OLIVIA WILDE'S GROWING BABY BUMP AT PILATES

Rush actress Olivia Wilde was spotted leaving a Pilates class last Friday in Los Angeles sporting a very small baby bump! Even though Wilde and her fiancé Jason Sudeikis are yet to officially confirm that they are expecting, Hollywood is impatiently anticipating their gorgeous baby's arrival! The stunning actress was snapped in Reebok stretch pants and a grey workout shirt that revealed a tiny baby belly on Friday morning.  Wilde has actually been spotted on a few other occasions over the last few weeks attending Pilates classes. It is clear that she wants to keep fit and healthy as she prepares for her baby's birth. 

Health and fitness has always been paramount to Wilde. She tries to be active every day, wherever this involves walking her dog, hiking or riding her bike on the beach. Olivia tries to mix up her exercise so she stays motivated. "I make fun of it (exercise), but it's amazing, because you have to push yourself through this resistance, which is so therapeutic," the fit actress says. Wilde has also recently taken up paddleboarding along with her regular Pilates classes. 

The 29-year-old actress has a few fundamental health tips: "Drink water, sleep eight hours (I wish), and don't go within 400 feet of a tanning booth, or I'll slap you. Hard." Wilde is also a very clean eater. She is a longtime vegetarian and made the choice to become a vegan five years ago. "My veganism is at times consistent, other times less so...but I love how it makes me feel. [Being vegan] is not always easy and accessible, but it's a way of life and makes me as a person feel really good and physically look better. My skin was better, my energy was better."

The recently engaged actress is very excited about her future family plans with fiancé Jason Sudeikis. Oliva told magazine Marie Claire that "we've (Jason & her) have discussed all our ideals and hopes. I can't wait for children. I'm open-minded about how many, but three (children), which I love, is like a little party. "

Wilde also gushed about Sudeikis's fatherly skills in the interview;  "[Jason's] so good with kids...I've never before experienced looking at someone and thinking, 'That's who I want to raise a child with.'" 

We wish this lovely couple all the best with the birth of their first child! 

Recently fallen pregnant and want to get your fitness and health under control? Interested in having a body like Oliva's by summer? Call Premium Pilates Studio today on 0402 680 724 or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com. 

x Emily 

ASHLEY GREENE'S AMAZINGLY TONED LEGS FROM PILATES

One of the world's favourite good vampires, actress Ashley Greene, was a vision in white at the premiere of her latest movie 'The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones', in Hollywood on Monday (see photo above). Greene's super-toned thighs stole the show as they peeked out of a beautiful mini-dress. How does she get these amazing legs, you may be wondering? Lots of exercise! 

Ashley works out 5-6 times a week, every week. She practises Pilates, yoga, martial arts, strength-training and cardio exercise. The actress's very athletic body (as can be seen in the Women's Health photo above) is also due to eating well, however she reveals that she refuses to starve herself or put her body through severe fad diets. 

"I don't do the diet thing anymore," Greene told Women's Health. "I'm a big believer in feeding your body what it needs. Deny yourself something, and you're going to end up shoving your face full of it."

Greene has received some slack over the past three years, as she has slimmed down quite considerably. However Ashley informs that she does not want to be a size 0 (Australian size 6). "A lot of people like to be super-tiny, but I don't want a child's body," she said. "I want a woman's body that is extremely fit. It's so much sexier."

Another way Ashley maintains her trim physique is that she does not drink often, for a few reasons. "I keep to the ground rules: I’m not going to get drunk at a bar," she said. "There are younger girls who look up to me, so I do my best not to stray too far. I definitely try to be a positive role model."

The stunning actress has no idea what is in store for her in the future. Greene says that whilst the 'Twilight' movie series did provide her with very valuable exposure to Hollywood, she still has to fight to receive good movie roles. "It has always been hard, but it is now very competitive," she said. "It's hard to break out, and it is still hard for me. I am fighting for my next job. Nothing is set in stone".We wish you all the best Ashley! 

Want to tone your thighs and stomach like Ashley? Keen to add some resistance training into your life but not sure how to incorporate this? Come try Pilates reformer classes with Premium Pilates Studio today! Call 0402 680 724 or visit us at premiumpilatesstudio.com for more information. 

x Emily 

ACTRESS JULIANNE HOUGH'S TONED PHYSIQUE AFTER LEAVING PILATES

Actress Julianne Hough was spotted looking toned and trim leaving a tough Pilates class in West Hollywood just last week. The busy actress is in demand after her recent performances in the movies Safe Haven, Rock of Ages and 2011’s remake of Footloose. The 24-year-old wore a tight blue exercise top that showed off her amazing abs as she rushed out of the gym.

