My first kick boxing session!

Last night I went for my first kick boxing session at Kudo Academy in Marbella. I've known Carl and Danny for a couple of months now since they got involved with the magazine. When I first met them they were still in the process of building the dojo and purpose built centre - I remember the first time I went to see them, the place was in the early stages, and the difference now if fantastic. They've done an amazing job. Friends of mine have been reguarly going to classes for a few weeks and they absolutely love it! For my session last night there were two of us in the class with both Danny and Carl teachinhg, which was fantastic as I got to do lots of one on one with Danny and learn all the correct techniques of the various kicks and punches. I knew there'd be a lot of technique to the class and this was certainly true, with Danny constantly instructing "keep your hands up", "relax", "chin down"! I really enjoyed the session and will definately be back, I think it's one of those activities that you can quickly get hooked on. I felt a definate adrenalin rush whenever I performed a good kick or punch (yes there were a few!) and I felt very competitive within myself, not wanting to show myself up in front of Carl and Danny! Lots of people come to the Costa del Sol and set up businesses with various levels of commitment, (not always the best!) and Carl has certainly put a lot into the centre and is rightly gaining the benfits from it. Whether you want to genuinely learn some martial arts skills or just to do a fun exercise class in Marbella, I highly recommend Kudo Academy... tell Carl I referred you and I'm sure he'll give you an extra special welcome!

http://www.kudoacademy.com/

http://www.martialartsinmarbella.blogspot.com/

Nueva Andalucia blog leads the way!

My Andalucia Health & Fitness blog is a new and growing site, which will continue to build a detailed bank of articles, but one site which is leading the way in Southern Spain is the Nueva Andalucia Blog. Run by a friend of ours, Jo, this blog has information on virtually every imaginable aspect of Nueva Andalucia and the surrounding area. Jo busily updates her blog almost daily with news stories and reveiws of happenings in the area. The blog has a fantastic personal feel with Jo using many of her own day to day experiences to inform others about the area. If you´re looking for information on anything from restaurants, shops, schools and things to do, then regular visits to her blog are well worth your while, and if you have any questions Jo is more than happy to help!


http://www.nuevaandalucia.blogspot.com/

Health insurance for health and fitness professionals

I'm happy to learn that Balens Insurance are bringing their expertise to Spain.
Balens, a UK based company, offers insurance for all types of health professionals.
All practitioners realise it’s imperative to be fully covered by the right insurance, and Balens’ specifically designed schemes are ideally suited for health professionals. Balens is one of the largest brokers, already servicing both complimentary therapists and health professionals in the UK and Ireland. They were established in 1950 and have over 20 years experience in the health field. As well as cover for individual therapists, Balens offers schemes for training schools, associations, clinics and health products liability. In the litigious world that we live in, you can’t afford NOT to check them out.

http://www.balens.co.uk/
Tel: +44 1684 893006
Email: info@balen.co.uk

New website for 'Sports Junkies'!

www.sportsjunkie.eu, a new European internet platform for everyone interested in Triathlon, Swimming, Running and Cycling, has now launched on the Costa Del Sol. Whether you are a recreational sports person or an elite athlete there will be a spring of knowledge available for you to draw from. The site provides the latest news and articles about endurance sports, personalised training programs, nutrition and advice, planning, upcoming events and field testing of sports kit. As well as all this there’s the opprtunity to share your sports experiences with others, by creating your own Sportsjunkie Weblog.
Their aim is to create a sports platform, for Marbella and beyond, that everyone can add to, that is growing and changing daily. They want your articles, experiences, stories, recommendations, tips and opinions regarding endurance sports from the European perspective.

If your goal in the New Year is to train for your first marathon, triathlon or duathlon, they will be with you, mile after mile, stroke by stroke, every day.

Find out about the ‘Sportsjunkies’, Anneloes, Stephan, Jaime, Peter and Mark by visiting http://www.sportsjunkies.eu/

Lose weight with LifeWave natural patches

SP6 is the latest breakthrough patch from LifeWave, the world leader in the emerging field of organically constructed molecular antennas. The SP6 patch technology gently stimulates acupuncture points and makes controlling hunger and sugar cravings easier than ever before. The patch utilizes the ancient principles of acupressure to gently stimulate points on the body that have been used to balance and control appetite for thousands of years. The result is a natural decrease in hunger and cravings, without any drugs or stimulants. The SP6 patch is clinically proven and natural, with no drugs or stimulants entering the body, the perfect product to give you a little extra help with that New Year weight loss plan.

