Free2beme Yoga & Wellbeing

Free2beme Yoga & Wellbeing I am passionate about sharing the benefits to the mind & body through yoga & hiking.

Ahh Tassie! I've been going on about hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania for months.I completed it last Friday, over 9...
01/05/2026

Ahh Tassie!

I've been going on about hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania for months.

I completed it last Friday, over 90km from Cradle Mountain to Cynthia Bay on Lake St Clair, 2500mtr gains, 7 days, average 26550 steps per day.

This was my first full pack multi day hike, and I admit to sitting firmly in the "slack packing" (having my main bag transported & staying in accommodation) camp.

However as hikes go the huts are very nice. The track is a mix of board walk and natural; mud, tree roots, rocks.

I was a bit disappointed in the weight of my pack sitting at 18.5kg but without spending a lot of money on lightweight gear I can't see how I could reduce the weight. Oh and your pack may get lighter as you eat your food but it doesn't feel like it🤔

I was physically and mentally challenged on this hike, I had several wtf moments and wondered at my sanity.

The first day is noted as being the hardest but the weather was particularly challenging with sleet, snow and heavy winds, however from that day the weather was spectacular.

I also chose to camp at Echo Point and walk the remaining section to Cynthia Bay. Many say it's terrible, and although it does need a bit of love, I really enjoyed this section.

As always I felt undertrained and overwhelmed, but then I finish and I'm looking to my next challenge.

Hiking confirms to me that we are physically and mentally capable of much more than we believe we are.

Yoga is back to normal:

So this is my version of 55.I don't think I'm aging too badly until I look at photos of younger me. I have crows feet an...
23/04/2026

So this is my version of 55.

I don't think I'm aging too badly until I look at photos of younger me. I have crows feet and wrinkles, testament to the joys and disappointments of the last 55 years.
My skin is loosing elasticity and my disdain of cellulite has been replaced by the crepey skin of an older person.

I'm officially classed as older and I sit firmly on the upper side towards 60 in the age category of surveys.

Despite a few health scares and normal "dob issues" I'm generally in good health, and I'm an active participant in my health and fitness. Whilst I recognise the creep of a few extra kilos (thank you menopause), I've accepted that I don't have the discipline to lose them, what in my 20's & 30's was just about eating a little less & do a little more is now more about denying myself of all those treats that I hold dear.

Fitness wise I feel pretty good, preferring a more balanced approach for mind & body, rather than constantly challenging myself physically. And importantly I can still participate in things I enjoy.

I live by the saying tomorrow isn't promised to anyone & we must live in the moment while preparing for the future.

As the song goes, "I've had regrets, too few to mention"

I am now that person who refers to 20 year olds as pups and laugh when my chair yoga participants refer to me as a pup.

There's no denying aging sucks but it comes with many benefits too and it's also something denied to many, so for those in our senior years raise a glass in celebration and those who think getting old is too far away to consider....time goes quickly.

As many of you read this I'll be stepping out on the Overland Track, possibly one of the hardest things I'll attempt mentally & physically, wish me luck and I'll see you in a week.

Be free to live your best life❣️

birthday

13/04/2026

Monday was my birthday, walking, yoga, kids & dogs! I fly to Tassie tomorrow & I'm excited but also freaking out a little.

Three dogs, 2 kids, me & 'Lil miss A' hitting the road to Glenreagh, for the 3day Gong agility comp. What could go wrong...
13/04/2026

Three dogs, 2 kids, me & 'Lil miss A' hitting the road to Glenreagh, for the 3day Gong agility comp. What could go wrong?

After a terrible morning trying to get away we had a nice run to Glenreagh via Coffs Harbour.

We had a great shady unpowered site. The days were hot & humid reaching 35°, although the nights were nice.

Unfortunately we had a complaint about my dogs being lead by my grandson & not being under control & going into the bathroom (they didn't) but this is an example of prejudice against Cattledogs. Whilst I understand it, as they do have a reputation, my dogs are social & friendly.

Anyway my "tough" Cattledogs don't like the heat and pretty much gave me the bird 🖕. Cruz managed a 10th, and MiCara a clear round "qually" & 2nd, which sounds good but they can give me more and they just weren't interested.

That's the hardest thing working with animals, putting so much work in & being literally being heart 💔.

It's not about winning.

I'm not a quitter and I do love the sport especially when we get good runs and it's an excuse to do more vanlifeing.

We did cool off at Moonee Beach which is perfect for the dogs and kids. So all in all good fun, food and friends with some disappointment too. Kind of the recipe for life.

We drove back via the Nymboida, which seemed a bit quicker but I did use more fuel.

Anyway only chair yoga this week as I leave for Tassie.

Take care and remember be free to live your best life.❣️

07/04/2026

Adding body weight training is so important when training for hiking, especially carrying a pack! Sorry for the late post.
Getting fit for Overland Track.

03/04/2026

2 weeks today, I'll be starting the Overland Track.

Anyone following my Monday motivation reels may have noticed 3 different full body workouts each month since January.

Why?

Hiking, especially with a pack, isn't just about walking. My pack is now sitting at 15kg. The last thing I need is to injured myself picking up my pack. The stronger my arms and core are the less likely I am to strain my back, strong legs and buttocks allow me to squat down and step up big steps etc.

