fitness & exercise
A blog about keeping fit and exercising.
12 May
How dancing has kept me moving: Adapting exercise when living with a long term condition
In 2015 I was lucky enough to be one of six people chosen out of over 11,000 nominees to appear on a special four-part edition of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC1. As people watched me being twirled around the dance …
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25 Mar
Best at-home gym apps / free living room workouts
Beyond going for a walk, jog or cycle, you can’t exercise outside of your home anymore. For those of us who regularly use the gym, that ruling is going to have a big impact on the way we stay healthy …
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24 Mar
How to exercise when your kids are at home all day
Finding time for yourself is always a big ask when you’re a parent. Add on the fact that you now have your children at home with you all day, every day for the foreseeable future and small acts of self-care …
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26 Feb
The importance of hydration
Now that exercising has become a social status symbol and there are so many people training for the very first time in their lives just to look good and compete with the “Joneses”, it is interesting to realise how the …
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12 Feb
5 Tips for Dealing with Aches & Pains from Working Out
No pain, no gain. Right? Well, not exactly. As most health-conscious individuals can attest, a vigorous workout is likely to leave you tired and a little sore after you complete it. And it’s normal to “feel the burn” during a …
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7 Nov
Keeping your immune system strong
The colder months have now arrived, and we’re experiencing more colds & flu virus’ ? than ever. ? Although scientists don’t yet understand why we are more susceptible to this in the winter months, we do know that the cold …
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1 Nov
Heart Attacks Affect Women Too
The British Heart Foundation are campaigning for more people to recognise the signs and symptoms of heart attacks in women. Many people have the misconception that heart attacks only happen to men and this has led to thousands of women …
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28 Oct
Ways to raise your Serotonin and feel good hormones for powerful healing and sustained happiness
? Raising and supporting our happiness is one of the most important parts of sustainable wellbeing. Feeling good enables us to break through poor learned habits more easily and to reach higher levels of healing that are sustainable beyond. ? …
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25 Oct
5 easy ways to get active during winter
Darker mornings and evenings, freezing cold weather and constant rain all make it very difficult to motivate ourselves into staying fit and healthy during winter. If you’re struggling to stay inspired to stick to a fitness regime, or would just …
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17 Oct
Healing yourself from a winter virus or flu ? ?⚠️
? Recently I came down with a dreaded gastrointestinal virus. I’m not one for contracting virus’ normally as I thought my immune health was strong. Turns out I was wrong. I know I haven’t been looking after my health as …
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10 Oct
YOU ARE ENOUGH ?
? Believe it!!! ? I always used to hear that saying to yourself ‘you are complete’ is a way of helping you to accept yourself for who you are and what you have now. ? We often fail to recognise …
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10 Oct
How to look after your mental health
As today is World Mental Health Day and this week is Mental Health Awareness week, we wanted to share with you a few ways that can really help improve your mental health. Mental health is something that affects lots of …
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3 Oct
Why not replace a meal with a healthy homemade shake? ?
? This gives me the nutrients & fuel I need for a busy day, whilst safely reducing my calorie intake to lose a few pounds. – – And it tastes delicious ? – – ? * 1 cup Nut milk …
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27 Sep
Non-Dairy Ways to Get Calcium & Improve its Absorption
???????♀️? ? FOODS HIGH IN CALCIUM: – Green Leafy vegetables such as Broccoli, Cabbage, Okra. – Soya Beans. – Tofu. – Nuts. – Fish (esp with small bones you can eat). ? WAYS TO SUPPORT CALCIUM ABSORPTION: * Include these …
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27 Sep
How to overcome autumn anxiety
This week marked the official start to autumn and for many of us, the change in season brings lots of new changes and challenges. The days get shorter, which means less sunlight and vitamin D, and the weather gets colder …
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23 Sep
Buddy up – The key to a healthier you
So, come on, how many times have you talked yourself out of going for a jog? We hear it all the time; I am so unfit, It’s raining, it’s too hot, I haven’t got the right gear, I just don’t …
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15 Sep
Summary – Physical Activity Guidelines 2019
I hope you have found the last five blog posts informative. The infographic is a great way to get out a lot of information in an easily read format but sometimes it’s nice to have a little more detail, and …
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14 Sep
Sit Less (Minimise Sedentary time) – Physical Activity Guidelines 2019
“Older adults should break up prolonged periods of being sedentary with light activity when physically possible, or at least with standing ” The message is to sit less as prolonged sedentary behaviour is associated with many poor health and functional …
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12 Sep
Improve Balance – Physical Activity Guidelines 2019
In Chichester feeling unsteady will ring true with many people with it’s uneven pavements. Unfortunately not a lot can be done about the pavements but we can improve our balance. Along with building our strength the Improve Balance section has …
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11 Sep
Build Strength – Physical Activity Guidelines 2019
What is getting a lot of press at the moment is the Build Strength part of the guidelines. It’s always been there but it is now given greater emphasis as the evidence it helps maintain physical function, reduce the risk …
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10 Sep
Be Active – Physical activity Guidelines
Be Active – Guidance for the Physical activity Guidelines for Older Adults 2019 “Each week older adults should aim to accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity, building up gradually from current levels. Those who are already …
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8 Sep
Physical Activity Guidelines – Part 1
The new Physical Activity Guidelines were released yesterday and I thought I would take a short break from the falls prevention topic I was on to discuss them. Especially as I found out the other day my Mum doesn’t even …
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5 Sep
Falls prevention tips in the home
Whilst exercise is important to help improve your balance and strengthen your muscles here are some falls prevention tips in the home. Make sure that your lighting is good enough you can see. If you need to go to the …
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30 Aug
HRT & breast cancer risks, women & confidence, UK healthcare spending & more
Welcome to this week’s healthcare roundup for 26 – 30th September. Menopause HRT increases risk of breast cancer Researches from Oxford University have found that Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) could increase the risk of cancer, even after a decade …
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29 Aug
Exercise and Falling
Worried about exercise and falling? It is common for people to worry so much about falling that they restrict their movement, unfortunately this is a vicious circle as you are more likely to fall if you spend long periods of …
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29 Aug
Worried about exercising and falling?
