Sweet Lime's Take on New Age Fitness

Over at Sweet Lime and Spiced Tea, we're suckers for a new fitness trend. Pilates, Zumba, kettle bells - we've tried them all. With varying degrees of success. Then we were introduced to Black Dove Body Bar, whose mantra is holistic health. We were intrigued - fitness without the relentless push for the perfect frame? We had to chat to Claire Louise Leonard, Director of Black Dove, to find out about the hottest fitness trend for 2012. 

{SL&ST} How do you think people will be keeping fit in 2012?

{Black Dove} I think it's less about 'crazes' this year and more about people getting back to nature and finding fitness through doing things that they enjoy.   

{SL&ST} Do you think Brisbanites go for fitness trends or are we more traditional in our approach to keeping healthy?  

{Black Dove} I think we are very lucky to live in a climate that allows a lot of lifestyle exercise like hiking and cycling.  So we definitely get into the trends, but that's on top of our already active lifestyles! 

{SL&ST} What do you think we should be doing to make sure our fitness goals outlast the typical New Years Resolution lifespan?   

{Black Dove} Be realistic.  And don't beat yourself up if you don't achieve one part of your goals, focus on all of the things you have achieved!  

The best thing is, Claire doesn't see holistic health as a craze. She believes a focus on health in all areas of your life, rather than just reaching that elusive 'goal weight' teaches you to live a more fulfilled existence. She says "While you might loose those 5kgs, you could also realise that you are perfect as you are and focus on getting stronger or having less pain in your body.  That's what holistic health is about!"

And what will the Black Dove girls be doing to keep fit in 2012? Claire will be lacing up her sneakers and pounding the pavement. She'll also be integrating her workouts into her work / life balance - "I want to get to the beach more this summer so I'll be getting in to surfing and skating".

Image Credit: yoga