Late Pregnancy Pilates & Callanetics. Am I crazy?

For anyone who knows me, you'll realise that exercise isn't really my 'thing'. I've had a gym membership for a few years now (which I've used on and off) and I've loved the stints I've done at Hypoxi, but as far as an ongoing fitness regime - I've never had one.

I blame my workload, and my toddler, and my relationship, and my attempt at having some down time when I get the chance. How on earth was there time to fit anything else in?

I guess being 7 months pregnant also added to the list of excuses, but when I was offered the opportunity to try out Rhythm Pilates and South African Callanetics at Club Rhythm in North Adelaide, it seemed like a good a time as any to start.

Especially when the team there told me that it would help with giving birth. Anything that helps is worth doing, right?

With the nod from my doctor, it was time to don the workout gear and hope that I didn't bump in to anyone I knew.

Well I've been going for a few weeks now and it's time to report back.

Rhythm Pilates

For both my Pilates and Callanetics classes, I've been lucky enough to nab two fantastic trainers who are giving me one-on-one sessions. This works really well because a regular group class wouldn't be able to focus on teaching me all the pregnancy-friendly moves, and ensuring that I'm doing everything safely for both the baby & I. I'm also quite a lot slower than the regular Joe these days, and appreciate that I can take things at my own pace.

The Rhythm Pilates classes are taken in the centre of the club, in a specialty room with STOTT PILATES® machines. It's surprisingly easy for me, as it seems that my body has retained some of it's physical memory of how it's meant to work. We're focusing on arm and leg exercises which are helping me with my flexibility and overall strength, and are helping to prepare me not only for the super physical challenge ahead of me, but for my post-baby recovery and bounce-back (do you like how optimistic I'm being here?).

My sessions go for around 45m - 1hr and I am definitely spent at the end of each one. As I mentioned though, they aren't too much for me, which I feel is extremely important, as I don't have too much energy to spare these days!

South African Callanetics

Just to be clear, we're not talking about Callisthenics here. There are no ribbons, children in make up or brightly coloured leotards allowed.

Callanetics was created in the 80s by a ballet dancer to help alleviate her back and knee pain. The pelvic floor exercises in the South African version of Callanetics lift and shape buttocks and provide core strength to reduce hip and lower back pain. I think overall, it's just another great form of exercise to help strengthen and tone your body.

Compared to the Pilates classes I'm taking, I find Callanetics to be much more challenging on my muscles. As this style of exercise uses your own body for resistance (think leg lifts etc) it's really up to you as to how hard you push yourself. My arms and legs ache after each class, but it's actually nice to think that I'm doing something positive during my pregnancy rather than just eating blocks of chocolate because 'the baby wants it'. The fact that I have a fabulous teacher (Marayka) also helps. In fact, the entire team at Club Rhythm are all wonderful so I've been lucky. 
Everyone is really supportive about my pregnancy and my slow return in to the world of exercise.

Overall, I think Rhythm Pilates and Callanetics are a good combo to do, as both are low/no impact, while each targets different muscles and exercises your body in different ways. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't get nearly as much out of it (pregnant) if I didn't have the one-on-one classes though as my attention span is short at the moment, and I need to be guided along in order to keep me on track.

Do I think this will help me in childbirth? Who knows, but I've still got some time left before I need to find out, so I'll keep doing my pelvic floor exercises, going to my classes and hoping for the best.

At the very least, I'm helping my body to remember that it's still got muscles and that fact will certainly help me on the other side of this 9 month journey!

Fast Facts

Club Rhythm feels like a day spa, but operates a variety of fitness programs for those who like their self improvement to happen in style. It's located at 69-71 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide.
Rhythm Pilates (group) classes happen several times a day from Monday - Friday.
South African Callanetics (group) classes happen Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at 6:15pm and Saturday at 8:30am.
http://www.clubrhythm.com.au

I'm pregnant again, break out the Champagne.

After having one gorgeous daughter in May 2011, I'm back on the baby train. This time I'm due on May the 4th (insert Star Wars jokes here), which will place the kids about 2 years apart. I'd love to have a Champagne or 4 to celebrate but I'll have to leave that up to my supportive friends. Ahhh Champagne, I'm going to miss you old friend. See you on the flip side.

