Kick Arse

When Stress is Good for You

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 06:49:00 GMT

Now wait a minute….stress is good…since when?

Stress is usually a naturally occurring reaction and in some instances it is crucial to survival. Long ago when humans had to hunt for food and struggle against the elements, ‘stress reactions’ would provide the strength and instincts to ensure the best chance of survival. Or in an emergency situation when the body instinctively responds with life preserving biological functions that increase reaction time and therefore an appropriate response – this again is nature working in a positive way. The brain receives danger signals and triggers the stress response, releasing ‘stress hormones’ like adrenaline, norepinephrine and cortisol… whoosh as hormones course through the body, preparing it for fight or flight.

Once the danger has passed and the body works off the stress it goes back to a normal state of natural balance. This kind of stress is a natural reaction and works in a positive way. Stress becomes a problem when it is constant and not worked off, hence the same survival mechanism that has allowed us to flourish as a species then becomes health hazard.

The long term effects of unmanaged stress are numerous and some include chronic fatigue, depression, high blood pressure, over-taxed chest muscles, respiratory and anxiety problems. The body does not know the difference between a stampeding herd or a traffic jam; hostile supervisor or a saber tooth tiger - the stress hormone and consequent reaction is the same.

The human body has an incredible ability to heal and function at its full potential, without any drugs or medications. What stops the body from functioning at its full potential is interference such as excessive stress, poor diet, toxins and lack of physical activity.

Most would tell you that they would like to be healthier, vibrant and pain free, however most of us lead very stressed, inactive and toxic lifestyles. According to experts who attended the 10th International Congress on Obesity held in Sydney September 2006, the world is in a grip of a fat pandemic that threatens to overwhelm every country’s health system with diseases such as diabetes and heart disorders that will shorten the life span of future generations.

The most prevalent mechanism of injury or disease in the workplace was deemed as Body Stressing which was listed as the cause of injury or disease in 41% of cases. It is estimated that over 90% of health problems and disease could be avoided through a change in lifestyle.

Too many people are concerned today with how they look rather than how their body is functioning. We often don’t blink an eye at spending a few hundred dollars on our hair, skin products, nails, a shopping spree, gadgets or on a big night out – none of which improve the health of our most precious assets - the body and mind.

There is no quick fix for restoring vital health in your body and mind. A conscious lifestyle and attitude change is the only way. Your body is your temple and you should treat it that way. It’s the one thing that is going to take you through your incredible life. Doesn’t it make sense to give it the absolute best?

Don’t waste another day procrastinating and making excuses, take action today and begin your journey towards optimal health and vitality. It does not have to be time consuming or looked upon as a chore – just as long as you utilise options that appeal to you.

Consider incorporating some mind/body fitness into your daily routine to help manage stress and achieve balance. There are now literally hundreds of styles of Yoga - Ashtanga, Hatha, Iyengar, Zen, Bikram, Power, as well as related adaptations of yoga like Pilates or fusions of the two. Corporate high flyers, celebrities, parents and even entire workplaces are embracing the benefits associated with Yoga practices. It’s no longer about turning yourself into a human pretzel! This 5000 year old discipline has finally come of age and is fast becoming THE WAY to de-stress, repair the body at the cellular level and bring vitality and wellness into your life. Yoga is perfect (and recommended) for all fitness levels and demographics.

Keep ‘stress’ in its place. Find a teacher and a style of yoga or training that works for you and reap the rewards as you learn how to breathe, stretch and meditate. Detox at least twice a year, to alkanalize your body and free it of toxic build up. Have a weekly massage (it’s no longer a luxury but a necessity for most) or even try a Detox Sauna. Most importantly SMILE and have fun. Remember, your thoughts create your positive reality.

Libby Weston

***

Libby Weston is Principal of Body IQ Smarter Fitness Concepts, and your online Body Rescue Guru. You can contact her on 0419 771 059 or visit www.bodyiq.com.au for more information on Yoga, Pilates, weight loss, wellbeing and body detox or for details on creating a holistic wellness program designed for your individual lifestyle.

Andrea Excell - A Profile

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:43:00 GMT

Andrea Excell has been in the fitness industry for more years than she can remember and now at the age of 61 is more active than ever helping husband Glenn run their Gym. Although she doesn’t get much time to train herself these days she does not rule out ever competing again.

Having started as a Keep fit and Circuit teacher ‘remember when Aerobics was called Keep fit? ‘ at a sports and fitness centre in UK when her now 35 year old son was a baby, she now owns with Husband Glenn Excell:
Excell Gym and Fitness in Frankston as well as

Metamorphosis Sports Nutrition and

Excell Personal Training.

