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We’re now at the halfway point in the Get Your Body Right series. You might be feeling tired and sore, but don’t give up. 

This week we have some core exercises that complement the lower body and upper body workouts from the first and second instalments. 

I found it interesting that experts say, in time, core strength will make other exercises easier. This is why.

And Anthony Dowsley had a moment of weakness as he was undertaking last week's routine — but a seagull got him back on track. Read a shortened version of his hilarious account below, or click here to read it in full.

After work on Thursday, I was hungry.

The aroma of thick, cheesy slices of pizza filled the air outside the shops that line Flinders St Station in Melbourne's CBD.

It was too much. I couldn't resist.

With a slice of margherita in my hand, I headed for the tram.

Big mistake.

I was already being tracked from above and all I heard was the air move around me as something swooped.

A friggin' seagull stole my pizza.

It was a major victory for the thieving bird and an unintended triumph for my weight loss ambitions.

I've now added push ups, dips, seated rows and shoulder exercises to my routine with the Get Your Body Right series.

I'm also up to 5000 steps a day by doing early walks with my dog, Sunny, who has been known to chase a bird or two.

So, if he does his job, there's not going to be a repeat of the spectacle on Flinders St.

Flock that. 

Meanwhile, last Tuesday around this time, we were in the federal budget lock up. Labor was slammed for ignoring mental health, but the Coalition made a big pledge to support it in its budget reply.

And have you ever heard of ‘lightning crotch’? It’s a common but little-talked-about symptom experienced by many mums-to-be in their third trimester. We’ve delved into some taboo topics you might not know about before falling pregnant.

Have a great week.



#1 - Why you need to be aware of this if you're running again after 30: A middle-aged “running revolution” means many people 30 and over are getting back to pounding the pavement. But they need to be aware of this.

#2 - Eat more protein - The new way to improve your brain function: It’s best known as a slightly faddy route to weight loss, but could the ketogenic (keto) diet, high in proteins and fats and low in carbs, be the key to preserving brain health as we age?

#3 - Do your knees make a popping sound? This is why: Exercise is meant to be beneficial but it’s easy to overdo it. Here’s when to grit your teeth – and when to give yourself a breather.



Dietitian Lyndi Cohen on 10 foods to lower cholesterol

Hear from one of our experts every Tuesday.

The Sydney-based dietitian and nutritionist shares ten delicious, heart-healthy foods to include in your diet.





Chicken burrito bowl

Serves 4 | $9.71 per person

With a burrito bowl, you can add as many elements as you want. We’ve chosen black beans and chicken, but you could go with red kidney beans and beef. So many options.

Read the method and ingredients needed to whip this up yourself, here.