It is common for people to worry so much about falling that they restrict their movement, unfortunately this is a vicious circle as you are more likely to fall if you spend long periods of time seated and don’t do …
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18 Jul
Tips to begin reducing stress, anxiety, and pain, naturally
Did you know? ???????? ———————————- Did you know Magnesium is one of the most important nutrients we require to function? . Magnesium is responsible for over 300 enzyme systems that regulate important biochemical reactions in the body. Its most important …
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22 May
The long-term effects of concussion in sport
Concussion in sport is an issue that’s hit the headlines with increasing frequency over the last few years, but how much do we really know about the long-term effects of head injuries? What do we know so far? In short, …
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3 Apr
Small Steps To Sustainable Health
Huffing and puffing up the hill, putting one foot in front of the other. I never thought that my return to running would feel so hard. But after gaining weight and becoming inactive I was a far cry from my …
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8 Mar
Health Round Up – Smear Tests, Ambulance Response, Diabetes & Weight loss & More
Happy Internation Women’s Day! If you’ve not had time to catch up on all the latest health news this week (4th March), we’ve summarised some of the key stories for you. Public Health England Launch Cervical Cancer TV Campaign The government …
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22 Feb
Health round up – exercise & weight loss, asthma & young people, PTSD
This week in the news about health (22 February 2019) we look at exercise and weight loss, young deaths in the UK from asthma and PTSD in young people. Short bursts of exercise is good for weight loss According to …
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17 Jan
How to have a healthier commute
A daily commute can sometimes take a toll on your physical and mental health. In this post for talkhealth, I will be sharing some helpful tips on how to have a healthier and happier commute. Be more active If your …
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21 Dec
This week in health – 21 December 2018
It’s only four days until Christmas Day, but that hasn’t slowed the flow of health news. Instead, it seems to have spurred a number of health professionals to call for stronger actions to dissuade people from eating unhealthy foods. This …
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14 Dec
Walking with the Ramblers – the perfect way to keep fit in the great British countryside
Walking in the great British countryside can be one of the most relaxing and refreshing ways anyone can spend their free time. A little gentle exercise, fresh air and – in many places, wonderful views – are all well known …
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9 Nov
This week in health – 9 November 2018
Autumn has well and truly arrived here at talkhealth HQ, and the leaves are falling from the trees almost as fast as new health stories are being published in the media. While focusing on the UK, British health journalists are …
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12 Oct
This week in health – 12 October 2018
Friday has arrived, but the end of talkhealth’s working week has not – we’ll be working at The Sleep Show in London all weekend. But Sleep Show or no Sleep Show, we bring you another brief round-up from the world …
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14 Sep
This week in health – 14 September 2018
You might agree that health seems to have suddenly become a more popular topic than ever in the media, with breaking news stories almost every day. Here are a few that caught our attention here at talkhealth in the past …
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28 Aug
Here’s what could be causing erectile dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is among the most taboo subjects in our society. Yet it is an incredibly common occurrence, with an estimated 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 suffering and 1 in 10 of all men …
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8 Jun
This week in health – 08/06/2018
We’ve come to the end of another week and, as such, talkhealth will be looking through all the top news stories from the world of health. This week’s roundup includes new treatments and research, and overview of the summer months …
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11 May
This week in health – 11/05/2018
Welcome to another week of talkhealth’s news round-up. This week, we will be looking at news around a new drug that could help cure male baldness, how delays in cancer treatment are having a huge impact on patients, and new …
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23 Apr
Work”Out” or Work”In” ?
I talk rather alot about working “In”as well as” Out” in my sessions but how do you know when to work “in” and not work “out”? It’s really simple protocol but as ever you need to be accurate and …
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12 Apr
Sodium healthy or unhealthy?
Salt has been valued highly for as long as mankind can remember, to the point in which people used to use it for trading with others around the globe. Salt was a significant factor as to why early humans settled …
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19 Mar
Supporting your marathon running training
Once you’ve made the decision to enter an marathon or endurance race of any kind, the same is true for all sports in general for that matter and that is don’t let all the hard work and effort be wasted …
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19 Mar
Pilates where did it come from? Should you be Practicing Pilates?
