Innholdsfortegnelse for April/May 2025 i Women's Fitness Australia

What are the reasons? 1 MENOPAUSE With the marked decline of oestrogen and progesterone, we experience symptoms of menopause - night sweats, anxiety, hot flashes. This is linked back to what these hormones do in our body- alongside support reproduction, they also stabilise body temperature and impact our mood. And, as such, sleep suffers: melatonin, our key sleepiness hormone, relies on a cool core body temperature to be produced. So when we overheat through the night, we sleep light, wake frequently, and struggle to return to sleep. 2 ANXIETY A 2024 paper found that women 30-49 are the most stressed of any age and any gender. With compounding work-life demands, dual responsibilities and often, greater mental load than partners, anxiety is crippling us - and our sleep. When anxiety rises,…

Who: Bernadette Sukkar What she does: Founder Body by Berner Where: Sydney, Australia Connect: @mrsbernadettesukkar BERNIE, YOU’RE A POWERHOUSE! WHY ARE YOU SO PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? Thank you! I’m passionate about what I do because I truly believe in the power of movement to transform both the body and the mind. At Body by Berner, I get to help people tap into their inner strength, improve their physical well-being, and discover a sense of balance in their lives. Seeing my clients grow, heal, and gain confidence fuels my purpose every day. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to create a space where people can connect with themselves on a deeper level through movement and mindfulness practices such an breathwork and sound healing. WHAT’S BEEN THE KEYS TO YOUR…

eimele, a leader in functional nutrition powered by phytonutrients, is proud to announce the launch of Calibrate Reds Max, an advanced formula designed to support weight management by optimising sugar and fat metabolism. Rooted in innovation and backed by scientific research, this cutting-edge formulation offers a holistic approach to achieving metabolic balance in today’s modern dietary landscape. “Weight management is not just about aesthetics—it is essential for long-term health,” says Dr Julie Chen, Chief Formulator at eimele and a Naturopathic Doctor with over 20 years of experience in clinical practice and product innovation. “With rising obesity rates and an overabundance of high-carb, fat, and sugar diets, achieving metabolic balance has become increasingly difficult. eimele developed Calibrate Reds Max to provide a natural yet powerful solution, giving individuals a strategic edge…

Snoring - it’s something you joke about, because it doesn’t really matter. Right? Wrong. Left unaddressed, with snoring reducing the passage of air into the body overnight, you’ll wake up exhausted, like you haven’t slept at all. You’ll struggle to concentrate, feel mentally foggy, be irritable, moody, anxious and flat. If you’re in a relationship, you may need to have a sleep divorce, which limits intimacy and connection. Snoring - not ok. Here’s why, and what you can do. SNORING = UNREFRESHING SLEEP First and foremost, snoring impairs sleep. Instead of being able to dive deep into deep, slow wave sleep, with snoring - both for snorers and their partners alike, you’re more likely to sleep lightly. Cue waking up frequently through the night, waking tired, and feeling like you…

1 TASMANIA: AUSTRALIA’S UNTAMED GEM Tasmania is the perfect destination for nature lovers who crave both serenity and adventure. A world away from the bustling cities, this island state is home to pristine wilderness, including lush rainforests, alpine lakes, and rugged mountains. For the ultimate escape, head to Freycinet National Park, where the stunning Wineglass Bay awaits. Hike along the scenic trails, kayak through crystal-clear waters, or simply relax on the beach alongside seals and wallabies. For a more challenging trek, explore the Overland Track, a famous 80km hike through the heart of the island’s wilderness. In Hobart, Tasmania’s vibrant capital, indulge in local delicacies at Salamanca Market, renowned for its fresh produce, artisan goods, and lively atmosphere. Combine culture with nature by visiting MONA, the Museum of Old…

There are some places you visit that instantly make you feel at home. Others transport you to a different world entirely. Then there’s Osborn House, a rare blend of both. Nestled in the stunning Southern Highlands of New South Wales, this luxury retreat seamlessly fuses indulgence with nature, creating an escape that’s as restorative as it is breathtaking. I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Osborn House with my daughter, and from the moment we arrived, we were completely captivated. Whether it was the stunning interiors, the next-level food, or the immersive wellness experience, every detail of our stay was thoughtfully designed for relaxation and enjoyment. A Luxury Retreat Immersed in Nature If there’s one thing Osborn House gets absolutely right, it’s the balance between comfort and the great outdoors.…

After putting the top fitness trackers to the test, Women’s Fitness is excited to crown the Apple Watch Series 10 as the winner of our Fitness Tracker Test Review! Packed with cutting-edge features, stylish versatility, and seamless integration into everyday life, this smartwatch goes beyond tracking—it empowers women to take control of their health and fitness like never before. Why It Won Apple Watch Series 10 isn’t just a fitness tracker—it’s a personal coach, health monitor, and stylish accessory all in one. With advanced heart rate tracking, precision GPS, sleep analysis, and the latest AI-driven coaching features, it adapts to your unique fitness journey. Whether you’re training for a marathon or simply trying to stay active between work and family life, this watch provides real-time insights and motivation to keep…

Who: Rochelle Fox What she does: Author of Magnetic Where: Bondi Beach Connect: @rochelle_fox ROCHELLE, YOU ARE A POWERHOUSE. WHY ARE YOU SO PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? I absolutely love witnessing transformation in other people - I love nothing more than helping others make their dreams a reality. I started my career in personal development and teaching meditation not because I was the most calm, controlled, or centered person, but because I was struggling deeply with my own mental health and navigating PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). My career has really been a journey of turning my pain into my purpose, and helping others turn their pain into their purpose, creating a life that is meaningful to them. WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME KEYS TO YOUR SUCCESS? Meditation - the foundation…

