Edition 4 – February 2016
A FIT, FAST AND FANTASTIC START TO 2016
A new year is a great opportunity to get yourself in shape, lose those extra Christmas kilos or get into a different sport to have fun while keeping that cholesterol down. Whatever your goals, we’ve got a few tips to keep you on track in 2016 and beyond.
Making good on your NY health goals About half of us make New Year resolutions, yet less than 10% of us actually see them through to the end of the year. Here are six top tips for making good on your health goals this year. Many equally apply to whatever challenge you may set yourself this year. 1 – Make prep your first step ‘If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail’ may be a cliché, but it’s true. So, if you want 2016 to be the year to achieve your optimum fitness and health level, help yourself in the long run by making some changes up front. Clear out your cupboards of any sweet treats and empty your fridge of anything that could make you stray. If the gym is your new thing, get in the habit of keeping fit by locking-in your class and session times in your diary at the start of every month. 2 – Make It measurable It’s easier to achieve something if you can visualize what you want to achieve. So rather than say: “I’m going to get fit” or “I’m going to trim down” make it measurable with: “I’m going to complete the local 10k in May” or “I want to drop 7kg by July”. If you find that you lose your way in the coming months, a concrete goal can help you get back on the right path again more quickly.
3 –Put it in writing When something’s written down it’s far harder to ignore. It’s why ‘To Do’ lists get done and why you turn up to events in your diary. The same is true with your goals. If you get to read about them before you leave the house in the morning, you’re far more likely to do something about them. Write it in the form of a simple commitment: I WILL GO TO THE GYM THREE TIMES A WEEK and watch yourself go. 4 – Get back in the saddle No journey worth completing is ever going to go smoothly. You may have a bad day, week or month, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your goals completely. Have a quiet word with yourself, but make sure you also forgive yourself, and recommit to what you were planning to do. When you do start again, make sure your goal is still achievable in your original timeframe and if not give yourself a break and create some extra time. 5 – Choose your reward wisely How are you going to reward yourself once you’ve hit your goals? Perhaps you’ll treat yourself to some new clothes if you hit your target fitness level or maybe it’s a weekend of doing absolutely nothing in a plush hotel after your first half marathon. Whatever your reward, make sure you write it down so you can always refer to it easily; especially when you need that extra bit of motivation come Monday morning. Source: www.livestrong.com/blog/10-steps-to-succeedat-your-new-years-resolutions-to-get-fit-and-loseweight/
FIND THE FITNESS APP THAT FITS YOUR LIFE If you know the type of exercise that gets you out of bed before 7am on a wet Wednesday morning, then there’s an app that could make your session just that little bit easier.
1 – Cyclemeter (Free + paid upgrades) (iOS) Cyclemeter by Abvio has a cycling slant, but appeals to fitness enthusiasts who also participate in more than one sport. It collects multiple data, is very accurate and the tracking features are beautifully designed. 2 – The Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout (Free) (iOS + Android) If you can find a chair and seven minutes a day, this app will deliver a workout at the right intensity level for you. The interface is attractive, clean and clear and coaches you through each move as it appears on screen. 3 – RockMyRun ($4.99 a month) (iOS + Android) If you pound the streets to a variety of musical beats, you should get this app. Choose from a long list of playlists and the beat will match your heart rate or tempo as you run. Even though it’s called RockMyRun all musical tastes are catered for, with classical music as one of the more unusual genres. Beethoven’s 5th anyone? 4 – Jefit Workout (Free + paid upgrades) (iOS + Android) Ditch the notebook or that crumpled sheet of sweat-covered paper and let this app help you with your gym workout. It’s low-key, but keeps track of your sets and reps in a simple and easy to follow fashion. The calendar function allows you to plan your routine and, also, those much needed rest days. 5 – Pact (Free) (iOS + Android) This app allows you to wager money on whether you complete your workout or have a swim. Pact verifies if you’ve hit your goals by making sure you’ve checked into the gym or pool. Reach or exceed your goals and you’ll earn cash. Otherwise, you have to pay up. There are a lot of slackers pouring money into this communal pot. Just make sure you’re not one of them. 6 – The Walk ($4.99) (iOS + Android) Similar to the running app ‘Zombies, Run!’ this app uses audio storytelling to add a little mystery and adventure to your walking workout. The idea is that you listen to a story while you walk and are simultaneously tasked with completing different missions. If you’ve ever found that your walks have become a bit ‘samey’ this might be the app to keep you on your toes. Source: au.pcmag.com/apps/31176/feature/the-25-best-fitness-apps
SELF-DRIVING CARS ARE COMING TO A STREET NEAR YOU You’ve seen them in the movies, and soon you’ll be able to buy the car. Later this year, the Federal Government will conduct a 12-month study on the feasibility of self-driving cars in Australia. Full details surrounding the trial will be revealed at the Australian Grand Prix in March 2016. Although the exact vehicle has not been confirmed, it’s highly likely to be the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan. Not only is it Mercedes’ most advanced car, but it’s also currently being tested in Nevada, USA. The degree of autonomy offered by the E-Class will depend on legislation in each country. In America, drivers will be able to sit back for a minute or more without having to touch the steering wheel; safe in the knowledge that the car only requires a gentle pat to let it know that the driver is awake. Australian cars will be limited to just over 10 seconds of autonomous driving as local authorities take a more cautious approach than our American cousins.