Where Did Pilates Come From? Should you be practicing Pilates? Joseph Pilates was initially a frail young German who took it upon himself to become a very strong, educated, healthy man. Joseph took part in wide range of sports including fencing, …
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20 Feb
How effective is a plant-based diet
A review of the effectiveness of a plant-based diet compared to a meat-eating diet on health, performance, and weight-loss. When considering a plant-based diet, what option do you have to consider: – Vegan, complete removal of all animal products …
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6 Feb
Superset training – how to implement them and when is best to do so
I am going to give my views on how best to implement agonist-antagonist paired set training and their benefits over traditional set training based on my own experience of training myself and others as well as a recent review was …
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1 Feb
Beginners guide to weight loss
I have listed 5 methods of the many available when considering a nutrition protocol for weight loss. The fundamentals must exist when choosing your protocol but the protocol must also be fit with your lifestyle and level of engagement, choosing …
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25 Jan
Top 5 recovery methods for active individuals
Here are my 5 tips to recovery for active individuals who wish to get back to the sport of training that they enjoy so much at the best level possible for them. Recovery according to sports physiology literature is a …
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23 Jan
How to take control of your own health
Now that it’s January everybody wants to get back to the gym and start a new diet or exercise health kick of some description whether that’s a detox protocol or simply couch to 5k. For the average person in the …
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10 Jan
Weight Loss for Health
Since the start of January, the media has been full of weight loss plans and exercise regimes. My gym, which was quiet over Christmas, was full to the brim on Monday and I struggled to park the car at 6.30am …
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9 Jan
No Time for Exercise? How about 3 minutes?
Are you tight for time and want to try Pilates? “I don’t have 10 minutes to myself” sound like you? To busy to book in at a club, drive to the club, and attend a class…. I know that time …
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7 Nov
Protein requirements for weight loss
My top points when looking at protein needs in general and when trying to lose weight. My top points when looking at protein needs in general and when trying to lose weight. When our aim is weight loss by default we …
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25 Sep
Find the Fun in Fitness for National Fitness Day 2017
This week, talkhealth will be joining thousands all across the UK in supporting National Fitness Day 2017. Wednesday 27th September will see people all across the country shoving on their running shoes or slipping on their swimming costumes to have …
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11 Sep
Is the Robocop knee brace the new ‘must have’ for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis? The celebrities seem to think that it is …
Recent media stories, a landmark study and the Autumn/Winter TV schedules highlight the Össur Unloader’s ability to offer pain relief, improve function and maintain a healthy lifestyle Recent national news stories (London, UK – August, 2017) have drawn attention to the …
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24 Aug
40-60 years old not even walking for 10 minutes once a month
According to a report by Public Health England (PHE), middle aged men and woman are not getting enough exercise. In fact a staggering 41% are not even managing a 10 minute brisk walk once a month! Dr Jenny Harries, Deputy …
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11 Aug
Let the sun shine into your life with the vital vitamin D
After I broke my shoulder in an accident three years ago, my GP suggested a DEXA scan to measure bone density for osteoporosis. I was not surprised, at the age of 70 and more than 20 years after suffering from …
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1 Jun
5 Hacks to Improve your Workouts
Several individual and group exercise formats are offered by fitness centers, such as those that are choreographed to music like dance and aerobics classes. Many offer boot camp, fall prevention, sculpting, kickboxing, indoor cycling, yoga, Pilates and core conditioning. Group …
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16 May
Manage your health with Patient support Programmes
For those living with chronic health conditions, self-management is crucial for managing and controlling symptoms day to day. Protecting your own health is a responsibility that can require some help and guidance to ensure you pursue the right treatment for …
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18 Apr
3 Tips for Incorporating Healthy Living Into your Family’s Life
If you have a family, you will want to do all you can to keep them healthy. This will take the right amount of effort on your part and know-how. It’s important to understand how and why you will want …
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3 Mar
Health news round up
There’s been quite a bit of interesting health news this week; from footballers and dementia, to artificial embryos and ovarian cancer. Blood tests and ovarian cancer – doctors have revealed that a blood test every 4 months could help women that …
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4 Jan
Dentists urge us to cut the cake culture in the office
Yesterday, (3 January 2017), the Royal College of Surgeons, Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) issued a press release urging workers to cut the cake culture that seems to have become established in many offices up and down the country. The FDS …
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3 Jan
New Year Resolutions
We hope you’ve all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! In the talkhealth office today, we’ve been talking about our various New Year resolutions. It’s safe to say we’ve all over-indulged this Christmas and several …
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11 Nov
Alcohol awareness week
Did you know that next week (14-20 November) sees the start of alcohol awareness week? An initiative run by Alcohol Concern (you know them- the founders of Dry January!) which aims to raise awareness of the risks of alcohol to …
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24 May
Arthritis Awareness Month
During the month of May, people around the country have been doing their part to raise awareness and sharing their experiences for National Arthritis month. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common forms of arthritis in the …
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6 May
5 Healthy Foods That May Be Damaging For Your Teeth
We try to remain as fit and healthy as possible for a variety of reasons. It could be that we want to be around as long as possible to watch our loved ones grow and craft their own lives. It …
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19 Feb
Processed Foods: What’s OK, What to Avoid
There’s a lot of talk about food in the media. Health experts are warning us of an imminent obesity epidemic, with numbers of Type 2 diabetes increasing rapidly. Food-related illnesses are beginning to put real pressure on the NHS. One of …