I get asked all the time why I look younger than my age. This year, I’m 52 (mic drop, I know! I hope my picture inspires you) and couldn’t be more organic about sharing my secrets and crusade as a Wellness professional. ‘Bio hacking your brain’ is allowing yourself to have optimal brain function and education around optimizing this system is my area of expertise! It’s not just your brain that you should be concerned about, but the entire nervous system itself! The brain is connected to the spinal cord and that branches off to nerves. It’s this entire nervous system which controls every single cell, tissue and organ in your body. The nervous system, which includes the brain, is responsible for how you perceive the world, adapt to stress…

INTRODUCTION: The Frustration of Dieting Are you tired of the relentless cycle of dieting and weight loss, followed by the disheartening weight regain? Fad diets and restricting your calories too low could absolutely be to blame. I understand this frustration intimately. In my late teens and early twenties, I was a textbook example of a restrictive, yo-yo dieter. I’d diligently restrict my calories throughout the week, only to unravel on the weekends and overeat. It was an exhausting, emotionally draining cycle, devoid of any real food freedom or balance. This pattern negatively impacted my gut health and energy levels, and I know a lot of women can relate to my story! THE TURNING POINT: Education and Empowerment My personal experience fueled my passion to complete my Bachelor of Science in…

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about skin over the years, it’s that a little effort goes a long way, and the right treatments may help support skin health. As someone who’s always been interested in skin health (but mindful of finding treatments that suit my lifestyle) I look for evidence-based treatments that fit seamlessly into my routine. Secret RF needling, available at Lisa Rush, is a treatment designed to support skin rejuvenation. The Power of RF Needling I’ve had two sessions of RF needling with the Secret RF system to explore its potential benefits. This treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to deliver energy below the skin’s surface, aiming to stimulate the skin’s natural processes. Over time, some individuals report noticing changes in skin texture and firmness. What I’ve…

Ballet barre for the home is one of the simplest workouts for building strength and flexibility, and lengthening every muscle. It’s also low impact, low on kit and will set you up with positivity for the rest of the day. ‘These moves, using just a resistance band, will help you to engage the main muscle groups of the body – the glutes, core, back and arms – and will give you a full-body, dancer-style workout,’ says Eloise Skinner, fitness and dance instructor (@eloiseallexia). ‘Try the footwork exercises for additional engagement and strengthening, and expect to find yourself lengthened, grounded and ready to dance into your day!’ Start the workout by getting your heart rate up with some dynamic stretches. Try doing some gentle lunges, followed by a downward dog while…

Meditation can be simple, effortless, and deeply rewarding—with the right guidance, technique, and community support. However, many of us unknowingly limit ourselves with certain beliefs: ● My mind is too busy.● It’s impossible to stop thinking.● I struggle to focus. ● I can’t meditate. Does this sound familiar? Many people struggle with meditation because they expect to experience a perfected state of deep relaxation every time they sit down to meditate. This expectation, however, is counterproductive. The essence of meditation is letting go of expectations and simply allowing what naturally unfolds. Additionally, many beginners attempt meditation alone—through self-teaching, apps, or YouTube tutorials. While these can be quick, accessible ways to start, they often fail to provide the depth and transformation people seek. The missing piece? The energetic transmission of an…

Most people feel like they never have enough time. They’re constantly busy, overwhelmed, and struggling to keep up. But what if the secret to achieving more isn’t doing more—it’s actually doing less? This isn’t about working harder or squeezing more into your day. It’s about shifting how you approach your time so you create more space, energy, and results where it matters most. In my book Time Magic (co-authored with my husband, Nick Broadhurst), I show you how to reclaim your time and design a life that feels abundant, spacious, and fulfilling. Here’s how you can start today. 1 TIME ISN’T THE PROBLEM—YOUR PRIORITIES ARE You don’t need more time—you need more clarity on where your time is going and whether you’re using it wisely. In Time Magic, I introduce…

Where Vintage Glamour Meets Modern Luxury From the moment you step inside Ovolo South Yarra, you’re transported into a world of eclectic design and effortless cool. Inspired by the golden days of Studio 54, the interiors are a playful mix of pop art, plush textures, and vibrant colors that feel both luxurious and inviting. Every detail, from the quirky furnishings to the bold wallpaper, is designed to spark joy—making it impossible not to fall in love at first sight. A Stay Tailored for You Each of Ovolo South Yarra’s beautifully curated rooms is designed with comfort and personality in mind. Whether you opt for a cozy, intimate space or a more spacious suite, you’ll love the thoughtful touches, quirky art and complimentary cocktail with every stay.. Perfect for a pre…

We all know our thoughts can affect our mood – just thinking about a heavy workload can get our heart racing and cause untold stress; while remembering a loved one can fill us with cosy feelings of safety and comfort – but did you know your physical body can impact your emotional state, too? Fascia has become a buzzword in wellbeing circles recently, as the extent and complexity of its role in the body becomes clearer. Also known as connective tissue, fascia is the fibrous tissue that surrounds and extends into your bones, muscles, heart, lungs and more, and it’s crucial for your fitness endeavours. ‘Your fascia reduces friction between muscles, allowing them to glide smoothly over each other. This facilitates the transmission of muscular forces during movement and improves…

Pilates has been with me during various stages of my life, so it’s only natural to start thinking about how it can serve us as we age. My family has also experienced the toll of dementia and mental health-related illness, so ensuring the way I teach will challenge both brain and body is really important to me. The focus on controlled, precise movements in Pilates demands significant mental concentration. It encourages a variety of movements and routines, which can help promote neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections. This adaptability is crucial for learning new skills and maintaining cognitive health. And mastering different sequences will help to improve and maintain long-term memory and spatial recognition. Indeed, this practice can help improve overall attention span…