Look back at My October Lifestyle Camp

My October Lifestyle Camp was an absolute hit!! A huge thank you goes out to everyone would attended the camp & to the amazing sponsors (Fuji Sports, Juice Plus+, Menhune Soaps, Shapes Gym, Finding Samata & Fortitude and Wellbeing). 

Here are a few snippets from the lovely Jodi Schwartz article!

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" Morning person or not, the ladies of the camp got up early each morning to be greeted by a stunning array of fresh fruit before taking a short walk to the beach for sunrise yoga led by the brilliant and beautiful Jiu Jitsu Yogi, Jasmine Bienvenue . Each day, Jasmine explored different flows where she encouraged a connection to the body and breath before laying and meditating in a sweet savasana as the sun came up.

The practice was followed by a hearty nutritious breakfast which offered a choice of fruit, eggs, yogurt, gluten free or rye toast with coffee and tea. All meals were prepared by the woman of many talents, Tina West, with help from sous chef Jodi Schwartz. 

At 10.30am Sophia McDermott taught the BJJ sessions. Sophia who is a world, no gi world and Pan Am Champion as well as the 1st female black belt from Australia shared her knowledge BJJ with a particular focus on techniques that were better suited to women. After a couple of hours of BJJ techniques and open rolling came where the pictures of smiles do not do the happiness and joy felt justice.

After a good training session, The ladies had worked up an appetite were ready for lunch. They were greeted with a nourishing lunch of protein, vegetables and complex carbs before relaxing in the afternoon. The next three to four hours were open for whatever suited. Many of the girls went to the beach, some to the pool, some shopped, went to a movie, or took a much needed nap. There was also little downtime for walks, relaxation, meditation, private lessons or snap chat sessions.

Evening activities varied day by day, which included workshops that alternated with a focus on the body and mind/spirit. Sophia taught a toning & sculpting workout, a nutrition workshops, partner stretching and a BJJ Q&A session. Tina west took charge of the Warrior Within empowerment workshops, sound therapy and guided meditations. You can check out all of Tina’s talents and skills here and here.

Dinner was always ready after the workshops to make sure that ladies were refulled and recharged from all the activities of the day. Although, the focus of the camp was about health and good nutrition if needed, the ice cream shop and convenient store was just a quick walk away for those with chocolate cravings."

It is a euphoric feeling for five days where women from all over the US and World come together to meet, learn, experience, share and make lifelong connections. The sisterhood developed is on a different level than one most have ever experienced. Each day and session seemed to light more of a fire within each woman, inspiring each one of us to be the wonderful person that we are, listening to our hearts and choosing our own paths. #bethestarofyourownlifeIt.

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Women's only BJJ classes start this Saturday, Oct 21 at the UFC gym

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I am super excited to announce that I am starting a women's only class at the UFC gym Blue Diamond every Saturday at 12pm. All welcome regardless of affiliation or belt rank.  My focus will be on you ladies and teaching techniques that are better suited for women. My aim with these women's classes is to create a fun, supportive and safe environment where women can learn BJJ and feel empowered.  My mission is to teach BJJ and selfdefense to as many women as possible. Every women should learn the basic skills to effectively defend themselves. #empoweredwomen

Fit mums!

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#fitmom Sophia McDermott Drysdale

A photo from the beach at my Lifestyle Camp this past week. It was so nice to have the chance to relax and take the time out with my baby girls. We all did a lot ofexercise and training. it is so important as a mother to stay in good shape to keep up with your kids, but also tobe the healthy role model and to set an example so that they too grow up fit and healthy. 

My Ms Figure Toning and Sculpting Classes are Starting Soon!

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I am super excited to announce that I will be teaching a Ms Figure Toning and Sculpting class starting on October 21st11am every Saturday at the UFC gym! The class is a women's only class and the goal is to tone and sculpt the muscles as well as to burn fat at the same time. The exercises are all body weight exercises from my years as a gymnast, jiu jitsu athlete and as a Figure athlete. They will work your muscles without making you look bulky! Bring yourself, your moms, your sisters and your girl friends. This will be super fun, engaging and challenging. At UFC gym, Blue Diamond. Feel free to email me at Sophia@sophiaFIT.com for any questions. 

Girls in Gis 8th Anniversary Weekend

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A couple of weekends ago I was honored to be invited at the Girls in Gis 8th Anniversary. This epic organization which is dedicated to women in Jiu Jitsu and providing a support network for all who train,  turned 8 this year!!!! 

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7 time World Champion Hannette Staack and I were the guests of honour and we showed some techniques on the Saturday and then we each offered a seminar on the Sunday. There was a really nice turn out and it was so good to see all of us collectively supporting this movement.