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All You Need to Know About High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a disease that plagues worldwide (WHO, 2015). Every now and then, a new patient is diagnosed with high cholesterol, and asked to make major changes in life if he wants to live longer. Cholesterol: The Basics Cholesterol …
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Our Love Affair With Sugar: Sweet Treat or Public Enemy Number One? Sugar is getting a lot of negative press of late. Books like David Gillespie’s “Sweet Poison” and Dr. Robert Lustig and John Yudkin’s “Pure, White, and Deadly” have …
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8 Oct
Your Recovery Toolbox: How to Adopt Physical Exercise While Beating Your Addiction
Fighting an addiction of any kind may be one of the most difficult things you will ever do in your life. Relapse rates are notoriously high among recovering addicts – as many as 60% will relapse at some point, and …
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24 Sep
Rattle That Lock
It’s been a busy week and a short one at that as I’m off to Berlin in the morning for 4 days supporting my partner who’s running the Berlin Marathon. For those of you who’ve read my blogs before, you’ll …
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10 Aug
Why students should ditch the cola for water
Last year I was in the final year of my education journey, a third year university student with a healthy (yes really!) diet, but a seriously bad diet cola addiction! Most days I would be cracking open a can before …
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24 Jul
5 High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Sessions
Because of the incredible benefits it offers your body, HIIT is fast becoming an incredibly popular fat loss workout plan in the fitness industry. HIIT enables you to burn a ton of calories, lose more fat and enhances an individual’s …
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20 Jul
Job-Related Back Pain: Smart Tips for Getting the Help You Deserve
The problem with that strategy is that you can easily end up doing more harm than good to yourself and if you sustained the injury at work, you definitely need to first report the incident as soon as the injury …
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16 Jul
Neal’s Yard Remedies – Healing Foods Book Review
We’re constantly being told what foods are bad for us – to cut back on sugar and eat more fruit; eat more eggs for protein or eat fewer eggs to prevent high cholesterol. With so much conflicting information it leaves …
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8 Jul
How to Prevent and Treat Sports Injuries
Exercising and playing sports is great for your health, but can result in prolonged injuries. Sports injuries can be caused by a number of situations including; a heavy fall, not warming up properly before exercising/playing sports, using equipment incorrectly, utilising …
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19 Jun
This week @ talkhealth
It’s been another very busy week at talkhealth, as always! We are delighted to have an Intern, April, who will be joining us on Monday. She will be primarily helping with our social media campaigns as well as various projects …
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4 Jun
Never say never …
In February this year I wrote a blog about my running – or should I say a lack of! Late last year, the GP had sent me to the hospital for X-rays as I’d been complaining of very sore knee …
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20 May
Is Binge Drinking Really That Bad?
What the UK Government defines as binge drinking might come as a shock to some. Binge drinking is defined as the intake of twice the recommended daily alcohol limit. For men that means eight units, the equivalent of four pints …
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5 May
Still a marathon runner – ready to do it all again!
A week on from successfully completing my first marathon, the Virgin Money London Marathon 2015, and I’m still just as happy as I was a week ago, and it will be something that lives with me all my life. I …
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26 Apr
Consistency
For a few weeks I have been trying to get back on the wagon and lose my baby weight that I had put on throughout my pregnancy with my second son James. Now, I confess that my head was not in …
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21 Apr
How to eat your way to better fitness
If you’re looking to get fit then you cannot ignore your diet. Yes, exercise is important but you can put all the hours in at the gym you like – if you pig out on the wrong foods then your …
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20 Apr
ONE WEEK! One week of paranoia, excitment, balanced nutrition, hydration & staying healthy
This is it, just one week left till the Virgin Money London Marathon 2015. A week / 7 days. Seems a short time but, oh my word! This is going to be a long, long, long week! Not that I’m excited or …
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26 Mar
FitBit Breakdown: Watch-Profile Models Compared
The current line of FitBit personal activity trackers includes four wrist-worn models: the FitBit Flex, FitBit Charge, FitBit Charge HR, and the FitBit Surge. Although each of them serve a similar purpose, tracking the daily exercise and activity habits of …
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19 Mar
5 Pieces of Technology That Will Help You to Lose Weight Permanently
Promising to get fit and lose weight is the start of a long journey. Far harder is actually sticking to your commitments and following through on your promise. Weight loss requires dedication, motivation and the right information. However, all too …
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26 Feb
Just 8 weeks till the London Marathon, and a lot has happened since my last blog
Marathon training plan is still relentless, mid way through week 12 of 20, with lots of hills sessions, which have proved really good for building my base strength and endurance. The fast running, threshold stuff has been OK but I …
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4 Feb
Running to beat blood cancers
My journey into marathons and ultra-marathons to challenge myself and raise funds for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research I’m a 53 year old Dad with two daughters at UNI, kart racer and a management consultant working long, pretty stressful hours from …
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5 Jan
talkhealth’s healthy New Year resolutions!
How are your New Year’s resolutions going – did you make some and were they health related? We have just had a quick check round to see what some of the talkhealth team’s new year resolutions are and how they …
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30 Dec
The FEELS
When I started writing about my weight loss journey I imagined myself sitting at my laptop being witty and wise and hopefully inspirational. Whats happened is Ive opened a can of worms where my feelings about my metamorphasis have bubbled …
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8 Dec
Dream a little dream.
Lets talk about inspiration. Specifically inspiration to lose weight. Why are you putting yourself through the upheaval of making all these changes? Lets face it, its a right pain in the arse so whats your motivation? Are you doing it …
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4 Nov
If The Sports Bra Fits, Jump in it!
I love my sports tops, I have about four matching Lonsdale sets that are always ready for an impromptu workout. I don’t tend to wear sports bras, especially those with underwire, because they tend to compress my chest. Instead I …
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27 Aug
A slice of what you fancy….
