People are very fond of bicep curls. It’s understandable, as a bulging bicep has been the standard image for strength for generations. And there is nothing wrong with having “big guns”…but curls are given waaaaaaaaaay too much importance!
The “right” and “wrong” ways to do an exercise.
I was training a person the other day, when they asked me a common question…
“Whats the right way to do a situp?”
The short answer to this is “there isn’t one“…the long answer is:
What I look for in exercise workouts.
I’ve done a fair few workouts, and seen even more, but these things are always included in the best…
Why exercise is like shoes….(?)
Forgive me for the rambling nature of this post…it’s early and I’m still half asleep. I did a very quick and un-scientific survey in work over the weekend.
“Why do you actually do exercise?”
It’s not what you got, it’s the way you use it!
Fancy new, shiny machines and equipment will not improve your weight/strength/tone/fitness etc. You do that by moving your body with speed, vigor, intensity and variety. And to do that takes the right attitude, not something you buy from a tv advert. Save your money and do some burpees instead 🙂
Fundamental mistakes in the gym
Spent all day in work at the gym helping out people where i could, and noticed i was telling the same things to almost everybody. These are just a few of the fundamental mistakes made in the gym. If you can correct these, you will be well on your way to a better workout!
Infinite Interval Timer
What is the Infinite Interval Timer?
It is a very simple but massively versatile way of timing virtually any interval training session. It is a series of mp3 files of 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes and 5 minutes in length. These are to time how long your work/rest intervals can be. You can tell when they start/stop by a 5 second countdown followed by a ringing bell (like you hear in boxing).
To make the Infinite Interval Timer work, just download it, unzip the files (they are compressed for easy downloading), load it onto your mp3 player and listen to when the bell rings!
Introduction to How to Lose Weight
1. Losing weight, or losing fat?
First of all, you need to decide if you want to lose weight, or if you want to lose bodyfat. Losing weight is simple. Just stop drinking any fluids (water etc) for a few days, or simply chop off a leg or two. I guarantee the scales will show you losing weight, but it is far from a healthy option! Losing bodyfat is equally simple and MUCH healthier! So I will go into a bit more detail about this. UPDATE: If you want to know more about the ways to measure your body weight or body fat levels, take a look at my 2 part article telling you all you need to know (Body Composition part 1 – Body Weight)
Weight Training: toning, size, endurance & strength
1. Using weights is NOT bodybuilding
There is a common misconception that if you so much as look at a weight, you will turn into Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is not true. Using weights in different ways will have vastly different effects on your body. Weights are commonly used for:
Good Eating: Simple rules to live by
What do I need to eat?
There are 6 basic parts that are essential to a healthy diet. These are: