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If you have ever performed a bench press, you will know how simple and effective this exercise is for developing the strength and size of the pectoral muscles. What you won’t perhaps appreciate is how devastating this and similar exercises are to the function of the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint. Shoulder impingement syndrome, sometimes called ‘swimmers shoulder’ is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and results in a clicking, grinding and crunching feeling within the glenohumeral joint. These symptoms are created when the ‘rotator cuff’ muscles, which hold the ball of the humerus (upper arm) into the socket of the scapula (shoulder blade) becomes weakened and inflamed, allowing unwanted movement to occur within the shoulder complex.... more info

In the early 20th Century, a dentist by the name of Weston Price began expeditions around the world in an attempt to find the link between the foods we eat and chronic diseases. During his travels, Price noted that people throughout the world were able to eat seemingly opposite diets and yet live long and healthy lives. He also noted that in populations that consumed as much of 70% of their daily energy from sources of fat, the presence of heart disease, cancers and other serious conditions afflicting the western world were unheard of. The work of Price was continued in later years by other medical professionals and concluded with the belief that the way in which people’s metabolism functioned was different, especially with respect to the nervous system and the rate at which food is converted into energy –these factors were:   The ‘autonomic nervous system’ is concerned with controlling the sub-conscious functions of the body like heart rate, digestion and to some extent breathing.... more info

Stability, the opposite of flexibility, describes the state of being rigid and stable; too much flexibility renders a joint unstable whilst too much stability increases the risk of tissue strains and tears. In relation to kinesiology and exercise, the degree of stability explains one’s ability to be able to resist and oppose external forces and movement. The core is the most important stabilising mechanism in the body- not only does it protect the organs but it also provides a solid foundation from which the arms and legs move from.   What is the Core?If we were to remove the arms and legs, we would be left with the trunk- the core describes all of the muscles that are involved in the stabilisation of the trunk; thus ‘core stability’ refers to one’s ability to recruit these muscles in their capacity as stabilisers (usually called fixators).... more info

Self myofacial release is a technique typically used to increase the flexibility of muscles that have become tight or hypotonic. Occasionally referred to as ‘self myofacial therapy’ (SMT) or simply ‘foam rolling’, this technique primarily focuses on the pliability of the muscle’s connective tissues and the neuromuscular aspects of flexibility. As a result of regular and daily use, tiny knots or ‘adhesions’ form within the muscle which impede the muscle’s flexibility and create tender points along the length of the muscle fibres. These adhesions form within the muscle during the repair and recovery process; primarily made from ‘scar tissue’, adhesions are inelastic and therefore make the muscle less flexible.... more info

A career as a Personal Trainer is one of great privilege, reward and immense satisfaction but its not all glitz and glamour. Achieving the qualifications is the easy part, the hard work starts once you are qualified. Ask most people what they think of Personal Trainers and it doesn’t take a great deal of imagination to anticipate their response! The modern day Personal Trainer has to overcome these old stereotypes and set a new standard, one that conveys an image of professionalism, passion, enthusiasm, care and competency. Prospective clients need assurance and confidence that their Personal Trainer can meet their needs and solve their problems. All great businesses have the same thing in common; they are the solution to people’s problems and Personal Training is no different.... more info