The new E-Class will go on sale for around $80,000 and is capable of braking to avoid collisions, selfsteering around hazardous objects and changing lanes automatically. It can also self-park without anyone inside, but this technology may not be available at first until more safety tests are done. The thought of a totally driverless car may well be some years off, but semi-autonomous driving is probably just around the corner. Hands up if you want one! Source: www.drive.com.au/motor-news/selfdrivingmercedesbenz-set-for-australian-roads-20160111gm3glv.html
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR CAR? We take our cars for granted every day. Here are a few fun facts about them you may not know. 1. A car is made with an average of 30,000 parts, which includes every screw, bolt and washer.
6. The average American spends 38 hours a year stuck in traffic.
2. If you drive at a speed of 90km per hour without stopping, it would take you about six months to reach the moon.
7. In Russia it’s a criminal offence to drive a dirty car.
3. There are one billion cars currently in use on earth. 4. About 165,000 cars are produced every day. 5. 75% of the cars that Rolls Royce has ever produced are still on the road today.
8. The inventor of cruise control was blind. 9. 95% of a car’s lifetime is spent parked. 10. 35% of the world’s population drive on the left. Source: www.factslides.com/s-Cars
SMART WAYS TO SHAPE UP YOUR FINANCES It’s a pretty sure bet that you’d like more money than you actually have right now. And while it would be grossly negligent of us to promise to make you a millionaire by March, there may be a few smart ways to help tighten your belt without losing your lifestyle. One of the first things you can do is keep a record of what you spend each month. Be absolutely honest about where your hard-earned money goes and you may be shocked at some of your totals. For example, it’s not uncommon for some people to discover they’re spending over $200 a month on coffees and takeaway lunches at work. Once you’ve found an area in which you think you are spending too much, make a plan to cut back. For example, bring your lunch to work four days a week. You can then use the money, say $50 a week, in a more positive way. You might decide to pay off more of your mortgage, personal loan or credit card each month or you could pay the same amount into a savings account for your next dream holiday.
It’s important to put some thought into how you’ll reach your financial goals. One easy way could be to set up a regular automatic transfer from your transaction account to a dedicated savings account. Technology is another way to help you make the most of your money. The Government‘s free TrackMyGOALS app is designed to set, track and manage your savings goals. Another free great tool is the Money health check calculator on the Government’s MoneySmart site. It looks at your income, outgoings, savings, investments and level of insurance protection to create a personalised ‘money health’ report card. Whatever you decide to do, getting yourself fiscally fitter will help your financial health and wealth in the long run. Source: www.amp.com.au/news/2016/january/make-yourmoney-goals-a-reality
A CANDLELIT TABLE FOR TWO? Valentine’s Day is looming on the horizon. If you haven’t booked somewhere special for your nearest and dearest already, here’s a selection of some renowned restaurants from around Australia.
NSW
QLD
Claire’s Kitchen at Le Salon
Verve Restaurant
Celebrate French style at the Paris End of Oxford Street. Relaxing in a sophisticated environment adorned with fabulous imported wallpapers, antiques and chic furniture, you’ll enjoy the finest French Brasserie menu. Bon Appetit.
Set away from the hustle and bustle of busy Broadbeach, Verve’s mantra is “To taste, to experience and to remember”. The modern and inventive Australian menu and list of wonderful back vintages make it a multi-award winning restaurant in every sense.
www.claireskitchen.com.au
www.ververestaurant.com.au
Ristorante Trevi
La Dolce Vita Ristorante
Right in the heart of Penrith’s CBD, this classic familyrun restaurant has a superbly creative menu. The confit duck ballotine with fig and chestnut stuffing and pulled pork risotto highlight the delectable taste sensations that await you.
