(Dance it out, sweat it out! Source: http://www.bellymotions.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Zumba-Class-Flyer.jpg) Dance classes have never been at the top of my agenda when it comes to fitness classes. My co-ordination seems to extend to only basic and simple movement patterns, rather than the elaborate choreographed ones. So when Zumba arrived on the Singapore fitness scene, I tried to ignore it.  But then, all my friends around me started raving about Zumba, and I knew that if my friends knew more about one of the world’s international fitness trends than me, then my time was up. So I dragged myself and joined my friends. A blast of Bollywood beats signalled the start of a 40-minute full-body workout that tested my co-ordination and humility to the max. We began a little awkwardly, but after a couple of tracks most people really got their groove on. Although the demonstration was too fast and changeable to follow, much to my surprise, this made me realised how much I had enjoyed it. As we alternated between higher and lower intensity tracks, a bit like interval training, I could not stop grinning. Despite my 10 mistakes per minute, most of my major body parts were getting lightly worked, and I was loving both the atmosphere and the tunes. As for difficulty level, aside from the ego-bashing I got, it was not hugely testing; it felt like the calorie burn was probably the same as a 40-minute run.  One thing I am sure of, though, is that Zumba puts a smile on your face. After all, it is fundamentally fun, and fun is like medicine for human beings. I understand better how Zumba has become not just a workout class but a global fitness lifestyle brand. All in all, I am reluctantly impressed by Zumba. Anything that gets people moving and smiling as much as our class did simply has to have my vote. I am hardly surprised to discover that many people report a reduction in stress and depression after attending regular Zumba classes. If you like pop-style music or enjoy dancing then I will bet you will love Zumba. Shy types, too, might surprise themselves. If I can put my pride in my pocket and give Zumba a go then trust me, anyone can.

(Avocado on toast - Source: http://www.bonappetit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/easy-summer-appetizers-646-620x465.jpg)

Do you find yourself constantly scrolling through Instagram and seeing the most glorious pictures of food? I do too! In my case, as I follow many Los Angeles-based bloggers I often see pictures of their fancy cafê food, a lot of the time it being avocado on toast. So one day I decided to make my own home-made version and I have to say it was life-changing!

So are you wondering if this visually appealing snack is actually good for your body and not just great for a snap? I got the low-down!

The combination of healthy fats from the avocado and carbohydrates from the toast are incredible and make it a balanced snack. Avocados have an extremely high nutrient value containing over 20 different kinds of vitamins and minerals and do not contain any cholesterol or sodium, and are low in saturated fat. Eating avocados reduce inflammation and have been shown to have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer.

For the first issue of Alive magazine, we will be featuring two of Singapore'a very own 28th Sea Games Judo athletes.

Have you heard of Judo?  It is a form of martial art that originated from Japan. Judo translates to 'gentle way'. It involves throwing and subduing your opponent, sometimes submissions and locks. However, it does not involve strikes. You can visit the link below to learn about the history of Judo.

Link: http://www.worldjudoday.com/en/The-History-of-Judo-55.html

It is a common misunderstanding that learning a martial art would endanger yourself or make you aggressive. There are many types of martial arts and you can choose whichever fits you best. There are many styles and disciplines to choose from. No one martial art is better than another, the only right martial art is the one you’ll be happy continuing.

According to Stan Horaczek in Men's Fitness, joining up to study a martial art can be extremely rewarding for your fitness and your overall well being. Not only will you be able to get some exercise done, you would be learning self-defense. Hey, that's not a bad deal at all. 

Well, that's what reality television star Khloe Kardashian says.

(Khloe's putting her hot new body on show! Pictures taken from her Instagram page.)

Having always been labeled the 'fat one' when compared to her beautiful sisters, Khloe has definitely shut critics up with her bangin' bod! Khloe, 31, talked about her diet-free approach to looking the best she's ever looked and the her booty inspiration during an interview on Australia's Nova 96.6 radio show.

(Khloe before embarking on her lifestyle change! Source: http://cdn1-www.realitytea.com/assets/uploads/2010/06/khloe-kardashian-bump.jpg) Khloe told PEOPLE magazine in March that she works out "almost every day" and visits with her trainer five days a week. She also drinks multiple liters of water daily to stay hydrated.  Regular exercise is super important but what you put into your body counts even more. A sweet seemingly harmless beverage like soda is a demon is disguise If you are wondering what difference a can of pop makes, let me give you the low-down. Soda not only makes you put on those extra pounds but also affects every single part of your body from the moment if touches it your lips. Have a look!

(Source: http://www.medicaldaily.com/pulse/soft-drink-dangers-8-ways-soda-negatively-affects-your-health-319054)