Elixr Newsletter
September 2012 | Issue 37
Chew on it
With Richard Chew
Founder of Elixr Health Clubs
Speaking my Mind
I find it very interesting that there are people who
judge me for my point of view. I have learnt to be
open with my opinions and thoughts, and obviously
there are countless people who would disagree with
all my opinions and beliefs.
I do speak my mind; with my provocative (and
sometimes questionable) sense of humour.
There are certain principles I strive to uphold. And I
recently presented them to our management team to
ensure they filter through to all our staff to enhance
our culture.
Being the Chink that I am, I adhere by the acronym
‘RICE’ to represent these principles. It is the original
acronym to treat an injury: Rest, Ice, Compression
and Elevation.
I’ve re-interpreted to represent: Respect, Integrity,
Care and Excellence.
Respect is what we all need to earn from each other
and should be gained by our actions and not our
positions.
Integrity is very important, as trust is the foundation
of solid relationships.
Caring for others with generosity will enhance good
relationships by making an effort to diminish our
naturally selfish attributes.
The continuous pursuit of Excellence is how
we work to be the very best in every facet of
our lives.
Amazing Spirit
I was researching quotes from Mahatma Gandhi
and came across these words: “Live as if you were to
die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”.
Immediately it prompted my thoughts about our
Pilates Education Director, Katharine’s, father,
Dr Russell Millard.
Russell, who is an obstetrician, discovered he had
lung cancer over nine months ago and was forced
into retirement to fight his cancer.
What amazed me with Russell was when I spoke with
him he had an incredible attitude with his
acceptance of his limited time in this world. There
was no anger, no disbelief and no “why me?”
What amazed me even more is that since discovering
his cancer, Russell has been studying Hieroglyphics
(ancient Egyptian writing), ancient Greek and he’s
enrolled in Latin.
I am in awe of this gentleman who is teaching me
the art of living.
Taking Life for Granted
There was a documentary on Professor Graeme Clark,
an Australian who invented the Cochlear implant.
The show documents many people were able to hear
their first sounds with the implant.
It showed the joy of the people (including a baby)
who broke into delightful smiles when they heard
their first sounds. The story touched me and
reminded me of how incredibly lucky I am to
have all my senses.
We take our lives for granted, and far too often
we don’t focus sufficiently on how fortunate we are.
Instead we waste our thoughts on challenges and
regrets (which our imaginations often blowing right
out of proportion.)
We all have a victim mentality to certain degree;
though unfortunately some people thrive on it. We
need to constantly adjust our attitudes to focus on
how lucky we are and appreciate all the amazing
positive aspects in our lives.
Keep doing this until it becomes habit. Your life will
become far more joyful.
We live in an extremely lucky country. We just need
to consciously realise this and appreciate it.
New Reformer Machines
We are very proud and excited to announce
Elixr is the first health club in Australia to
introduce the new innovative Pilates Reformer:
The Allegro 2.
The new reformers have some great features:
they’re more user friendly with easy adjustments for
the footbar, springs and straps, the gliding action is
smoother, and they have a clean, sleek design.
The Allegro 2 was designed by IDEO (an awardwinning global design firm whose clients include
Samsung and Microsoft.)
I am certain our members will love our new A2
reformer machines.
Kosher Chinese
I was chatting with my friend and member,
Vivienne Olian, about the recent loss of her
beautiful dad. Vivienne is a lovely Jewish lady
who is also my wonderful travel agent
(sabratravel.com.au), and the mother of my son,
Dennan’s, first love. We were reminiscing the time
when Dennan was dating her daughter Noa. When
Vivienne’s father first met Dennan he later asked
Vivienne whether Dennan was Jewish.
Although there are Chinese Jews, thankfully our
Chew family isn’t...We Chinese can’t afford to lose
any part of our appendage!
That reminds me...Years ago I attended a Bar Mitzvah
at the Temple Emanuel in Woollahra. After suffering
for two hours, I took a break and went for
a cappuccino on Queen St.
I was confused as to why I was getting so many
strange looks from everyone in the cafe. It was only
on my way back to the temple that I realised I was
still wearing a Kippah.
A Surprise at the RTA
I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by a smiling
(and obviously newish) staff member at the RTA
the other week. I said to her, “You’re so bright and
cheerful! How long before you turn grumpy?” She
replied with a smile, “Definitely no more than a
couple of months.”
Olympics
Whenever I’d watch athletics, I used to wonder
why the black guys are always way ahead of the
white guys. Then I realised that black guys have
had lots of experience with white guys chasing
after them...
Before you guys get upset at me, don’t forget
the white guys were the first drug dealers that
slowed us Chinks down with Opium.
Australia’s Leading Mind & Body Health Clubs
The views and comments expressed by Richard do not necessarily reflect those of Elixr or its team members.