You would be forgiven for thinking that all we do is eat cake at talkhealth as it is currently looking that way – as the last Wednesday of the month we have ‘Cake Wednesday’ in the office….. The saying a slice …
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1 Aug
No Pain, No Gain? Keeping Fit with Tietze syndrome
I know that almost all gyms and fitness instructors have long-since moved away from the die-hard dedication to “No pain, no gain” but it can still be a psychological issue for someone with a chronic pain condition. Depending on what …
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27 Jun
Challenge eHealth Innovation Awards
talkhealth are proud to be supporting the Challenge ‘eHealth innovation Awards’. Please see details below. Expressions of interest are now open for the ‘Challenge eHealth Innovation Awards’. The event sponsored by the Welsh Government offers SMEs, clinicians, healthcare workers, patients, …
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20 May
Need to lose weight ASAP!
I’ve just had a Facebook message asking me for help, looking for a gym, as they “need to lose weight ASAP” Here is my response: “Here’s some free advice that most people pay for, so I’ll keep it simple and …
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3 Mar
Reading Half Marathon 2014
Yesterday I took part in the Mizuno Reading Half Marathon with 16,000 other runners. Around 20 of my running club, Sherfield Park Runners, took part in the event with most running in our club shirt (a handful ran for a …
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3 Mar
Halfway Through Couch to 5K
This week sees the start of Week 6 of the Couch to 5K course I am running for Sherfield Park Runners. Of those who started the course initially we have 17 stalwarts who are working really hard and are dedicated …
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12 Feb
True or false? Unhealthy habits that are actually healthy
In February it’s tempting to dump your healthy resolutions and sneak a cheeky cigarette or a glass of wine. Research suggests that nearly 50% of us make New Year’s resolutions but only 8 per cent go on to keep them …
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6 Feb
Week 2 – Couch to 5k
Last night we held the second session of our Sherfield Park Runners Couch to 5k course (or C25K for short). But before I give you an update on how last night went, I need to tell you about the hard …
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30 Jan
Week 1 – Couch to 5k
Last night, on behalf of Sherfield Park Runners, I ran the first ever session of our beginners’ running course – Couch to 5k. Over the next 9 weeks I will be taking people who have never run before through a …
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20 Jan
Running – Couch to 5k
It’s been quite a while since my last blog post but I’ve lots to say about my running and the running club I co-founded in April last year – Sherfield Park Runners! In October, I completed my third ever half …
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17 Jan
Sticking To New Year’s Resolutions Does Not Depend On Will Power
Those struggling to stick to their New Year’s resolution might take comfort in scientists’ assertion that will power has very little to do with a person’s character. Professor Nick Chater revealed that the environment is a far bigger factor in …
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13 Jan
Want To Run A Marathon? Tips To Help…
So, you’ve signed up for the London Marathon? Here are some generalised training tips and knowledge to help. OK, not the London Marathon, but I do like this shot of me and the huskies on the Brecon Beacons! A marathon …
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1 Jan
Losing Weight and Keeping It Off
Out With The old Today is New Year’s Day, and my Facebook feeds are filled with people selling products and solutions for weight loss. Without exception these are based on the ‘calorie deficit model’ – or dieting. Unfortunately this …
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29 Nov
Vitamin C Supplements – Should We?
I am not a fan of supplements. Instead I prefer to promote having a healthy balanced nutrition from whole food sources. Some people may benefit from food supplementation under medical supervision if they have a medical condition that requires it. …
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13 Sep
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
I often find myself working with clients suffering from IBS, both in my Hypnotherapy and in my Personal Training capacities. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or ‘IBS’, is a disorder involving a collection of symptoms that can include abdominal pain and cramping …
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3 Sep
Basic workout nutrition
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Workout nutrition is the subject of endless discussion on body building and fitness forums, but for most people a basic understanding is enough to optimise a moderate workout. The main goals are to promote energy …
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14 Aug
Public Health Minister Anna Soubry calls on the nation to get active and get healthy
One year on from the Olympics and Paralympics more than half the adult population is doing the recommended amount of physical activity, but worryingly more than a quarter are not doing even 30 minutes a week and putting their health …
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5 Aug
Performance – it is all in the mind
As I crossed the first peak of the mountains my legs were like jelly. The wobble in my legs vibrated through my body. Then the cramps started. These were deep cramps right across my hamstrings and calves. I felt wasted, …
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3 Jul
Lowering the odds.
Everyone knows how to lose weight. Its not rocket science! It may not be easy, but its not difficult. Like playing the lottery, the rules may be simple and the prize life changing but the odds are enormous. So, what …
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17 Jun
Food is a Love/Hate thing…
Food and feelings are so intertwined, its hard to be in control of one without first dealing with the other. Every culture I know has special foods for special occasions. From wedding cakes, to christening cakes to birthday cakes. Is …
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6 Jun
First blog about my weight loss
I’ve had weight issues my entire life. I was born and grew up in South Africa where it seems everyone I grew up with was tanned, fit and slim. I was the pale, chubby ginger kid who would rather curl …
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3 Jun
Ibuprofen & increased heart rhythm
Last week, as normal, I was woken up by my alarm/clock radio at bang on 6am, just in time to hear the news. The first story was about the use of Ibuprofen and the risk of increased heart problems … …
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1 May
So we started a running club …..