A culinary icon on Brisbane’s famous Park Road since 1992, La Dolce Vita is recognised as one of Queensland’s greatest ambassadors for authentic Italian cuisine. Head Chef Gino is even more passionate about his food than his other loves of the Ferrari team and World Cup Soccer
www.dimmi.com.au/restaurant/ristorante-trevi VIC France Soir A de rigeur dinner spot in Melbourne circles, FranceSoir has the panache of a Parisian bistro. French speaking waiters deftly whirl around intimate tables serving from a classic menu that has been the toast of the town for over 25 years. www.france-soir.com.au/home Donovans Set on the St Kilda foreshore. Donovans tempts local and international diners with the best local produce with a modern American accent. Head chefs, Adam Draper and Emma D’Alessandro, have over 20 years experience between them carving out the excellent reputation of this iconic restaurant. www.donovanshouse.com.au/0-frameset.htm
www.ladolcevita.com.au/index php?page=history WA: Blackbird Restaurant Nestled quietly beside Claisebrook Lake, Blackbird Restaurant offers a warm and intimate retreat from the bustle of Perth’s nightlife. With a focus on serving rustic European dishes and an eye to sourcing boutique wines, this is sophisticated casual dining at its best. www.blackbirdrestaurant.com.au Jezebelle Jezebelle has an exotic and decadent tiny Kasbah feel to it. In a relaxed vibrant atmosphere you’ll be treated to a rich array of the finest modern Spanish tapas and traditional dishes. www.dimmi.com.au/restaurant/jezebelle#about
SA
TAS
The Apothecary
Palate Restaurant
Drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern and European heritage influences, the tantalising menu boasts the finest local South Australian produce and wines. It’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner nestled amongst the red wines at rest. www.theapothecary1878.com.au
Palate restaurant at Saffire Freycinet is quite possibly the most exclusive restaurant in Tasmania. Taking the very best Tasmania has to offer, the head chef creates tailor-made gourmet menus designed around what is available fresh from the water or paddock that day.
Parisi’s Restaurant
www.saffire-freycinet.com.au/dining/dining_2-en. html
Welcome to the authentic Italian experience. For three generations, the Parisi family has been renown for some of the state’s most iconic Italian restaurants. Set in stylish Hyde Park, Parisi offers ‘al a minute’ freshly prepared traditional Italian cuisine with that inimitable family flair. www.parisis.com.au
Henry’s Henry’s, the flagship restaurant of the Henry Jones Art Hotel, blends effortless style, compelling art with an unforgettable dining experience. Henry’s Classic and Evolution menus feature reimagined traditional dishes and intriguing new tastes. www.thehenryjones.com/henry’s-restaurant,wineanddine_viewItem_2-en.html
NT
ACT
The Pearl
Ottoman
Nestled in the refurbished sandstone building of Victoria Arcade, The Pearl is a Darwin dining gem. In elegant surroundings, under pendant lamps, you’ll be treated to the finest modern cuisine. A highlight being panfried garfish with pomelo, ruby grapefruit, orange and mint for dinner.
The Ottoman is renowned for its Turkish inspired dishes, exciting use of seafood and gourmet degustation menu. It is simply the most consistently awarded restaurant in Canberra.
www.agfg.com.au/guide/39673/nt/darwin/darwininner-city/darwin-city/restaurants-dining/the-pearl Pee Wee’s at The Point Relax in lush tropical surrounds and take in breathtaking sunset views over Darwin Harbour. Priding itself on ‘Modern Territorian’ cuisine, Pee Wee’s extensive menu promises your taste buds an unforgettable Northern Territory gourmet tour. Imagine coconut-crusted crocodile tail served with tropical salsa. www.agfg.com.au/guide/6174/nt/darwin/darwininner-city/fannie-bay/restaurants-dining/pee-wees-atthe-point
www.ottomancuisine.com.au Boathouse by the Lake Crisp white tablecloths and unmatched water views across Lake Burley Griffin, are complemented by equally spectacular food and wine. One Canberra’s ultimate dining experiences, The Boat House by the Lake is ideal for an intimate dinner with that someone special. www.boathousebythelake.com.au/restaurant/
COMPETITION
HOW DOES WINNING A DINING EXPERIENCE FOR TWO SOUND? Tell us about your most romantic proposal in 25 words or less and you’ll be in the running to win a dining experience for two valued at $150. Hurry, this offer closes Friday, 19 February. Three lucky winners to be announced.
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