News
Our Bondi Junction Lift is getting a Face-Lift
Kaya - Melbourne’s First Mind & Body
Health Club - Coming Soon
From September 17th until December, our Bronte Road lift is
undergoing major surgery!
This will ensure the lift will run smoothly and efficiently.
Kaya is a similar concept to Elixr: a health club with genuine member service,
a serene atmosphere, and a specialisation in Pilates and Yoga.
During this time, please use the Tower Lifts (directly next to the
Easts Leagues entrance on the right hand side.)
The club is being established and run by Christian and Koula Ruggeri
(Elixr’s General Manager and our former Park St and Bligh St Club Manager).
Elixr and Kaya are working closely together, and Elixr members will have
privileged access to Kaya when visiting Melbourne. Stay tuned for
more news over the coming months.
The Succession of our General Manager
Kaya is set to open in November...
Amie Higgs started with Elixr in 2010 as our Elixr Education
Coordinator and has done an outstanding job with our
education programs; making our Introductory Courses and
Teacher Trainer Courses the wonderful success they are today.
Escape for a Weekend of Relaxation & Rejuvenation
Amie will be taking over the reins from Christian Ruggeri as
General Manager for the Elixr group.
Amie is passionate about all things related to health & fitness. She has
worked in the fitness industry for 16 years; running her own personal training
business and managing a health club in Brisbane.
Amie is currently completing her Masters degree in Management, majoring in
Sports Management at UTS.
“I am extremely excited about my future and opportunity with Elixr. I could
not be taking over from a more inspirational mentor, Christian, who has
guided and taught me so much.”
We are very excited to welcome Amie into her new role!
Our friends at Affinity Psychotherapy are inviting you to treat yourself
to a weekend at Kangaroo Valley and enjoy nature walks, yoga classes, and
massages at the beautiful retreat, Four Quadrants.
The retreat is on Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd of September.
Visit www.fourquadrants.com.au for more information.
Our 30 Day Satisfaction Assurance
We know how special Elixr is...and so do you!
Take the opportunity to share your experience with your family and friends
this month and we’ll reward you both:
Farewell Koula…
If you recommend a friend who becomes a member in September
you’ll receive two weeks complimentary membership! Plus they can take
advantage of our 30 Day Satisfaction Assurance which provides them with
the peace of mind to ensure they fall in love with Elixr (who wouldn’t?)
Koula Ruggeri, our manager for both city clubs, left Elixr last
month to embark on a new journey in Melbourne (sadly for
us, but excitingly for her!)
You can pick up complimentary experience passes for your family and
friends at reception!
Koula and her husband, Christian, are in process of
establishing their own health club in Melbourne.
Koula started at our Bondi Junction Club back in 2006 as Member Care
Manager, and has done so much to develop and grow Elixr into the special
place it is today.
Labour Day Operating Hours - Monday 1st October
It is very sad to see her leave, but we are so happy for her and Christian in
pursuing their dream to run their very own health club.
Our Bondi Junction club is open from 7.30am till 2.00pm. Although our CBD
clubs will be closed (a great excuse to have a weekend off training!)
Before they grace the
stage, they train at Elixr...
Elixr is proud to be the health club of choice for
Photo by Justin Ridler
Madeleine Boud (ACO) & Thomas Bradley (SDC)
As an Elixr member, you are entitled to A-Reserve tickets
to the Sydney Dance Company’s latest production,
Project Rameau, for the exclusive price of $69.
Sydney Theatre, October 29th - November 3rd.
To book visit elixr.com.au/privileges
Elixr Innovates
Introducing our new Reformer Beds
We are the first health club in Australia to introduce the latest
Pilates Reformer Bed in design: The Allegro 2.
Visit our homepage to watch the clip of Rachel demonstrating
the easy adjustments of the Allegro 2.
Check out the clip before your next reformer class to ensure
you’re comfortable with the features of our innovative new
reformers.
Some of the benefits Rachel explains throughout
the clip include:
■■ Easier footbar and strap adjustments
■■ A safer platform for all exercises
■■ The moveable footbar for a greater variety of exercises
Healthy Habits
App-ly yourself to Convenience
From Richard Chew
and Dennan Chew
Quicker, Easier Access with our App
This month’s habits are related to
mindfulness. Mindfulness is an effective
way to reduce stress, increase selfawareness, and enhance your mood.
Connect with others. It can be easy to fall into the habit
Download our App for quick and easy access to our timetable
and club information.
Viewing the timetable on our App is much faster than finding it on
our website, and far kinder to the environment than taking a timetable
from reception!
of staying within the comfy confines of home. Make an effort to
develop and maintain strong relationships with people who enrich
your life. The quality of our personal relationships has a great effect
on our wellbeing.