As you will know if you read my blogs, I like to run. I completed the Fleet half marathon in March in an not-so-good time of 2 hours 31 minutes. But I did it having not run for over 10 …
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18 Apr
Otago Exercise Programme to help prevent falls in older adults
The Otago exercise programme was developed to help prevent falls in the older adult. It was researched and developed by the Falls Prevention Research Group at the University of Otago Medical School. The programme reduced the fall rate by 35 …
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11 Apr
Time to kick start my diet & fitness regime
Having completed the Fleet half marathon in March, my healthy eating has sort of gone out of the window! But, for quite a few reasons, today’s the day I’m getting back on track to lose weight, eat healthily and run …
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1 Apr
Dani’s gone wheely mad
Golden girl Dani King has ditched two wheels for one in a bid to become the unicycle queen. Cyclist Dani – a member of the world-record-breaking Olympics and world championship gold medal winning team – has just revealed her new …
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18 Mar
Update on my half marathon
Well, yesterday was the day. My partner and I ran the Fleet Half Marathon. It was hard going …. the weather was awful …. torrential down pours over an undulating course. I should have finished in around 2 hours 11 …
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14 Mar
Adding weight to your workout part 3 – The back
Important muscles to exercise as we age are the upper back muscles to prevent that hunched over look where the chest muscles are too tight and the upper back muscles are weak. Exercises that don’t use any equipment to work …
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12 Mar
5 days to go …
After 5 months of training from a standing start and struggling to run a mile, to having run 10.8 miles 3 weeks ago and a practice half marathon (13.1 miles) 2 weeks ago, I now know I can do it! …
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26 Feb
Adding weight to your workout. Part 2 – The Squat
I am going to nominate the squat as one of the most important exercises you can do whether its the wall slide, body weight squat or squat with added weight. To prove how important it is one of the most …
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4 Feb
Walking Medicine
In todays world of Deadlines, Emails, Bills and Crammed work Schedules its no surprise that people find it hard to find time for health and well-being. Many people dislike the idea of the busy gym as they may not know …
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7 Jan
New year weight loss & exercise
Happy New Year. Well I’m 10 weeks away from the half marathon …. yikes! And so far the furthest I’ve run is 3.6 miles so I have a a lot to do in a very short time-frame. I only went …
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31 Dec
Health 2012: a year in headlines
In 2012 we’ve found that the standards of health reporting have – largely – improved. Where there have been health scares these have been sensibly and even-handedly reported, ‘wonder cures’ seem to have hit the headlines far less often than we’ve …
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20 Dec
Adding Weight to your Workout at home – Part 1
I was asked the following question after my (slightly ranty) post about celebrity trainers and weight training. “I’ve never thought about lifting weights. How does one get started, and how do you work into a cardiovascular work out?” Some people …
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14 Dec
Chronic diseases now the biggest healthcare burden
An interesting article has appeared in PM Live, based on several articles recently published in The Lancet. These articles reveal that advancements in treating infections and tackling malnutrition have seen chronic diseases and disability become the biggest global healthcare burdens. …
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12 Nov
Running is fun!!
Well, we are one week into our half marathon training! So far we’ve done 3 x 1.2 mile runs – I know it doesn’t sound like a lot, but with 18 weeks of training ahead far better to start steadily …
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8 Nov
Four behaviours than can help you age successfully
A report recently published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) shows that practising the following healthy behaviours in midlife (42–63 years of age) makes it significantly more likely people will stay healthy as they age. not smoking moderate alcohol …
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5 Nov
Am I crazy or is this the best way to lose that last half a stone?
Well you can be the judge of that … I last blogged back in September with a vague and half-hearted plan of how I was going to lose that extra 7 pounds or so. Since then nothing much has changed …
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30 Sep
Why does my knee hurt when I run?
The success of the London 2012 Olympics has had a huge impact upon society including the greater participation in sporting activities. This is a truly vital legacy and we must seek to pervade this healthy mindset to all corners of …
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29 Sep
Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) Part 2: What can we do?
Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) is commonly seen in my clinics, either as a feature observed or as a problem in itself – see previous blog. Commonly people desecribe pain, poor spatial awareness (so-called clumsiness), flat-footedness, problems with walking and controlling movement. …
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22 Sep
INSOMNIA…NOOOOOOO – SLEEP-YEEESSSSSSS
How much sleep do you get? Not getting enough sleep isn’t good.Requiring too much sleep can be just as bad…either way something could be wrong with your health. Sleep has ALWAYS been one of my favorite pastimes,as a teen, I …
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17 Sep
Almost at goal weight
It’s been a very long time since I blogged. As you will know, I had been struggling to lose the weight and it had taken me over 6 months to lose around 10 pounds. In July a major turning point …
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13 Sep
Why you should step outside.
There is more to health than eating right and exercising. To be truly healthy you should have feelings of wellbeing, positivity and happiness with your life. If you have read my blog you will know how often I exhort getting …
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10 Sep
Slow down to speed up weight loss
When you’re trying to lose weight you want to do it quickly so the last thing you need to hear from me is that you need to slow down. But in the end slowing down really will help speed up …
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4 Sep
Back pain in football and sport
Back pain is a common experience across society. Millions are spent each year on treatment yet we do not seem to be making any significant progress in tackling this vast problem. Undoubtedly footballers are also subject to spinal aches and …
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4 Sep
Another hamstring injury, but how serious is it?
