MASTERCHEF’S JULIE GOODWIN KEEPING HER MIND AND BODY FIT WITH PERSONAL TRAINER PEDJ BOJIC

January 20, 2012 By

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NEWS FEATURE:

Julie Goodwin, Australian MasterChef winner for 2009, has decided it is time to shape up and she has elected to train with Central Coast Mariners defender, Pedj Bojic.

Pedj Bojic, a health and fitness professional and Julie Goodwin’s personal trainer of some three months, says that Julie contacted him in hope of improving her overall fitness.

“Julie e-mailed me and she’s now doing group training and two-on-one training with her Husband,” said Bojic.

“The fitness plan we’ve designed for Julie is structured around her lifestyle. It’s about ensuring she’s active and healthy,” he said. “The sessions we do together range between boxing to kettle bell training, to ropes, and power-bags. We are always rotating what we do to ensure the sessions are kept fresh and interesting.”

“Julie’s goal is to strengthen her core and simply to enjoy exercising,” said Bojic. “It’s also about keeping her mind fit. With her professional life it’s valuable to have that fitness.  Her exercise consists of stretching and low intensity cardio as well as core strengthening so she can be active and enjoy life.”

Bojic, a defender for the Central Coast Mariners, an A-league Australian football team, says that he trains hard to maintain his own fitness and balance his lifestyle.

“I do about 20 hours a week ranging between early morning and night-time. For the Central Coast Mariners, we train during the mid-morning to early afternoon, so my work as a personal trainer is balanced around our sessions,” said Bojic. “When we travel around Australia for away matches I sometimes have to cut my hours back.”

“It is a balance between the right exercise throughout the week and maintaining a really healthy, nutritious diet,” he said. “For me, health and fitness is 60 percent nutritious, 40 percent exercise. I recommend people look to consume the most natural diet possible, and that, for me, is the Paleo Diet.”

To maintain a good level of fitness and to keep healthy, Pedj Bojic recommends that you don’t over train, and that you follow the 90/10 rule.

“People should never over train. Make sure you listen to your body, because the body is always right,” said Bojic. “And, go off the 90/10 rule. This means that from a food perspective, you should eat 90 percent good food and ten percent bad.”

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GABI ROSE SPEAKS OUT ABOUT HER TRANSFORMATION FROM MORBIDLY OBESE TO FITNESS ADVOCATE

January 15, 2012 By

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NEWS FEATURE:

After 12 years of being morbidly obese, suffering from asthma and other weight related illness, and having a near death experience, American born Gabi Rose decided her size 26 figure needed to go.

“My body and mind were deteriorating, my family life was suffering, and my marriage was failing,” said Rose. “I was a poor role model for my children and I found each of them emulating my unwise and unhealthy lifestyle choices.”

“I was caught up in an endless and vicious cycle of continual weight gain, hysterical depression, and unending physical pain. At times, I found it difficult to get out of bed in the morning and to face the day.”

Rose says that her poor lifestyle choices led to hospitalisation.

“Eventually, I would need four obesity related emergency abdominal surgeries,” said Rose. “My health was in extreme distress, my pregnancies were medically complicated and I suffered daily from severe migraine pain and unforgiving asthma attacks.”

“Matters continued to worsen for me as my face erupted with terrible Rosacea outbreaks.”

Wanting to change her lifestyle, Gabi Rose, who is the daughter of two medical practitioners and who has a Masters degree in Science, developed a unique thermodynamic weight loss program that increases energy and metabolism, whilst assisting in rapid weight loss and the building of lean muscle mass.

In time Rose’s figure changed from a size 26 to a lean and active size two, and her health and fitness became a part of her every day routine.

“Right now it is a lifestyle that comes naturally to me,” said Rose. “When I deviate from good nutritious food my body is quick to react, and often it is adverse. I never lose focus and I always strive for more strength,” she said. “And, I challenge myself to a different workout routine.

“This style of life has become such an integral part of mine and my family’s existence.”

To make changes to your lifestyle, Gabi Rose recommends regular exercise and monitoring what you consume.

“Schedule your work outs as if they were a meeting in your day. 45 minutes to an hour is all you need,” said Rose. “Once you feel better, you will improve all other aspects of your life. Work is something most of us have to do, but when you feel good you will become more efficient and productive in every aspect of your life.”

“Learn what you are eating. Read nutritional labels. Stop drinking soda,” she said.

“Exercise 60 minutes a day. Anything more than that is counterproductive.  Vary your workout to keep your muscles guessing and your mind engaged.”

Today, Gabi Rose works with others to improve their weight loss, and she says she does this because she enjoys seeing other people achieve the same results as she has.

“I enjoy changing people’s lives and I am so inspired by the thousands of stories I have heard,” said Rose. “I have watched young and old regain their confidence, self-esteem, and control. And, I have helped many get off of medications, obtain new careers, and finally feel fulfilled in their life-long dreams.”

“It is great helping others and I hope I am making a difference in this world,” she said. “It is inspiring to motivate using my insight and to see this make positive changes.”

Gabi Rose says that nutrition is vital to weight loss and building muscle.

“There are three main nutrients that the body needs to function properly. They are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats,” said Rose. “Carbohydrates are often misunderstood and are believed to cause rapid fat storage, but they are your body’s main source of energy. Excessive carbohydrate intake can lead to weight gain. Whereas protein can help increase your metabolism by 20 percent each time you consume food containing it. Remember to stick to the lean proteins, such as egg whites, turkey, chicken and fish,” she said. “And, fats have two primary functions. They are responsible for joint lubrication and, additionally, hormones are manufactured from fats. A lack of proper amounts of dietary fat will lead to a drop in hormonal production and numerous chemical reactions will be interrupted. Your body will then begin to accumulate additional fat to resume its normal hormonal functioning.”

Rose’s essential rules are simple and easy to follow and have enabled her to manage and control her weight as she developed a leaner figure.

