But in the form of words
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Friday, 7 December 2012
Day 341 Teamwork
Teamwork makes the dream work, that is why along with making it more fun I prefer to at least have one or two team themed exercises in my classes. Yesterday was a team plank, and my class did well, but lets see which group are the best...
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Now the hard work starts
So the Olympics and the Paralympics are over. I am so proud that the country paid attention and enjoyed the Paralympics just as much as they did with the Olympics. When a country hosts these events the Olympics is always thought of as outright and from my previous experience the Paralympics has then been placed on the back burner, it's great that the UK was different and had the Paralympics get the required attention it deserves.
This isn't the post I originally set out to write, I want to write about how proud I have been of the job this country has done and about how proud I am of being British. The whole worlds eyes have been on us not just for these past 2 weeks, but the past 6 years since the games were awarded to us. They've been waiting, eagerly at times for us to fail, or for something to go wrong for these games. Whether it be stadia not fully built, security concerns, or a poor showing from the home team in the medal table. But once again and like many times in the past this proud nation has risen up, worked hard and done our job.
This is shown in the 1,000's of volunteers who have gave their free time to the games, many I know aren't in fact British but have came from far afield to be part of our games. As a nation we've cheered on, not just our own athletes but athletes from all nations and have been able to bask in the glory of some stunning displays of greatness. Our home grown athletes have done themselves rightfully proud and will go down in the history of British sport as well deserved custodians of legacy. It initially seems that the motto of the games, "Inspire a generation" is well at work, but we need to keep building and working on the momentum that these games have generated.
For me the hard work starts now, the games have been and after the Paralympics gone. The stadia is still here but many will be scaled down. Memories will be shared and stories of where were you when will be shared and passed, but it would be easy to say we've done well now lets just continue. If we want to truly inspire a generation then key descions have to be made from the top down. It's easy for politicians from both parties to argue and bicker saying that we need to invest in this aspect of sport and we need to do this, but as with many key topics the politicians need to put their point scoring with the public to one side and truly decide what is in the best interests of this country.
Sport to me is important, I won't hide that fact. I have studied sport and fitness is my profession, so to give a balanced argument is hard. But lets look at what the Olympics has done for us. Now I'm not saying the Olympics is the reason why we've finally got some good weather, but the Olympics has firstly made the 9 o'clock news a lot more bearable, it hasn't been all doom and gloom and about corrupt politicians or greedy bankers whose economic incapability is scary. Instead it has been about how people have been enjoying sporting greatness and been inspired to give sport a go themselves. Now that is what Pierre De Coubertin wanted the Olympics to do over a 100 years ago, the Olympics for me has truly came home and back to its core roots.
We've seen and heard the images of children being inspired and seen many people dusting off their trainers and giving sport a go. This is what needs to continue to truly rule these games as a success. The knock on effect of having a nation that participates rather than observe can only be good for us, you've got the obvious fact that people will become more healthier and then live longer, have less diseases and become less of a burden on the NHS. People will feel better and probably get on more with each other and be friendlier to one another, and in my eyes this will play a part in helping to gain economic stability. I mean think about in the industrial revolution did'nt leisure play a big part in making us a force to be reckoned with?
We've all seen the images whether it be a regular everyday person holding the Olympic flame through their community or it be Jessica Ennis crossing the finish line to claim her, our Olympic gold medal these images can inspire the future. But not by themselves, we now need to remember the feel good nature these games have given us, with the feeling of winning and keep being inspired to do sport. For me changes need to be made to allow children to do more sport in school. I had 2-3 hours a week at school when I was a child and that wasn't enough. Yes I understand the argument that some children plain don;t like sport but they need to understand why sport and health and fitness are important to them and how it can contribute to the country. This is what the Olympics needs to ensure it does, many children only get to try a few track and field events and then rugby, football and cricket in schools we need to invest in coaches, the infrastructure of sport in schools and professional clubs and ensure that every community has access for children and adults to always participate in sport.
The games were fantastic and Team GB did us proud, but now the legacy needs to continue and only by ensuring this momentum keeps going will these games be seen as true success....