Off To South Africa! #SA2SA

The last week has been an absolute whirlwind, and this has been the first chance I’ve had to sit down and write something. Namely, because I’m on a 14-hour flight to South Africa and time is something I’ve now got.

I left Sydney about 12 hours ago, and am only a couple of hours away from Johannesburg – my first South African destination.

I’m loving that it’s a direct flight (thanks South African Airways & Qantas!).

To get to Sydney on time though, I had to fly in from Adelaide the night before (ie yesterday afternoon) and encountered a domestic vs international luggage issue.

I had packed my suitcases according to international baggage limits, and was caught out when checking in my baggage for the Adelaide-Sydney leg. Beware! Despite my trip being booked at the same time, I had to comply with domestic limits as I was travelling on separate days (so not technically a connecting flight). I managed to move some weight around and avoided excess baggage but it’s certainly something I’ll keep in mind going forward!

After arriving in Sydney I stayed at the Stamford Airport Hotel. Not bad. Not bad at all. The hotel was actually really nice (and only 5 minutes away from the airport), and although the prices for the room service were quite steep, their Asian-inspired menu was reasonable and yummy. I managed to use the airport shuttle to and from the hotel, which only set me back $6 each way.

Fast forward to Duty Free. I think I should win some sort of award for not shopping. It took all of my willpower but I managed to board the flight with only a MAC lip gloss to show for my 3 hours of window shopping. That’s got to be a new record for me.

Now it’s just a matter of refraining from buying too many things while overseas so I can fit some presents in my bags for my gorgeous little baby girl. She celebrated her first birthday on Sunday so she’s certainly due some special presents upon my return.

Not long till we land now… exciting times!

Follow my adventures on Twitter @KellyNoble or by searching #SA2SA

For South African Holiday deals, please visit www.southafricanholidays.com.au
For more information on South Africa , please visit www.southafrica.net
For more information on Sun City, please visit www.suninternational.com
For more information on SAA flights and reservations please call 1300 435 972 or www.flysaa.com

Black Caviar - Being a part of history!

Black Caviar is the greatest race horse in history. With 20 straight wins under her belt, the opportunity to witness her 21st win wasn't to be missed. Especially when it was going to happen right here in Adelaide before she leaves Australia to race at Royal Ascot.

So, like any good race-goer, we bundled our baby daughter up and headed to Morphetville on May 12th 2012 along with 30,000 other punters.

To their credit, the SAJC handled the sell out crowd as easily as they did any other smaller race day, and everyone we saw there seemed to be having a fantastic day out.

It was an odd mix of people, with the hardcore racing crowd mixed with families, fashionistas, business men, young party goers - plus many people who you'd never usually see at the track. And everyone fit in just fine. 

Our first glimpse at Black Caviar before she was led to the track for the race!

Ivy adored the crowds and I enjoyed a champagne while Steve patiently humoured me and my $2 bet on Black Caviar to win.

Ivy flying the flag for Black Caviar

And win she did. Without a whip being cracked or the jockey having to try. It was truly amazing.

I can't pretend I know the first thing about the techniques using in horse racing, but you could see the ease with which she won the race. Everyone soaked it up along with the incredible atmosphere on the day.

I love that we were able to be a part of it, and even Ivy can say she was there when...

Good luck to Black Caviar overseas!

Singer Cat Southern & I in our Autumn colours

So this is what it feels like to win the lottery!

Last week I received the call of a lifetime.

No, I didn't win the lottery, but this has got to come close.

I've been invited to go on an overseas adventure. To explore a country I've always wanted to visit. Ten days in an amazing foreign land, and it's all part of my job!

I love Glam Adelaide.

To give you a hint, here is the spiel from the country's tourism site:

You will be enchanted by giant, orange full moons; crystal-clear mountain streams; smiling hosts for whom nothing is ever too much trouble; the roar of a lion at midnight outside your safari camp; entertaining evenings out at the theatre, cinema or nightclub; learning to say ‘hello’ in 11 different languages; walking barefoot on endless stretches of pristine beach sand and finding yourself in the midst of an expanse that stretches as far as your binoculars can see.

Intrigued? Interested? I certainly am! I'm off to South Africa (thanks to South African Tourism) in 17 sleeps. 