‘We should always remember that what you eat is 90 percent of the way you look and feel,” said Rose. “Remember to eat in moderation every three to four hours per day, and to have a healthy, low fat diet as this leads to fat loss. Also, resistance training will help you to tone and shape your body, and cardio will develop healthier heart and lungs.”

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TELEVISION PRESENTER ZOE BALBI SEEKS BALANCE AND NO DEPRAVATION IN LIFE

January 15, 2012 By

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NEWS FEATURE:

Balancing your lifestyle  when you are a busy television presenter can be tough, but Zoe Balbi, presenter of ‘Eclipse Music TV’ on Channel 9 and GO, has found a solution that really works.

“Yes, it’s tough to balance auditions and shoots, as well as my leisure time, but I work out a minimum of four days a week, limit my alcohol consumption, and stick to a caffeine and dairy free diet with minimum gluten and sugar intake,” said Balbi.

“I believe in feeling in alignment so if that means taking a couple of days off from the gym, then so be it,” she said. “If your working a lot you can always make up gym time on the weekend. The same goes when having a ‘sugar day’ you can always eliminate it from your diet the next week.”

“I believe in balance and NO DEPRAVATION,” said Balbi. “And, I believe in looking after yourself so that you have energy and the ‘right’ balance.”

Zoe enjoys the rewards that come from maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“Restricting my diet makes me feel in control of my eating and minimises the amount of toxic foods that I eat,” said Balbi. “I love seeing a change in my body physically and visually from working out. There is no better high than the endorphin hit you get after a workout.”

Zoe Balbi says that by being consistent and only having the odd indulgence will allow you to see good results when working out and trying to maintain your own fitness.

“Try and get to the gym most days and limit alcohol. The less you drink and the less bad food that you indulge in will reduce the likelihood of a hangover the next day, so that you can workout,” said Balbi. “Minimal sugar and alcohol. No caffeine. Eat lots of colour in terms of vegies, and eat often.”

“A swimsuit model once told me that if you do incline 15 on the treadmill at level five point five and on speed five, five days a week, and include 300 sit-ups, you will have a banging body in four weeks,” she said.

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JOURNALIST NICOLE MADIGAN-EVEREST IS HEALTH AND FITNESS FOCUSED

January 14, 2012 By
Nicole Madigan-Everest | © Nicole Madigan-Everest
NEWS FEATURE:

As a busy mum, journalist, and PR consultant, Nicole Madigan-Everest has learned to balance her lifestyle so that she can stay fit, healthy, and active.

Madigan-Everest, who was a News Limited journalist for some 10 years and a Channel Nine on-air reporter and presenter, has discovered that finding time for herself is one of her biggest challenges since becoming a mother.

“It isn’t always easy, but I do my best to completely focus on one thing individually,” said Madigan-Everest. “When I’m with my boys I’m totally focused on them, likewise when I’m writing, although there are times when this isn’t possible. The most difficult aspect is finding time just for me, but I do try and dedicate some time each day,” she said. “Even if it’s just 10 minutes to flick through a magazine or to have a decent shower after the kids go to bed.”

The perfect lifestyle for Madigan-Everest would consist of having enough time for work, exercise, and pleasure.

“In an ideal world we’d have ample time for all three, but unfortunately that’s not often the case,” said Madigan-Everest. “Work dominates for most people. However, it’s important to dedicate some time specifically for exercise and pleasure.”

With young children aged 1 and 2 years and working from home as a freelance journalist, Madigan-Everest confesses that it would be easy to adopt poor health and fitness habits.

“It’s easy to slip into bad habits,” said Madigan-Everest. “I have limited time for exercise, though I try to do what I can whilst spending time with the kids. For example, taking them for a brisk walk or doing crunches and squats while they laugh and count along with me,” she said. “The earlier this takes place, the better the work-out tends to be. I also try to stock up on fruit so that we have a steady supply of healthy snacks, as we all like to graze.”

Madigan-Everest suggests using incidental exercise or your environment as an exercise medium, if you find it hard to find time to go to the gym.

“Dedicate some time to you every day, even if it’s just 10 minutes,” said Madigan-Everest. “And, if you don’t have a lot of time for exercise, try to make it incidental. Exercise doesn’t have to be a gym class. It can be anything from housework to dancing to a Wiggles DVD with your children.”

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The 2012 Kidney Kar Rally is Outback Bound

January 6, 2012 By

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IN-DEPTH NEWS FEATURE:

If you love the Australian Outback, have a passion to try something new and adventurous that is challenging and want to support a worthwhile cause, then Kidney Health Australia’s Kidney Kar Rally is just for you.

The Kidney Kar Rally is a charity event like no other, because it is organised by individuals who have rallied competitively for most of their lives, it follows the traditions of the Australian reliability trials of old, and it caters to everyone no matter your age, driving experience, or vehicle type.

Those who are successful in life are often adamant about giving to others, becoming more community focused, and contributing a portion — often 10% — of their earnings, to help those that are less fortunate than they are. However, gone are the days where a philanthropist simply writes out a cheque and posts it, in order to support a charity that they feel warrants their financial assistance. Today’s philanthropist can now make giving an activity where they become involved in a fun-event, get to know a little more about the organisation, and connect with like-minded souls from all walks of life.

One such event is Kidney Health Australia’s Kidney Kar Rally, which challenges the mind, revives the soul, and gives the body time-out from its normal everyday existence. This event is unique, because it not only supports Kidney Kids, an initiative that focuses on giving children affected by kidney disease, and their families, a much-needed reprieve from the rigors of kidney illness, but it also follows the traditions of the Australian reliability trials from the 70s. Trials, which test the driver and navigator as well as the vehicle and have results recorded on time-distance averages.