Glenn and Andrea owned Body Ripped Sports Nutrition for many years before selling out and starting a new supplement line – Metamorphosis – . “Metamorphosis sells extremely well but I must admit I do not push it to many outlets as I do not have enough hours in the day” says Andrea. “We have Personal Training studios that have been selling our products for years and sell via our gym. Our aim is to provide the public with top quality products at a good price and by keeping our advertising etc to a minimum we are able to pass on the savings. We know how important nutrition is to training and achieving the best results.

Andrea also has a very successful personal training business training athletes ( both male and female for competition ) and her clients are gaining much success in both ANB and IFBB. She also has many clients in other categories e.g. rehabilitation and weight loss as well as general fitness.

“ I must admit I like the difficult clients the ones that have a condition or illness and find it hard to train, there is always a way and I am very committed to find the right way for the right client. After all we are all individuals and one size does not fit all and that goes for training and dieting.” She says.

If this is not enough she also designs all the advertising for the Gym, Sports Nutrition business and the Personal Training business and handles all admin and accounts.

When asked how she fits it all in she simply says ‘ If it wasn’t for Glenn it would not be possible, he is the one that works 15 hours a day keeping gym up to scratch and it is difficult for him as since a motorbike accident 7 years ago he has not been able to train at all and it is only a matter of time before he has to get knee replacements. Glenn was 3 weeks out from going to Sydney to compete for his pro card when a car did a U turn in front of him and in a split second his whole body building career stops. It has been hard for Glenn as he started as a Power Lifter in New Zealand and has been training since he was 17. He held a New Zealand record that stood for many years. He then came to Australia and his interest changed to Body Building.

For many years Glenn and Andrea were judges for Tony Doherty at the IFBB competitions but unfortunately now days they are too busy with athletes back stage to be able to continue to judge.

Andrea has Cert 111 and 1V as well as Diploma of Sports and Fitness Therapy and Rehabilitation, she also studied martial arts for 10 years and was a qualified weapons instructor.
She started dancing and Ice skating at the age of 3 years and in High school was on the swimming team, was captain of the Hockey team and also competed in hurdling and relay teams. But says all the qualifications in the world do not replace experience.

With Glenn she competed for many years Glenn in IFBB gaining many Victorian, Australasian and Australian titles, and Andrea competing mainly with INBA gaining Victorian and Australian titles, then going on to compete for Australia in the World natural Olympia. She also competed in the IFBB under 52kg division “I was the only one in my division on that occasion but I enjoyed the experience of being on stage with Sandra Hose who was in the over 52kg division . I have known Sandra for many years and consider her a good friend. These days it seems more ladies are opting for figure, it would be nice to see the Physique make a come back .” She says. .
At Excell gym they are keen to help others whether it be for Body Building, Sports specific training, diet advice or general fitness and wellbeing, and are always available should anyone want to phone them they can do so any time..

How Toxic is your body?

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:39:00 GMT

Follow these easy steps to detoxify your body from the inside-out.

Do you experience the following?

o low energy levels
o Recurrent headaches
o Muscle aching & weakness
o Chronic fatigue & lethargy
o Depression, anxiety &/or mood swings
o Nerve pain & numbness
o Recurrent colds & flu
o Infertility
o Poor concentration
o Digestive problems
o Sleep disturbance, insomnia

If the answer to more than two of these questions is yes, then you may need to consider cleansing your body from the inside-out, by following a detoxification programme.

Toxicity means how poisonous a substance is. One of the body’s defence mechanisms against toxic substances is to store the harmful chemicals in your fat cells. This actually means that these poisons can be stored in our tissues for many years, thus becoming an ongoing source of ill health.

We are all exposed to toxins daily through the environment and through the natural process that is made in our bodies when our diet is not clean. Environmental toxins include: metals, chemicals, hormones, bacterial and microbial toxins that are present in the air, water and food that we consume. Toxins made in our body include hormones and other chemicals. Hormones are produced in our body and chemicals are produced by bugs in our digestive system which eventually enter our bloodstream.