Hough first made headlines when she appeared as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars a few years ago and has since added a lot to her resume, including leading lady, country music singer, Ryan Seacrest’s main squeeze (now her ex) and fitness guru (she’s released two cardio-workout dvds!).  Whilst Julianne definitely has a very hectic schedule that is only going to get busier, she isn’t about to give up her exercise regime.

Besides her regular Pilates classes, the actress likes to swim, take ballet classes, run on the treadmill and attend SoulCycle sessions, which involves riding a bike whilst using weights and resistance bands. Julianne knows that a fit and healthy mind and body cannot be achieved without exercise and a balanced diet.

“It's tough to be disciplined (with food). If I'm hungry or thirsty I don't always know which - I just know I'm craving something. So I do an iced herbal tea. And almonds, always. I cut up vegetables and put apple cider vinegar on them, with salt and pepper. Or snack on some hummus."

The actress shared her favourite meals with Women’s Health magazine, which include baked fish or any type of protein & vegetables for dinner and eggs & artichokes with spinach for breakfast. The movie star says that she likes to cook at home whenever she can. 

Hough also shares her tips for staying trim. “The first thing I do is I cut out alcohol completely, especially wine and I stop the sugar and white, flour-based carbs.”

Julianne also takes a refreshing approach to the idea of beauty in Hollywood. “Beauty comes from within. Whatever you put in your body -- food or anything internally -- is going to show up there…so I try to eat healthy whenever I can”. 

Want to look as good in your exercise gear as Julianne? Looking to trim and tone your tummy? Call Premium Pilates Studio today on 0402 680 724 or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com.  

x Emily 

JOHN STAMOS HAS THE LAST LAUGH in his PILATES CLASS

The famous John Stamos, or perhaps better known as Uncle Jessie from Full House, reveals that he gets teased in his Pilates classes! The age defying actor says that Pilates makes him feel a little 'ridiculous' but look good so he's sticking to his exercise of choice despite the laughter.

We kid you not; if you look up 'John Stamos does not age' you will find over 1.7 million Google results. In spite of this reputation, the 48-year-old actor says that he works very hard to maintain his toned body. 

The actor joined stars Stacey Keibler and Paris Hilton for a yacht club launch party in Malibu just the other day and was happy to talk about how he got beach/yacht-ready. 

Stamos reveals his love-hate relationship with Pilates; 'I go into class and its all women except for me. I'm the only guy there and I know they make up these exercises to make me look ridiculous; they plot before I get there.Because every exercise involved my legs up, like I'm in the stirrups or something. And it looks like I'm getting a pap smear. They do it to make me look silly, but it keeps me in shape'.

John was more than happy to talk about the benefits of his commitment to Pilates. 'I have a beautiful woman's body now. I have a great ass now.'

Stamos even accepted the challenge to get his co-star Kelly Osbourne's father, Ozzy Osbourne, to Pilates! 'I'll take him!' offered Stamos. 'Can you imagine?'

Think John Stamos is a pretty good looking guy and wouldn't hate to look like him? Call Premium Pilates Studio today on 0402 680 724 or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com 

x Emily 

SUNDAY MUSINGS

As another beautiful winter weekend comes to a close, we deliver a few interesting health facts to get you thinking about your diet, fitness and why you should use social media more for your exercise goals. 

1. Wild or Brown? 

There has been so much talk about the different types of rice and what is healthiest for you. Both wild and brown rice are a much better choice than white rice, however wild rice wins in the less calories and less fat department. Wild rice contains 1 gram less fat and 30 less calories than brown brown per half serving. The fibre content in both wild & brown rice is very similar, however the grains in wild rice actually contain less carbs than the grains in brown rice. Wild rice also has 5 times the amount of folate and is higher in protein than brown rice. If you haven't tried wild rice yet, check out the blog for recipes!

2. Tweeting = weight loss? 

I know it sounds strange, but regularly logging on to your social media accounts can assist in losing those unwanted centimetres. How exactly? A North American study revealed that reading positive tweets on diet, healthy living and exercise motivated people trying to lose weight to stay committed to their fitness goals and even start sharing healthy living statuses of their own. The study involved following 96 overweight people for six months who tweeted regularly about their weight loss journey and found that each of their body weight decreased by almost 3%! 

3. Nighttime snacking. 

Often I find that I get quite hungry after dinner and before bedtime. As someone who cannot go to bed hungry, I submit to my nighttime cravings and open the fridge. Contrary to popular belief it is okay to eat late at night, as long as you do so smartly. You want to go for foods that take a long time to digest, therefore leaving you feeling fuller for longer. You also want to choose food that will not cause indigestion and that will not produce insulin surges, or you may find yourself hungry again 5 minutes later. Dietitian's suggest that we reach for a snack that has between 95 -145 calories and contains a minimum of 3 grams of fibre. The snacks that fall into this category could include 12 almonds & a cup of sliced strawberries and a piece of wholegrain toast or a few rice/corn cakes topped with natural peanut buter. 

