Articles

Core training and functional training are two fitness buzzwords that are used, and quite often abused within the fitness industry. They are often used to label various forms of training to try and entice people into believing that it will help them look better, without any understanding really of what the terms mean. Let me [...]

Many individuals undertaking a training program for health and / or performance related reasons will often ask themselves “Am I doing enough?” or, more specifically, “Am I training hard enough / often enough / long enough to achieve the results I want?”. These questions are often asked of oneself in response to the wealth of [...]

In the past, whenever you hear lactic acid mentioned, it often comes with a negative connotation. This is a result of most of us learning either at school or through our involvement in sport, that a build up of lactic acid is bad thing, and is the primary cause for us having to slow down during [...]

Here is the truth behind some of the most commonly asked questions in the health and fitness industry.  It’s our way of putting out some of the “bush fires” that big companies start by providing false and misleading information in order to sell a product or service.  If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate [...]

Well, actually…it’s my wife that’s angry and I see her point. “Replace two meals a day and you’re on your way.” It’s this marketing tagline, delivered by the winner and runner up of last seasons The Biggest Loser, that has made my wife angry. Where’s the education? A program like The Biggest Loser has the [...]

Eat like a king at breakfast and your body will thank you for it! It is often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet I’m constantly surprised at the amount of clients I see who are trying to lose weight and have somehow gotten into the habit of skipping breakfast. Hopefully this [...]

There comes a point in time, usually in the early weeks of February, where everyone participating in an exercise program is exposed to a huge risk. A risk so big that it threatens to derail even the most well laid and planned training programs. Whether you are trying to stick to a New Year’s resolution, [...]

Competing in an endurance event can be very taxing on your body and it is therefore extremely important to have a recovery plan.  Immediately after a race your body needs to begin the process of physical recovery, and it is important to ensure you do what is necessary in the minutes, hours and even days [...]

I always get excited about colours! You can make your meals look so much better by adding colour, but did you know that generally the more colourful a meal, the higher it’s nutritional value will be!

Eating a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables will ensure that you get all the essential vitamins and minerals that your body requires.

Every one of us has an internal body clock that regulates our daily sleep – wake patterns. It governs the release and timing of most energy, mood and sleep related hormones. One of the biggest obstacles facing people who are trying to change the way they look and feel is getting them to understand the importance of getting to sleep on time.

A recent study by a leading British pharmaceutical chain has revealed that a high percentage of people are not reaching the recommended levels of vitamins and minerals in their daily diet. The study done by Boots Health Club looked at men and women aged between 19-24, and found that an extremely high percentage of those involved in the study were suffering from vita-rexia or vitamin deficiency.

Beginners attempting their first endurance event, rarely consider more than one variable when developing their training plan.

Taking care of your body by engaging in a training program is a very smart way of looking after yourself and investing in a healthy future. But training to improve functional ability and/or appearance is just one part of the puzzle.

Breakfast is meant to be the most important meal of the day, but why? Here are 8 great reasons why you should never skip breakfast again!

There are two types of cholesterol:

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol €“ called the €˜bad€™ cholesterol because it goes into the bloodstream and clogs up your arteries.

High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol €“ called the €˜good€™ cholesterol because it helps to take the €˜bad€™ cholesterol out of the bloodstream.

There are 3 very important factors to consider in order to turn your training program into a huge success.

Many of those people who are committed to a training program list weight loss as one of their goals. Whether it be shedding some winter kilos in time for summer on the beach, or packing on some extra muscle and decreasing body fat percentage, almost everyone seems obsessed with losing weight.

We all start training with the best of intentions at a time when our motivation levels are high. But how often do you really stick to your program? Have you ever found it hard to stay inspired or committed to your sessions?

At some stage everyone tries to reduce the fat in their daily meals, however with the overload or misinformation within the industry and the often misleading and confusing packaging on foods these days, few people rarely achieve it consistently.

In our modern world stress is a part of everyday life but not all of it is bad. Some people need stress to be productive in their work and thrive on the motivation that stress provides. Sadly though this is not always the case and all too often people become overstretched by a world of commitments, obligations and ambitions, resulting in a level of stress that can have negative effects on individual health and people€™s relationships with others.

The important role that sleep plays in helping you to achieve your fitness goals shouldn€™t be overlooked. If you are committing yourself to an effective training program and a well balanced nutritional plan, then it is essential that you allow your body the time it needs to reward your efforts.

Strength or resistance training is usually associated with bodybuilders, athletes and exercise enthusiasts, but did you know that it can have just as many benefits for your grandmother? In actual fact, all populations including pre-adolescent children, men, women, the elderly, injured and sick can all experience huge benefits from strength training.