We are exposed to toxins every day:

Internal

Stress
Sugar
Free radicals
Bad gut bugs
Maldigestion

External

Alcohol
Air pollution
Cigarettes
Ffood chemicals (additives, colourings)
Pain solvents, formaldahydes
Pesticides
Radiation
Traffic fumes
Water (chlorine, flourine)

The effects they have in our body are:

Short term	long term
Allergies Constipation Diarrhoea Fatigue Fever Vomiting PMT Poor memory Gut ache Headache Nausea Muscle aches & pains Indigestion	asthma autoimmune diseases bone loss (osteoporosis) chronic fatigue syndrome dementia (alzheimer’s) recurrent infections psoriasis impotence & infertility eczema heart disease

The average human eats 25,000 kg of food over a lifetime!!

With this amount of food, the body is taking also a large supply of “junk” food or food that is not so healthy for you, and is forced to run your body and remove the waste products. What a load or pressure we constantly force into our bodies! No wonder the greatest gift you can give your body is to improve the quality of your diet.

However there are as many diets and dietary recommendations available at the moment as there are meals for you to try them in. Most people don’t know where to start.

Below is a summary of some key points to consider when going on a Detox eating plan:

fill your refrigerator with fresh vegetables and where possible buy organic. The more greens you consume, the better the detox effect. E.g broccoli.

Avoid packaged foods as much as possible

Eliminate foods containing artificial flavours and colours. Also avoid flavour enhancers such as MSG (621), as well as foods containing hydrogenated fats and stabilisers. Check the ingredients list on the food labels.

Avoid high amounts sodium, salt and sugar.

Sugar can be in the form of: glucose, sucrose, fructose, maltose, lactose and honey.

Aim for less than 15 g of sugar per serve.

read the ingredients list to ensure that the food does not contain high amounts of saturated fat, additives and gluten.

fresh vegetable juice is beneficial whilst you detox.

It is a good idea to own a juicer. Try the following:

Juice carrots, apples, ginger, fresh beetroot, celery, lemon.

It is best to consume soy milk that is made from whole

Soy beans (not isolate) and which is low in sugars and free from preservatives. Good quality brands include: Vita Soy or Australia’s Own. If you would prefer rice milk, then both Vitasoy and Australia’s Own produce are both good brands.

drink only filtered/purified water.

Cereal grass i.e wheat & barley grass(see below)

Cereal grass is a high-chlorophyll food which are available in powders and tablets. Commercially these usually appear as either wheat or barley grass (greens). People with allergies to wheat are almost never allergic to wheat or barley greens in their grass stage!

Compared to spirulina & chlorella, cereal grass is faster at cleansing toxins in the body. Its strong digestive properties help those with liver toxicity, slow digestion, and gastro-intestinal inflammation.

Cereal grass also helps with arthritis, constipation, rheumatism, to name a few. It is best taken upon rising, before breakfast.

Chinese medicine recognizes certain common foods as toxin neutralizers. Add the following foods to your diet & experience a gentle detox. effect:

tofu

millet

mung beans

aduki beans

black soybeans

Swiss chard

Radishes

Turnips

Figs (only 1-2 per day)

Apple cider vinegar

Vinegar is best taken in the form of apple cider, which is mixed a teaspoon at a time in 1/3 cup of water. Best to be taken upon rising in the morning to strengthen digestive imbalances.

Your shopping list:

Vegetables – all vegetables and salad greens are allowed except potatoes.

Fruit – all berry fruits plus pineapple, kiwi, and plums

Meat, fish, eggs and poultry – choose only organic! (avoid pork, processed meats such as sausages, salami, bacon, smoked fish)

Dairy – avoid cow’s milk, cream, cheese and dairy

Only consume rice milk, soy milk (see above for brands)

Pulses & legumes – all beans, especially mung beans, black soybeans and aduki

Beans. All peas.

Avoid – baked beans and peanuts!

Grains, breads & cereals – avoid wheat products i.e white bread, wholemeal bread & wholegrain bread, pasta, noodles, biscuits, cakes, wheat wheat based cereals that are highly process in sugar (check the package labels)

Consume only – spelt bread, rice cakes, gluten free products, Brown rice, amaranth, LSA mix, lecithin granules.

Nuts & seeds – all nuts & seeds in moderation. Avoid peanuts!

Hot drinks – all herbal teas. Avoid coffee, black tea, milk and sugar!

Sauces & dressings – avoid all processed commercial dressings!

Olive, linseed & flaxseed oil is good.

Lemon, apple cider vinegar, tahini, natural chilli sauce, natural soy sauce, natural tomato paste.

Herbs & spices – all fresh herbs & spices are good.

Kathryn Avramakis (OMD) is a health and fitness specialist. She is a registered Doctor of Chinese Medicine and a world title holder in figure bodybuilding-Miss Figure Universe.