This isn't the post I originally set out to write, I want to write about how proud I have been of the job this country has done and about how proud I am of being British. The whole worlds eyes have been on us not just for these past 2 weeks, but the past 6 years since the games were awarded to us. They've been waiting, eagerly at times for us to fail, or for something to go wrong for these games. Whether it be stadia not fully built, security concerns, or a poor showing from the home team in the medal table. But once again and like many times in the past this proud nation has risen up, worked hard and done our job.
For me the hard work starts now, the games have been and after the Paralympics gone. The stadia is still here but many will be scaled down. Memories will be shared and stories of where were you when will be shared and passed, but it would be easy to say we've done well now lets just continue. If we want to truly inspire a generation then key descions have to be made from the top down. It's easy for politicians from both parties to argue and bicker saying that we need to invest in this aspect of sport and we need to do this, but as with many key topics the politicians need to put their point scoring with the public to one side and truly decide what is in the best interests of this country.
Sport to me is important, I won't hide that fact. I have studied sport and fitness is my profession, so to give a balanced argument is hard. But lets look at what the Olympics has done for us. Now I'm not saying the Olympics is the reason why we've finally got some good weather, but the Olympics has firstly made the 9 o'clock news a lot more bearable, it hasn't been all doom and gloom and about corrupt politicians or greedy bankers whose economic incapability is scary. Instead it has been about how people have been enjoying sporting greatness and been inspired to give sport a go themselves. Now that is what Pierre De Coubertin wanted the Olympics to do over a 100 years ago, the Olympics for me has truly came home and back to its core roots.
We've all seen the images whether it be a regular everyday person holding the Olympic flame through their community or it be Jessica Ennis crossing the finish line to claim her, our Olympic gold medal these images can inspire the future. But not by themselves, we now need to remember the feel good nature these games have given us, with the feeling of winning and keep being inspired to do sport. For me changes need to be made to allow children to do more sport in school. I had 2-3 hours a week at school when I was a child and that wasn't enough. Yes I understand the argument that some children plain don;t like sport but they need to understand why sport and health and fitness are important to them and how it can contribute to the country. This is what the Olympics needs to ensure it does, many children only get to try a few track and field events and then rugby, football and cricket in schools we need to invest in coaches, the infrastructure of sport in schools and professional clubs and ensure that every community has access for children and adults to always participate in sport.
Monday, 3 September 2012
Day 247 Publicity
Today at work our marketing leaflets came they look pretty nice and professional. Then I turned it over and noticed they used the picture of me that shows my double chin! Thanks, thanks a lot!
Friday, 31 August 2012
Day 244 The opening
Today's the day my new work place opens its doors to the public. I've worked around 6 weeks now for them and it's been great to be involved in this project and launch it. I hope the people of York enjoy our facilities and find us useful.
I couldn't help but take some pictures of the gym and the studio today, unspoilt at 5:30am before any members step foot through the doors.
If you want to find out more visit www.york-sport.com
I couldn't help but take some pictures of the gym and the studio today, unspoilt at 5:30am before any members step foot through the doors.
If you want to find out more visit www.york-sport.com
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
Day 242 The Bike
I've got a new bike to go with my new house. I've been particularly pleased that with our recent move I'll be close enough to run or bike to work no problems. So I no longer have to drive everywhere although I will kiss listening to the radio station
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Day 228 Office space
Office space many offices can be cramped. Mines a dial purpose one, and as if yet unfurnished so I had to make do with what a could pull together, kinda works with the feng shui....
Sunday, 12 August 2012
Day 225 Hoopla
Eldest daughter went to a car boot sale this morning with her nanny. Needless to say she came back with something, a hula hoop. So of course she wasted many an hour trying to wiggle her bum like a professional hula hoopist....
Saturday, 14 July 2012
Sunday, 8 July 2012
Day 189 goodbye
Today was my last shift at my current employer. After 3 years I left VA UK, I've had a great time working there, met so many fantastic people and been given so much training to develop me to be the best I can be. I'm very thankful for this and I am sad to go, but I know it's best for me and the family.
Luckily I didn't end up in the pool, partly because I can't swim so as soon as I went in they'd have to go in after me. The end was marked with a staff night out where not only current staff I worked with but staff from other clubs came along, it was great and I'm gonna miss them, Thanks for the memories and endless banter....
