Author Archives: Leanne Rose

December 16, 2024

FITNESS TREND PREDICTIONS FOR 2025.

Fitness trends for 2025 are set to reflect on-going innovations in technology, shifts towards holistic well-being, and the evolving needs of diverse populations.

  1. Technology and AI Integration: The use of AI and advanced technology in fitness will continue to grow, with smart wearables and apps providing real-time data on performance, sleep, and nutrition. These tools will increasingly use AI to offer personalized training plans and health insights.
  2. Hybrid Fitness Models: The blending of in-person and digital fitness experiences will become more prominent. Many people will continue to use home workouts and digital fitness platforms alongside traditional gym memberships, valuing the flexibility and variety this approach offers.
  3. Mind-Body Practices: Practices that emphasise the connection between mental and physical health, such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork, will gain more popularity. This reflects a broader trend towards holistic health and wellness, addressing both physical and mental well-being.
  4. Focus on Recovery and Mobility: There will be an increased emphasis on recovery techniques like foam rolling, massage guns, and restorative yoga. Mobility training, aimed at improving joint range of motion and overall movement efficiency, will also become more widespread.
  5. Inclusive Fitness: The fitness industry will place greater emphasis on inclusivity, catering to older adults and beginners with more accessible, joyful, and functional exercise options. This shift responds to the demographic changes and the need for fitness routines that are less intense and more welcoming for all ages and abilities.
  6. Sustainable and Outdoor Fitness: Exercising in nature will continue to be a popular trend, with activities like forest bathing, outdoor boot camps, and adventure sports gaining traction. This aligns with the growing awareness of the benefits of being in nature for both physical and mental health.
  7. Metabolic and Functional Training: There will be a focus on training methods that enhance metabolic function and prepare individuals for real-world activities. This includes metabolic training to boost calorie burn and endurance, as well as functional fitness that builds overall strength and resilience.
  8. Mental Health and Male Body Positivity: The fitness industry is expected to address issues related to male body image and muscle dysmorphia. There will be more support for body positivity among men and a shift away from promoting unrealistic body standards.

Overall, these trends indicate a movement towards more personalised, inclusive, and holistic approaches to fitness, leveraging technology while also emphasising mental well-being and sustainable practices.

November 11, 2024

WHY OPT FOR A PERSONAL TRAINER?

Personal trainers play a crucial role in motivating clients to achieve their fitness goals. One key method is through personalised encouragement. By understanding each client’s unique motivations, trainers can tailor their approach, providing positive reinforcement that resonates on an individual level. This could involve celebrating small milestones, which boosts confidence and fosters a sense of accomplishment.

Setting realistic and attainable goals is another effective strategy. Personal trainers can break down larger objectives into manageable steps, making progress feel more achievable and less overwhelming. This approach helps clients stay focused and motivated as they can see tangible results over time.

Personal trainers can also vary workouts to keep the experience engaging and fun. Routine changes prevent monotony and can reignite a client’s enthusiasm for their fitness journey. This variety not only keeps clients interested but also challenges different muscle groups, leading to more comprehensive fitness improvements.

Creating a supportive and positive environment is essential. Trainers who build a rapport and establish trust with their clients can provide emotional support, making the fitness journey less daunting. This connection encourages clients to push through difficult times, knowing they have a dedicated partner in their corner.

Lastly, personal trainers can educate clients on the benefits of their workouts, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the process. Knowledge empowers clients, making them more likely to stay committed to their fitness routines.

October 7, 2024

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF YIN YOGA?

Yin yoga is a slow-paced practice focusing on deep stretches and meditation, offering numerous benefits for both the body and mind. One of the primary advantages is it’s ability to enhance flexibility and joint mobility. By holding poses for extended periods, typically three to five minutes, yin yoga targets the connective tissues—ligaments, tendons, and fascia—promoting greater elasticity and range of motion.

In addition, yin yoga supports stress relief and mental clarity. The meditative nature of the practice encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection to the present moment, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm. This mental stillness can lead to improved focus and emotional balance in daily life.

Yin yoga also complements more dynamic forms of exercise. While activities like running or weightlifting primarily engage the muscles, yin yoga works on the deeper tissues, aiding in recovery and injury prevention. The long holds help release tension stored in the body which can enhance overall performance in more vigorous physical activities.

Lastly, yin yoga can improve circulation and energy flow. By stimulating the meridian pathways in the body, it aligns with principles of traditional Chinese medicine, potentially enhancing organ health and vitality. Overall, yin yoga offers a holistic approach to wellness, benefiting both the physical and mental aspects of health.

August 12, 2024

FITNESS TRENDS FOR SUMMER 2024.