Kathryn can be contacted at www.kathrynavramakis.com.au (watch out for my new website being launched soon!)

Glenn Gattellaro - Profile

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:26:00 GMT

COMP HISTORY: 2007 NABBA South Australian Novice winner, NABBA Australian 2nd place, INBA south Australia winner, INBA Australian 2nd place, INBA Whyalla Open winner and overall, 2009 South Austrlian Olympia qualifier 3rd, INBA Australians 3rd, INBA Natural Olympia 4th place.

PLANS FOR 2010: Enjoy every moment of working at Australian Sports Nutrition and watch my beautiful partner Corina Burrows get up on take the stage down :-)

Currently, i am the Victorian Sales Manager located at Australian Sports Nutrition Richmond so feel free to pop by and chat about supplements and nutritional advice. Also, both my partner Corina Burrows and I are launching our PT business called Mr Muscle and MissFit. We will be offering a wide range of services including one on one PT, group fitness, boxing and boot camp, just to name a few. For any further queries please contact us on mrmuscleandmissfit@live.com.au.

I am also proud to say that Australian Sports Nutrition are now proudly affiliated with Black and Blue and are offering the classic 'Black and Blue" T-back with the ASN logo on it and also our well known and favoured saying "HARDEN THE F**K UP". (Nobody take offence please, the naughty word is bleeped out..lol)

These singlets have proven to be a top seller already and will become our most popular singlet to date.

I would like to take this oppurtunity to thank you for allowing me to be a part of your newsletter. I have been wearing black and blue proudly now for many years and will continue to do so. It is so great to see a family run clothing business offer such fashionable quality clothing and at a price that all can afford.

Special thanks to Donny and Hayley from DHS body building, the only way to go and Australian Sports Nutrition for getting me to where i am now.

www.dhs.com.au
www.asn.com.au
03 9429 4394
0438638162

Black and Blue Photoshoot Opportunity

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:14:00 GMT

Tony Ryan who has photographed and published the Pumped Up Down Under and AFL Men For All Seasons calendars is offering Black and Blue customers a discount on his physique photography catalogue special. Normally $120 for anyone presenting a receipt from Black and Blue this will be offered for $100.

Shots are taken in Tony's studio factory in Northcote and customers receive one body scene and one headshot series. A disk of high resolution images is prepared on the day and there are no additional costs. For examples of some of Tony's past work visit hiswww.leapoffaith.com.au website.

Over the years Tony has had a very successful relationship with Black and Blue. In the early 90's Tony produced two posters in conjunction with Black and Blue that became best sellers in shops and gyms all over Australia. He has also been involved in many advertising posters and catalogues for us featuring people such as Stan the Man, SteveSilvagni and most recently our daughter Angie. Tony is very relaxed and easy to work with and can work with people of any level of experience.

Best Wishes Elly.

Tony Ryan has specialised for 20 years in photographing models for calendars, posters and advertising. His published works include the AFL Men For All Seasons calendar and the Pumped Up Down Under series of which Black and Blue have been involved with.

He is now running workshops for professional and amateur photographers. These workshops teach about many aspects of Tony's work including lighting, camera settings and most importantly connecting with people. Tony believes that a person's emotions and thoughts greatly affect their physical appearance. To this end he instructs on how to physically direct and sculpt models but also on how to help your subjects to relax and connect with the moment.

The workshops are run usually on weekends and are 3 hours in duration.

Cost is $100 per person and each participant gets access to the model/s that are booked for the session. There is also one on one tuition for $70.

If you are interested in attending or perhaps would like to model at one of these events please visit www.leapoffaith.com.au

Loretta Watson

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:51:00 GMT

Firstly, a BIG thank you Gary and Elly for including me in the Black & Blue newsletter! My name is Loretta Watson. I am a figure competitor and have just completed my competitions for 2009. A couple of weeks before my first contest, I saw a gorgeous jacket that Black & Blue had recently designed, and I really wanted to wear one on contest day. At short notice, Gary and Elly and the awesome team at Black & Blue supplied me with the jacket which is a great cut for females, it felt great and fits perfectly (I have worn it almost every day since!), as well as some great pants, and 2 very stylish singlets which I love. Wish I could get them in every colour!

