A change for the better with a Fitness First giveaway

To coincide with my recent collaboration with Fitness First NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, I wanted to take this opportunity to "share the love" by giving back to my loyal readers. All you need to do is tell me what your health and wellness goals are for 2014.

x1 Lululemon Weekender Warrior Bag and 

x1 The Pure Mat 3mm by Lululemon

You always need a great bag when working out and a handy place to store your yoga mat. Gotta love the 2-in-1 combo.

x1 iPod shuffle

Music is my life, it motivates me so I want it to do the same for you.

x1 Jawbone UP Activity Tracker Wristband

This is one über cool wristband which measures your lifestyle throughout your day. Let it be movement, water intake, sleep you name it! This baby is for you.

So how do you enter?

Terms & Conditions

• Entries will close on 6th March 2014, and a winner will be announced shortly thereafter.
• Tell me what your health and wellness goals are for 2014 & include your IG or FB name beside your comment below.
• You must be an Australian resident to win.
• The winner’s answer will be judged on most creative response.
• Please ensure you have subscribed to my blog, as the winner will be notified by email. If the prize remains unclaimed for 72 hours, a new winner will be selected.
• Ensure you tag your pictures on social media with #changeforthebest showcasing your New Year, New You. 
• Only one entry per person.
• All color options of products limited by availability.

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

*WINNER MICHELLE VAMVAS*

Some exciting news from Fitness First!

1. Fitness First is changing. Fitness First Australia today launched two industry- first initiatives, Pay As You Go (PAYG) and Fitness Guarantee, bringing significant improvements to its members’ fitness experience, as part of the company’s ongoing transformation.

Change is seen in every aspect of the business from the new look and logo, to new equipment in state-of-the-art gyms, through to new services that optimise the member experience

2. Fitness first launches New You awards to help motivate Australians to keep their New Year’s health & fitness resolutions. 

Registration for the Fitness First New You Achievement Awards open in July and close at the end of August 2014. New members of Fitness First can pledge their goals online at fitnessfirst.com.au/newyou 

Find out more about what is happening at Fitness First click here.

Connect with Fitness First on their social media, website and Facebook page to keep updated: 

http://www.fitnessfirst.com.au/changeforthebest

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitnessFirstAustralia

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FitnessFirstAU

#changeforthebest

* * * * * * *

Hi everyone, it's a brand New Year and I am super excited that we are all focused on reaching our new goals for 2014. A new year gives us the opportunity to re-evaluate and refocus our attention to what we want to achieve.

As you all know, I was extremely fortunate to go away to the Gymea Retreat recently. The retreat was facilitated by the amazing Amber from Bloom Wellness and was just an experience I cannot recommend highly enough. I met some amazing people and totally got inspired by the health practitioners and professionals that were there to help us reach our goals. I also met my "sister from another mister" Nicole Joy and look forward to our friendship blossoming.

WOWZA!! What a really relaxing time, it's the best thing ever! A retreat is exactly what a health practitioner ordered! 

If you have never been to a wellness retreat, you may be wondering what to expect and think it is geared up specifically for hippies. Not the case and here's what I experienced - it was a total escape outta this world, solace, a haven for getting away from the grind and reflecting inward. It gave me a chance to reconnect with myself, solve some challenges I had prior to attending, gave me a fresh outlook and perspective on life. It restored my health and hey, I even dropped a few kilograms with eating all that raw food :-) 

I know we're all busy, trust me I know. With 4 kids under 8 years I am constantly on the move so this came at exactly the right time.  A retreat gives you time to reflect on your life, ponder your next move and questions whether your lifestyle supports your wellness aspirations.

Although I was able to attend an offsite retreat, I understand this is not physically or financially possible for everyone. With this in mind, there are other ways to achieve this goal.

To find nirvana, you need the tools of the trade along with a quiet space to put this into practice.

So leave me your comments below with your #changeforthebetter health and wellness goals for 2014 and please add your Instagram and Facebook username if you have one.  