The overall beauty of the Kidney Kar Rally, however, is that it caters to all entrants regardless of their rallying experience, and it can be as competitive or as relaxed as you like. Some entrants take longer to traverse the 4,000 kilometres event than others. Nevertheless, all entrants are involved because they believe in the cause, are passionate about cars, and do not mind getting down and dirty, especially when their fundraising initiatives and entry fee support Kidney Health Australia and their endeavours.

Kidney Health Australia, originally known as the Australian Kidney Foundation, opened its doors in 1968. Today, the not-for-profit organisation seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals and their families who are suffering, or affected by, kidney and urinary tract disease. In addition, Kidney Health Australia endeavours to raise community awareness about Chronic Kidney Disease, which, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, contributed to almost 10% of death’s in Australia during 2006 and more than 1.1 million hospitalisations.

Kidney Health Australia’s Kidney Kar Rally enables the non-government funded organisation to plan and implement children’s programs throughout the year. These programs include Kidney Kids National Camps, Kidney Kids Capers, and Kidney Kids Family Fun Days, all of which, allow children suffering from debilitating illness to enjoy those joyous and pleasurable activities that other children do daily.

Natalie Lansbury, mother of Maddi, an angelic 7-year-old girl recently diagnosed with ‘Dense Deposit Disease’, a rare and aggressive form of kidney illness, knows first-hand what Kidney Health Australia’s support means.

“When your child is on dialysis, you are so restricted. Everyday life revolves around their treatment and normality is gone. When Maddi went on the Family Fun Day, held at Luna Park, it was the most amazing thing to see. Her whole face lit up”, said Natalie. “Maddi went on the roller coaster time-and-time again, and had a huge smile on her face. Kidney Health Australia’s support made it doable and affordable, which we are so grateful for, especially when we are country-based.”

Maddi, according to Natalie, went into renal failure only three months after her diagnoses, and had been on dialysis for some 14 months. She had a donor kidney transplant on the 21st of March 2010 and spent a number of onths in hospital. Therefore, the happiness that the family were briefly able share, on the Family Fun Day, is a moment in time that they will hold very dear.

Peter Lanyon, whose daughter, Jodie, battled kidney disease for much of her life, also knows how supportive Kidney Health Australia can be. Peter, who is the Kidney Kar Rally’s longest competitor, has been with the rally since it began in 1989, some 22 years. For Peter and his daughter, Debbie, Jodie’s younger sister, the event is something that they cannot afford to miss.

“My initial involvement with the Kidney Kar Rally was through the inaugural event in 1989, which was then named the Kidney Kaper. My eldest daughter, Jodie, was a kidney kid. Diagnosed at the age of six, Jodie’s illness quickly developed into end-stage renal failure and, for the rest of her shortened life, she dealt with dialysis, transplantation, and rejection of donor kidneys. Throughout those early years, my wife, Wendy, and I were working with hospital social workers to foster support groups for other families of kidney patients. After reading about the upcoming event in the Sydney Daily Telegraph newspaper, I saw it as an opportunity to combine my desire to become involved in motorsport and a chance to contribute and learn more about kidney disease, function and support,” said Peter. “The feeling of family and mateship, which comes with every rally start, when all the participants come together for another year, is most memorable. The greatest thing though, is the continued support that my family give me throughout the year, and to have my youngest daughter, Deb, who waved me off as a seven-year-old in the first rally, become my navigator, which she has done now for the past six years.”

Over the years that Peter has competed in the event, he has seen competitors come and go and the event evolve into a popular “must-do” affair for the young and old.

“The first couple of events, although they were a competition, were more of a social event. Impromptu “bonnet parties” were held along the track with groups of competitors spreading out their goodies on a bonnet and the rest ‘digging in’. However, the problem with that was we weren’t getting into town ’til way after dark and we were missing all the meals,” Peter said. “The Rally of today offers different things to different people. It is still social in the evenings, but can also be competitive during the day if that is desirable. We also have cars that just come along for the ride, cruising through the day and enjoying the nightlife. Although people have come and gone over the years — some returning a few years later — the character of the people remains. All competitors have a strong community spirit and desire to help others, and this drives them through their fundraising efforts, with the goal at the end being an enjoyable “road trip” like no other.”

From city-to-town via some of the most remote outback locations, the Kidney Kar Rally has travelled across Australia from all compass points, and back again, more times than anyone can remember, and best of all, no two events are the same.

Kim and Arthur Davis, the rally’s road directors for the past 12 years, believe that the event is such a resounding success because of its safety record, comprehensive planning and diversity, and the shared camaraderie of each event.

“The Kidney Kar Rally has evolved into a much more well-known event in rally circles, especially with the number of charity events now being organised. The event prides itself on its unblemished safety record and the popularity of this rally speaks for itself with the number of participants taking part”, said Kim. “We have a very interesting and varied life, meeting new people on our travels around this wonderful country of ours, and each year we thoroughly enjoy the company of all of our “rallytives”, when we get together for yet another Kidney Kar Rally adventure.”

Kim has been involved in the administration-side of rallying, and a service-crew member for Arthur for over 30 years, and, Arthur has competed in rally events and organised them for more than 40 years. In fact, the couple met on a rally — Kim was administrating while Arthur was competing — and, from there, they built a lifetime together surrounded by wheels.

“Arthur and I actually met at a rally in the early 70’s when he was a competitor and I was assisting with admin. I have been the service-crew member for many of the rallies Arthur has been involved with, and of course the administration side-of-things. The most demanding being the NSW State Rally Championship in 2000. Our eldest daughter attended her first rally at the age of 4 weeks and has been involved ever since,” said Kim.

Arthur’s car rallying history is impressive, having competed in the International Southern Cross Rallies from 1972 t0 1980, the London to Sydney Marathon in 1977, and the Repco Round Australia Reliability Trial in 1979 as well as the N.S.W State Championship from 1982 to 1988, which he won in 1987, and the Mobil Round Australia Rally in 1996. In addition, Arthur has also organised many rallies for the Bathurst Light Car Club, including the N.S.W State Championship at Bathurst in 2000 and has been on the organising committee for the Wynn’s Australian Safari.

