Blog Tag: strength

Times have changed recently and the idea of training to be skinny is no longer the ‘in’ look. Fortunately this mind-set has enabled training to focus on lifting weights and getting strong, without the worry of people thinking you’re too muscular.

We've talked in the past about ankle strength and stability, but this exercise is a fun way to see how your balance can improve.

This time last year me and one of my clients Cheryl, were in full training mode for the Obstacle Race World Championships, that were being held at Nuclear Races. 

It seems like a lifetime ago now, especially as this years races have been cancelled. 

I always like to praise my clients for the accomplishments they achieve, no matter how big or small they are.

A number of my clients this year have wanted to take on new challenges and for them in meant upping the distances they were running to include marathons and ultra-marathons and events.

Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) is a great way to challenge your fitness whether you’re looking to take part in your first OCR or are a seasoned racer.

At our Personal Training Studio in West Bridgford, Nottingham we have many clients who want to improve their strength and fitness and take part in our OCR Training Programme.

Some of you may have seen my training videos and making the most of training outside and using the boys swing frame in the garden to practise my pull ups and grip strength work.

I’m sure loads of you think this is crazy training in this weather, but for me it marks the start of my next goal.

This is a great challenge to take you into the new year and a good exercise to look at the explosive power in your legs. 

Over the last few years lots of gyms and got more plyobox's available for you to use.

Depending on how kind they are will mean they either have the softer foam boxes or the hard wooden box more metal step, which are likely to leave you with some nice cuts or bruises is you misjudge the height you're jumping.

This is a great question and one that loads of clients ask. 

Its like the holy grail of training, everybody wants to know how long you can Plank for. 

This week, I have a challenge for you and it'll keep you busy over the Christmas break.

Have you ever wanted to improve your upper body strength?

Some of you may have heard about how I got into coaching, many think its because I love sport and competing, which yes that is a big reason.

Lots of my clients come to me wanting and knowing they need to strengthen their core.

This week I'm going to share with you how to increase your pace when you're running.

Ever felt like you've been hit by a train after a race?

I took part in Mud7 at the weekend, what an amazing event and boy does my body know about it. I eyed up this race last year and had it on my radar as a goal to complete this year.

There are many pieces to the puzzle when it comes to running. You think you have it all sussed and making progress, then all of a sudden you’re halted in your tracks and struggling to see any progress.

If you are a runner, you have possibly trained almost all the muscles you need to achieve speed, power, and endurance while running. However, do you know that your butt also plays a very important role in your movement? Yes, it's not only there for aesthetic purposes! Before we talk about the function of the glutes, it is only prudent to know their basic structure.

This is often a hot topic in the OCR world and like anything there are pros and cons for everything.

A few weeks a go I put a video out on Facebook. Did you get a chance to watch it?

Have you seen the videos on my Facebook page from yesterday?

Strength Training Basics

Strength training, in a nutshell, is the use of resistance to build strength. This is done through muscular contraction which also builds anaerobic endurance and the size of skeletal muscles.

Last week I told you all about Cheryl and how she took on her fear of heights at The Obstacle Gym walking across the high beam.

We are now a couple of weeks into 2017 and I’m sure many of you have set New Year’s resolutions and are on track with them. It is great to look at client’s updates on Facebook of their workouts and comparing the miles they are racking up on their Fitbits and various other trackers. You are all smashing your virtual runs.

I'm sure you will have all heard about your 'core' by now and how important it is to keep it strong in everyday life and the vital role in plays within exercise.

The thing to remember your core isn't just about your abs and having a six pack.