 6pm, to sample the delicious Christmas products for gift ideas at City Cake Company's Mt Eden Shop, 426 Mt Eden Road.
Pictured is just one of the cakes from City Cake Company's Christmas range at Mt Eden . To win this delectable Christmas cake from Mt Eden's City Cake Company, send your details with "City Cake Competition" in the subject line. Winner will be drawn on Monday, December 8.
Sabato
Be in to win a gourmet Sabato Hamper Set which includes Ray McVinnie Saigon Splash Dressing, Julie Le Clerc Moroccan Chutney, Peter Gordon Fig Walnut & Whiskey Chutney and Sabato's own Pronto Rosso and Pasta Sauce with sweet peppers and chilli. Please e-mail your details with "Sabato" in the subject line. Winner will be notified December 8.
 Schwarzkopf Professional
We have two 100 ml BC Bonacure Miracle Oils to giveaway. One for fine to normal hair types and the other for normal to thick hair types. The first two correct entries will win.
What are all of the hair products that Schwarzkopf Professional provides? To find the answers click here.
E-mail your details plus hair type with "Bonacure Miracle Oil" in the subject line. Winners drawn December 8.
Canteen Cafe extends a 10% discount off their Blackboard Menu only. Just show your member key tag when paying. Offer valid until December 31.
New Way Barbers extends $5 off to BodyTech members. Just show your member key tag when paying.
|
Thank you to all of our long-term sponsors for your generous continued support:
New Balance For sponsoring our Fitness uniforms and for stocking our shoe library. If you've forgotten your trainers ask at the front desk. No excuses for not working out. Vitasoy , Hubbard's , Scarborough Fair Foods, Natvia Thank you for encouraging BodyTech Mt Eden members to make time for breakfast. Sponsored breakfast includes cereal, non-dairy soy/rice milk and assorted teas and is only available Monday and Tuesday 6.30am-10.30am. Vitasoy's Facebook page Roses Florist Thanks Roses for the beautiful special Nutrition Week floral arrangement and for the special member discount of 15% off flower purchases $60 and over. Roses, 437 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden Village, ph 630 5369, email info@rosesflorists.co.nz Schwarzkopf Professional For supplying Professional salon shampoos in Mt Eden, Ascot and Viaduct clubs. All Schwarzkopf shampoo can be purchased from HUE Salons. New from Schwarzkopf Professional is BC Oil Miracle finishing treatments available in two variants; normal to thick or fine to normal hair types. They offer amazing benefits; opulent shine, speeds up blow drying with a light styling control and an anti-frizz protection. A luxurious final step to your care routine. Richard Kavanagh For providing hairdryers and straightening irons to Mt Eden. Elizabeth Arden Fragrances for men and women available at reception. Don't forget to sample one of the wonderful fragrances as you leave. City Cake Company for the creative cake designs and prizes. Sabato For sponsoring events at BodyTech and this years Christmas Hamper draw.  |
|