When asked how it felt to be involved in competitive car rallying, Arthur said, “As a competitor it is one of the most exciting things to do, tearing through the forests at 200kph in the middle of the night. The highs and lows of rallying are dramatic – from the highs of winning, to the lows of breaking down and being forced-out of an event.” Pausing to reflect for a moment, he added, “I feel extremely privileged as the sport has taken me right around-the-world, I have been to countries where no-one would dare go these days. Rallying is certainly ‘the sport’ for the biggest adrenalin rushes. The trust between driver and navigator is paramount. One cannot work successfully without the other; it is a real team effort.”

Listening to Kim and Arthur speak about their involvement with rallying, it becomes clear why the Kidney Kar Rally is so well-organised.

“We plan a rally by working out where the event hasn’t been in the past, where we think we can find suitable roads, and then we start the mapping process. Arthur does a huge amount of preparation before each rally, especially studying maps of the areas that the rally intends to run through. We spend up to 20 weeks a year ‘on the road’ searching for a suitable course,” Kim said. “We make a point of liaising with farmers, State Forestry officers, National Park rangers and government bodies to secure permits for the event to travel over their roads and tracks. We then drive backwards-and-forwards over the areas that we intend to use and finally chart the course.”

Once planned, Kim and Arthur then publicise the rally in all of the areas that the Kidney Kar Rally will travel. They carry out radio and press interviews, drop flyers into letterboxes throughout the rural areas where the rally passes, organise all of the catering for the eight-day event, and send out a list of all available accommodation, at each overnight stop, to the participants.

“The rest of our time is taken-up with the enormous amount of administration involved with running such an event – from taking entries and keeping accurate accounts of each participant’s fundraising money to answering enquiries from prospective entrants. It is important for us to keep the participants informed of all that is happening with the event each year, and we accomplish this primarily through a newsletter that we publish several times a year,” said Kim. “We make a point of being accessible to everyone at all times, either in person, by phone, or via email.”

Then, there is the preparation of the Kidney Kar Rally ‘Road Book’, which many competitors refer to as the “Rally Bible” because, without it, you are simply lost for direction. The Road Book contains instructions for all roads travelled during the rally and allows competitors to find and complete all stages.

“Creation of the ‘Road Book’ is huge,” said Kim. “As all our charting of the roads and tracks firstly needs to be put into the computer. Then, once complete, we print the whole lot and copy this and make it into books for all participants. Some 20,000 to 25,000 pages of paper make the ‘Rally Bible’ possible each year.”

The 2012 Kidney Kar Rally, which starts on August the 14th and finishes on the 24th, will travel from Mandurah to Bendigo via the Nullabor, and pass through many states. Typically, more than 50 vehicles enter the rally, and many of these will be looking to be the event’s highest fundraisers.

In previous years, the rally has raised more than $500,000.00 for Kidney Health Australia, with some of the highest fundraisers contributing more than $20,000.00 per vehicle. The beauty of being amongst the top-ten highest fundraisers for the event is that you start each day in the position that you obtained. For example, if you were the fifth highest fundraiser then your vehicle will start in fifth position daily.

The Kidney Kar Rally runs annually in August and the entry fee of approximately $4,500.00 per vehicle covers all meals and insurance for the driver and navigator. Additional team members can entry the rally for $850.00 each. If you do not want to compete in the rally but wish to follow the event or be a support vehicle for a competitor, you can enter as a ‘Kruise’ participant, or back-up vehicle for $2,500.00.

For more information on the Kidney Kar Rally and how you can be involved in this year’s event, or subsequent years, please contact Kim Davis toll-free on 1300 300 544 or email arkida@hotkey.net.au, or you can visit www.kidney.org.au.

Please Note: This article was originally written by Tricia L. Snell and published in Lifestyle Investor Magazine Vol. 1.6 | Issue May/June 2010. It has been updates and re-printed with the permission of the Lifestyle Education Group.

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3AW REPORTER AND ‘THE CIRCLE’ PRESENTER PAT PANETTA LOSES 10 KILOS ON AN ALKALINE DIET

December 31, 2011 By

Pat Panetta | © Pat Panetta

NEWS FEATURE:

Pat Panetta, 3AW reporter and sales promotion manager and ‘The Circle’ presenter, shed 10 kilograms by eating alkaline foods and doing incidental exercise.

3AW, a Melbourne based radio station, is a news talk broadcast with presenters such as Derryn Hinch and Dennis Walters. Panetta’s role at the station is a mixture of reporting and increasing sales revenue for the station.

Channel Ten’s ‘The Circle’ is a lifestyle centric program that addresses everyday issues that Australian’s encounter. Panetta often presents various pieces for the program and is shooting commercials and other promotional materials.

In addition to his work commitments, Panetta is also a father to three vibrant and energetic children, who keep him active in the evenings and on weekends.

“I love my job and sometimes I have long work hours with 3AW. Combine this with my Channel Ten commitments and things can get pretty hectic,” said Panetta. “So to ensure I stay balanced I try to give my kids my full attention when we’re together on weekends and after work.

“As far as exercise goes, my days of slogging out in the gym or pounding the pavement, running, are gone. I consciously work at ‘incidental exercise,’ such as walking, using the stairs, and running around with the kids. It gets me where I want to go and it is fun.”

Panetta’s busy lifestyle has meant that he has developed a routine that works for him and his body.

“I try to eat a healthy diet 90 percent of the time,” said Panetta. “For me, that’s no wheat, no gluten, no refined sugars, caffeine or alcohol. I always prepare my breakfast and lunch the night before.”

“This diet has seen me lose 10 kilos, but more importantly it has cleared my head and given me loads of energy,” said Panetta.

“I’m constantly on the go during the day with meetings or out on the road, so I have my snacks and meals ready to go.”