Here's a sneak peak at where I'll be staying for the first leg of the trip...

Seems perfect doesn't it? I'll be going from SA to SA. That place that pops up every time I try and register a twitter hashtag! Haha. I love it.


I'll post more details on here as soon as I can, plus I'll obviously be covering the whole exciting adventure via www.glamadelaide.com.au.

(Good thing I've started Hypoxi & the 28 Day Baby Weight Loss Diet! Seems I now have a reason to stick to it!)

A Jaunt To The Riverland

Beautiful Autumn colours

April seems to have been a month of wine regions for me! It started with Easter in Clare, then I travelled to the Riverland for two days last week.

It was a quick work trip to train some winemakers and growers in social media, which of course ended up with me sampling some fantastic alternative Riverland wine varieties.

If you haven't delved in to Vermentinos, Montepuliciano, Grillo and other lesser known varieties, check out the Riverland Alternative Wine Group Facebook page for more info.

There are some amazing wines being produced which aren't widely distributed yet which will make you the talk of your next dinner party!

My lunch with a view

Although the weather was less than perfect, the river still looked beautiful and all the vineyards with their Autumn colours set the scene.

I stayed at the golf club in Berri, which allowed me to wake up to a beautiful view of the golf course, but as I wasn't there on a weekend, we were somewhat limited in places to eat breakfast/lunch/dinner at.

If you're thinking of heading to the Riverland, I'd suggest finding a cosy B&B and taking your food with you. You can pick up wine from the the various wineries in the area, but it's best to be prepared with your own stash if you're not familiar with the area.

A cafe on the river

As there are plenty of primary producers in that area, you can easily pick up bags of butternut pumpkins and oranges for about $5 along the roadside so carry some cash on you if you're feeling like picking up some fresh produce! 

I didn't have enough time to really explore, but I certainly saw enough to go back again. Another beautiful South Australian region.

The view from the Berri Golf Club hotel room

Interviewing Zac Efron

Scott Hicks, Zac Efron & Taylor Schilling

I shall never wash my hand again. Zac Efron touched me. He shook my hand when I interviewed him on the red carpet at The Lucky One premiere in Adelaide, and suddenly I understood why thousands of screaming fans showed up to see him.

Considering I only vaguely knew who he was a couple of weeks ago, it's been an interesting journey seeing how Adelaide has embraced this Hollywood heart throb (myself included), and what charisma and sparkly eyes will do for a film.

Of course, Zac is far too young for me, and isn't really my type, but it's funny how easily you get caught up in the excitement of it all.

Steve & I on the red carpet

To back track a little, I was able to do some red carpet interviews on Thursday night last week when Adelaide-based director Scott Hicks brought his new film to town.

The acclaimed director (of Shine fame) wanted Australia to host the film's premieres ahead of the US and Europe, which was a pretty big deal.

As Adelaide's cinemas aren't perhaps as grand as some of those interstate and overseas, I wasn't sure how the whole red carpet thing would look when rolled out at Event Cinemas in Marion, but I was pleasantly surprised.

The whole cinema level (up the escalators) was transformed.

Roadshow brought staging, red carpets (obviously) and barricades from their interstate premieres, which made the area completely unrecognisable.

The thousands of screaming female fans certainly set the scene as well.

I have honestly never heard anything like it and my throat was sore for hours afterward for trying to speak over the incredible high pitched waves of fervor.

The fans packed in for a chance to see Zac!

I was only able to have a really quick chat to each of the stars - Zac Efron, Scott Hicks and Taylor Schilling - but it was enough to see each of their star qualities, and how their passion for their jobs has taken them far. They were all incredibly professional and friendly and it was quite a buzz to have their attention even if only for a minute or two.

I am extremely proud of Scott Hicks and all he's achieved, but most of all I'm impressed that he hasn't forgotten his roots and how delighted he was to showcase his home town to the lead actors in his upcoming film.

Style Insight: Steve (pictured above with me) was wearing Armani & I was in a new season Liza Emanuele tunic.

Photography for Glam Adelaide by Alice Healy. Full gallery here.

Review: Sweet Briar B&B, Clare Valley

The dam & the windmill out the back

Over Easter we were lucky enough to get away for three nights in the beautiful Clare Valley. Being surrounded by vineyards, bushland and serenity was just what the doctor ordered.