This year in the INBA I won the title of Victorian Overall Figure Champion. I was also runner up in the Australian Championships, and competed at the world championships, the Natural Olympia, in a very competitive line up of 20 girls from around the world. My competition history includes 2007 INBA Victorian Open Figure Class 3^rd place, and Australian Intermediate Figure Class 3^rd place, so I was happy with my personal improvements this year. I first started competing in 2006, and won my first contest – INBA Melbourne Novice Figure Division as well as the Overall Melbourne Figure title. As for the future, I hope to continue making steady improvements with the support of my friends, family and my amazing sponsor AST Sports Science, and do a little better each time I compete. This may mean taking a year off competing, or I may be ready in 1 year…time will tell! As a personal trainer, the next 12 months will see me practice what I preach, with all my efforts going into training myself and my clients hard. I love the sport of bodybuilding, and the strength that can be gained from it, not only physically but also very much emotionally. And for the support that Gary and Elly and the whole Black & Blue team gives to the sport of bodybuilding, they should be duly recognised and thanked. Thank you! J

To view larger photos - Loretta's 2009 Overall Victory After the Show

Blush Hottest Hunk Competition

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:23:00 GMT

Black and Blue is proud to be part of the BLUSH Hottest Hunk Competition for the second year running. This year we will be sponsoring our own Black and Blue Entrant, Con Dallas, who will be representing our brand in this high profile event !.

Blush HOTTEST HUNK 2010 will be launched at Sexpo, November 26 this year ,when you will be able to jump on the Blush website and support our Black and Blue model by voting for Con who will be in the running to share in almost $40k worth of prizes.

The top 12 finalists will be decided by public vote and announced at the Finale Feb 12 2010 at the Hotel Barkly (to purchase tickets contact Jo or Mel info@blush.com.au ). Winners will be decided by a panel of celebrity judges including Naomi Robson and Michaela Banas among others on the night.

Please help us support Con and Jump online late november and Vote !! www.blush.com.au/HH2010

Every voter will go in the drawer to win a $5000 Dream Date pack (which includes a Black and Blue gift voucher).

Go Con!

Donny Henderson-Smith

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:19:00 GMT

I am 28 years of age; I am a competitive bodybuilder, a Personal Trainer and a Bodybuilding Coach. I am the director and head coach of DHS Bodybuilding and I am very proudly sponsored by Black and Blue clothing.

I have been around the sport of bodybuilding from my early teens as my mother was a competitive bodybuilder. I first started training under the guidance of my mother and her coach at the age of 14. I recall being back stage at one of my mother’s comps in the early 90s and looking at the big guys pumping up and thought to myself “wow imagine being that size, that’s crazy” I also used to read all of mums bodybuilding magazines and I would see the Black and Blue adds with Sonny Schmidt and I would think to myself “imagine even being able to fit into those clothes”.

I did my first competition in 2007. I entered the NABBA Australian Championships as a novice and I was lucky enough to come away with a win. It was at this time that I first met Gary and Elli from Black and Blue and from that time on you didn’t see me in anything but Black and Blue clothing J.

I was hooked on the adrenalin rush of being up on stage and performing the poses that I had practised for months, or even years really, so I decided to keep the foot on the peddle and develop the areas that I felt needed work and get back on stage. My next competition was the 2008 NABBA International Championships where I come away with a win in the Class 1 and my partner that i had coached also competed in that show as a novice (first timer) and she also come away with a win in the novice figure class 1. Funnily enough it was Gary Minos that had presented both of us with our trophies on that day.

I spoke to Gary after the comp and said that while we were both in good shape we would be happy to do a photo shoot for him if he wanted us too. It was at this time that Gary sponsored both of us and both Gary and Elli have really looked after us.

Vital Greens

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:19:00 GMT

24 reasons to supplement with Vital Greens

Many people believe that eating a well balanced diet provides all the vitamins and minerals necessary for good health. In ideal circumstances this is the case but in reality there are many reasons why you need vitamin supplements to cope with living in our current environment. Taking vitamins when required is a safe method to optimise your dietary sources of nutrients, providing you follow the instructions on product labels.

1) POOR DIGESTION

Even when your food intake is good, inefficient digestion can limit your body’s uptake of vitamins. The two common causes of inefficient digestion are: not chewing well enough or eating too fast. Both of these result in larger-than-normal food size, too large to allow the complete action of digestive enzymes. Many people with dentures are unable to chew as those with a full set of original teeth.

2) HOT COFFEE, TEA AND SPICES

Habitual drinking of liquids that are too hot or consuming an excess of irritants such as coffee, tea, spices or even pickles can cause inflammation of the digestive linings. This results in a drop in secretion of digestive fluids and poorer extraction of vitamins and minerals from food.