“Preparing your lunch and snacks the night before takes a bit of discipline. However, once you get going it’s great,” said Panetta. “The feeling of wellbeing is one thing, but there’s also the huge financial savings to be made by packing the lunchbox.”

If flying interstate to record commercials for Channel Ten, Panetta makes sure he adheres to his diet.

“I scan menus for eggs, salmon, spinach, healthy salads, and herbal and green teas and vegetable juices,” said Panetta. “These keep me going and super charge my energy.”

Panetta says that his alkaline diet has allowed his body to find its natural weight.

“I’ve shed those excess kilos and feel better than ever,” said Panetta. “I don’t need to sweat it out pumping weights. By eating a healthy diet and incorporating plenty of incidental exercise I maintain great health.

Preparation is the key says Panetta.

“Prepare. If you’re going to a party, eat before you go. Don’t get hungry and then start attacking the appetisers,” said Panetta. “Take your lunch to work, rather than grabbing a snaggy roll. And, have healthy snacks ready to go. It really does make maintaining weight easy.”

“Keep away from the scales too. Follow a healthy menu because you feel better not because you want to lose weight.”

Panetta believes that fitness should be a long-term goal.

“Don’t kill yourself training. Rome wasn’t built in a day,” said Panetta. “Long-term focus wins every time in life and in fitness. Take your time and be cool. Correct your path if you fall off the wagon. Don’t be hard on yourself and you’ll see and feel the results.”

“I take a brisk 20-minute walk to and from the train station every day. This, along with my day-to-day activities, is all the exercise I need.”

Panetta also recommends eating plenty of ‘good foods’.

“Bulk up meals with loads of veg. Go for chicken and fish, and cut processed food out of your life,” said Panetta. “And, if you eat something that’s not good for your body, don’t stress, just do the right thing next time and correct your path when you can.”

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MELINDA GAINSFORD-TAYLOR IS SPRINTING TO SUCCESS

December 29, 2011 By

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IN-DEPTH FEATURE:

Imagine standing before a crowd that consisted of hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world, on not one or two occasions, but three, whilst wearing the colours of your nation and representing your country.

If you can visualise this as well as harness the euphoria and sheer adrenalin that such a moment produces, then you would know how Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, Australian Olympic and Commonwealth Games sprinter and Wide World of Sports TV presenter, felt as she competed in the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Summer Olympic Games.

“My first Olympic experience was surreal,” Gainsford-Taylor says.

“I cannot forget the 100m and 200m qualification rounds. I was so excited to be there, but it didn’t really hit me until I went to the opening ceremony. I recall looking down at my uniform and thinking, ‘I’m here, and I made it.’ I had dreamt of this moment since I first started Little Athletics when I was nine and it was my dream to be an Olympiad.”

“The Aussies in that crowd were amazing, and I discovered how much I loved performing in front of a crowd and how much I enjoyed the competition. It was so much fun at Barcelona and Sydney, which was my third Olympics.”

“I have told my children stories about competing at the Olympics and have shared with them what it feels like to represent your country in a sport that you are so passionate about,” says Gainsford-Taylor, who is mum to Nicholas, 7 and Gabriella, 4.

“To finally achieve what I worked so hard to accomplish. That’s what made it surreal.”

“One of my financial goals now is to take my children to the Olympics, so that they can get a sense of the magnitude of such an event and how it resonates inside of you.”

Denoted for her smile and wonderful disposition, Gainsford-Taylor, who was born on the 1st of October 1971 in Narromine, a small country town inNew South Wales, can be simply described as one of the most jovial and light-hearted spirits to ever grace the Australian sporting arena. And, even though she confesses to be a humble farmer’s daughter, she has gained an impressive track record that dates back to when she first donned a pair of track shoes.

On a national level, Gainsford-Taylor has taken home bronze, silver, and gold for sprinting events, including the 1994 Commonwealth Games held in Victoria, Canada, and she has won more than 10 individual titles.

Tough Times

However, most Australians will remember her for her courageous effort at the 1998 Commonwealth Games where, in the final metre of the 200m race, her knee gave way to injury and she finished a disappointing fourth after leading the race. But, for Gainsford-Taylor, this made her more resolute than ever to succeed.

“After competing in 1998 and injuring my knee, it was tough. I had a really tough time because the Olympics were coming up in 2000 and I refused to give up. I wanted to compete in these games in front of a home crowd.”

Gainsford-Taylor, who retired from her sporting career in 2001 because she felt that her body had simply had enough and she longed to start a family with her husband, Mark, believes that her sporting career, amongst other things, has given her the discipline and skills needed to reach the top in a professional and investment sense.

“As a professional sprinter, I had a wonderful lifestyle because I was doing what I loved. I worked hard and succeeded, and I got to travel around the world and compete at the Olympics, which was a childhood dream. I had good times and bad times, and this is character building,” Gainsford-Taylor says.

“It’s the discipline and desire to achieve that drives you, and, after you retire from being an Olympic competitor, you reflect on what you have learned and this then builds you up for adult life. This is why I love kids being involved in sports because it teaches them so much.”

Gainsford-Taylor pauses and then adds, “It’s about teamwork. My upbringing taught me this. Parenting teaches you so much. We are a sporting family. My parents have taught me a great deal, and, from this, I believe that, when kids are young, you need to invest time, as good habits established early on give the greatest reward in the end. This can also be said of investment.”

When asked to elaborate on investment, Gainsford-Taylor laughs, stating that she could now be possibly giving herself away.

“I am a conservative investor. I think security, future, and family. I am not ‘a life is too short, so let’s do it’ kind of person. This is why I feel that super is so important, as I have seen people who have not invested in their future and they don’t deal very well with stress as they age.”