  • Hybrid Fitness Classes: Combining modalities like yoga with strength training or Pilates with HIIT for a comprehensive wellness approach.
  • Wearable Technology: Smartwatches and fitness trackers providing real-time data to personalise and monitor workouts.
  • Virtual Fitness Platforms: Offering on-demand classes and training programmes accessible from home for flexible workout routines.
  • Functional Fitness: Exercises mimicking everyday movements to improve overall strength, balance, and coordination, reducing injury risks.
  • Mind-Body Exercises: Practices like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and tai chi promoting mental health, relaxation, and stress relief.
  • Sustainable Fitness Practices: Eco-friendly gyms and outdoor workouts connecting individuals with nature, emphasising environmental consciousness alongside physical health.
July 8, 2024

WHAT ARE THE BEST FOODS TO EAT TO PREVENT US FROM FEELING LETHARGIC?

Protein is fantastic for blood sugar control – make sure you have it with every meal. Don’t forget your protein at breakfast; eat something like an egg, yogurt or lean meat (or plant-based protein such as nut butter and chia seed overnight oats).

The same goes for your lunches or your dinners which are your main meals; have some good protein and some vegetables.

The mid-afternoon snack is really important too – avoid over-processed, sugary snacks. Adding foods containing B vitamins for energy will also help. Some of the best sources for this can be found in grains, rye bread and nuts.

June 10, 2024

KEEP IT SWEET.

Thought strawberries were just for Wimbledon season? Think again. New findings have revealed that these little red gems could be a soother for menopause symptoms, making them a handy addition all year round.

Packed full of vitamin C and high in phytoestrogens, the small yet mighty fruit has been shown to reduce unpleasant hot flushes and control blood pressure when consumed regularly.

Got 10 minutes to spare? Try making this strawberry quinoa salad, you’ll need:

For the salad:
a handful of spinach
90g quinoa
4 large strawberries, sliced
2 tbsp almonds
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
½ avocado, sliced

For the dressing:
6 large strawberries
I tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp white balsamic or apple cider vinegar

Cook the quinoa according to the packet instructions. Blend the dressing ingredients in a blender until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the quinoa is cooked, drain it and add to a bowl with the other ingredients. Drizzle with the dressing and enjoy!

May 13, 2024

THE POSITIVE POWER OF PLANTS.

Did you know that houseplants can reduce stress, boost our mood, increase productivity and improve oxygen levels in a room?

And that’s not all… looking after our plants generally makes us feel good, giving us a sense of purpose and joy when we see them thrive.

The more houseplants you have, the more air-purifying benefits thay may bring. Plus potting soil is full of microbes which could increase your serotonin levels helping to make you feel more relaxed and happy.

Try easy-to-grow, good-value varieties, such as Boston ferns, and enjoy the positive effects of s leafy living space for yourself.

April 8, 2024

HOME REMEDIES.

Traditional treatments that really work – olive oil massage for arthritis pain.

A 2012 study compared olive oil massage to the use of Piroxicam gel (an anti-inflammatory painkiller) in 58 people with osteoarthritis of the knee – and found threefold greater reduction in pain in the olive oil group after four weeks.

Olive oil contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that can penetrate the skin. This, plus the action of massage, can help improve circulation and affect the pressure nerves involved with pain.

March 11, 2024

WHAT STRENGTHENING EXERCISES CAN I DO?

Strength training uses weight to build muscle tone that supports the joints. Whether you choose to work out at home or a gym, pay attention to technique.

Working out in front of a mirror can help. Try to commit to exercise at least three times a week. You can mix it up, though. It doesn’t all have to be weights-related.

There’s been a misconception that impact sports like running can weaken joints. However, they can have their place. Running, being a high impact, weight bearing exercise, helps maintain lower body and pelvic bone strength. It also helps keep the tendons and ligaments healthy by putting load through them, which in turn makes them stronger.

Sports like swimming, exercise classes, water aerobics, Pilates- based exercise, even off-road walking, are all low impact but contribute towards strengthening and mobility.

Other valuable activities include golf (for walking and shoulder joint strengthening), paddle boarding (core and shoulder strengthening), swimming (a great all-rounder) and cycling (knee strengthening).

February 12, 2024

HOW CAN STRENGTHENING HELP JOINTS?

Strengthening all the muscle groups, but particularly those surrounding joints, is really important. Our muscles support the joint and effectively hold it in place. If they’re weak then the joint can become unstable and this in turn can increase the risk of arthritis, as well as making movements stiffer.

A review of studies found muscle strengthening activities are associated with lower risk and mortality of major diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and lung cancer.

Recent studies show that omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce joint inflammation, too. These are found in many foods such as oily fish, nuts, seeds and plant oils. So it’s also worth paying attention to diet. Aim for unprocessed foods as much as possible.