3) ALCOHOL

Drinking to much alcohol is known to damage the liver and pancreas, which are vital to digestion and metabolism. It can also damage the lining of the intestinal tract and adversely affect the absorption of nutrients, leading to sub-clinical malnutrition. Regular heavy use of alcohol increases the body’s need for the water soluble B-Group vitamins as well as Vitamins A, C and B12. That’s not all! Alcohol affects availability, absorption and metabolism of nutrients.

4) SMOKING

Smoking tobacco is also an irritant to the digestive tract and increases the need for Vitamin C by at least 30%. Normally present in fruits and some vegetables, Vitamin C oxidises rapidly after the food is picked, cut, juiced, c o o ke d or stored near direct light or heat. Vitamin C is also vital for good immunity.

5) LAXATIVES

Overuse of laxatives can result in poor absorption of vitamins and minerals from food by speeding up the intestinal transit time. Paraffin and other mineral oils increase losses of fatsoluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Other laxatives used to excess tend to flush large amounts of the essential minerals like sodium, potassium and magnesium.

6) FAD DIETS

Bizarre diets that eliminate whole groups of food can be seriously lacking in vitamins. Even the popular low-fat diets, if taken to an extreme, can be deficient in Vitamins A, D and E. Vegetarian diets which exclude any animal sources must be skillfully planned to avoid a B12 deficiency which may lead to anemia.

7) OVERCOOKING - ‘MURDER IN THE KITCHEN!’

Lengthy cooking or reheating of meat and vegetables can oxidise and destroy heat sensitive vitamins such as the Bgroup, C and E. Boiling vegetables leaches the water-soluble Bgroup and C vitamins as well as many minerals. Light steaming is preferable. Some vitamins such as B6 can be destroyed by micro-waving.

8) ANTIBIOTICS

Although valuable in fighting serious infection, some antibiotics also kill off friendly bacteria in the gut that would normally be producing B-group vitamins to be absorbed through the intestinal walls. This can result in deficiencies causing nervous disorders. When on a lengthy course of antibiotics try to supplement with at least B-group vitamins and pro-biotics to restore gut flora.

9) FOOD ALLERGIES

The omission of whole food groups from the diet, for individuals allergic to such as gluten or lactose can result in the loss of major dietary sources of nutrients like calcium.

10) FOOD STORAGE

Freezing food containing Vitamin E reduces its levels once defrosted. Heat and air can turn Vitamin E rancid. Many common sources of Vitamin E such as bread and oils are highly processed to increase storage life these days reducing the Vitamin E content or even wiping it out completely. Vitamin E is a major antioxidant inhibiting oxidative damage to all tissues. Other vitamins lost from food preserving include vitamins B1 (Thiamine) and C.

11) CONVENIENCE FOODS

A diet overly dependent on highly refined carbohydrates such as sugar, white flour and rice places greater demand on existing reserves of B-group vitamins to process the carbohydrates. An unbalanced diet can result in conditions like irritability, lethargy and sleep disorders.

12) CROP NUTRIENT LOSSES

Some agricultural soils are deficient in trace elements. Decades of intensive farming an overwork and deplete soils unless these are regularly replaced. Australia for example has very low levels of the essential element selenium in its soil.

13) ILLNESSES AND ACCIDENTS

Burns lead to loss of protein and other essential nutrients. Surgery increases the need for Zinc, Vitamin E and other nutrients involved in cellular repair mechanisms Repair of broken bones is retarded by a lack of calcium and vitamin C. Infections increase the requirements of zinc, magnesium vitamins B5 and B6.

14) PRE-MENSTRUAL TENSION

Research has shown up to 60% of women suffering PMT symptoms like headaches, irritability, bloatedness, breast tenderness, lethargy and depression can benefit with B6 supplementation.

15) LACK OF SUNLIGHT

Shift workers, invalids, and people with minimal sunlight exposure can suffer Vitamin D deficiency which can lead to disruption of calcium metabolism. This can cause osteoporosis (bone thinning) and bone malformation.

16) PREGNANT WOMEN

Pregnancy creates higher than average demands for nutrients to ensure healthy growth of the baby and comfortable confinement for the mother. Nutrients typically in increasing demand are the whole B-group, A, D and E. The minerals include calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and phosphorous. Professional nutritional advice should be sought during pregnancy.

17) ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES

Oral contraception can decrease absorption of folic acid and increase the need for vitamin B6, C, zinc and riboflavin.

18) LIGHT EATERS

Some people eat very sparingly, even without weight reduction goals. US dietary surveys have shown the average woman maintains her weight on 7560 kilojoules per day. At this level low levels of vitamins B1, calcium and iron can be expected.