The hamstring injury is one of football’s blights, affecting so many of our best known players. The latest is Andy Carroll who sustained the injury yesterday in his first game at West Ham – read here. The extent of the injury will …
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26 Aug
LOSING IT…MY HAIR
At this moment, while writing this blog post…I am doing something I don’t like to do: getting my hair done. I would rather sit in a dentist chair than spend the many many hours it takes to get my hairconstructed. …
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19 Aug
AUTOIMMUNE OLYMPIADS
Well, the Olympics are over. Thank God! Now I can get some sleep. I was so sleep deprived. I could have won a gold medal in crankiness. I am in awe when I see the super-human type feats executed by …
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10 Aug
How I lost weight
Last year I lost 20 pounds in weight over the course of three months, going from a size 16 (UK) to a size 12. Unlike previously, when the weight piled back on again within an alarmingly short time, this time …
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21 Jul
CLEANING HOUSE
Since I’ve written a blog post about poop, I feel as though I can talk to you guys about anything. We are all family, right? OK, so, I want to discuss with y’all a word that is even more vile …
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17 Jul
Why you should make exercise a priority as you age.
A question has just been asked of me on Twitter: “How can I get my parents to ignore Homes Under The Hammer on tv screens at gym & focus on working out?” I tend to view exercise similarly to giving …
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14 Jul
MORE THYROETRY VOLUME III FROM THE CRAZY THYROID LADY
It’s been so hot…how do I deal with the dog days of summer? Barking with a vengeance, while my thyroid walks to the beat of a different drummer. How do I cope with these record highs? Fearing what will spark …
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4 Jul
Eat 40% less and live 20 years longer
Today I forgot my lunch. Typical rush in the morning and being hassled by my kids to get out of the house to start the 25 minute school run in the car. I had some errands to run today, so …
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3 Jul
9 pounds and counting ….
Quick update … I’ve now lost 9lbs – it might have taken me 6 months so far, but I’m not ‘dieting’ as such, just continuing to make sensible food choices and watching my portion sizes. And, slow as it is, …
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2 Jul
Get active at your local gym for free on Tuesday 10 July!
“Age UK in conjunction with Bannatynes, David Lloyd Leisure Ltd, LA fitness and Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Centre’s (including Greens Health and Fitness) present Age UK’s Gym Open Day on 10 July 2012. Go along to your local participating …
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23 Jun
BOOST YOUR IMMUNE
This week’s blog is dedicated to those who suffer from one or more autoimmune diseases. I take my hat off to you! Having to endure the daily struggles of your respective invisible illness is truly a heroic feat, and in …
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22 Jun
The men who made us fat
Whatever you conclude from this blog post, there is no getting away from the fact that as a nation we are fatter than we were 50 years ago. Up until the 1950’s, obesity was not an issue but by the …
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21 Jun
Studies Suggest Natural Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome and Insomnia
The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation describes RLS as a disruptive neurological disorder that affects up to 10% of the U.S. population. It results in an irresistible urge to move the legs (and sometimes the arms), often accompanied by unusual or …
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15 Jun
Exercise and Depression – A Cautious Approach
Dr Eva Cyhlarova, Head of Research at the Mental Health Foundation: “Last week, the British Medical Journal published results of a research trial suggesting that, contrary to NICE guidelines and current research trends, the addition of facilitated exercise doesn’t improve …
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14 Jun
So Aqua Aerobics, why?
So Aqua Aerobics, why? There are a multitude of benefits of exercising in water instead of on land. The stress and strain on the body is reduced because waters density means that 90% of a body’s weight is supported (if …
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11 Jun
Eczema & Exercise
Growing up I was always quite athletic and enjoyed playing sports. When I was little I did ballet, then we moved to Vancouver where in the summer I would play baseball and in winter I would ice-skate. Then we moved …
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7 Jun
Exercise Referral Schemes
This post is going to talk me out of business but it was bought to my attention that not everyone is aware of what their GP can offer them in regards to support to increase physical activity. The GP Exercise Referral scheme …
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6 Jun
UK study into whether physical activity aids depression finds no additional benefit
Current clinical guidance recommends physical activity to alleviate the symptoms of depression (1). However, new research published today [6 June] in the BMJ, suggests that adding a physical activity intervention to usual care did not reduce symptoms of depression more …
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28 May
Muscle Monday – Grip Strength an indicator of life expectancy.
Unlike the biceps or the chest muscles the wrist flexor isn’t seen as a very sexy muscle (not many photos of men flexing their wrists around) but the wrist flexor (flexor carpui radialis) is very important as it allows …
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24 May
Centre for Appearance Research International Conference
The Centre for Appearance Research is pleased to announce Appearance Matters 5. This two day international conference will be highlighting the current research and good practice around psychology and appearance, including body image, visible difference, the role of the media, …
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11 May
Long time, no blog!
Well, I’ve not blogged for a while …. I think I’ve become a bit disheartened with losing weight as, basically, since my last posts I’ve lost NO MORE WEIGHT!! But I’ve finally decided that exercise is the key to kick …
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8 May
Do you have difficulties getting out of a chair?
