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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

 

Supporting Women Move

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We’re passionate about moving. In fact, it’s hard to stop us from moving (fact!). So when it comes to sharing our passion, we’re at the front of the queue.

Beauty of Exercise (BEXI) is a community of women committed to improving our lifestyles. We are mums, wives, business professionals, home executives, taxi-drivers… and anything else that comes our way. Our lives are busy… but we understand the importance of moving regularly.  Not only does moving improve our fitness and manage our weight, it also reduces the risk of chronic disease, and is super-important for managing our mental wellbeing.

“Running is my happy place. It 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. Running has taught me how to keep mentally well.” (KateP)

To support women moving, we have developed a gentle, nurturing, learn-to-run 5km program. This program starts off from a low-fitness base and is structured around each individual. Each week we gradually increase the distance, so that by the end of the 8-week period, you are running 5km. There is no pressure or expectation – it is all having fun while getting fit and healthy. The added bonus is that you will meet amazing friends to support you along the way!

Special ‘Bring-a-Friend’ Offer

Because we are so passionate about supporting women get moving, we are offering a ‘bring-a friend’. You both only pay 50% of the package – that’s $90 each for 8-weeks training (vs $180 for individual registration). We know that if you are accountable to your friend – you are 100% more likely to commit to a program. That’s why we have introduced this amazing offer. Nudge a friend and come join us.

Our next 8-week program starts on Sat 11 Aug through to Sat 29 Sept 2018. We train at a ‘sensible’ time – 8.30-9.30am (unlike our other BEXI buddies!).  We offer a fun, supportive, encouraging environment, where no-one is left behind. We would be honoured to have you join our BEXI team.

 

 

 

“BEXI provides me with the structure to get me there week-on-week throughout my program. A bonus is the awesome friends that you share the journey and train with.” (KayeC)

Gold Coast Airport Marathon 1-2 July 2017

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There is something very special about the Gold Coast Airport Marathon – the time of year (fabulous winter!), the course following the vast beaches, the awesome atmosphere, the support – and not to mention the field of international runners wearing funky dress-ups!

Endurance Programs
Race Distance Training Program Training Starts
Marathon 42.2km 16 weeks 11 March 2017
Half-Marathon 21.1km 12 weeks 08 April 2017
’10km-Self-Love’ Program 10-weeks 29 April 2017
Training

Our programs are built around 3 x weekly coached training sessions focusing on speed, strength and endurance.  We train together as a team, as this offers encouragement, motivation, accountability for showing up and a great sense of camaraderie between fellow running buddies.  Training programs are prepared in periodised blocks and provided via Training Peaks. This allows us to provide individual plans that best suits your needs and goals, as well as giving us the feedback and analysis tools we need. Our aim is to progresses you gradually, so that you train safely and without injury.

NEW! In addition to our marathon and half-marathon programs, we are super-excited about launching our ’10km-Self-Love’ program:

♥ ’10km-Self-Love’ Program
Our 10km ‘Self-Love’ Program is all about fun and participation. It is about nourishing our body, minds and soul – to provide a sense of peace and calm in a busy world.  Our 10-week program includes 3 x weekly coached sessions – run, strength & yoga. We train together as a supportive team, with the goal of having fun while nourishing ourselves. Race weekend will include guided meditation, nourishing yoga practices and of course our 10km ‘fun’ run.  Our program starts on Sat 29 April 2017.
What is included?
  • Periodised training plan based on your race distance
  • 3 x weekly face-to-face coached group session – speed, strength & endurance training (‘10km self-love’ program different)
  • Analysis and feedback on training data
  • Goal setting
  • Mental skills and strategies
  • Race nutrition and recovery
  • Race tactics and guidance
  • Weekend program logistics (full program on Sat 1 & Sun 2 July 2017)
    • Participation in the ‘Self-Love’ Retreat
    • Restorative Yoga
    • Guided Meditation
    • Refreshing Herbal Teas
    • Swim, Sauna & Steam
    • Foot Salt Scrub
    • Relaxation (bring a good book!)
    • Special BEXI ‘Self-Love’ Essential Oil Blend ❤️
  • Motivational support
  • Access to private online forum
  • Membership of a supportive, like-minded community
  • FREE BEXI cotton singlet
What is excluded?
  • Race entry fee
  • Travel, accommodation and meals
  • BEXI technical race singlet
OPTIONAL EXTRA!  Strength-FIT Program
Advance your training with our new weekly Strength-FIT program. Focused 100% on strengthening muscles and joints, our goal is to improve your performance and decrease injury risk. We target flexibility, balance, mobility, core and functional strength. Our 10-week program includes regular biomechanical check-ups to assess your body alignment; range of motion and functional muscle strength.  Highly recommend this program to complement your training. $150 for 10-week program – in conjuction with Race-FIT program (or $200 as standalone program).

 

What is Investment?
Program Investment + Extra Strength-FIT $150
42km Race-FIT $420 (3 x $145 /pm) $570 (4 x $145 p/m)
21km Race-FIT $360 (3 x $125 /pm) $510 (3 x $175 p/m)
10km ‘Self-Love’ Program $450 (3 x $155 /pm) Inclusive

Both our Marathon & Half-Marathon programs will be included in the ‘Self-Love’ Weekend Retreat.

