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Training Program Prerequisites

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Beauty of Exercise is committed to supporting and encouraging all to participate in our programs, whilst keeping the health and safety of its members and coaches a priority.  At the start of our programs, all participants will be required to complete a basic health assessment and will be reviewed by the relevant coach to ensure participants have the necessary capabilities. The participant will be guided by the relevant coach as to the best suited program. It is also important for any existing injuries to be identified to the coaches so as to ensure no further long term damage.

The following is a guideline of existing fitness capabilities recommended to help you choose the program(s) best suitable for you:

Learn-to-Programs
Learn-to-Run 5km 

  • Currently walk comfortably for 30mins
  • Does not have any injuries
Learn-to-Trail Run 

  • Can comfortably run 5-10km
  • Runs 5-10km on a regular basis
  • Has a good fitness base
  • Does not have any injuries
Learn-to-Swim (Level 1) – Pool

  • Can comfortably swim a minimum 100m continuously
Learn-to-Swim (Level 2) – Pool

  • Can comfortably swim a minimum 400m continuously
  • Float and tread water for 1 minute
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Swim (Level 1) program or equivalent
Learn-to-Ocean-Swim (Level 1) – Beginner Ocean Skills

  • Can comfortably swim a minimum 300m continuously
  • Float and tread water for 1 minute
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Swim (Levels 1 & 2) program or equivalent
Learn-to-Ocean-Swim (Level 2) – Intermediate Ocean Skills

  • Can comfortably swim a minimum 500m continuously
  • Float and tread water for 1 minute
  • Be comfortable in a deep water ocean setting
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Swim (Levels 1 & 2) programs or equivalent; as well as Learn-to-Ocean-Swim (Level 1) program or equivalent
Learn-to-Cycle (Level 1) – Traffic-Free Roads

  • Can comfortably cycle for 30mins on traffic-free roads
  • Owns a bike that is in good working order (recently serviced).  All bike types are welcome – road, hybrid or mountain bike. We do not recommend recumbents or BMX bikes.
Learn-to-Cycle (Level 2) – Low-Traffic Roads

  • Can comfortably cycle for 5-10km on traffic-free roads
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Cycle (Level 1) or equivalent
  • Owns a bike that is in good working order (recently serviced).  All bike types are welcome – road, hybrid or mountain bike. We do not recommend recumbents or BMX bikes.

 

Running Programs
10km

  • Can comfortably run for 20-30mins
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Run 5km program or equivalent
  • Runs 4-5km on a regular basis
  • Has an moderate fitness base
  • Does not have any injuries
Half-Marathon

  • Can comfortably run 5-10km
  • Runs 5-10km on a regular basis
  • Has an good fitness base
  • Does not have any injuries
Marathon

  • Can comfortably run 10km
  • Runs 10km on a regular basis
  • Has an good fitness base
  • Does not have any injuries

 

Triathlon Programs*
Sprint Distance

  • Can comfortably swim 400m in open water
  • Can confidently cycle 10km on open roads
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Swim (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Ocean Swim (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Cycle  (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Current TA member to ensure you are covered by Insurance
Standard Distance

  • Can comfortably swim 600m in open water
  • Can confidently cycle 20-30km on open roads and in small groups
  • Completed sprint-distance triathlon in the last 2-3 years
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Swim (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Ocean Swim (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Cycle  (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Current TA member to ensure you are covered by Insurance
 Long Distance 70.3 

  • Can comfortably swim 1km in open water
  • Can confidently cycle 50-60km on open roads and in small groups
  • Completed standard-distance triathlon in the last 2-3 years
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Swim (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Ocean Swim (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Cycle  (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Current TA member to ensure you are covered by Insurance
* Beauty of Exercise provides various beginner-level swimming and cycling programs (Learn-to-Swim, Learn-to-Ocean-Swim and Learn-to-Cycle programs) which complement the Triathlon programs and have been specifically designed to support capabilities.
We look forward to you joining our training programs and will ensure we support you every step of the way. 

Should you have any questions about the above, please contact Debbie Solms on 0400 455 151.

Learn to Run 5km this Summer

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It’s light in the mornings, the temps are warmer – a great time to start moving, be active, get energised and head outdoors.

As I was preparing to write this blog post, I googled images for a ‘Mature Woman Runner’. (At 51yrs old, I consider myself mature.)  The image above popped up, which got me interested.

Harriette Thompson completed the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in San Diego last year, in a time of 3 hours, 54 minutes, 16 seconds. She became the oldest woman to ever finish a half marathon. Harriette was 94yrs old!

This is truly inspirational! To think that at the age of 94yrs, this lady is still making the most of life. Wouldn’t you want to be like Harriette?

“Mummy you’re fat!”

Another inspirational story is about our very own run coach, Andrea Drury.  Andrea’s fitness career started in her 40’s. Prior to that she was overweight, heavy smoker (20+ cigarettes a day), and never did a day of exercise!

At 40 she ran her first distance of 50 yards for a taxi, and nearly passed out! At which point, her 5yr old son sat in the taxi, looked at her and said, “Mummy you’re fat and you can’t breathe”.  That was the start of her health & fitness journey – cigarettes went, exercise began, and feeling great followed.

“Surround yourself with positive people on a similar journey to you, and you will achieve your goals.” Andrea Drury

About the program

Our latest learn-to-run program will give you the tools to achieve exactly that!  It is aimed at supporting women who are beginners or just getting back into running. Those who want to get active, lose weight and create a new healthy habit – which becomes part of your lifestyle.

