“Plus-sized fitness classes in Exeter to help people feel confident” -https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-59131641 This headline caught my eye recently and I really couldn’t let it go by without commenting on how disappointed it made me that some people are put off exercising in “traditional” gyms because they are described as ‘plus-sized‘ I feel particularly concerned because my … Continue reading Fitness is for all

Strongly rumoured to have originated in Russia in the 1700s where (according to http://www.endofthreefitness.com) farmers used a similar implement to weigh seed crops, the Kettlebell graduated to being a handy tool for exercise in between the normal farming activities. It’s essentially a ball with a handle like a kettle and it can be held by … Continue reading Make Room to Swing a Kettlebell?

Having just returned from spending twelve exhilarating days with a day-pack on my back exploring Northumberland and the Highlands of Scotland for my honeymoon, I am brimming with enthusiasm for the many benefits of what has become referred to as “Weighted Walking”. I should start by emphasizing that my recent foray into this arena involved … Continue reading Add to your Strength Training…with Weighted Walking

Most of us who try to maintain at least a moderate level of fitness through exercise or physical training of some kind will experience some form of discomfort, aches and pains etc. as a result of the activity we have chosen to indulge in (perhaps caused by a slip or by trying to lift a … Continue reading Managing Injuries

Wellbeing and Wellness – A Virtuous Circle As you can imagine as far as I am concerned there can never be too many references to ‘Wellbeing’ or events and activities promoting ‘Wellness’, but even I have been surprised to find out how much space in the general consumer media and social channels has been taken … Continue reading HAPPY WELLBEING WEEK!

Pushing ourselves beyond our own personal 'comfort zones', even just a small amount each time, is a great way to grow our fitness and flexibility. So, with that in mind, I will be introducing a new 'slant' to training over the next few weeks for those of you who are feeling 'adventurous'. You might find … Continue reading Get Wobbly!

A recent story on BBC News caught my eye. According to a survey for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and Sport England, almost one third of people who exercise regularly believe that their general strength has declined during the Covid pandemic. Around 23% of under-34s said it had fallen and the figure for over 35s … Continue reading Recover strength lost during Covid

May is traditionally a month to celebrate. It’s the beginning of Spring (in theNorthern Hemisphere at least); new growth, flowers appearing and Winter beingleft behind. Which makes it a great time of year for starting a new exercise programme orgiving your mind and body a boost. So here are a few thoughts on ‘changing up’your … Continue reading MAY IS FOR MOTIVATION!

According to research for the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (December 2020) the "Worldwide surveillance of self-reported sitting time: a scoping review" found that  the average person sits down for 4.7 hours per day (although it is thought that the real figure is probably more like 6.7 hours per day because the … Continue reading Flexibility is FAB

Those who train with me will undoubtedly be hearing my voice in their heads repeatedly chanting "shoulders back, engage your tummy!"...ie: the importance of good posture when exercising. (And believe me, I have to keep reminding myself about it as well, because it is so easy to fall into bad habits).  The reason I stress … Continue reading The Power of Posture!