Much love and friendship,

xxDani

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Fitness Transformation Tuesday with Christelyn AKA Fitness Mama

A great Transformation Tuesday story, thanks again for sharing your journey with us Christelyn. Keep on inspiring and for more information on this beautiful lady, click on all the hyperlinks below.

Enjoy!
xxDani

My name is Christelyn and I am the founder/creator of Fitness Mama.  I'm a full time wife and mother of two kids ages, 7 and 2.  I'm a certified LVN and a certified Hot Hula Fitness instructor in the Sacramento area. 

The past year and a half has been life changing not only for myself but for my family as well.  We changed from an extremely unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle to a healthy, active lifestyle.  The road has not been easy and there have been ups and downs.  Having to balance being a wife and mom and the daily routines is hard enough.  And then incorporating time to workout is a battle within itself!  It took a lot of courage and perseverance to even begin in the first place. I knew that if I didn't change, my kids' unhealthy habits would definitely take a toll on them when they got older.  To date, I've lost 60 lbs and still working towards my goal.  Click here and here for more about my weight loss journey.  And then here and here for more about how I got started.  It has become my passion to help others to become more healthy while facing life's challenges.

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Fitness Transformation Tuesday with Donnie Hodge

Today's transformation makes me smile. It's people like Donnie that are making a difference to other peoples lives and not only his. Donnie decided to make a change in his life and along the way changed a lot of other lives as well.

It's amazing how you can change the simple things that end up making such a big impact. Donnie lead by example and today his parents too are living a much healthier lifestyle.

You look fantastic Donnie!!!

Here is his story;

• How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?
  I am 23 years old. April 14 was when I first started my journey to living a healthier lifestyle. I started off working out but not taking it to serious. I was still eating unhealthy foods. So I said I'm going to do a 2 week detox. I juiced for 2 weeks and only did light cardio. Once I grab hold of my eating I started going to the farmers market every weeks to buy my fruits and vegetables. I began to workout 5 times a week, working a new body part every day. Once I started getting into better shape I applied for my personal training certification. So I began to train other people and workout with them at the same time. So not only helping myself I was helping others. I started turning 5 times a week into 3 times a day for a 6 day period. My body started to form into what I wanted it to look like. I started training my friends and we all shared results together. My journey started in april and it still continues I'm still not where I want to be. So I'm going to keep working hard.
• What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then?
  As a kid I ate hamburgers, pizza, all the fast food. White castle used to be one of my favorite things to eat. I used to eat a whole pan of meatloaf. As a young adult I ate hamburgers, pizza even more fast food because I was working and I can pay for it. So food was never a problem to get. What changed for me was I stopped eating late at nights. I don't eat after 7pm now. If i do its a piece of fruit only because I just left the gym or working out. I juice in the mornings and that consists of spinach, cucumbers, green apples, and maybe another fruit. I eat my heavier meals around 4pm. That will consist of a type of protein, maybe a tuna sandwich, fish, chicken breast. My third meal will consist of more vegetables and fruits. I dont eat any candy, I don't drink any alcohol, no red meat, no cake, no juice, I only drink water and juice that was prepared by me.
• Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?
  I used to play basketball, baseball, and football. I lost interest in them and now I am a boxer. I watch baseball, basketball, football, tennis, golf, boxing, and volleyball.
• What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?
  What makes me smile is when my clients say they already feel healthier. When a client says they are sore but they want more. What really puts a smile on my face is when a client says they can fit in a pair of jeans that they have been trying to fit in for a while. My passion in life is to help people reach there goals in life. My passion is to inspire people to look how they always wanted to but they didn't have any guidance.
• What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?
  My Great Grandmother died of a heart attack. My Grandmother died of a heart attack. I said I will be dammed if my Mother or Father died of a heart attack. I said to myself if I can get in the best shape of my life and document everything., I can help people around me live a healthier lifestyle. So one day I stayed up thinking of a plan on how to get healthier. I already had an athletic background I just was using my abilities. I was partying every weekend sometimes starting on thursdays and ending on sundays. I looked at some old photos of myself and I thought about what happened. I started boxing may 18 but I was still partying, smoking and drinking. I found out the hard way, those things dont go together. I couldn't breath some days I felt like I was going to die. So I had to stop. If I really wanted to pursue a boxing career I had to stop. I had to not only stop for me, I had to stop for my family. Being the youngest in our family, I had to lead by example. Once I started being healthy the whole family jumped on board. Since my change, my mother changed and she has lost 53 pounds and my father has lost 33 pounds.
• What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
  I will win the golden gloves championship for New York state come this January. I am looking to open my own gym by the end of next year. A place where it is very affordable for people and they can still get a great workout. I am also looking forward to winning other boxing tournaments to help build my resume as an amateur boxer. I am also looking forward to competing in a physique contests in the summer.
• What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?
  It's not easy but what in life is. Being healthy builds confidence, you're not as tired, you start to become a motivator not by choice. You start to get a hold of your life. Food controls you whether you think it or not. It controls how long you live, it controls the people around you, it controls how much energy you will have to do in your daily task. The healthier you are, the better your day will become. Every time I look at how far I have come, I just smile.
  