19) THE ELDERLY

The aged have been shown to have a low intake of vitamins and minerals, particularly iron, calcium and zinc. Folic acid, vitamin C, B1 and B6 deficiencies are common. Fibre intake is often low. Possible causes include impaired sense of taste and smell, reduced secretion of digestive enzymes, chronic disease and physical impairment.

20) TEENAGERS

Rapid growth spurts in teenage years, particularly for girls, place high demands on nutrient resources to underwrite the accelerate physical, biochemical and emotional development in this age group.

21) ATHLETES

Athletes consume large amounts of food and experience considerable stress. These factors increase their needs for B-group vitamins, vitamin C and iron in particular. Tests on Australian Olympic athletes and A-grade football players for example, have shown wide-ranging vitamin deficiencies.

22) LOW BODY RESERVES

Although the body is able to store reserves of certain vitamins such as A and E, Canadian autopsy data has shown that up to 30% of the population have low reserves of vitamin A, so low as to be judged ‘at risk’. Vitamin A is important to healthy skin and mucous membranes (including the sinus and lungs) and eyesight.

23) STRESS

Chemical, physical and emotional stresses can increase the body’s needs for vitamins B2, B5, B6 and C. Air pollution increases the need for vitamin E.

24) BIO-INDIVIDUALITY

Wide fluctuations in individual nutrient requirements from the official Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) are common, particularly for those in high physical demand vocations such as manual labour and athletes.

Down Under Creations

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:24:00 GMT

Tony Ryan has specialised for 20 years in photographing models for calendars, posters and advertising. His published works include the AFL Men For All Seasons calendar and the Pumped Up Down Under series of which Black and Blue have been involved with.

He is now running workshops for professional and amatuer photograhers. These workshops teach about many aspects of Tony's work including lighting, camera settings and most importantly connecting with people. Tony believes that a person's emotions and thoughts greatly affect their physical appearance. To this end he instructs on how to physically direct and sculpt models but also on how to help your subjects to relax and connect with the moment.

The workshops are run usually on weekends and are 3 hours in duration. Cost is $100 per person and each participant gets access to the model/s that are booked for the session. There is also one on one tuition for $70. If you are interested in attending or perhaps would like to model at one of these events please visit www.leapoffaith.com.au

BODY BUILDING SHOW GUEST RONNIE COLEMAN (8 TIMES MR OLYMPIA)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:27:00 GMT

DOHERTY'S GYM, 45 Weston St. Brunswick 03 9388 0866

DOHERTY'S GYM, 83 Cheltenham Rd. Dandenong 03 9701 3355

DOHERTY'S GYM, Vaults 1-4 Banana Alley, Flinders St. City 03 9621 1022

www.dohertysgym.com

Richard and Judy Norton

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:19:00 GMT

Richard Norton an Actor and Martial Artist has been associated with Black and Blue for over 15 years, began a lifelong study of Martial Arts at the age of 14.

Richard landed his first job as a bodyguard to celebrities such as "The Rolling Stones", Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, James Taylor, Abba and Linda Ronstadt. His friendship with Chuck Norris brought him work in motion pictures such as "The Octagon" where he played a lethal Kyo, a masked Ninja and a string of movies too many to name followed. Jackie Chan cast Richard in 3 movies, "Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars" (1985), "City Hunter" (1993), "Mr Nice Guy" (1977).

Judy Green is Richard Norton's spouse. Judy was a "Sale of a Century" model based in Melbourne. Judy crossed paths with Black and Blue during the time that she was competing in bodybuilding (figure) in the early 90's. Since then Judy has modeled for Black and Blue and has been an excellent ambassador for the women's range.

Richard had the following to say about Black and Blue:

"Judy and I have known Elli, Gary and Angie for over 15 years now and we consider them amongst our closest friends. They have always passionately supported us over the years and for that we are sincerely thankful.

Their Black and Blue clothing has been simply fantastic for us. The beautiful designs and bright colours of their sports wear mean that we always feel comfortable knowing we have a great outfit for almost any event.

We are always so eager to support Black and Blue because of the thought that Gary puts into the sportswear that gives us the confidence in knowing that, whether we are at a Sporting event or a casual outing, we will always look and feel our best. I can't tell you how many compliments we get from our friends in LA when we wear the Black and Blue gear.

The line really is world class both in quality and design. We laugh, because every time we get to come back to Oz, we can't wait to hook up with Elli and Gary and Angie to check out any new gear on the racks and sit down and have a great meal, laugh and a wine and catch up on all the gossip.