I'm at that point in my training where I feel like I'm not fit enough (but I never do think I am🤔) however I know I can lift my pack easier now than in January.

Will I struggle? Yes I will. As you know I prefer "slack packing" 🤣

But that is the challenge and part of the allure of hiking.

Yoga this week:

Tuesday:
Chair yoga: 10am Tamworth Gardens
11.30am Oaktree Retirement Village

Even though there is no Yin at Home by Zoom, you can access the videos on YouTube for free. https://youtube.com/

Thursday:
9.00am Park yoga

yogaretreat communityyoga traumaawareyoga chairyoga yinyoga parkyoga

30/03/2026

Monday motivation: tired legs today after running around after dogs! Pack weight nearly 15kg. Not long till the Overland Track now.

To the parents of the child screaming the shopping centre down, I see you.I see your frustration, the furtive looks to s...
27/03/2026

To the parents of the child screaming the shopping centre down, I see you.

I see your frustration, the furtive looks to see who is getting annoyed, your attempts at distraction. You've tried everything and still your little one is screaming. They've forgotten long ago what triggered this melt down, now they are in full blown hysteria.

You are trying to finish your shopping and get out as quickly as possible, desperate to not draw any more attention to yourself. But others see you too. And you are being judged by those that have long forgotten what it's like to have an overwhelmed youngster in public, those that may have had the luxury of never taking a child shopping or those that had a perfect child (no such thing).

Hang in there.

You're doing the best job you can.

This too will pass.

In my Grandma's wise words, "they break your arms when they're young and your heart when they're older".

Or my theory of the love bank; when you have this perfect squishy baby you fall head over in love, in good times you add to the love bank, in challenging times you withdraw from the love bank. In the end so long as there is 1 cent left in the love bank you're doing ok.

Yoga this week:

Tuesday:
Chair yoga: 10am Tamworth Gardens
11.30am Oaktree Retirement Village

Thursday:
9.00am Park yoga
5.45pm 45min Yoga at Kootingal Gym

yogaretreat communityyoga traumaawareyoga chairyoga yinyoga parkyoga

P.S don't forget to check your inbox for the April newsletter.

P.P.S let me know if you're enjoying my Monday motivation reels and want them to continue😃

23/03/2026

The countdown is on, less than 3 weeks to hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania. Never feel fit enough but feeling on track.

How are you?I'm checking in. I was watching the news and doom scrolling Facebook, being bombarded by the events in Iran,...
20/03/2026

How are you?

I'm checking in.

I was watching the news and doom scrolling Facebook, being bombarded by the events in Iran, fuel prices, interest rate rises.....

Are you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, under financial pressure due to cost of living, maybe even scare for what the future holds?

I found myself feeling many of those emotions yesterday. It's hard to escape the news, I try to limit my exposure until the end of the day so at least I start fresh.

Today is a new day.

I've walked my dogs and pottered around doing jobs and feel better.

So please take the time for you. Go for a walk, it's free and getting out in the great outdoors helps, perhaps try a free online meditation (I have a couple on YouTube https://youtu.be/8Vj7smKnuho?si=fOI-oDdEkMpSD8zA), even patting a dog or pet helps with endorphins.

There are many options that are free or low cost but so important for your wellbeing.❤️

You are not alone.

Tuesday:
Chair yoga: 10am Tamworth Gardens
11.30am Oaktree Retirement Village

Wednesday:
7.30 am PTs
9 am Senior's fitness
10am Chair yoga

Thursday:
9.00am Park yoga
5.45pm 45min Yoga at Kootingal Gym

yogaretreat communityyoga traumaawareyoga chairyoga yinyoga parkyoga

16/03/2026

1 month to go! Getting fit for hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania. Pack is now 10kg.

Everyone knows I take my dogs with me as much as I can. MiCara is a qualified therapy dog.I have lost count of how many ...
12/03/2026

Everyone knows I take my dogs with me as much as I can. MiCara is a qualified therapy dog.

I have lost count of how many times I've had dogs running towards my dogs with a frantic owner yelling to me "they're friendly".

In a public place my dogs are on lead (it is actually required by law under the Companion Animal Act 1998) I recently had a fellow walker tell me to let my dogs go as he walked past with his dogs. When I replied "I know my dogs" he intimated that my dogs are not social....I won't bore you with the full conversation but my dogs are well trained & socialised. They go pack swimming, they train & compete in agility (completely off lead), MiCara visits work & aged care facilities.

The thing is my dogs are Australian Cattledogs, their natural inclination is to nip and be assertive, if another dog gets offended and pushes back they are not going to back down. Then there is their instinct to protect me.

So whilst I've worked hard establishing self control in them and I'm confident in my ability to control them, that is their nature.

So please fellow dog owners respect other dog owners wishes and boundaries. After all I'm pretty sure you don't welcome cuddles from complete strangers🤔.

Exciting news: Kootingal community I'm offering a chair yoga class every second Wednesday at 10 after the Senior's fitness starting March 25. Please spread the word.

Tuesday:
Chair yoga: 10am Tamworth Gardens
11.30am Oaktree Retirement Village
6pm Yin at Home via Zoom

Thursday:
9.00am Park yoga
5.45pm 45min Yoga at Kootingal Gym

yogaretreat communityyoga chairyoga yinyoga parkyoga

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Tamworth, NSW

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