Kathy Smyth
www.lifewave.com/kathysmyth
kathyvsmyth@yahoo.co.uk
Not kathysmyth@yahoo.co.uk as in the previous issue.
tel: 0034 647825835

Treatment for osteoporosis at Bodyworks

Osteoporosis (literally meaning porous bones) and also known as Brittle Bone Disease is a disorder of the skeleton. The National Osteoporosis Society states that mainly as a result of osteoporosis, 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will break or fracture a bone against 1 in 2 women. Osteoporosis is regarded as a “silent illness” as many people do not know they have this condition until it is too late. If you do suffer from osteoporosis, bones become very brittle, fracture very easily and unfortunately, medication to help combat osteoporosis is harsh and the side effects can be unpleasant. Using a derivative of MRI scanner technology and by means of a world wide patented complex system of air-cored magnetic coils and radio frequencies, German scientists and researchers have now found it possible to transfer pulsed magnetic resonance energy into the bone cells (and cartilage cells), forcing these into re-growth, increasing and enhancing bone density. A number of scientific, double blind, placebo controlled and randomised tests, documented research and clinical trials have shown that this technology can naturally stimulate the bone osteoblast cells aiding in the re-growth of bone with improvements of up to 60% being shown. At last, a drug free and a surgical free alternative to osteopenia, osteoporosis, arthritis of the joints, to ligament or tendon problems and to spinal disc problems by treating the cause, not the outcome.
Bodyworks Physiotherapy Clinic in Estepona 952 883 151
http://www.osteoporosisspain.com/
http://www.growcartilage.com/
http://www.thebodyworksclinic.com/

Healthy skin and healthy joints!

Pure-Col has been building an enviable reputation in the UK for the past few years, now this fantastic product is widely available on the Costa del Sol. Michael Carter, Director of Pure-Col Spain, describes how he discovered the product,
“I have always been aware of the benefits of collagen and as I get older I have noticed after playing tennis and football, the aches and joint pain take longer to mend. The more I researched collagen, the more I found that there are many different grades and types, and that lots of collagen products on the market simply do not do what they are supposed to.” Pure -Col is the only collagen product with a unique process called Amino Lock, which means up to 90% of the collagen is ingested and made bio available to the body. Becky Lynne, Britain’s female athlete of the year 2006, actively promotes Pure-Col as it has made a huge difference to her maintaining peak fitness. Pure-Col is not only beneficial for our joints, the product also has the benefit of enhancing the skin, as collagen deficiency is the top cause of wrinkles and ageing skin. Pure-Col is available in many outlets on the coast, stockists include gymnasiums, physiotherapists, chiropractors and beauty salons.

To find a stockist near you, and for more information, call Michael Carter 679540038.

http://www.purecol-spain.com/

Health courses available leading to employment on the coast

Natura Class, formerly known as Mistiyan, is an international academy in Fuengirola for natural therapies. The academy offers national diploma courses with FENACO and international diplomas credited by I.T.E.C and ANM, both well respected awarding bodies in Complimentary Therapy and Bodywork. Their courses include sports and holistic massage, aromatherapy and reflexology. The academy was awarded best Andalucian school for massage in 2007, by the Spanish association of Naturopath FENACO.
Natura Class provide a fantastic and unique benefit for its students by offering employment on completion of its courses. Under the company name of Terapia del Sol, graduating students are offered work placements, either in a selection of hotels on the Costa del Sol, or with the established Steiner Cruise Ships. Working on the cruise ships allows a newly qualified therapist to star immediate employment, gain valuable hands on experience, see the world and gain a salary. Terapia del Sol operates in more then 30 hotels and spas from Estepona to Torremolinos, where therapists can develop their skills while in immediate employment.

http://www.naturaclass.es/
951 311 216

Power Plates

PowerPlate is the brand leader for Acceleration Training Technology, in the last couple of years the popularity of training with PowerPlate’s has soared. While new fitness products are launched every week, many fail to stick around, yet PowerPlate’s are here to stay! Training with a PowerPlate gives the body a high intensity workout by increasing the speed of contraction in the muscles. A muscle usually contracts once or twice a second, yet the vibrations from a PowerPlate cause a muscle to contract around 30-50 times a second. This greatly increases the intensity of the workout and means people can gain significant results from as little as three, fifteen minute sessions a week. Many celebrities including Kylie Minogue, Elle Macpherson and Sienna Miller have all credited their physiques to PowerPlate technology, and in the sporting world European Champions Manchester United use PowerPlates to get their players in top shape. The PGA golf tour has also appreciated the benefits of PowerPlate technology and players regularly train with them. This year has seen the launch of several dedicated PowerPlate centres on the Costa del Sol, each with their own different selling points. If you would like to learn more about PowerPlates or to experience training with them youreslf, then contact one of the centres below and book yourself a session.
POSH PowerPlate Studi0 - Bel Air - 952 885 195
Good Vibrations - Nueva Andalucia - 952 819 338

Reflexology during pregnancy and for conception

All mum's want to have the healthiest pregnancy possible and when accompanied by a healthy eating and lifestyle programme, Reflexology can help to maintain a perfect balance for you and your baby throughout this exciting time. Reflexology has been used for centuries as a way to help regulate all of our body's systems, from digestion and nervous systems, to complex hormonal production processes. Never is there a more important time to do this than when creating a new life.
During a pregnancy, all of these systems are put to work in very different ways and they have a huge task ahead of them, so it's imperative that we ensure they're functioning at an optimum, healthy level at all times.