The ability to stand up from a chair is a key skill to maintain independence and mobility. As you get older you lose strength in the hip and knee extensors which are the muscles that help straighten our legs. In this blog …
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1 May
The importance of the first minutes, hours and days of an injury
Sustaining an injury is commonplace in sport. What happens in the first few minutes, hours and days can play a big part in how well we recover. The injury needs to be diagnosed and understood, for example an ankle twisting …
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1 May
The Importance Of Exercise As We Age
The World Health Organisation identifies 50 years of age as the point in middle age at which engaging in regular physical exercise can prevent or delay the onset of many of the physical, psychological and social hazards that are associated …
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10 Apr
Aqua Classes… Do they really work?
The benefits of Aqua Exercise. Warm water pressure helps to block pain receptors, making it ideal for persons post surgery. (back, hip, knee, shoulder etc) Water works to keep you buoyant meaning the exercise is less weight bearing. This means there …
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22 Mar
That all important .25 of a pound
Well, great news! I’ve lost another .25 of a pound which puts my total weight loss to date at 8.75 pounds! Whoopeeee! You may be wondering why I’m getting so excited about such a tiny weight loss. Well, I’ve been …
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13 Mar
Sugar – Poison, Drug or both?
What is all the Fuss about Sugar! Its just Sugar right? Our World is infested with Sugar in many forms, in Soft Drinks, over Pills, in Medications, Sweets, Syrups, Sauces the list goes on… Have you ever hit the pause …
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13 Mar
Just wish I could wake up tomorrow thin!
But that’s not going to happen is it!!! I’m up and down with my enthusiasm to lose weight. I want to stick to a sensible diet most of the time but it’s a long hard slog! Still lost my initial …
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12 Mar
Sweat Your Pants Off!
Now I’m very old school when it comes to diet and exercise. I believe in eating sensibly and move as much as you can . So when I started to read up on these new super pants that help you …
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7 Mar
Operation to heat up lungs relieves asthma attacks
Ever since Michael Keenan’s brother, Joseph, who was seven years older than Michael, died from an asthma attack when Michael was 18, he’s been on a mission to help doctors find a cure. Michael was diagnosed with a severe form …
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2 Mar
Take Away? or Take that Take Aways?
Its Friday…. I have had 3 Text Messages from Takeaway Pizza Companies! 4 Flyers through the door from fast food companies At least 10 people say they are going for takeout today!! Thats 17 opportunities to justify a take away tonight …
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24 Feb
Weight loss app & exercise
Well, since I started using a little app on my mobile I’m now able to track my food intake, weight and exercise (if I was doing any!). The app has all the well known UK brands and all supermarket brands …
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17 Feb
Is advertising to blame for childhood obesity?
Obesity in the UK is rising – and more children than ever before are now obese. It’s all very worrying. There are a deluge of programmes on TV about being overweight and obese from A Year to Save My Life …
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18 Jan
Alkaline – Stay Phit on the inside out.
So we are now well into January 2012… Christmas, chocolates, fizzy drinks, cakes and desserts are no longer for many people as they head towards a new years promise of weight loss and being healthier. On the Subject of health …
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10 Jan
Does it hurt?
Some surprising causes of inflammation It would seem quite sensible to assume that children who are emotionally literate and stable stand a better chance of emerging into the adult world with all their emotional ducks (so to speak) in a …
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4 Jan
It’s all in the mind
Since we launched our new talkweight forum and weight is in the forefront of my mind, we’ve been having some interesting discussions in the office about being overweight, obesity and will power. The TV also seems to be full of …
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4 Jan
Trendy diets don’t work according to new study
How many of you have made a New Years resolution to lose weight? If you are planning on following a trendy diet such as the Dukan or Atkins diet be prepared that they are unlikely to last more than 15 …
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2 Jan
As a nation are we in denial about our weight?
I read, with interest, an article in the Mail Online today about the increasing size of our nation entitled One in four Britons are obese but most of them are in denial. The study was carried out by Slimming World …
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30 Dec
2012 is coming …..
Well, Christmas has come and gone and we are on the brink of a New Year. I must confess I have struggled this Christmas …. but the good news is that whilst I have STILL not lost any more weight …
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14 Dec
Thoughts are Things
Everything starts with a thought or energy, if you will. What you eat drink or do starts with a thought. (your thoughts about food/drink are the first stage of digestion, this goes on to enrich or infect, your whole mind body and spirit) …
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13 Dec
23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?
A Doctor-Professor answers the old question “What is the single best thing we can do for our health” in a completely new way. Dr Mike Evans explains …. Dr Evans is founder of the Health Design Lab at the Li …
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8 Dec
What are you putting in your mouth this Christmas?
We’ve all heard the saying “a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips” haven’t we? So why not take heed this Christmas and burn off those calories as quick as we pile them on? It really is easy to …
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8 Dec
Heart news and Information
One of the most popular discussions in the Health and Fitness world is how to keep your Heart Healthy. What ever the latest news is, it is always good to exercise to help your heart stay in tip top shape. Here …
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7 Dec
Over 40% of Cancers through Lifestyle Choices try something new Today
Today the BBC reported on Cancer UKs latest news that over 40% of cancers are through neglect of positive lifestyle choices, Smoking, Alcohol, Lack of Exercise and lack of Nutrition. Making simple lifestyle choices using the opportunities that day to day life presents us with, as in my previous …
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6 Dec
Life is motion, so move!
Exercise is often an afterthought in today’s modern, upbeat, stressed society. The stress of work, family, children and more in this never slowing world of technology, is often the reason for people to excuse exercising. Being aware of the many …
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