♥ Join us for a weekend of fun & participation in the Gold Coast – register today! 

 

Achieving the Impossible

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Last Saturday our Tri-FIT team embarked on the final stage of their 12-week triathlon training journey – the Diamond Women’s Active Festival in Penrith.  The conditions were almost perfect – apart from the smokey air from the back-burning. Nervously the girls entered transition to set up their bikes… then it was race briefing… and next, the long walk to the swim start…

One of our team member’s captured the journey beautifully…

If someone would have told me I would compete in a triathlon a few years ago, I would have smiled and told them that they were dreaming. I guess I am in their dreams now, as I officially did my first Sprint Triathlon (750m swim, 20 km bike and 5km run) last Saturday, 7th May 2016.

It started 12 weeks ago as I wanted to learn to swim the real Ozzie freestyle, and enjoy running and cycling with a team. From learning to bubble in the ocean pool, to doing a few 50m laps in the early days, to doing 750m in the race, was a beautiful and challenging journey. Not to forget our interval training in the dark, early mornings – to conquering hills on the bike without understanding how the gears actually work (and I am Dutch!).

I had been hesitant to commit and register for the sprint distance, as I doubted my ability. But with the support from my amazing team mates and coaches who believed, inspired and motivated me – I was encouraged to sign up for the big one (the sprint), instead of the shorter option.

And yes everybody was right. It was more than possible and they were not dreaming – I was dreaming.  Achieving the impossible is just possible by just believing and doing it.

Plus keep on smiling!

 

Monique Manse
Sprint Triathlete
May 2016

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Beauty of Exercise team shines at the 2015 Sun Run

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A huge congratulations to our Beauty of Exercise runners for ALL achieving their race goals at the 2015 Sun Run event in Manly!

An outstanding day – great weather, awesome camaraderie and an amazing sense of community! Well done team and well done Manly. You all rock!!

And a special shout out to Amanda Crane for placing 3rd in her age group. Thrilled for such a dedicated and committed runner – we are all very proud of you!

 

 

Come swim with us!

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If you are injured, just starting out with fitness or you are looking to build your confidence and efficiency in the water, then our 7-week Swim-FIT program is for you.

Based at Collaroy Pool on the Northern Beaches, the program has a strong focus on water safety, breathing, improved technique, stroke correction and consistent stroke rate. Not only will the course improve your fitness and build your water confidence but it will also prepare you to tackle your first triathlon or ocean swim.

– Swim-FIT (Beginner) starts on Fri 6 Feb
– Swim-FIT (Intermediate) starts on Tues 3 Feb

Our gorgeous coach, Sue Bennett, is passionate about sharing her love for water.

Swim-fit is a fantastic compliment to any of Beauty of Exercise’s womens running programs or as a stand alone program.

Our Bexi Trekkers go Wild in Warriewood

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COASTREK 2015 – Our Beauty of Exercise chicks are at it again! This time in the guise of BEXI Trekkers – they will be doing Coastrek, a 55km walk along the northern beaches of Sydney.

As part of their challenge, they are required to raise much needed funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation – whose aim is to improve the health of Indigenous Australians and to reduce the cost of eye health care and treatment in developing countries.

They are planning a FABULOUS fundraising event and they would love your support:

What: Special Movie Event – “WILD”, staring Reese Witherspoon
When: Weds 4th Feb, 7pm
Where: Warriewood United Cinemas
Cost: $25 per ticket – book via http://trybooking.com/GTJz

There will also be a raffle and lots of other fantastic prizes to be won!

Please support your BEXI team – spread the word and let’s help them over the line – I’ll be there!

Good luck gorgeous girls! Kristin Prescott, Lucia Hains, Lisa Bale and Kym Gray.

Anything is possible

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When you were a kid everything was possible. When you became an adult, you started to fear failure. Our new summer term is all about focussing on being a kid again – dream big dreams, set new goals and believe that anything is possible.

The Beauty of Exercise Term 1, 2015 started on Tues 27 Jan with women’s fitness programs at various locations on the Northern Beaches. We’ve planned an exciting new timetable that will inspire you to dream big. Together with our awesome community of coaches and members, we’ll be there to encourage you, challenge you, believe in you, support you and do whatever it takes to help you succeed.

To view our latest newsletter please click here.

Fab Friday Flat-run at Church Point

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If you’re looking for a gorgeous, flat run (maybe one small hill!) then definitely consider Church Point. This morning our Friday Run Club met at Coffee Brothers in Mona Vale then ran to Churchy and back. Super-gorgeous route. 

If you’re looking for good coffee, then @Coffee Brothers is it! 
If you’re looking for a fab running group on the northern beaches, then we’re it…

Get fit and have fun with circuit training by the beach

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Introducing 20/20-FIT, a brand new class for Beauty of Exercise in 2015. This 45 minute workout blends cardio with core and resistance exercises. It is a complete workout and is great training for upper body, lower body and core strength. Sessions are circuit-style and will keep you on your toes. Our coaches will provide multiple options for each exercise to cater for varying levels of fitness and flexibility. You can ramp it up or scale it back to suit you.  No two classes are ever the same in one week. This keeps each session fresh and dynamic!

Suitable for any women on the Northern Beaches wanting to add a fun, dynamic circuit class to their fitness program to improve health, tone and strength.