As it was a last minute decision to go away, we found ourselves taking the only accommodation available - a new B&B called Sweet Briar, just 3kms up the road from the Clare County Club. The reason it had remained vacant was the unusual lack of photos on their website so nobody was willing to book sight unseen. Except for my mother of course.

Well, the dive into the unknown worked out splendidly. Sweet Briar was fabulous.

The front of Sweet Briar

Nestled amongst its own vineyards (which the owners make wine from of course), we were treated to a large three bedroom home, which had a wrap around veranda along the front and side (in typical old South Australian style), spacious rooms, a little extra room off of our bedroom complete with bunks (but we just popped Ivy's portacot in there) and a large extension off the back which housed a second bathroom/laundry, and open lounge/dining area with combustion fireplace. 

It would be fair guess to say the owners also use the house, as the little extras were all thought of. There were condiments in the kitchen, napkins, soy sauce, plenty of cooking pots & pans, plus other handy items.

The view from the lounge

There was a dam out the back, so if you have young kids make sure you keep an eye on them, but it provides a beautiful view and there are plenty of walking tracks around the place to keep you exploring.

The B&B is also located right on the Riesling Trail, so bring your bike along & make the most of what the Clare Valley is renowned for.

As much as I carry on though, I'll let a few photos I took explain the rest for you.

The bottom line is that if you're looking for a great place to getaway with up to 3 couples (and a couple of kids), this is a great place to do it with some good wine, a roaring fire and a beautiful view.

To book or for more info visit http://www.stayz.com.au/108516

The view to one side of the house

The King size suite

The lounge area (TV is off to the left, dining to the right & two more big lounges are behind me)

Didn't get time to enjoy the big bath but did enjoy the space in the bathroom!

Another view of the lounge

 The second bedroom (which has the additional room off to the left of the bed)

The kitchen (small but perfectly country with every convenience except dishwasher)

Beautiful sunsets enjoyed from the veranda

A quirky little place to enjoy a red wine & a view of the vineyards

Qantas, Lunch, Wine, Hilton, Ivy, Wine, Wine, Wine, Hilton, Win.

Wine Australia (@Wine_Australia) are presenting the A+ Australian Wine Celebration in April (#AussieWine). As a wine lover, media person, social media advocate & supporter of the industry, I've been invited to attend the launch of celebrations today at the A+ Australian Wine Fair at the Ivy Bar (@IvyBar) in Sydney.

Am I excited?

In a word, yes.

I arrived in Sydney early this morning and to begin the day's special activities, we enjoyed a special winemakers lunch and VIP preview of the Wine Fair, before checking in to the Hilton, whom will incidentally be having all Australian wines by the glass for the duration of the A+ Australian Wine Celebration.

Follow my adventures today on Twitter @KellyNoble

More info about the A+ Australian Wine Celebration

Australia’s greatest ever wine celebration kicks off nationwide in April 2012, with close to 100 events taking place across the nation, celebrating the diversity and excellence of our local offerings.

The A+ Australian Wine Celebration launches for the first time from 12 to 29 April 2012, and all Aussies are being invited to get involved in the country’s biggest collaboration of wine events.

Held in capital cities and across many of our most beautiful regional communities, the A+ Australian Wine Celebration is set to include an exciting collection of wine, food and music festivals, meet the winemaker opportunities, gourmet dining events and exclusive tasting opportunities.

To find out what A+ Australian Wine Celebration events are happening near you, click here

New Year's Resolutions. Bah Humbug.

Does anyone actually do that whole 'new year's resolution' thing? I certainly don't. Never have. I think it's because I tend to do things as the urge takes me, rather than waiting for a whole year to roll around before I start a new mission to be healthier/happier/fitter etc. I quit smoking one night at a club about ten years ago, after my third packet of cigarettes for the night, and that was the end of that. Any time I want to lose weight, I just sign up for another round of Hypoxi in North Adelaide. Drinking? Well pregnancy gave me a well-needed detox from that. This year I think I'm going to try and take more holiday time. Give myself a break from being a workaholic & try to be more family oriented. But that doesn't count as a resolution though, or does it?

Henley Beach, Adelaide - A Place Where I Need To Spend More Time