“Sporting careers are short-lived so I have always thought it wise to invest my money. We personally invest in property. We have rental properties and save for a rainy day. My husband and I bought a unit when we were engaged and its value has tripled since then. This unit was expensive and people thought we were crazy, but we weighed up the pros and cons and we wrote these down. The pros outweighed the cons so we went ahead and bought it and have never looked back. It was a really good investment back then and still is today.

Big on Savings

“I am big on saving for the future of my children as well, as it is tough for kids to break into the housing market these days.”

“Investment is like sprinting,” says Gainsford-Taylor. “When you run well or make a good investment, it makes you feel good and the reward pays off. Run bad or make a bad investment, and then you just have to work harder next time to be successful, and you must learn from your errors.”

Gainsford-Taylor, who is very family-orientated, believes that happiness, her family, and good health as well as security and being fit and active are the most important things in life in terms of lifestyle, and she also thinks that it is vital to turn off the computer and walk away from technology every now and then.

“I am so passionate about being a parent, though it can be quite frightening at first. As a farmer’s daughter with a conservative father who is smart with money, I learned to also be smart with money. I also want to pass this knowledge on to my kids so that they are smart with money as well. Plus, I want them to be active and fit so that they feel good about themselves and happy. From my athletic and family background, I want my kids to understand that sometimes life is not easy and that they can overcome their problems.” GainsfordTaylor adds, “Once you have kids, your whole financial focus changes. We immediately took out life insurance, income protection, and disability cover so that we covered all bases – do you know that it only costs a cup of coffee per week to cover your future – and this is important if you have a family and a mortgage, so that you cover your debts and provide for those you may leave behind in the event of an accident. You honestly just don’t know what life is going to dish out.”

But, if you thought that life after the Olympics, for Gainsford-Taylor, was all about her family, then think again. Gainsford-Taylor is the Australian national Olympic selector for track and field; she is on the board of Directors for the Manly Sea Eagles; and she coaches kid’s explosive speed sprinting three times a week for N.S.W Little Athletics. In addition, Gainsford-Taylor is also a public speaker, a public relations ambassador for Asset Superannuation, and a TV presenter for Wide World of Sports and Fox Sports.

When asked how she became involved with Asset Superannuation and the Wide World of Sport, Gainsford-Taylor tells two very compelling tales.

“I was working at a firm and I wanted to know more about superannuation, so I asked the accountant for financial advice, and he suggested Asset. I continued to ask around, and I also looked into it myself, and they seemed to be a really good option, so I opened an account. That was more than 14 years ago, and I have been with them ever since,” Gainsfrod-Taylor states. Then, laughing she adds, “Actually, it was funny, because they approached me to do PR for them after I had been a member for many years. Evidentially, someone noticed my name in the member listings and they thought I would be perfect for the role of public relations for their firm. It was an easy decision to endorse their product because I had been using their services for years and really believed in them, and I still do.”

“A lot of people think I have only just begun with the Wide World of Sport, but, once again, I’ve had a long association with them. I progressed to the Wide World of Sports from the age of 16 years. I did a talk for the program when I had stress fractures and was recovering. Then, I ended up doing work experience with them. So, twelve months ago, when I was asked to come on the show, I naturally jumped at the opportunity.” Giggling, Gainsford-Taylor says, “I have learned so much about sport, all different sports, which I find fascinating because I was so focused on my own sport. And, do you know that I discovered that I missed the adrenalin rush from being a sprinter and that live television replaces this for me? It is such a buzz.”

Time Management

So, how does Gainsford-Taylor manage to do all of this, be the full-time mother of two fit and active children, and juggle finances?

“The key is time management. As an athlete, I had to work hard on this. But, when I compare my life back then to now, that was a cruise.  Now, I write ‘must do lists,’ set myself a weekly schedule, and use the Internet as a resource. Honestly, it is vital that you constantly reassess and dedicate time to manage your finances. I usually make this a regular task throughout the week so that is does not become overwhelming and I can keep on top of it.”

And, when it comes to investment advice, Gainsford-Taylor believes that before you consider putting your money into anything, you need to ask questions and find someone you can trust, and then write down the pros and cons of the investment you are choosing to invest in before you start using your money.

“Money is hard to come by, so it is important to invest wisely so you don’t lose it, and you need to get good support and advice. Therefore, I firmly believe that you should start with low-risk investments, and then progress as you become familiar with the territory. Investment can be daunting, but, if you work out your risk level, as in what is suitable for you and your finances and what type of investment you would like to invest in, then it can be less inhibiting. I am really big on investing for the future.”

Gainsford-Taylor, who confesses that she is not one for expensive clothes and shoes or cars, sees her future being stress-free and all about security, comfort, and financial viability.

“I am investing in my life and that of my children. I want to be fit and healthy and be comfortable and reasonably secure. I don’t want to be rich in a monetary sense but rich in a lifestyle sense. I want to have savings and put this into high-investment accounts.”

For more information about Asset Superannuation, please visit http://www.assetsuper.com.au/.

Please Note: This article was originally written by Tricia L. Snell and published in Lifestyle Investor Magazine Vol. 1.5 | Issue March/April 2010. This article has been re-printed with the permission of the Lifestyle Education Group.

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TARKYN LOCKYER’S GAME OF SECURITY

December 28, 2011 By

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IN-DEPTH NEWS FEATURE:

Tarkyn Lockyer, Collingwood midfielder, trains hard and looks after his health and fitness, so that he can be the best he possibly can on the footy field, and he uses the same strategies when it comes to investment, looking for minimal risk and making hay whilst that sun shines.

Born on the 30th of October 1979, in Western Australia, Tarkyn Lockyer, a midfielder for Collingwood Football Club, declares that when he debuted in round 8, on the 15th of May, 10 years ago, he was simply blown away by the size of the crowd and the sheer magnitude of the game.

“Compared to the MCG, I played country football before playing for Collingwood. I remember being I in awe my first game; the size of the MCG, it is massive, and the game pressure was enormous, but fantastic,” Tarkyn said. “I also could not get over the support from members and fans, it was huge. On average there are 60,000 fans at one of our games, so when they cheer you can really hear it.”