Notice the here and now. Take a moment to notice each
of your senses each day. Simply ‘be’ in the moment – feel the sun
and wind on your face and notice the air you are breathing. Making
a conscious effort to be aware of your inner and outer world is
important for your mental health.
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Meditate. Sit down comfortably, slow down your breathing and
focus on a plain, inanimate object for two minutes (or longer if
possible). Try to keep your thoughts focused entirely but gently on
that object. Object meditation is an effective practice to reduce stress
and improve your mood.
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Popular Diets Compared
and Critiqued
Swati Shah is a member at our Park Street Club
who trains very regularly. Since becoming a
member with Elixr, Swati has dramatically
improved her physique and wellbeing.
Tell us a little bit about your time with us...
I joined Elixr in 2005 after being at Fitness First for
three months, and I was amazed at the difference
from the moment I walked through Elixr’s doors
Three popular diets have been analysed and unveiled
by our resident nutritionist, Mogestri Pather.
1. Low GI Diet
Swati Shah
The staff at Elixr is absolutely amazing. Everyone is so warm and friendly.
I love the variety of classes and exercise options available. The atmosphere
in the gym is always very warm and welcoming, which is such a lovely
escape from the busy city.
Also, I really enjoy reading the newsletter, especially Richard’s write ups.
How would you say Elixr has influenced your life?
It has changed the way I think about exercise. It’s not a chore anymore but
something I really enjoy. It’s ‘my’ time... My hour at Elixr relaxes me and
makes me look good and healthy.
I don’t feel tired all the time and I feel so much happier after doing a class
or my own training. My body is more flexible and so is my mind. It’s a
great distraction from my stressful work regime.
Yoga has helped me manage my stress far better. It has also enhanced my
concentration skills.
Pilates has made me aware of my posture and I am always correcting it;
whether I’m in class, at work or at home. I used to get lower back pains
which have now completely disappeared.
The RFK classes are a fantastic stress relief for me after a long day of work.
I enjoy learning techniques from all the different teachers and I always
learn one new trick every class.
Which of those classes has given you the most noticeable results?
The combination of classes has provided me with a great balance of
mental clarity, strength, fitness and energy. But once I started training
with Dennan a few years ago, I saw a huge change in my body. Not only
was I rapidly losing weight, I was getting sore and toned in body parts
I didn’t know I had.
Dennan is cruel and friendly at the same time when
he trains me. There are no excuses and if I stop in the middle of an exercise
we have to start from the beginning! But thanks to him I was able to
run the City to Surf (especially since I had never run more than 2kms in
my life.)
What are your plans for the future?
I have been married for a long time. Now my husband and I are planning
for kids and hope it will happen for us soon. But I certainly hope to
continue coming into the club!
Pros
■■ High in low-fat foods thereby promoting weight loss.
■■ Foods high in fibre increase satiety and encourage compliance.
■■ Foods are less processed and low in sugar.
Cons
■■ Adequate knowledge of the glycaemic scores of all foods is essential.
■■ Cooking changes the glycaemic index.
■■ Foods high in fat tend to have low GI scores
(e.g. ice cream and chocolate.)
2. The Atkins Diet
Pros
■■ Quick, short-term weight loss achieved
■■ Many unhealthy foods (such as cakes, biscuits) are eliminated.
■■ A diet high in protein provides high satiety.
Cons
■■ The low carbohydrate content makes exercising difficult.
■■ Lacks fibre, vitamins and minerals found in fruits,
vegetables and dairy foods.
■■ Lack of fibre may lead to constipation.
3. Mediterranean Diet
Pros
■■ Low in saturated fats and high in healthier monounsaturated fats
■■ Includes plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and legumes. This makes it rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals.
■■ High in natural antioxidants sourced from fruits and vegetables thereby reducing illnesses such as cancer.
Cons
■■ Doesn’t provide specific quantities and serving size.
■■ Foods rich in monounsaturated fats can cause weight gain.
■■ Red wine is not conducive to people with poor liver function
and other illnesses.
The most suitable diet from the list is the Mediterranean diet due to its
emphasis on fresh fruits, legumes and vegetables which provides the body
with fibre, vitamins, and anti-oxidants.
However, it’s important to remember the best way to achieve a healthy mind
and body is not by strictly adhering to one diet. You should enjoy a variety of
foods, but of course eat sensibly and exercise consistently!
For more information or to make an appointment with Mogestri, email
her at nutrition@elixr.com.au or call her on 0414 650 515
Pilates • Yoga • Fitness • Aqua
Sydney Town Hall
Sofitel Wentworth
Bondi Junction
27 Park St
2A Bligh St
L2, 9 Bronte Rd
T: 02 8113 1100
T: 02 8113 3300
T: 02 8113 8800
Australia’s Leading Mind & Body Health Clubs
elixr.com.au
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