Reflexology can help to relieve the symptoms of morning sickness, balance hormonal levels and help prevent mood swings, boost the immune system of both mum and baby, increase the delivery of nutrients to the baby and speed up the elimination of toxins and waste a well as aid sleep and relaxation for both mum and baby

And most importantly, the majority of mother's who have experienced Reflexology treatments during their pregnancy, also report easier, far less painful births!
As part of your Pregnancy Reflexology Course, you'll also learn invaluable tools to help you treat your own new baby. You'll learn essential techniques to help them develop a healthy digestive system and specific treatments to help de-stress your baby at any time, induce sleep and relaxation, and even help relieve the pain of teething.
Dad's can also receive treatments, or learn about baby treatments, and if you're a single mum, you can bring a family member or a friend.

Planning a Pregnancy? Or been trying for some time?

On the Costa del Sol there are many couples trying to ceceive, Reflexology is a treatment of choice for people who want to prepare their body's in the best possible way, prior to conceiving. Alternatively, if you've been unable to conceive and tests have shown no hormonal or structural defects with either partner,
Reflexology has also been accredited with helping overcome unseen fertility issues, even where IVF has failed.

Call now for more information and take advantage of an expert Reflexologist in Marbella.

Confidentiallity guaranteed

Tel: 607 596 836
thereflexologyclinic@tiscali.co.uk

English language Antenatal classes on the coast

Are you looking to prepare yourselves to give birth & become parents here in Spain? Would you like the experience to be the best one possible?

Having spent over 20 years working as a midwife in Dublin, London, Australia and the Middle East, Anne Halpenny uses her experience to provide Antenatal classes in English, on the Costa del Sol. Her local experience includes workng at St Bernard’s in Gibraltar and the Hospital Costa del Sol, since 1999. During the courses, 4 evening classes, you will hear about and be able to discuss honest, non-biased and factual informaton that will help you make decisions and achieve all you wish for.
Anne says: “The clases have been very successful, with people’s feedback including ‘informal, interactive and extremely informative’ and ‘helpful, essential and non-patronising’.

Continued support until the birth, is part of Anne’s service. Post-natal advice and home visits (as in the UK) can also be arranged after your baby has arrived.

To make enquiries please go to www.annehalpenny.awardspace.com
Email annehalpenny@ireland.com
Tel: 630 231 037

Website for mums in Spain gets it's new look!

MumsinSpain recently launched its new-look site! Visitors will be able to access a wide range of information, from birth experiences in Spanish hospitals, articles related to pregnancy and tips on raising a child in Spain. There’s a comprehensive A-Z Directory (from Obstetricians to Childcare) and perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to get advice from other mums living all over the country via their forum. This popular forum is where mums can continue to share experiences and recommendations, as well as make new friends in their area.

MumsinSpain is also a great supporter of Mums in Business, with a dedicated section containing helpful articles and inspirational success stories, as well as a network where "mumpreneurs" can register for free. "There are a great many mums in Spain who look to set up their own businesses. Spain offers much in the way of opportunity and we already have members who have met through the forum who have gone on to set up their own companies together" says Claire Ogier, founder of MumsinSpain. “Being a Mum is the most rewarding job I have ever had, but it is also extremely hard work, tiring and at times lonely. Many of us find ourselves far away from the support system we may have had if we were still living in our own country. I hope that MumsinSpain will, in some small way, help to fill that gap".

