We are already a quarter of the way through 2012! Now that we are all back to work, school, study and gym schedules it is a good time to think about maximizing our workouts through setting a few fitness goals: e.g. fat loss, muscle gain, strength gains, start Pilates/yoga, improve flexibility or maintaining what you have.

As Dr. Stephen R. Covey, author of the international bestseller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People aptly puts it "starting with the end in mind" is always a positive way to set goals.  

I'd like to share with you some of my key questions that sparked my interest and have kept me focused. What do I want to feel like in 10-20 years time? Do I want to be agile and fit for my children, or have enough energy for my grandkids? Is there a marathon, triathlon or fun run I'd like to do? Do I want more "balance" and "less stress" in my life? Am I a positive role model for health and fitness for my family, friends and work colleagues? Are my goals achievable?

BodyTech can help you reach your fitness goals. Goal setting and being goal focused can help keep you workout motivated even through the dreariest of days.

So why not take charge and invest in a "start of the year" body assessment test, or strength test, cardio test, or if you're game all three. It's not a competition, just a way to gauge where you are currently with your fitness levels and where you'd like to go. You can make these bookings at the front desk for a nominal fee.  

Also don't forget we have complimentary program discussions with a trainer if you feel you need a whole new program or if you'd like to tweak it a bit.

In this newsletter we include inspiring member and staff stories that are truly uplifting, along with great member giveaways.

Monique Rana 

"Be the change you want to see in the world"- Mahatma Ghandi 

BodyTech member Mike Allsop has set his boldest challenge yet - to become the first New Zealander to run seven marathons on seven continents in just seven days.

Mike is a commercial airline pilot who has had a long history of realising his dreams through hard work and a systematic approach. He admits his gym training is the most significant part of the preparation for this and other monumental challenges he has accomplished.

In 2007 Mike conquered the ultimate mountaineer's challenge summating Mt Everest unguided. Once back NZ and settled into normal life, he began to think about exciting challenges that did not involve risking his life in such an extreme environment.  

This is how the "7 Marathons in 7 days on 7 Continents" idea started, from a need for a seemingly unattainable goal. Mike will use the 777 Project to inspire disadvantaged children raise $10,000 for the childrens' charity KidsCan.

"The key to making it possible is breaking it down into small achievable parts. First you have to 'dare' to achieve it and that is the really hard part. That takes guts. Then you set out on your path of many, many small steps towards your ultimate goal."

"This is where my gym training and BodyTech in particular comes in. I'm a big believer in professional coaches and the ability to work with my Personal Trainer, Dave Bryson is a critical component of my training schedule."

"Injury prevention is the key and correct strength training is very important. Having balance and developing muscles around my knees, hips and in my legs is what we concentrate on. Also a strong core is essential."

The five month buildup to 777 Project is now fully underway with the first marathon set for July 14. The itinerary is still being finalized but looks to include the Falkland Islands, Chile, Great Britain, United States, Egypt, China and New Zealand.

Two fundraising dinners are planned for April and June. Details and links to donate on www.777project.co.nz.

"Fuel your body before exercise and feed it after," says MedFit Director, Rachel Mahoney.

When you are weight training it is really important to eat before exercise as your body needs glucose or blood sugar to fuel your energy expenditure as you are working in short bursts (anaerobically). If you don't eat you can become dizzy, feel nauseous and your workouts may not be as effective. When you are doing lower intensity cardiovascular training your body is using fat as a fuel source so it is not so important.

Always eat after exercise. Eating after allows your body to adapt to the exercise that you are putting it through. Not eating will not allow your body to respond to the same degree and will slow down your improvement. Studies have shown that even though you are hungrier after exercise you will not eat as many calories as you have burnt. Click here to read about the study.  

"I'm one of the key defensive players on our squad and will be looked to often to get our team ahead. The team will be looking to me and several other team mates to be pumping them up and inspiring us during important games whether it be through firing up the team through being loud or by pulling out a big defensive play.

I'll also be running the warm ups and cool downs for the squad which involves leading a dynamic warm up and a sometimes yoga inspired cool down stretch.

As fitness coach I'm designing and planning our fitness and goals heading into Worlds in Japan this July. It's my vision that we turn up as one of the fittest teams there. As such I'm driving both teams to be more accountable for their fitness and am implementing fitness tests and phased fitness plans to both teams. I'm confident all this effort will give us the best build up we can have."

We'll fill you in on how Adam does at the Worlds. To find out more about NZ Ultimate, click here.

New Staff

We welcome to our front line team; Luzaan Goussard as sales manager / membership advisor along with Michael who will be replacing Alina as a membership advisor.

You may have already met Hayley Morrison at check in as our new front desk receptionist Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

Farewells

Membership advisor Alina Stoican who worked at Smales then Mt Eden, has left to pursue full time study. We wish her well in her future endeavours.

Peter Harden Fitness/Personal Trainer and bull rider has left to start a new life in Melbourne. We wish him every success in Australia.

To trainers Steve Ah Chong, Justin Bradley and Lawrie Tamati, we wish all the best for their futures.

Yoga with Karla Brodie 

Classes, private lessons and retreats are available.

Weekly classes are held at BodyTech on:

Tuesday 6.30-7.30am

Wednesday 9.30-10.30am, and

Wednesday 6.30pm-8pm

Classes through March and April return to the yoga fundamentals of breathing freely and mindfully in dynamic and restorative practice. Class size is limited to 8 students to maximize individual attention.

Bookings essential with Karla directly, 021964252,karla.brodie@gmail.com . See  www.karlabrodie.co.nz for further class details and up and coming retreat days.