  
  List your social media's if you would like people to follow youInstagram @unfinished_product_fit twitter: _upfitness
  Facebook Upfitness

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Weight loss Transformation Tuesday interview with Timothy Roberts

One of my most favourite Instagram fitness pages and what an inspiration he is. From starting up his own business to competing in fitness competitions and running marathons. Gone are the days of heavy partying and drinking alcohol. 

I have been following Timothy since I have been on Instagram 6 months ago and he is one committed young man. Thank you again Tim for sharing your life with us xx Dani

Tim Roberts transformation

1. How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date? 

I am 27,  And 2008, I was 70lbs overweight, had just been let go from my car sales job at Ford and had no clue what to do next. I began working out and to make a long story short; overcame much struggle and was able to get into pretty great shape. I started my own fitness company, called BodiesByTim, so that I could educate the masses on how to get fit and avoid struggling as I had. I feel blessed to be as far a long in my career as I am. I continue to push myself participating in everything from Men's Physique competitions to Marathons!  

2. What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 

Nothing has really changed. I have always been attracted to flavors that were natural and from the earth. As an adult, most of my food choices are still clean organic foods that I can prepare at home. Although, you will still catch me sneaking a pop tart here and there! 

3. Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?

I love playing all sports recreationally. And run marathons yearly to get out and push my body. 

4. What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?

Wow! What a great question ;) my passion is promoting health and wellness to the world. What makes me smile? When someone realizes they are able to do what they once thought was impossible! 

5. What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?

I was 22 at the time and was on vacation at the River. While partying, swimming and wreaking havoc, I really had gotten myself into awful condition. Alcohol is really bad for your body in excess. With that simple fact and knowing I was young. I had to get back into shape. 

  

6. What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?

I want to hopefully get my e-book launched. It has great educational tool I want to share so others succeed with fitness as I did

7. What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?

As unreal as my transformation seems, this is what I look like after never giving up for more than 1500 days! When is your day 1?

Do you want to follow Tim and connect with him? See below....

www.bodiesbytim.wordpress.com

Facebook.com/BodiesByTim

Twitter: @BodiesByTim

Instagram: @BodiesByTim

YouTube.com/BodiesByTim

Tumblr: BodiesByTim

BodySpace: BodiesByTim

Linkd In: BodiesByTim

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Lorna Jane Active Living Sporty Sister SNEAK PEAK

I have been pinching myself these last couple of days. I received a call from the beautiful Lorna Jane team last week inviting me to be part of their Active Living Sporty Sister campaign next month. I have been nothing but humbled and of course jumped at the opportunity.