We sincerely look forward to many more years of support and association with Black and Blue, not just because of the friendship, but because we genuinely love the product.

Sincerely,

Richard Norton and Judy Green.'

Advanced Skin Care with Natural Ingredients

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 06:40:00 GMT

The skin like the whole body needs effective nutrition.

Most creams that claim to moisturize, reduce lines, wrinkles, don’t deliver the nutrients where they needed, at the basil cell level.

Most creams don’t penetrate the surface dead skin cell layers, so most of what nutrient value that these creams may claim to contain is wasted.

Creams to be of any value to the skin need to be able to penetrate the dead skin layers and have ingredient, shown to be of benefit to the skin.

Ingredients shown to have high level of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and essential elements have been shown to be beneficial to the skin and body.

Ingredientssuch as :

Aloe Vera
Acia Berry
Grapeseed
Pomergranate
Vitamin E
Vitamin D
Olive Oil
H56 [Marinepeptide]
Cinnamon Oil
Tyrosine
Ingredientsthat shown benefits for the skin
Hyaluronic Acid
Collagen

There are hundreds of other potentially beneficial ingredients, but they need to be blended together properly and in balanced volumes so they are readily absorbed by the skin to give maximum benefits.

Many creams with extravagant claims and exorbitant prices may contain many beneficial ingredients, but all they do is make the dead skin cell layers appear smoother and healthier rather than nourishing developing cells.

When choosing creams always check the ingredients, many are full of chemicals, even some toxic ones. These creams have little value for the skin.

Price is not a guide as to how good a cream may or may not be, but you do have to consider that many truly beneficial and natural ingredients can be expensive.

This article is my personal opinion and contains information gathered from various sources. Always seek advice when purchasing and using any health and beauty related product.

Leur Renaissnace

Advanced Skin Care

Revitalizing Day Cream+U V Protection

Cleansing Cream

Nourishing Night Cream

These creams are rich in antioxidant ingredients, blended with our superior micro technology to give visible and lasting benefits to your skin.

Introductory Offer

Buy any One of our three exclusively formulated skin care creams for the Rec .Retail Price of

$59.95

And receive FREE, the other Two.

That’s a saving of $90.00 on our Rec. Retail Price of $150.00 for all Three creams.

THIS OFFER IS STRICTLY LIMITED.

ONE PER CUSTOMER

DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THE LATEST IN SKIN CARE AVAILABLE TO YOU.


	AVAILABLE FROM: ELLY MINOS BLACK AND BLUE FASHIONS TEL: 03 9460 9300 MOBILE: 0404 835 117

Lily Casella

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:08:00 GMT

Gary and Elly from Black and Blue Fashions have been our supplier for the past 2 1/2 years. My partner Ray Walton and myself operate a fitness centre in Western Australia called Southshore Lifestyle and Fitness Centre and we provide Black and Blue clothing to our members.

When I compete in Melbourne or Queensland in Bodybuilding Physique, I always tend to wear Black and Blue gym wear. They also have casual and fitness wear. They are so comfortable and durable. I always wear Black and Blue gym wear for my training either when I'm jogging or weight training. No other sporting wear comes close to there comfort.

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I competed recently in May for the NABBA Miss Western Australia and Miss Southern Hemisphere in Queensland and placed first in both competitions. I will be representing Australia for the Miss Universe in UK in October 2009.

To be successful and believe in yourself there are three key factors:

DETERMINATION, CONSISTENCY, AND MOTIVATION!

Thank you Elly and Gary

Lily Casella

Upcoming events

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 06:31:00 GMT

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Black and Blue Fashions are proud to sponsor the following bodybuilding events and release the latest Male and female fitness range of clothing.

INBA

Sunday, 27th September, 2009 Victorian Natural Physique Titles

The Camberwell Centre (03) 8683 9781

For further information go to http://inba.com.au/

NABBA/WFF

Saturday, 19th September, 2009 Nabba/Wff 2009 Victorian Championship

The Camberwell Centre (03) 8683 9781

   For further information go to: http://nabba.com.au/

ANB

       Saturday, 10th October, 2009 Victorian Natural Bodybuilding Champtionships

      Union Hall, Latrobe University, Bundoora (Melways reference 573 F8).

   For further information go to: http://anb.com.au/

IFBB

       Saturday 17th October, 2009 Victorian Championships

       Dallas Brooks Centre

For further information go to http://australian-bodybuilding.com/