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Blog

21

Feb'18

Getting the most out of Advanced Training Techniques

Popular strength training and resistance exercise is packed with examples of “advanced training techniques”. This is largely due to performance variations of exercises being limited only by imagination. It is however reasonable to query whether or not these techniques stimulate any more in the way of positive physical results beyond normal resistance training. By normal resistance training, I mean exercise that incorporates appropriate movements taken to momentary muscular failure (MMF). As for a definition of MMF, I like the combination of these two: …when trainees reach the point where despite attempting to do so they cannot complete the concentric portion …

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12

Feb'18

Optimal Protein Intake for Strength and Size

The New York Times reported yesterday on an interesting research paper published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine1. This meta-analysis looked at the effects of protein supplementation on muscle mass and strength increases in individuals engaged in a resistance training program.   Does supplementing with protein provide additional benefits over resistance training alone? The research highlights the likelihood that the current RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for protein is inadequate if you are resistance training to build muscle and get stronger. The authors also suggest that increased protein intake whilst engaging in resistance training is particularly important for those over …

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22

Jan'18

Staying strong during flu season

News outlets are reporting that this season’s flu infection rates are now at epidemic levels in the US and will be within the next week in the UK too. It seems a good time to highlight what you can do to best protect yourself from infection, what to do if you do get sick and what this means for your workouts. Whilst the common cold and influenza are both forms of virus with some similar symptoms, influenza or flu is undoubtedly worse: with the likelihood of fever, body aches and exhaustion. This year it is the Influenza-A/H3N2 virus causing the …

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22

Dec'17

Genetics, DNA fitness and personal genetic tests: what’s possible?

In recent years there has been a growing number of companies offering DNA tests to consumers, some specifically focusing on the fitness impact of certain genes. The marketing hyperbole suggests that the purchaser will, with the results of their swab test, be able to tailor their workout routine specifically to their DNA for superior physical results. Frankly, I was ready to start writing this article completely dismissing the value of direct to consumer DNA testing for fitness and exercise prescription as it stands today. Researching the article got to me though. It is an intellectually exciting topic and too intriguing …

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18

Dec'17

What makes people buy into your HIT Personal Training business?

Whether you are a personal trainer, a gym facility or even a franchise model owner you are in the business of successfully selling your service. I will take it as given that you are passionate about HIT and understand the valuable impact your service will have in improving the lives of your clients. To be able to get your message across to prospective clients requires more than just your passion for HIT. To be able to sell HIT, you firstly need to understand the drivers that cause clients to seek out a service like yours. What underlying internal motivations or …

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08

Dec'17

How much do you lift? A guide to selecting the right weight

If you are just beginning HIT, one of the practical questions you are most likely looking to answer is How much weight should I use? Keen to get started with the intensity aspect and enthusiastic to lift as much as possible, many new HITers end up short changing themselves. Focusing foremost on intensity at the very outset of the journey and equating high loads with intensity is double trouble and a case of putting the cart before the horse. Or dangerous and inefficient, up goes the likelihood of injury along with a side order of dilution of the stimulus. It …

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27

Nov'17

High Intensity Training with Resistance Bands

In this post, I want to look at resistance bands: how useful are they, who can benefit from them, and can be used for HIT? Outside of simple equipment such as chin bars and push up handles, another piece of home exercise kit that people tend to consider for strength training are resistance bands. The idea of resistance bands is appealing: a potential gym’s worth of exercises promised in a portable pouch the size of a typical handbag. What’s not to like?   Watch Simon explain three key points about resistance bands   Different types of resistance band Resistance bands …

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16

Nov'17

Are you a great personal trainer? Take our quiz

The following quiz will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses as a personal trainer. You will find out which are your natural traits and talents and hopefully the results will serve as a framework for you to improve.

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16

Nov'17

Characteristics and soft skills of a personal trainer – what type are you?

This week, I want to delve into an important yet often overlooked aspect of personal training- personality traits, talents and the soft skills. It is essential for a personal trainer to have their core knowledge and competencies; from anatomy and physiology, through to the ability to tailor aspects of the exercise protocol to the individual in front of you. However, this is only a part of the reason you will attract and keep clients. Your ability to interact with clients and potential clients will play a greater role in the long-term success of your business than expensive equipment and your …

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08

Nov'17

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to High Intensity Resistance Training (HIT): Adapting the protocol to your circumstances and needs (part 4)

In this fourth and final part of the Complete Beginner’s Guide to HIT, I am going to cover some final points and address the circumstances in which adaptations or tweaks may need to be made to the protocol I have outlined in the preceding posts. Understanding the circumstances in which changes may be required or of benefit will help you to get the most out of HIT.

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