I was going to write how chaotic my Thursday was with the logistics of arranging our 4 kids baby sitting, getting a spray tan, nails done, getting my pop colour runners, writing up a Vision Crusaders (if you haven't already done so, please LIKE my Richard Branson picture) proposal to hand to Lorna personally in hope she can sponsor my 6 Rides to Conquer Cancer etc......

Instead I'll just give you the snippets of what a wonderful experience this whole Lorna Jane gig was.

Campaign manager Sofie told me to bring my brightest coloured accessories I typically work out in and of course that included my nails, arm candy and runners!

Pop colour workout gear

A HUGE THANK YOU to owner Paul Tudorovic at Ballarat's Athletes Foot for my amazing runners for my Lorna Jane photo shoot. For my local readers, please head down to Bridge Mall as they have their massive half yearly SALE ON NOW!!!!

My view from my hotel room as I arrived at 11:30pm in BrisVegas late Thursday night.

Brisbane River View

Arriving at 5:45am to meet the Lorna Jane girls Sofie, Kristina and Kelly at their head office in Eagle Farm. Meeting one of the worlds top make up artists Tania Travers , she is truly one beautiful and talented lady! Me posing in the studio and all the gear ready for us to shoot on location.

Lorna Jane Studio

Our first shoot was at New Farm park, Brisbane around 7am and what a wonderful way to kick start the day, giving the Founder and inspirational lady a big hug!!! I was hugging her like there was no tomorrow. Meeting people you admire and look up to is a very rare moment in life, so I made the most of it. As you can see :-)

BTW I took the first opportunity to let Lorna know I had a Vision Crusaders pack to give to her before she left for the day.

Lorna Jane with Fitness Food And Style

Next stop was at the Biologic Labs around 10am where Lorna Jane herself trains with her trainer Matt (who mind you killed me when I did 100kgs leg presses!! I am still sore as I type!). It was super awesome meeting my Sporty Sister Maileen Hawthorne who has the fittest body going around. She has inspired me to be more diligent, so thank you my beautiful friend. I love you.

Tania working her magic, making me look all gorgeous and Lorna going through my kettle bell interval pics.

Biologic Labs photoshoot

Last stop was at the Metro Arts Centre where we wrapped up the shoot and here's Lorna going through my pics again.

Lorna Jane Active Living Sporty Sisters campaign (sneak peak)

So all in all, an absolutely sensational day. THANK YOU LORNA JANE AND THE ENTIRE LORNA JANE TEAM. You have the best team!!! Thank you for your warm welcome and making us feel so comfortable and at home. Can't forget our amazing camera boys!!!! Love you Jason and Rod!

Ahhhhh yes, how beautiful is Lorna as she was leaving she said:

"Dani, you told me to remind you to give me your Vision Crusaders pack".

So here was my front cover!

Lorna Jane please sponsor my 6 Rides To Conquer Cancer

Fingers crossed! As I would love to be a Lorna Jane ambassador as I ride my butt off, to raise more awareness and money for research to get rid of this deadly disease, that takes 1 in 3 lives away from us. If you are reading this Lorna, I look forward to hearing from you soon x

Pretty cool huh? Never a dull moment in Dani's day. Can't wait when the campaign is launched so you can check out all the pics!

To top my day off, I caught up with my gorgeous friend Shari from Your Family Survival Coach who is just the best person in my life! Thank you Shari AKA wing woman, for meeting me with your gorgeous little Grace.

Family Survival Coach with Fitness Food And Style

There you go my wonderful friends, dreams do come true and I have each and every one of you to thank. Your love and support that I receive on a daily basis is simply mind blowing!

At the end of the day I am living my life for all the like minded people that share my passion. It is an absolute honour and privilege to have a chance to make a difference - a qualitative difference in peoples lives and that is why I love what I do.


What's been the coolest thing that has happened to you?

XxDani

Please click here for your chance to win 12 months free Private Health Insurance

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