Luckily I didn't end up in the pool, partly because I can't swim so as soon as I went in they'd have to go in after me. The end was marked with a staff night out where not only current staff I worked with but staff from other clubs came along, it was great and I'm gonna miss them, Thanks for the memories and endless banter....
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Day 60; The awkward looks....
I love this poster.....
I couldn't agree more. You may or may not have noticed people wear shoes that don't look like shoes but have separate slots for your toes. Like gloves for your toes. They aren't the latest fashion statement but instead something that allows those who prefer barefoot training a comfortable way to do it whilst supporting your foot. I often get people ask me, "is it not bad for you", "are they not uncomfortable" to which I often reply, "Your feet are like your hands with separate muscles and bones, and you don't cage your hands in all day everyday, do you?" I love my tatty red ones and would love another pair.....
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Friday, 13 January 2012
How to succeed in fitness
It's a new year and we all know what that means, endless talk fo new goals, a new year, a new you. Up and down the country thousands upon thousands of people are dusting off their gym kit that hasn't been used since last January and saying this year will be my year to get into shape, to get fit.
Yet the truth of the matter is that most don't, most fall by the wayside even before January ends and a few months later haven't got anywhere near there goals, may have even cancelled their gym membership as they realised their money was going to the gym but they weren't!
Any of this sound familar? It should do, those of you who have recently made the new years resolution ask yourself how many times you plan to go to the gym per week? Whats your answer, 3? 4? 5? days a week?
Recent studies have shown that the average member uses their membership only 0.9 times a week. Not even 1 visit a week. Thats a huge difference from when you tell yourself I'm going to the gym 3/4 times this week. Why does this happen then? Well it's simple people aren't being smart and realistic with their expectations and goals. So how can you avoid falling into your traditional yearly pitfall of failure in the fitness department? Follow these simple tips:
1/ Don't do it for anyone else but you:
Why do YOU want to get fit? What do you think fit is? Don't be bullied into getting a beach body because your favourite actor or singer has. Don't think that because it's your best friends edding you HAVE to lose weight. Do it for yourself. Events like holidays and weddings do help motivate you but what happens whe they have passed? What happens when its 2 weeks before the big event and you realise you haven't been to the gym and are nowhere near getting into shape? If you want to do then think about what fitness means to you and deep down why you want to get fit. Only then can you.....
2/ Set Realistic and SMART goals:
When setting goals always think S.M.A.R.T,
S= Specific - Tone? No not right, what is tone? Specific is I want to have clear muscle definition in my arms, abdominals and quads.
M= Measureable - How are you going to determine you've been a success? I am a 36 waist I want to be a 32 waist.
A= Achievable - saying you want to be 10 dresses sizes slimmer by 2 weeks isn't achieveable, and by not achieving goals you become disinterested. Set yourself small goals to a bigger aim for example drop a dress size in 4 weeks.
R= Realistic - Becoming Mr Olympia within 2 months ain't gonna happen, think about what you want.
T= Time - Again wanting things to happen too soon will make you disinterested in what you are doing
3/ Seek professional help and advice:
Don't be scared Fitness coaches and Personal trainers don't bite. We don't sit in the staff room and laugh at people who ask us for advice, we do our job because we love what we do and are passionate about helping people, we get awfully big headed when we help someone towards their goals and reach them goals, we love it and live off it. So with that in mind ask us. Go to the right gyms and you won't even be charged for this help it's included in your membership. At my club a member is entitled to get a programme review from the fitness staff every 4 weeks as free, but only 2% of members take up this option.
4/ Plan and review:
Plan i your workouts, but also plan in your rest periods. If you have a 9-5 job great, but many people don't so try and plan your workouts around your work / sleep patterns. Remember a workout doesn't have to last 1 hour, if you are smart in your training not time wasting you can do an effective workout in 25 minutes, so theres no excuse.
It's also important to review what you are doing on a regualr basis to ensure you don't get stuck in a rut and keep doing the same thing, the Humany body (as cheesy as it may sound) is a fantastic thing that can quickly adapt and will figure out what you are trying to do, so in other words confuse the hell out of your body, it may hurt the next day but thats a sign your body is working hard.
