So, whats the benefits on having a strong core? Well, think of your core muscles as the sturdy central link in a chain connecting your upper and lower body. Most movements either originate in your core, or move through it.

Everyday acts:- such as bending down to tie your shoe laces, scooping down to pick something up, turning round to look behind you, sitting in a chair or simply standing still, although all mundane, these all rely on your core muscles that you might not notice until they become difficult or painful.

On the job tasks:- Less obvious tasks such as sitting at a desk for long periods involve the core muscles, but this can make your core and back muscles stiff and sore, particularly if you’re not strong enough to practice good posture and aren’t taking sufficient breaks.

A healthy back:-  Low back pain – a debilitating, sometimes excruciating problem affecting 4 out of 5 people in the UK, may be prevented by exercises that promote well-balanced, resilient core muscles.

Good Posture:- For me, this is the most important one! Why? Because weak core muscles lead to slouching. Also, good posture makes you look slimmer and projects confidence. Most importantly, however, it lessens wear and tear on the spine.

Improved Performance:-  Ask any of my clients and they’ll tell you; a key area I always focus on is core strength. It’ll improve your performance in any given sport. Again, because all movements starts with the core or passes through it.

So, have I sold this to you?! I hope so. And to support this, I’m now the proud owner of a Lifeline® Power Wheel (see photo). This is a wheel that you attach to your feet in order to perform various bodyweight exercises.  Does it work? Well, an independent research study done at the University of California Berkeley voted it “The Best Core Trainer in the World”. Want a go? Book a session with me on 07947 360349, today!!!

The answer quite simply is, Yes! How do I know this? Because only this Monday, I managed to strain my abdominal muscles while performing heavy deadlifts in the gym (a Grade 2 muscle strain, if you’re interested). What a plum!! So, two days later I thought I’d go for a run to test the theory. Pretty extreme measures to prove a point, but worth while none the less. All I can say is that pretty early on in my run, I was stooping because I couldn’t contract my abdominal muscles. In other words, due to my core strength being compromised (due to an injury in this case), my posture changed which made my running less efficient. Point proved!!

If you would like to know how to improve your core strength, or require any more advice on running, let me know.

Well, now I can run, and I’m actually getting quite good at it. I’ll never be a world champion marathon-runner but the improvements I’ve made have shocked even me.

So, what’s the reason for writing this blog? Short and simple – Anyone, barring injury, can run and make big improvements.

Running is taking the world by storm. Everywhere you go you’ll see people donning their aluminous green running tops, running tights and pounding the streets. So, why is everyone taking up running? Because it’s accessable to everyone and relatively cheap. You can do it at a moments notice and there’s no need to drive to a gym to do it. Just get yourself a good pair of running shoes (for more info.or how to get the right shoe for you, drop me a line) and that’s about it; you’ve off!!

What type of programme is right for you? The internet has so much information to offer on running programmes but the one I’ve used myself and recommend to my clients is the walk/run method. For example: Walk 1.5 mins/Run 1 min and repeat 8 times, perform this 3 times a week. The ratio then changes week on week as you improve. This is a really nice way to get into running as you don’t have to just go out and kill yourself, trying to run for half an hour. Trust me when I say,”walk before you can run!!”

If someone had said even a year ago that I would get into running, I would have laughed at them. Me? Run? My speciality is weight-training!! But now I’m running as an integral part of my weekly fitness programme and feel so my better for it. My general fitness levels are up, I’m more toned, feel less stressed and sleeping better – What could be better?!

Give it a try – you won’t regret it. For more info or if you want someone to start running with you, let me know.

He listened carefully to my needs and worked out programmes that have really shown results in strengthening my upper body and core, and improving my general fitness.

He is encouraging, patient and creative, and brings a sense of humour to our weekly sessions. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.

What is it? It’s called the Lebert Equaliser and it’s basically two rectangular-shaped bars that can be used for all sorts of exercises.  It’s a simple, portable, yet multi-purpose and versatile piece of strength training equipment that works arms, chest, back and core muscles, using your own body weight as resistance. You don’t need to be super-strong as you can regulate the resistance by self-spotting. It’s great for beginner and advanced trainees alike.

Fancy a go?! Drop me a line and book a session. Trust me, you’ll come back for more!!!

Howard also trains my 16 year son who plays rugby for Saracens and he has made such a difference to his strength, speed and fitness.  If you want to get or keep fit then you should meet Howard.

He’s also a top bloke and thoroughly entertaining.

Since I went ‘mobile’ in August last year, I’ve got into a very bad habit of not drinking enough water. Why? Simply because I haven’t been planning ahead and remembering to pack my two-litre water bottle. Pathetic excuse, I know, but it’s the truth. Strangely enough, I did start to notice certain changes with how I felt and how I looked. I felt sluggish and needed more and longer naps each day. I was getting a tad ‘thicker’ around the waistline (YIKES!! and just before Chrimbo and New Year!?!?). Plus, my performance started to suffer and I felt as though there was less ‘in the tank.’
So, why is water so important. Here we go:-
It makes up about two thirds of our adult bodies so it makes sense that water is important to our health and wellbeing. Studies seem to suggest that drinking more water may improve weight loss, as more diluted blood causes more fat release from fat cells (lipolysis).
Bottom line is to try to make sure that your urine is pale yellow throughout the day. Aim to drink more water, herbal and fruit teas and try to avoid those dreadful fizzy drinks; they are full of artificial sweeteners which can stimulate appetite. If weight loss is your goal, avoid fruit juices as well as white wine, beer and cider, due to their high carohydrate content.

But also, Howard is excellent at buiding a programme around what you think you need, and what he knows you need, so I never feel bullied into doing things but, at the same time, I do activities I wouldn’t choose to do if I were on my own. (I mean, who actually likes ‘walking lunges!?).

For me, personal training with Howard is time efficient and and cost efficient (much better results gained more quickly than going to the gym) but, most of all, Howard makes it far more enjoyable than it really should be. We always seem to have time for a laugh as the sweat pours down my face!