Since his debut, Tarkyn has played over 200 games with Collingwood and has scored over 140 goals, earning him the title of ‘a consistent veteran’ amongst his fellow players and peers. In addition to this, Tarkyn has also been awarded four Best and Fairest trophies, being the RT Rush Trophy in 2000, the Jack Regan Trophy in 2001, and the JF McHale Trophy in 2002, as well as the JJ Joyce Trophy in 2007. He also placed as runner-up for the Copeland Trophy in 2000, and has accumulated 16 Brownlow votes.

Thought Tarkyn believes that his success on the field is attributed to a number of factors. “The brand of Collingwood is big, we train at second-to-none facilities, everything is there, and we are spoilt,” Tarkyn said. “Winning is more than just a victory. Post-game recovery is a pay off when you win, and your bruises and scratches are worn with honour. It is about putting the effort in and then getting the reward, this is what drives you week-to-week. I cherish this feeling after the game.”

During the 2009 season, Tarkyn played 22 games, scored 30 goals, and he ranked 1st in total marks taken, with a game average of more than 18 disposals. His season highlights included 29 disposals, 21 kicks, and 14 marks during the Brisbane match on the 17th of April, and scoring four goals in the match against North Melbourne on the 1st of May 2009.

However at only 178cm in height and weighing in at 81kg, Tarkyn Lockyer, who sports the number 24 guernsey for Collingwood, confesses that he is not the largest footy player on the field and this can have its drawbacks, especially when most players have a height and weight advantage.

“I am not overly tall or quick, therefore I have learned to do everything correctly away from footy, so that I can be professional on field and leave no stone unturned,” Tarkyn said.

But what the veteran lacks in height and speed, he makes up for in tenacity. In 2007, Lockyer led the league for marks with an impressive score of 203, proving that even those with a disadvantage can succeed.

“I don’t think I am unique, but I do think what sets me apart from others in AFL, is the fact that I know my strengths and weakness and I work on making these advantageous. My preparation for the game focuses on developing my skills and often this is intense.”

Lockyer has progressively worked toward establishing himself as one of Collingwood’s key midfielders, and at times as a defender. To reach the top in a sporting sense, Tarkyn believes that understanding the game on and off the field is the key to success.

“Purely from a footy sense, a good understanding of structures and good game play enables you to be successful. If you are not smart enough to read the game, then you will not cope with the pressures of the game, it is that simple,” said Tarkyn. “It is important to be able to use and depose of the football under duress. Plus, you need to get your body to a level where you can perform consistently.” Tarkyn pauses and then adds, “For some players, it is so easy to get distracted and off-track, especially when they have to deal with the point of views of the media, the public and the supporter. Therefore, it is important to be a role model and avoid bad publicity, you have to have a level head and make the publicity a fun scenario, so that you don’t get caught up in the Hollywood styled hype. Honestly, it is about coming into the game with hopes, and then developing your skills so that you cope with the game on and off the field, so that you don’t get caught.”

But, Lockyer’s football career with Collingwood has not been without its challenges.

Tarkyn Lockyer injured his knee during the 2003 season (April 12th), in a game against Geelong. He turned awkwardly and tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, during a tackle with Geelong’s David Wojcinski. The club doctor, Paul Blackman, stated at the time that he expected Lockyer to be unable to play for the next 6 to 9 months, and at the worst, it could possibly be as long as 12 months before a full recovery was made. Some 14 months later, Tarkyn returned to the field after having a knee reconstruction, and recovering from stress fractures to his right foot.

When asked about the ups and downs he has experienced in his career, and how he has coped, Tarkyn said, “From an injury point of view, routine and preparation help me get back to my former fitness, I just put everything I can into getting me back on top. I can’t speak highly enough of the sports medicine team at Collingwood they are incredible when it comes to rehabilitation and assisting players to get back what they had, and to feel success again.”

Tarkyn is grounded and family focused when it comes to life and lifestyle. “My whole life is clearly sport and football and the single most important thing I have to put my mind to, but my family is my number one accolade. I remember when my son came along, I then had an opportunity to put everything I had done into perspective,” Tarkyn said. “The five most important things in my life are my family, my health and well-being, football, financial security and assets, and friendships.”

Tarkyn’s son Charlie, who is three, is only but one of the footballers loves in life, his other two, apart from football, are his wife, Benita, and daughter, Leni, who is 18 months old. And it is these individuals that inspire Tarkyn to focus on his future and work toward greater financial stability.

“My driving force when it comes to investment is life after footy. When I exit the game, I want to have a good solid base and equity to support my young family, so that I can pay for my children’s schooling and then be able to sit back and watch my kids grow. I want something behind us, for us to have no mortgage to pay and to not have to be concerned with how the children’s schooling will be paid for, Tarkyn said.”

Predominately a bricks and mortar investor, Tarkyn also professes that he dabbles in shares, and has an investment portfolio and a broker. “When it comes to investment I guess I like to see my investments, this is why I elect to invest in bricks and mortar mostly. Very early on in my career I tried to get ideas and perspectives from the people I trusted, such as my parents, when it came to investment. My mum and dad kept telling me to buy a house. So I did. This was my first investment, and the feeling of home ownership was truly monumental,” said Tarkyn.

Tarkyn believes that when it comes to investment you make hay while the sun shines and this for him means minimising risks and looking at longer term investments rather than short term.

“When it comes to investment, do the research, because if you have enough information you can then work out if the investment is good or bad. I honestly believe in talking to as many people as you can,” Tarkyn said.

“Talk to financial advisors and other people you trust and respect, and ask them questions, get a lot of advice and tips, but just remember that you need to sort out the good information from the bad, and that you need to work out your investments for you and your own personal requirements. Keep your goals in mind, and be disciplined, for example – focus on paying off your house and paying your debts as soon as possible, and don’t get side-tracked with other things that involve higher risks and give you no apparent rewards.”