5/ Enjoy:
If I had a £1 for everytime someone said they don't like the treadmill I'd be rich. Yet people still think they need to use the treadmill. If you don't like it why are you doing it? How many times have you gone to the gym and cut something short or skipped it entirely or made it easier because you don't like it or find it boring? Gym's nowdays have many different pieces of kit and classes, try something different, there are plenty of options and as long as you ask a professional they will be able to adapt it and make it work for YOUR goals.
I hope these tips help you get to your goals and make for a happy 2012 in fitness. Please feel free to follow me on Twitter or contact me through the blog for any further help of advice.
Yet the truth of the matter is that most don't, most fall by the wayside even before January ends and a few months later haven't got anywhere near there goals, may have even cancelled their gym membership as they realised their money was going to the gym but they weren't!
Any of this sound familar? It should do, those of you who have recently made the new years resolution ask yourself how many times you plan to go to the gym per week? Whats your answer, 3? 4? 5? days a week?
Recent studies have shown that the average member uses their membership only 0.9 times a week. Not even 1 visit a week. Thats a huge difference from when you tell yourself I'm going to the gym 3/4 times this week. Why does this happen then? Well it's simple people aren't being smart and realistic with their expectations and goals. So how can you avoid falling into your traditional yearly pitfall of failure in the fitness department? Follow these simple tips:
1/ Don't do it for anyone else but you:
Why do YOU want to get fit? What do you think fit is? Don't be bullied into getting a beach body because your favourite actor or singer has. Don't think that because it's your best friends edding you HAVE to lose weight. Do it for yourself. Events like holidays and weddings do help motivate you but what happens whe they have passed? What happens when its 2 weeks before the big event and you realise you haven't been to the gym and are nowhere near getting into shape? If you want to do then think about what fitness means to you and deep down why you want to get fit. Only then can you.....
2/ Set Realistic and SMART goals:
When setting goals always think S.M.A.R.T,
S= Specific - Tone? No not right, what is tone? Specific is I want to have clear muscle definition in my arms, abdominals and quads.
M= Measureable - How are you going to determine you've been a success? I am a 36 waist I want to be a 32 waist.
A= Achievable - saying you want to be 10 dresses sizes slimmer by 2 weeks isn't achieveable, and by not achieving goals you become disinterested. Set yourself small goals to a bigger aim for example drop a dress size in 4 weeks.
R= Realistic - Becoming Mr Olympia within 2 months ain't gonna happen, think about what you want.
T= Time - Again wanting things to happen too soon will make you disinterested in what you are doing
3/ Seek professional help and advice:
Don't be scared Fitness coaches and Personal trainers don't bite. We don't sit in the staff room and laugh at people who ask us for advice, we do our job because we love what we do and are passionate about helping people, we get awfully big headed when we help someone towards their goals and reach them goals, we love it and live off it. So with that in mind ask us. Go to the right gyms and you won't even be charged for this help it's included in your membership. At my club a member is entitled to get a programme review from the fitness staff every 4 weeks as free, but only 2% of members take up this option.
4/ Plan and review:
Plan i your workouts, but also plan in your rest periods. If you have a 9-5 job great, but many people don't so try and plan your workouts around your work / sleep patterns. Remember a workout doesn't have to last 1 hour, if you are smart in your training not time wasting you can do an effective workout in 25 minutes, so theres no excuse.
It's also important to review what you are doing on a regualr basis to ensure you don't get stuck in a rut and keep doing the same thing, the Humany body (as cheesy as it may sound) is a fantastic thing that can quickly adapt and will figure out what you are trying to do, so in other words confuse the hell out of your body, it may hurt the next day but thats a sign your body is working hard.
5/ Enjoy:
If I had a £1 for everytime someone said they don't like the treadmill I'd be rich. Yet people still think they need to use the treadmill. If you don't like it why are you doing it? How many times have you gone to the gym and cut something short or skipped it entirely or made it easier because you don't like it or find it boring? Gym's nowdays have many different pieces of kit and classes, try something different, there are plenty of options and as long as you ask a professional they will be able to adapt it and make it work for YOUR goals.
I hope these tips help you get to your goals and make for a happy 2012 in fitness. Please feel free to follow me on Twitter or contact me through the blog for any further help of advice.
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
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