Being Social and being fit

Since being on my competition diet and training plan I have realised how much I use food to socialise! Whenever I catch up with my friends it’s either for dinner, lunch, coffee and cake, or a catch up for a drink or two... when you take food away it really challenges you to think of other things to do with your friends and family.

I love the way I have inspired most of my close friends to join a gym or try giving up sugar and bad foods. Every time I try to organise a catch up with my friends now they know it’s going to involve either a gym or cardio session.  I take my own food with me if we go anywhere and it’s great to see how it encourages my friends to eat healthy as well, (I think they are scared of the lecture I will give them ha-ha). I love working out with my friends on weekends, it keeps me busy and out of the house (away from the pantry), and I can kill two birds with one stone by exercising and catching up at the same time.

So what to do though? There are so many great things to do and try in Melbourne here are a few ideas I’ve come up with or have done.

·         Group exercise classes such as Pilates or yoga - http://www.bikramyogamelbourne.com.au/

·         Ice skating - http://www.icehouse.com.au/

·         Roller blading (you can hire them down at st Kilda for a day and roller blade alongside the beach) - http://www.baysideblades.com.au/

·         Indoor rock climbing – Hard rock http://www.hardrock.com.au/

·         1000 steps /kokoda memorial trail - http://www.dandenongrangesattractions.com.au/attractions/1000-steps/

·         Bike tour/ rentals - http://www.attractionsmelbourne.com/listing.php/bonza-bike-tours-and-bike-rental/906

·         Indoor paintball - http://www.attractionsmelbourne.com/listing.php/campbellfield-indoor-paintball/1789

·         Walking and jogging tracks - http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Documents/maps/walkjog.pdf

·         Swimming - http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/melbournecitybaths/Pages/MCB.aspx

·         fun runs for charity - http://www.coolrunning.com.au/calendar/vic.php?TargetCal=VIC&Months=12

·         tree top adventures - http://www.otwayfly.com/

·         learn to surf - http://www.sasurfschools.com.au/vic-surf-schools.php

·         learn to ski and snowboard - http://www.mtbuller.com.au/Winter/

·         boot camp weekends - http://bootcampweekend.com.au/index.php?p=1_13

·         If you do prefer to sit down to a meal or drink with friends try to use your imagination for e.g.- go to a juice bar or find and try vegetarian restaurants or go to funky organic cafes on Brunswick St etc.