  • Our 8-week program is gentle and nurturing – starting at a low fitness base and gradually build you up to running 5km non-stop
  • We meet weekly on Thursdays at 9.15-10.00am in Manly Vale
  • Groups are limited to small sizes to ensure our coaches are able to give you their personal attention
  • Sessions focus on running technique which includes stride, cadence, posture, foot position, breathing, and much more
  • A few sessions will be filmed, so that we can guide you on how best to improve your running style
  • We also explore running-related relevant topics such as mindset, nutrition, safety, gadgets, etc.
Plus more!

Our 5km-FIT learn-to-run program is MORE than just a running program – it is about getting active, getting fit, making friends, building confidence, joining a community and achieving a very special goal. We want to ensure you fall in love with running, so that it becomes a habit and part of your lifestyle.

About our coach

We are so excited to have the wonderful Andrea Drury lead our 5km-FIT learn-to-run program. Andrea transformed her life (see above) and is passionate to share her journey with you.

Program details

  • Thursdays weekly
  • 18 Oct to 6 Dec 2018 – 8-week program
  • Thurs 9.15-10.00 am
  • Passmore Reserve, Manly Vale
  • Cost: $200
  • BONUS! Free 4-week meal plan with shopping list

“Running is a great way to keep your body fit and healthy but the best thing is, it really helps your mental heath – especially when running with an awesome bunch of supportive, happy people in the BEXI group.” Kate Power

 

Let running become your ‘happy pill’

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Running MentalI have been a runner for many years. It has helped me through many ups and downs. Relationship break-ups, moving countries, losing my job, making friends… and then meeting my gorgeous husband (luckily a runner too!).

Running has given me the opportunity to manage the huge number of stresses in my life and allow me to feel confident about myself. So when I hear of people embracing running as their ‘happy pill’, I truly get it!  The psychological benefits far outweigh the physical benefits of running. Which is why so many women are lacing up their trainers and hitting the paths/trails.

With so many mental and physical benefits, let running become YOUR happy pill.

Top 5 health benefits of running
  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Strengthen muscles, ligaments and joints
  • Prevents heart disease, stroke and diabetes
  • Builds strong bones – decreasing risk of osteoarthritis
  • Lowers blood pressure, raises good cholesterol, boosts immunity system
Top 5 psychological benefits of running
  • Controls depression
  • Manages stress
  • Improves self-esteem
  • Manages fatigue
  • Achievement of achieving a goal

I was never ‘taught’ to run in my early years. In fact, I was a firm believer that you could not change your running style. I was SO wrong! 360 degree turn later, I can now confidently say that running can indeed be taught. Once you have the tools and knowledge, you can embrace proper running technique. And so begins your love affair for running.

What is covered in our 5km-FIT learn-to-run program?
–  Assumes a low fitness base
–  Progresses slowly and steadily
–  Alternates between walking and running
–  Focuses on correct technique – running style
–  7-10-week structured program
–  Supportive private on-line community
–  Explore important topics relating to running, i.e. shoes, safety, injuries, more

Running shows the mind who’s boss.

If you’ve ever thought about running, let this be your sign. We would like to invite you to join us for a FREE taster session to show you the benefits of running.  We have had over 100+ women complete our learn-to-run program and who are now running on a regular basis. Some have even gone on to run half-marathons and marathons. This could be you.

Are you ready to take the next step?

Click here to register for our FREE taster session 


~ Debbie Solms | Beauty of Exercise

Kids Learn-to-Run Workshop

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Kids are natural runners, but whether they’re joining you for your local Saturday parkrun, participating in school athletics or involved in team sports, they require special care at every step of their development. From learning the right technique, to the right shoes, to the right distance.  Fuelling their passion for running means support, encouragement and guidance. This is where we come in!

Our Kids Learn-to-Run Workshop is based on our motivation to share the benefits and  fun of running with our younger generation.

Who is this for?

  • Kids who interested in improving their running
  • Kids who would like to progress their flair for athletics
  • Kids who are involved in team sports where the focus is on running
  • Kids who are keen to join Mum and Dad at their local parkrun on the weekend
  • Kids ages 6-12yrs

What is covered?

  • What good technique looks like
  • Drills to activate the correct running muscles
  • Agility and games to practice good movement patterns
  • Exercises to improve strength, stability and speed
  • Team-based games and activities to build self-esteem
When: Sat 21 November 2015
Where: Billarong Reserve, Narrabeen
Time: 10am-12pm
Age: 6-12yrs (max 8 kids)
Cost: $40 (+$20 p/sibling)

Click here to Register

 

 

Here comes the sun

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We’re absolutely loving the longer days and warmer weather that Sydney is offering us lately! The extra energy and motivation has kicked in and we’ve been busy planning some exciting workshops and programs for summer.

Get your diaries out and pen these dates in:

  • Swim-FIT:  Thur 22 Oct (8-week program)
    A choice of 2 programs – our Beginner program focuses on building confidence and improving technique in the water; and our Intermediate program focuses on improving speed, power and endurance.
  • Kids ‘Learn-to-Run’ Workshop:  Sat 14 Nov (2hrs)
    Following the success of our workshop in the holidays, we are offering our kids ‘learn-to-run’ workshop for the last time this year. Limited to 6 kids. Get in quick!
  • Adults ‘Learn-to-Run’ Workshop:  Sat 21 Nov (2hrs)
    This workshop offers you the skills and techniques you wished you have learnt when you were a kid growing up. If you’re looking to be a better runner, then this workshop is a must.
  • Meditation Program:  coming soon!
    We’re working on an exciting 6-week meditation program that will help you learn effective techniques to maintain a balance in life and bring about increased levels of happiness and wellbeing. More to follow.

Grab your trainers, get outdoors and have fun this summer!

“Sun, sun, sun, here it comes!” (thanks Beatles)

Debbie Solms
Run Coach | Trainer
Beauty of Exercise