http://www.mumsinspain.com/

Champneys comes to the coast

I am delighted to hear that Champneys, the UK luxury spa company, are developing their Marbella based spa resort, and apartments and penthouses are currently for sale. The development is located behind Marbella, off the road to Ojen and Monda. The joy of this location is the stunning views of green hills, set in a conservation area, and so close to the Mediterranean. Yet the Motor way, Marbella and Puerto Banus are only 10 minutes away, out of sight and sound.
The planters and fountains next to the oversized baths, brightly lit internal patios, open fireplaces, and plunge pools on the penthouse terrace, are all features that make for true luxury. Although only two bed, the apartments are huge, over 200 m2. The price includes all furniture of very high quality, including plasma TV, and DVD player, right down to crockery, cutlery, bedding and linen. By offering apartment and penthouse owners the prospect of entering the Champneys letting pool, they aim to market Champneys breaks to Champneys customers, with Marbella being positioned as a fifth resort for the group.
The Spa has heated indoor and outdoor pools, twenty five therapy rooms, a manicure salon, sauna and turkish baths, a jacuzzi terrace, a fully equipped gym, an exercise studio and juice bar, cafe restaurant, relaxation areas, a Champneys shop, conservatory gardens, sun terraces, spectacular patios and water features, not forgetting a plaza with hanging gardens. What luxury!

http://www.champneysmarbella.com/

Kids fitness classes in Nueva Andalucia

We all realise the importance of keeping our children fit and healthy, so hearing that the new FITKIDZ Club is about to begin comes as welcome news to every parent. Audrey Spearing, a qualified personal trainer who’s been getting people on the coast fit for the past 6 years, is the driving force behind this new club. The highly motivated personal trainer will be running weekly classes for children at the Plaza Gym in Nueva Andalucia. The classes, starting on September 18th, are open to kids aged 4 to 13 years old and will be held on a Thursday afternoon from 4.30 to 5.30 pm. Audrey, who has a 4 year old son, wants to promote a healthy, safe and fun environment where the children will enjoy themselves as well as learn. Having gained experience working for the Irish Sports Association and now a qualified gymnastics coach, as well as a former All Ireland Gymnastic Champion, Audrey is highly qualified to teach and inspire children through activity.


Audrey Spearing 686 946 915.

audreyspearing1@hotmail.com

Reflexology courses in Marbella

Recently opened in Nueva Alcantara, San Pedro, the Marbella Beauty Academy offers a full range of health and beauty courses. The academy is the 1st and only one in Spain to offer recognised CIBTAC qualifications to students. Senior Lecturers of the college, Giselle Beck Davies and Jane Anne Davies, have over twenty-five years experience in the beauty industry, working in some of the UK’s most well known locations, including Champneys and Harrods. The academy’s courses have also been designed with the option allowing students to train whilst still continuing to work, with flexible training time tables and modular learning. Marbella Beauty Academy has recruited an experienced team of health and beauty lecturers, each with their own specialist areas. If you’ve ever wanted to become a Reflexologist then now’s the time, with the CIBTAC reflexology course beginning in September at the academy. For more details on reflexology or any of the other courses, including the full time beauty therapy qualification, NSI nail tech course, manicure and pedicure, waxing, facials, body massage, Indian head massage, stone therapy and more, contact Marbella Beauty Academy on details below.
http://www.marbellabeautyacademy.com/

Muay Thai Kickboxing in San Pedro

I was recently told about a new kickboxing cente that has opened recently in San Pedro. Today I went to see Kevin Hine, the founder. It's located in San Pedro Poligono, and Kevin has done a great job in making the place into a dedicated training centre. I don't know too much about kickboxing, but the place looks very impressive. In the centre Kevin has imported a professional ring and is in the process of importing a genuine MMA cage as well. MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts so I learned today! Kevin lived in Thailand previously, where he learned his skills. His teacher in Thailand, an experienced naive Thai kickboxer is coming to work with Kevin very soon, as soon as the visa applications are confirmed! As well as training competitive kickboxers, the centre runs classes for children as well, combining the technical skills with the benefits of an intense cardio vascular workout.

http://www.kickboxingmuaythai.com/

InsideOut Health Magazine

The English speaking community on the Costa del Sol are fortunate to be supplied with numerous free magaiznes. The majority of them are what I would call 'social' magazines, featuring news and photos of the many events and parties that are held on the coast. There are also magazines dedicated to interior design, beauty and alternative living. Shortly after I moved to Spain I realised that despite there being numerous magazines, there was an absence of a health and fitness magazine. This promted myself and my girlfriend to launch InsideOut Health Magazine (http://www.iohmagazine.com/) ioh magazine (as it is known!) is a true health magazine, with articles on a wide range of health subjects, incuding fitness, nutrition, alternative health, medicine and sport. With contributors of the quality of Paul Chek and Antony Haynes, as well as many other well respected experts, ioh is full of top quality content. ioh is distributed every 2 months along the south coast of Spain, from Malaga to Sotogrande. (For a full distribution list just email me and I can send you one.) As a free magazine, ioh relies on advertising for it's revenue and as the only health magazine in the area, it provides a quality platform for health and fitness business to promote themselves.
For more details on InsideOut Health Magazine, visit http://www.iohmagazine.com/