4. Put the Butt out. 

If you need another reason to quit smoking, here it is; smoking increases the intensity of those hangovers we all know and love. An American study revealed that the chemical acetaldehyde found in cigarettes (and also formed in our bodies when we drink alcohol) causes the horrible hangovers one experiences after a night of heavy drinking and strenuous smoking.  

5. Keep the calories burning. 

After participating in a 50 minute exercise workout, your body continues to burn calories / kilojoules for a whooping 14 hours! Just another reason to get your exercise in early in the morning and reap the benefits all day. 

x Emily 

MEN are CHANGING THE TRENDS and THEIR BODIES with PILATES

Here at Premium Pilates Studio we have recently noticed an increase of male presence in our reformer classes and we must say that we love it. The outdated notion that Pilates is just a female exercise is a thing of the past. Recent statistics don't lie- more men are taking up Pilates & Yoga as a form of fitness! 

The gentleman of the world are becoming more flexible, more toned and are changing preconceived exercise trends with an influx starting regular Pilates and Yoga classes. Eight years ago, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that only 0.4% of males in Australia practised Pilates or Yoga. However, the latest IBIS World report revealed that that participation number in these forms of exercise has increased an average 12.1% every year in the last few years, particularly among men. The Pilates & Yoga industry is also projected to grow by 4.8% every year until the year 2017.

Elixir Health Club's Richard Chew has really noticed the increase in male participation in Pilates, with one of every five clients in his classes men. "Five years ago, it was quite rare to see a guy in a Pilates class...now it's normal to see three or four men at least in all of our (Pilates) classes". A male client of Richard's reveals that that he participates in regular Pilates classes and relates it to a similar intensity as strength training. 

Gentleman, if you want to isolate muscles, reduce your stress, improve posture & flexibility and strengthen your all-important core, reformer Pilates is for you! Call Premium Pilates Studio today on 0402 680 724 or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com to find out more. 

x Emily 

DIET versus EXERCISE

Let’s solve some myths right here right now. Yes exercise is very important and essential for improving your health. Exercise also has the power to boost your energy, prevent cancer, enhance your mood, reduce the risk of heart disease and potentially stop the onset of diabetes. However, when it comes to losing weight, the best and most efficient way to achieve this is to focus on your DIET. We explain why below.

The Goal: To Lose Weight

Focus: Your Diet.

Why: You may have heard of the 80% diet 20 % exercise ratio and the fact that abs are made in the kitchen, not at the gym. Whilst I do not entirely agree with this statement- in my opinion abs are made with Pilates- the ratio seems right on track. If you are falling short with your weight loss goals, the first thing to do is to look at your diet. If you are not fueling your body with healthy foods, you are never going to lose weight and keep it off. Also, never ever use exercise as a way to justify indulgent meals that you consume. It’s a terrible downwards spiral to say “I'll just eat a pizza / tub of ice cream / block of chocolate and exercise the calories away”. That would take many more hours than you realise!

The reason that diet is so crucial and directly linked with weight loss is that what you eat is much easier to modify than your exercise routine. If you want to lose weight, you plan an eating program where you ditch high calorie foods with high GI levels and little or no nutrients for low calorie foods with low GI levels and lots of nutrients. Saying no to the pizza and saying yes to a baked chicken breast takes all of a few seconds and reduces your copious hours at the gym to make up for eating that greasy pizza. Women’s Health Magazine weight loss expert Tara Diversi explains more. “A 7km walk takes a little over an hour for most people and burns around 2000 kilojoules. It takes much less time and less effort to cut 2000 to 4000 kilojoules a day with some small and consistent food changes”. Consequently a healthy balanced diet is the most direct and shortest way towards  dropping a dress size.

Without realising it, people tend to underestimate the calories they consume and overemphasise the calories they burn. Controlling your portion sizes and the food you put in your mouth is much simpler and more efficient than going for a 5 hour run every day (and who has the time to exercise 5 plus hours a day! Not I).

A nutritious diet is imperative to weight loss, as your body needs energy to function. You cannot go on a 10 km walk/run or participate in a tough Pilates class without your body functioning at its best ability.

We definitely do not mean to say that you should cease exercise and lose weight by just eating well. Exercise is vital because if you never challenge your body, you will never see results. Toning and sculpting muscles comes from regular and frequent exercise. Pilates, swimming, running, lifting weights, whatever your exercise regime is important as it assists you in increasing muscle mass, strength and endurance. Diet alone will not and cannot do this.

It appears that the old saying is true; it really does take two to tango. With a healthy and nutritious diet and frequent exercise weight loss will happen! It won’t be easy by any means, but the things we want most in life never are. One thing is for certain though; it will be worth it.

x Emily