Health: No Filter

In this episode, we look into why it's essential to train our legs for fitness, health and longevity. Our legs are the largest and longest limbs on our body and subsequently require regular physical stimulation, by way of strength training, daily function and remedial attention. Consisting of large muscle groups, namely the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and glutes, our legs are responsible for keeping us upright, balanced and mobile, exclusive of the core muscle groups. They make up at least 50% of our entire body mass, with not only muscles, but bones, ligaments, tendons and fluids, of which 'fun fact' we have two legs.... When starting out in your exercise journey, it's important to factor in varied, safe and effective leg strengthening movements, comprising of both bi-lateral and uni-lateral exercises. Squats, deadlifts, lunges, hip raises and calve presses are ordinarily the staple strength sets required to make noticeable changes to your physique and in certain instances, performance in sports. Bodyweight movements can be an ideal starting point, for beginners, with technique paramount, prior to progressing onto free weights and or machines. Simple plans, such as bodyweight squats, lunges, hip raises, box step ups, stationary bike and hill / incline treadmill walking are great introductions to stimulating your legs and lungs respectively. Start out with 2 to 3 bodyweight leg workouts per week, for approximately 4 weeks running, progressing onto adding light free weights for mild to moderate overload, for weeks 5 to 8. Try muti directional planes of movement, such as lateral and reverse to assist in improving your balance and cognitive skills. TRX SUSPENSION TRAINING is a great fitness aid for multi directional strength sessions, without excess strain on your nervous system, normally associated with barbell squats, deadlifts etc. Your muscles will give you feedback in the early stages, with mild to moderate soreness and tightness, often experienced in the glutes and hamstrings, so ensure you add both dynamic stretches in your warm up and static stretching post workout. Static stretches can be done the following day, if you're stuck for time in strength workouts. Aim for 2 sets of 15 to 30 second holds and ensure you breath slowly and purposefully to allow your nervous system to govern the range of movement / intensity of the stretch mechanism. Consume adequate amounts of protein and increase your water intake to speed up recovery and keep your joints lubricated. Within 8 to 12 weeks, your legs should start to take on a better appearance, with more lean and shapely glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps and calves. Additionally your abdominal region will be stronger and in some cases look flatter, depending on your starting bodyweight, fat levels, genetics and nutritional adherence. Right....its time to start training your lower body and reap the rewards in the short term, but more importantly the long term gains as we age. Watch the full video on YouTube, or listen on Spotify and Amazon Music. Please like and subscribe to the channel for more free content. Thanks for listening.

In this episode I share my thoughts and experiences on all things Personal Training. As a professional in the health industry, we are both qualified and obligated to provide, structure, advice, programs and at times, empathy and or sympathy. Personal Training is a full time profession, weather we work from a private premises, health club, leisure center or home. We are constantly thinking of ways to ensure clients stay on track with their health and fitness, by way of reading articles, practicing various aspects of physical fitness, attending workshops and seminars and learning from our clients. We can refer clients to other health care professionals, such as GPs, Physiotherapists, Surgeons, Dieticians, Chiropractors and Remedial Therapists, to ensure he or she receives the appropriate diagnosis and treatments respectively. The most common request from new clients, during the consultation is weight management and or body fat reduction, of which subsequently can be a mid to long term relationship, depending on a range of factors, from the amount of weight to lose and developing a healthy, educated mindset, to learning fitness techniques and nutritional adherence. A client can start or stop their training appointments whenever they choose to, with of course an open door to return to training, as and when required. When embarking on your Personal Training journey, the client should be made aware he or she has an obligation to attend their booked and paid for appointment with the trainer and do their upmost to avoid cancellations or no shows, which can lead to a break down in the professional relationship and at times even a no return policy ensuing. Whilst this is seldom the case, its always good to clarify expectations at the start and therefore reap the rewards of your fitness goals. So, with this in mind, it's time you made the decision and investment into your health and wellbeing for year ahead. Good luck and feel free to subscribe to my channel for more future content. Watch the episode on YouTube or hop over to Spotify and Amazon Music. Thanks for listening.

In this short discussion, I get to grinch on all things healthy at Christmas. Check out my five easy tips, to help maintain your health and fitness during the festive holidays. Some you may already have in the bag, so to speak, however you can always try adding a simple and effective discipline to your pre existing routines. Don't put off 'getting fit and healthy' until the new year....we still have 2 weeks to go folks. Watch the short video on YouTube, listen on Spotify or Amazon Music. Please subscribe to the channel to help me reach my 100 subscriber target, it's really appreciated. Thanks for listening.

In this episode, my returning guest is Marc Finney, based in Northampton UK. Marc is currently working with wide range of men, in personal training, of which aged 50 and over are increasing. We cover a multitude of topics, from weight loss jabs and rehabilitation to the phycology of gauging what's right or wrong for an individual client. Watch the full episode on YouTube, or listen on Spotify and Amazon Music. Feel free to subscribe and comment. Thanks for listening.

In this episode my guest is Steve Norton, a business finance specialist, based in Lincolnshire UK. Steve kindly shares his stories from managing a high street bank to working with clients, providing financial solutions and funding. I first met Steve at a local monthly morning business club, where he requested a personal training consultation with me, eventually leading to a weekly private one to one appointment for excess weight / body fat reduction. We have already achieved a weight loss of eighteen pounds and counting, alongside increased strength, mobility and flexibility. As a keen golfer, Steve's new and improved health statistics have complimented his game, with better musculoskeletal strength and core stability. A serious health scare (mini stroke) was the catalyst for his life changing decisions, of which I am grateful to be part of the journey. Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Amazon Music. Please subscribe to the free channel for more content on all things health and fitness. Thanks for listening.