Reformer Pilates for 2

Ilka is available for private classes for 2 people $99. To secure your time with Ilka please email: ilka@bodytech.co.nz 

For up to date class schedule, please check at the front desk reception and/or our website.

Easter Break

A reminder that both gyms will be closed statutory days over Easter and ANZAC.

6th April - Good Friday

9th April - Easter Monday

25th April - ANZAC Day

Glossy Magazines

Thank you to members who have kindly donated some of the latest glossy magazines. Thanks also to those of you who have offered feedback on our magazines. We subscribe to 10 new monthly magazines from NZ and abroad, over and above 5 - 8 regular weeklies, some of which seem to have a habit of disappearing due to circumstances beyond our control. A friendly reminder to leave magazines in the gym area so everyone can catch-up on the latest.

Towel Service

If you've forgotten your towel, a reminder that we offer a towel service. All of our towels are laundered offsite daily, so please don't be offended with nominal charge of $3 per towel. Please pay at front reception. We also provide Towel bins in the locker rooms for you to deposit after use.

Personal Effects

A reminder to members to remove all valuables from your car prior to your workouts.

Amy Russell, Membership Co-ordinator, recently qualified as a nutritionist (BSc). Amy, who also studied sport science, is passionate about helping people, using her knowledge in nutrition and health to help personalise a plan based on an individual's needs and goals. Whether it is for enhancing sport performance, some guidance on what foods to eat and when, or a little help with weight-loss, Amy would love to see you. She has worked with a variety of people with different allergies and intolerances and works to help improve your overall health.

If you would like more information, or would like to request an appointment time, contact Amy via email: amy@bodytech.co.nz

Chicken and Quinoa San Choi Bow

Ingredients

700g chicken mince

1½ cups (300g) raw quinoa

375g water chestnuts, drained & chopped

1 medium large knob ginger, chopped

2 medium hot chillies, chopped

½ cup (100ml) tamari

¼ cup (50ml) maple syrup

2 Tb (50ml) camellia tea or macadamia nut oil

1 Tb (20ml) sesame oil

1 Tb potato or corn flour

15 iceberg lettuce cups

5 sprigs coriander

some carrot & capsicum strips

slivers of shallots as garnish

Directions

• Rinse quinoa well and cook absorption method, using 1 cup quinoa to 1¾ cups water.
• Heat oil in wok, add mince, chillies and ginger and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly to break up any lumps.
• Add tamari and maple syrup and cook further.
• Mix potato or corn flour with a little water to thicken the mix slightly and to give it a glossy appearance. Check seasoning.
• Fill into washed and trimmed lettuce cups and garnish with sprinkles of carrot, shallot, capsicum and coriander.
• Serve with sweet chilli sauce and lime wedges on the side.

Serves 15

Gwinganna  

  

Hot on the heels of the best-selling book Accidentally Overweight, Dr Libby Weaver's new book Rushing Woman's Syndrome is set to be another best-seller.  It explores how different parts of human biochemistry are affected by rushing. The nervous system, endocrine system (including sex and stress hormones, the thyroid and the pituitary gland) and the digestive system are examined, as well as the emotional aspect of 'why' women rush.  

Dr Libby has kindly offered three books for BodyTech members as prizes. To win: take the "Rushing Women's Test", then post something about what you learnt onto Dr Libby's Facebook page . 

Winners will be drawn on Friday, March 30.

Member discount for Dr Libby's next seminar

The next Essential Women's Health Weekend seminar is being held at the Ellerslie Event Centre in Auckland on May 19 and 20.  

Cost for BodyTech members is $449 [a saving of $346 on the standard ticket price of $795, thanks to Dr Libby's kind offer.] To secure your place at this informative, inspiring weekend please e-mail info@drlibby.com .

Gwinganna giveaway

We recently attended a Gwinganna talk on health essentials in Auckland. The event also gave us a chance to preview their latest lifestyle and recipe book From Garden to Gourmet. Featuring over 100 recipes, it is an amazing collaboration between Head Chef Hermann Shafellener, Dr. Libby Ellis and Gwinganna's staff. http://www.gwinganna.com

Click on the link on our Facebook page and write Gwinganna giveaway to win a copy of this exceptional book. Winner drawn March 30.

Win a 3-month supply of Hubbard REAL Cereal

Become a fan of Hubbard's by clicking LIKE on their Facebook page and write "BodyTech"-  and tell us what your favourite Hubbard's cereal is to eat while trying to achieve your fitness goals. The three month supply will be picked up from 8 Nugent Street. Winner drawn March 30. 

Congratulations to our last newsletter winners:

The Schwarzkopf Bonacure Oil prizes went to Kelly Mangin and Jo Keston.

The City Cake Company Christmas Cake winner was Vicky Hacket Pain.

SABATO Hamper winner was Louisa Redshaw.

Social Media

It pays to LIKE BodyTech on Facebook. Last month three members won a 30 minute Personal Training session each for just voting on what type of music they'd like to hear while working out. The winners names are on Facebook.

Keep an eye out for our regular online competitions, articles and up to date tips for you to read. You can also follow Monique on Twitter as bodytechfitmama for fit tips, conversation and motivation to get you moving!

New Balance

For sponsoring our uniforms and for stocking our shoe library. If you've forgotten your trainers ask at the front desk. No excuses for not working out.

 Schwarzkopf Professional  

For supplying Professional salon shampoos in Mt Eden and Ascot Clubs. All Schwarzkopf Professional 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.

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, assorted teas and Natvia natural sweetener.  Breakfast is only available Monday and Tuesday 6.30am-10.30am.

Roses Florist

Thanks for gracing Reception with lovely floral arrangements throughout the year 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 

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.