Workshops for Weekend Warriors

When: Thursdays – 7pm to 8.30pm Cost: $40 each or $35 online prepay or buy all for $210 Book Online Now or call 09 303 1740

Where: St Columba Centre 40 Vermont Street Ponsonby

Workshop 1: (Completed)
Breathing and Core Control
Thursday, May 8th 7pm – 8.30pm

Yes you have probably been told to strengthen your core – but do you know why? In this workshop you will learn how a stable core can reduce your chances of injury and boost your performance and speed. Understand what ‘Core Strength’ really means and how your body functions in movement. Understand how breathing correctly can boost your energy levels, your athletic performance and sustained fitness levels.

With Physiotherapist Ree O’Hagan (B. Phty, MNZSP)
Ree is the co-director and a Physiotherapist/Pilates Instructor at the Physio Pilates Studio here in Auckland. Ree discovered the Pilates method 8 years ago, and in addition to it relieving years of back pain that she had been experiencing, she also fell in love with it as a ‘way of life’. Ree has been integrating the principles of Pilates into Physiotherapy treatments with her clients, and also encouraging them to explore the fitness & lifestyle side of Pilates in the studio itself. In addition to writing health & well-being articles for the NZ Beauty magazine and ‘Your City’ publications, she is also passionate about helping others set and achieve their own goals in life and is very excited to be part of the Weekend Warrior Workshop series!

Workshop 2:
Sports Nutrition 1 – getting the basics sussed for optimum performance
Thursday, 12th June 7pm – 8.30pm

If you put in the right fuel you will get the most out of your body – right? Absolutely – so why do so many of us get it wrong? There is so much conflicting information about nutrition – where do you start? Dr Libby takes you back to basics – understand how your body works and you will understand why different foods can be the difference between crossing the finish line or not. Understand how better choices will mean better performance, more energy and more fun when you are training.

With Holistic Nutrition Specialist Dr Libby Ellis(PhD)
One of Australia’s leading nutritionists, Libby has worked in private consultancy with individuals, groups, companies as well as universities and the media. Libby completed her PhD examining biochemical and nutritional factors in children with autism, the outcomes of which have affected the way the condition is treated in Australia. Through this work, Libby came to better understand the role various hormones play in influencing our body shape and size, our appetites, our responses to exercise and stress, clarity of thought, sleep patterns and a host of other behaviours.
Working in two of Australia’s leading heath retreats, Libby’s insights were often described as life-changing. She reaches a broad range of people from businessmen and women, stay-at-home parents to prominent sportspeople and Hollywood stars.

Workshop 3:
The Power of the legs - Gait Analysis and the Right Shoes for You
Thursday, July 8th 7pm – 8.30pm

Want to make your daily run that much easier? Learn the secrets to running faster, running hills easily, saving energy and avoiding injury. Learn the importance of getting the right shoes for you and how looking at your running style can boost your performance.

With Sports Podiatrist Conan Dickie (BHSc Pod, Post Grad Sports Medicine)
Conan is the director of Auckland Sports Podiatry. After having to pull out of a national running championship one year due to numerous injuries in the late 90’s, he decided to do something about it. What better way than to become a specialist in the field of biomechanics and sports medicine podiatry. Today Conan and his team head up an environment that aims to get to the bottom of your injury concerns. Much like a mechanic works and services your car, sports podiatry aims to work on and service your gait, while also improving your performance, so you can get back to enjoying your active lifestyle. In depth history and analysis, followed by accurate diagnosis, pave the way to the best treatment plan, often involving a open mind and ‘team approach’, to ensure superior results. The highly relevant and practical words of advice will make this part of the weekend warrior series a ‘must see’ for anyone wanting to pick up their game and gather a greater understanding of how the body works and performs at its best.

Workshop 4:
Self Massage, Safe Stretching and Flexibility
Thursday, August 7th 7pm – 8.30pm

Can massage really help me…? What’s the ‘right’ way to stretch and how do I keep myself flexible? In this hands on workshop we will give away our trade secrets teaching you self massage and stretching techniques that will allow you to loosen your IT Bands, ease up those hip flexors and glutes and take away some of your aches and pains all by yourself!

With Massage Therapist Karen Finlayson (Dip. TM (sports), BA)
Karen is director and owner of Bodyneed Limited a sports and remedial massage company started in 2001. Bodyneed has a team of 8 nationally and internationally qualified massage therapists who specialise in the areas of sports massage and rehabilitation, remedial massage (deep tissue) and therapeutic massage. Most of our clients are what we call weekend warriors – ‘normal’ people with full time jobs and families who manage to compete in amazing events from Coast to Coast to half marathons – we love their dedication and drive and are always looking for ways to help them achieve their goals. The Weekend Warrior series gives us an opportunity to bring together some amazing different practitioners to complement the work we do with massage and soft tissue therapy.

Workshop 5:
Sports Nutrition 2 – Sorting myth from fact – getting it right on the day
Thursday, September 11th 7pm – 8.30pm

You have made it to the start line - that’s great! Now make sure you don’t let your body down by cramming it with poor food substitutes… that Chocolate Bar really won’t cut it! Again event nutrition is an area loaded with conflicting information – following on from her first workshop Dr Libby will guide you through all you need to know to not only finish your event but enjoy it too!

With Holistic Nutrition Specialist Dr Libby Ellis(PhD)
One of Australia’s leading nutritionists, Libby has worked in private consultancy with individuals, groups, companies as well as universities and the media. Libby completed her PhD examining biochemical and nutritional factors in children with autism, the outcomes of which have affected the way the condition is treated in Australia. Through this work, Libby came to better understand the role various hormones play in influencing our body shape and size, our appetites, our responses to exercise and stress, clarity of thought, sleep patterns and a host of other behaviours.
Working in two of Australia’s leading heath retreats, Libby’s insights were often described as life-changing. She reaches a broad range of people from businessmen and women, stay-at-home parents to prominent sportspeople and Hollywood stars.

Workshop 6:
How to create functional Core/Glute Strength to keep you injury free
Thursday, October 9th

If there was one area of the body we would define as the most important for you as an athlete it would be your hips – your pelvis is one of the main junctions from which all other body parts perform. Wobbly/unstable hips mean too much pressure on your knees, your calves and ankles. Learn how to stabilize these areas and become a more efficient and stronger runner. You’ll run away feeling confident with great tips on injury prevention and managing that finely tuned runners body.

With Running Coach Gaz Brown (Running Coach)
Gaz is Director and Founder of Getrunning limited. Starting 4 years ago in Personal Training, through learning advanced video analysis and bio mechanics with Isport Australia, he specialises in run specific bio mechanics/ injury prevention and advising clients on the proper steps to take with strengthening the body using a global approach. Gaz takes running groups away nationally and internationally to running events and has been successful in introducing many people into running including taking Kerre Woodham to the Auckland and New York Marathon and Co-writing the book Fat Chick to Marathon Runner.