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We each received an award for the work we do and out contribution to women's bjj. I want to thank Shama Ko, the mother ship, and founder of Girls in Gis for the opportunity and all that she does to lift women up. 

 

Seminars at Da Firma training Centre & Podcast

On September 16th & 17th I was lucky enough to run a Coed Seminar and a Women's Only Workshop at Da Firma Training Centre in Virginia. It was a great weekend and I'd like to thank everyone who came to the Seminar and workshop! The overall vibe was electric and everyone was there to work hard and have fun! 

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I recently did a podcast for Maddiss Productions with Professor Ricardo.  In the podcast we discussed how I got her start in Jiu Jitsu and what I am currently doing. Listen to the full podcast HERE. Thank you to Ricardo for the opportunity.

 

Spotlight on the Amazing Sponsors for my up and coming Lifestyle Camp!

There is about a week and a half until My October Lifestyle Camp and we are getting very excited not only about the experience but the amazing goodie bags that all the ladies will be receiving! They are jam packed with awesome stuff from our sponsors. A huge thank you goes out to all the sponsors for very kindly gifting us with great products to give you all!!

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I want to give a shout out to all the sponsors of the Lifestyle Camp, but in particular Menehune Soaps who create all natural, hand made soaps that are scented with essential oils, that truely make your skin feel like silk. Visit their Facebook Page HERE

Thank you to Shapes Sarasota who will be giving a physical card as a guest pass to put in the goodie bags and the first month is free if they decide to join. Check out their website HERE

Thank you to Fuji Sports who are my long time sponsors who look after me in every way are providing some special goodies. 

Juice Plus+ who are the most thoroughly researched brand name nutritional product on the market today will be providing the best multi vitamins to keep us healthy & energised! Find out more HERE

Finding Samata - Jasmine Bienvenue's business , she will be taking us through beautiful sunrise yoga classes!

And last but not least thank you to Fortitude and Wellbeing, Tina West will be teaching the Empowerment workshops and meditations. 

Another huge thank you to all the sponsors, we greatly appreciate it! Can't wait to see everyone's smiling faces on October 9th!!

Let's Reset

Do you feel like your body’s natural systems are a little off balance? Whether it’s from stress, too much caffeine, or diet irregularities. The good news is, there are simple changes you can make to reset your body and get it back to 100% so you can feel amazing.

Regardless of how healthy you eat and how much exercise you get in, there are ways we need to reset mentally and emotionally to help optimize our health. It can be really frustrating if you feel sluggish and tired even if you’re following a healthy lifestyle, so here are some helpful tips to help you reset your body!
 

Tip 1: Drink enough water!

Yes I know this is an obvious tip but dehydration can sneak up on you in the most inconspicuous ways! Even when we don’t sweat as much like in the summer, our bodies still need water. Aim to drink 3 Litres of water a day. Try starting your day with hot water and lemon, this will help fire up your digestion and detoxification process.

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Tip 2: Increase your intake of
anti-inflammatory foods!

Eat more natural, unrefined foods that won’t inflame your gut. They also support everything from a balanced micro-biome and strong bones to helping fight cancer.  Anti-inflammatory foods include tomatoes, green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach etc.), nuts (almonds and walnuts), fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna..) and fruit (strawberries, blueberries..).
 

Tip 3: Limit your coffee intake

Too much coffee can lead to the jitters, poor sleep, and a roller coaster in your energy. Yes, coffee has some great health benefits too, but just like anything when consumed too much it may cause an increase in stress hormones and poor sleep. If you need a pick me up in the afternoon, try a cup of herbal tea, or even a brisk walk outside.

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Tip 4: De-Stress

Do something that de-stresses you every day like going for a walk, taking a yoga class, setting aside time to meditate, listen to music, cook, call or catch up with your loved ones etc. Resetting isn’t just about the physical, it’s mental/emotional and so important we take time to prioritise what makes us joyful and happy at the end of the day!
 

 

 

Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric White Fish (Serves 2)

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INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp grated fresh or dried ginger
1 tbsp fresh or dried turmeric, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp tamari soy sauce
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Pinch of ground black pepper
2 x 200g white fish fillets
1 lime
1 bunch coriander – leaves and stalk
1/4 cup coconut water or water

METHOD
1. Combine ginger, turmeric, garlic, tamari, lime juice and olive oil into a bowl.
2. Fold in the finely chopped coriander root.
3. Spoon paste over the fish fillet and massage well on both sides.
4. Heat a pan over a medium heat and add the fish fillet.
5. Pour in 1/4 cup of water or coconut water then place on the lid and reduce the heat.
6. Braise on a low to medium heat for eight minutes
7. Serve with your choice of salad or vegetables & Enjoy!