If you are going in the gym for a first time, or you are on your first few weeks of training, there is something you need to know. If you want a truly great body you need to start with a strong foundation. The best way to do that is to have 3 short and light trainings with only compound movements. When you are just starting out, there is no reason to waste your time on isolation exercises. People like
Read more
Building muscle mass (hopefully via a structured workout plan for muscle building) is always a priority, but you shouldn’t discard cardio if you want to be lean and, what’s more important – healthy. However, different people will need different amounts of cardio. Endomorphs (people with body type which is predisposed to store more fat than others) and people who are already overweight will obviously need more cardiovascular training than mesomorphs (people who tend to gain muscle easier than others and
Read more
You need to plan ahead in life. That is why we plan for our retirement, our life goals and in our daily lives. We plan our workloads, our eating habits and our social lives. This planning is an important human element that helps us achieve the very best by using targets to better help inform our successes and failures. This system, if applied to the weight loss, muscle-gaining or general fitness scenario, can help you achieve so much by understanding
Read more
Do you want to set a goal but you’re unsure which shape that goal setting should encompass? This article will explore what pro athletes and veteran amateur athletes do to set goals. We will explore outcomes, planning, mentalities and more importantly thinking clearly. Goal setting is perceived as boring and this can be a realistic description. However, the effectiveness of setting a goal, monitoring that goal and achieving that goal has a psychological effect that helps athletes or amateurs continue
Read more
Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are macronutrients. Macronutrients are nutrients which supply energy to the body and are required for growth, metabolism and biomechanical bodily functions. Remember the term ‘macro’ means large, so macronutrients are needed in large amounts. The big three macronutrients are protein, carbohydrates and fat. The usual make-up of macronutrients is between 4-9 calories per gram which helps fuel your body’s system. Your body needs these three elements, so omitting one from your diet or regime could have
Read more
We have been educated by the Government, health professionals and exercise professionals for many years now of the benefits of eating five-a-day. However, many people don’t understand why you need to eat five pieces of fruit or vegetables every day? This article will focus on the truth behind the slogan. We will explore the nutritional and health benefits of fruit and vegetables and what portion size is acceptable. We will look at the benefits of a five-a-day diet on the
Read more
Off-Road running or Trail Running is very different to running on a road or a treadmill. It is all about variance, terrain and elevation. Off-road running can help by developing more muscles, helping to increase a runners speed and ability and introduce people to the great outdoors. Off-road running requires more ability and endurance than the average run. So, if you are a complete newbie – apart from seeking medical advice – perhaps start with road or treadmill jogging. To
Read more
Your state-of-mind is probably the single most important factor in any weight-loss, body-building or dieting regime. You can eat healthy, run or workout but if your mind isn’t in it then you won’t get the full benefit out of your active healthy endeavours. The importance of a balanced diet, making sure you are exercising correctly and taking breaks and keeping yourself hydrated are basic elements. However, sometimes people find their motivation lacking. It happens to everyone but there are actions
Read more
The eponymous gym ball or Swiss ball as our European brethren call them is an often-ridiculed piece of gym equipment that has become incredibly undervalued in today’s gym environment. The popular myth is why bother using the ball when you can do the entire workout by yourself? There is a point here that sit-ups, press-ups and other body workouts can be done without any aides. However, the gym ball is an intriguing device designed by the Swiss army, the same
Read more
Keeping yourself hydrated is the single most important element of a good workout regime. A person can lose up to a litre of fluid during an hour’s exercising. This, of course, varies from person to person. The sweat and the air a person breathe out all contains these fluids, and if an individual keeps working out and does not rehydrate they will begin to suffer from dehydration. This can affect your ability to workout and more importantly it can have
Read more