“I have a lot of faith in my manager, and the financial people who help me. I have my finances set up so I can concentrate on footy, and I don’t have to worry about payments, or financial stress.”

“I firmly believe it is about finding value for money and portfolio growth. Clearly if you are not making money, then you need to change something. I am all about security, I need to know where my money is growing,” Tarkyn said. “I watch stocks with my broker, and I have a hands-on approach. This comes back once again to advice.”

In addition to being a Collingwood player, Tarkyn also owns and runs Elite Lifestyle Solutions (ELS), a health, well-being and teambuilding initiative, in conjunction with fellow Collingwood team player, Nick Maxwell. ELS operates out of the Lexus Centre and includes group and one-on-one training sessions that incorporate running, riding, swimming, free-weights, and football skills, as well as innovative fitness and training concepts to improve lifestyle and the quality of life.

And, it is the philosophies that he teaches at ELS that construct Tarkyn’s ethics for life, as his future is about enjoying a quality of life with those that he loves the most.

“Lifestyle is really important, for me, it is about enjoying my family, watching kids growing and spending time with them when my footy career ends,” said Tarkyn.

“However, when it comes to my future investments I would have to say that I am intrigued with the housing market and how we are going to go in an investment sense, because of the recession. Many people have told me to invest in certain share portfolios, because we have seen the worse and we are out of it, but others say we are still in it and to just sit still. Me, I am sitting on my hands at present, and just waiting to see what unfolds.”

For more information on Tarkyn Lockyer, or ELS, please visit http://elitelifestylesolutions.com.au

Please Note: This article was originally written by Tricia L. Snell and published in Lifestyle Investor Magazine Vol. 1.3 | Issue November/December 2009. This article has been re-printed with the permission of the Lifestyle Education Group.

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MRS AUSTRALIA WORLD DISCUSSES ‘WORK LIFE HAPPINESS’

December 28, 2011 By

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NEWS FEATURE:

Karen Miles, Mrs Australia World 2011, is a busy mum and TV presenter that has developed ‘work life happiness’ in order to manage her commitments.

The Mrs Australia World title is one of four that can be gained in the Mrs and Ms Australia quest event. The other three titles are Mrs Universe, Mrs International, and Mrs Earth.

As the winner of the World title, Karen Miles has learned to make adjustments to her lifestyle so that she can find a happy medium.

“I love the term ‘work life happiness’, where I strive for a level of enjoyment and happiness, rather than an unqualified notion of balance in both my work and personal life,” said Miles. “I’m someone who feels alive when I am busy.”

“I diarise my gym time to ensure it happens at least three times a week, otherwise other appointments will take over,” said Miles. “I also don’t ask myself if I feel like exercising when it is time to go, I just get dressed and go. My feelings very rarely want to work out.”

“Exercise is so important for keeping the stress levels balanced.”

Mrs Australia World says that she owes her figure to the Curves gym.

“I go to the Curves gym three times a week, maybe four, if I can fit in an extra visit,” said Miles. “It has taken me a while to enjoy exercise, but now I love it, or rather, I love how good I feel after and how much more confident I feel in my clothes.”

“They offer a 30-minute cardio workout designed for women, and they also have Zumba classes, which I love. It’s hard not to enjoy yourself when you’re trying to dance the Salsa.”

Good food is also a vital component to Mrs Australia World’s overall fitness.

“I eat really well to support the effort I put into exercise. I’ve eliminated processed foods, most sugar, gluten, and high carbs from my diet,” said Miles. “Now, I feel less bloated and sluggish. I focus on protein, vegies, a little fruit, and natural yogurt.”

“It has taken me a long time to realise that food is fuel, not entertainment,” said Miles. “I need to feed my body with healthy food, not starve and deprive it. Mind, I also think that the occasional treat is vital to your sanity.”

Mrs Australia World believes that the best way to have the life and body that you want is to take action. Karen Miles also feels that the best way to take this action is to avoid asking yourself if you want to go to the gym. Instead, she says, just go.

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‘EAT YOURSELF SEXY’ PERSONAL TRAINER EATS AND SLEEPS HIMSELF SEXY

December 27, 2011 By

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 NEWS FEATURE:

Blake Worall-Thompson, celebrity trainer and fitness guru for the television program ‘Eat Yourself Sexy’, works out six days a week and eats and sleeps his way to a sexier body.

Lifestyle You, a Foxtel and Austar program, recently launched ‘Eat Yourself Sexy’, a segment that follows the health and fitness transformation of eight women over eight weeks.

Worall-Thompson, owner of the Ministry of Wellbeing, a personal training outlet, assists the women on the program to develop healthy fitness behaviours by introducing them to exercise programs that complement their newly found eating habits.

With work pressures and other commitments, Worall-Thompson says that is important to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

“I’m always looking after my body and making sure I’m balanced by getting enough sleep, not letting stress affect my body, exercising six days a week, and always being prepared with the best quality food,” said Worall-Thompson. “And, I always have a ‘date’ night with my girlfriend.”

The perfect workout for Worall-Thompson does not need to be high-intensity, but he does like to mix-it-up and change his program regularly.

“I believe working out six days a week is a great start. Not all sessions need to be high-intensity, but creating those habits is the most important thing,” said Worall-Thompson. “I change my work out regime every three to four weeks to make sure I don’t get bored and that my body doesn’t become too accustomed to what’s going on.”

Worall-Thompson believes that the basis of healthiness comes from a combination of good food, exercise, and plenty of sleep.

“To get the ultimate results you need to address all areas of your health,” said Worall-Thompson. “Look at your stress, sleep, hormonal balance, fitness, food, and mindset. Eat clean food, nothing that is processed, and get plenty of rest. It’s that easy.”

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