While recently researching cardiovascular health, I came across a shocking reality.

Did you know, that Cardiovascular disease (CVD) kills one Australian every 12 minutes and is one of the major causes of death in Australia?

And that last year, cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of 43,477 Australians (nearly 30% of all deaths) – and that these deaths are largely preventable?

Close to three quarters (73%), of Australians aged 30 to 65 years reported having been told by their doctor they have at least one risk factor for heart disease. That’s a very high percentage. The Heart Foundation has a fantastic range of easily digestible information sheets on all things heart related- from risk factors to warning signs and preventative measures.

You can find this information here.

So, don’t miss a beat, read up on all matters of the heart today.

Post by Kara Lucas
Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

Incorporating fitness equipment into your workout can help mix things up and keep you motivated.

You don’t have to spend a fortune either.
Check out these three fantastic fitness accessories (and how to use them) all for under $10!

Kettlebell Squat Upright Row

This fantastic exercise works the glutes, legs and shoulders.
COST: $ 6.00 (4Kg Kettlebell)

HOW TO:

1. Stand tall, feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell by the handle in front of your thighs.
2. Assume a squat position.
3. As your legs extend from this squat position, lift the handle of the kettlebell up to your collarbone.
4. Slowly lower the kettlebell back down into the starting position and smoothly repeat.

 

Dumbbell Forward Lunge Bicep Curl

If you want to work your quads, hamstrings, glutes and biceps, then this exercise is for you!
COST: $ 8.00 ( 2Kg Dumbbells )

HOW TO:

1. Stand tall, feet hip distance apart, arms straight with hands by your side, gripping dumbbells. Take a large step forward with one foot and lower your body toward the floor.  (At the bottom of the lunge both legs are bent at a 90-degree angle)
2. Bring weights in towards shoulders to complete bicep curl then push off front foot and return to start.
3. Repeat on the other side.

 

Medicine Ball Russian Twist

This exercise is a perfect way to work those abs.
COST: $ 7.50 ( 3Kg Medicine Ball )

HOW TO:

1. Begin in a seated position with knees bent, feet off the floor and holding medicine ball in front of chest a few inches.
2. Twist the ball to your left hip bone, keeping body centred.
3. Twist the ball to your right hip bone, keeping body centred.
4. This is one repetition. Continue to twist back and forth for desired number of repetitions or length of time.

 

As always, before starting any new exercise activity consult your health and fitness professional.

Can you believe 2017 has almost come to an end,
And those well awaited Christmas holidays are just around the bend.
We have some final words to share with you before we part,
Some health tips and tricks to keep your holiday ‘street smart.’

 

By ‘street smart’ we mean- to help you stay fit and strong,
Throughout your holiday break, which for many is summer long. 
And let’s face it, we will all splurge on a goodie or two,
Cuz it’s been a big year and after all it’s a holiday for you!

 

To all those lucky ones out there who are heading away,
And looking for some fitness ideas to try on a holiday-
Because whether it’s travelling abroad, or at a local destination,
You can still include exercise, regardless of your location. Read more

Top Tips for Active Kids

While modern technology offers plenty of benefits to our kids, one thing it can’t facilitate is active play! If you are looking for outdoor activity ideas to take part in with your little ones, we’ve got our top tips below. Read more

When it comes to weight loss there is no quick fix or magic pill but with a combination of exercise and a good nutrition, nature has provided us with some foods that can assist you in burning those extra kilos.

Try incorporating our top five fat burning foods into your diet!

Spice It Up

Holy Guacamole! Chillies and spicy foods contain a compound called capsaicin which has the ability to convert food into energy which can speed up fat loss. So, turn up the heat by adding chillies, cayenne pepper, black pepper and turmeric into your diet.

Read more