Posts Tagged ‘Outdoor Fitness’

Missing the Air-Punch Gene

November 28th, 2009

Have you ever seen ITV’s The Biggest Loser? I was reminded the other day of this competitive weightloss programme when one of the show’s fitness trainers jogged past me in Regent’s Park. I watched an episode online, interested to see how my television counterparts worked with weightloss clients.

Fitness Mantra, faster-faster

Their approach to client management is different to mine. One trainer yelled “No Pain!  No Pain!  No Pain!” to an individual who was clearly in pain. Another shouted insistently that her client should “Go! Go! Go!” as the man wheezed on his exercise bike. » Read more: Missing the Air-Punch Gene

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Posted in Bootcamps, Outdoor Fitness

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Regent’s Canal Fitness: London’s Hidden Outdoor Gym

November 21st, 2009

The towpaths that run along London’s canals and waterways are  unusual fitness venues for outdoor exercise, but one of my favourite choices.  I think the area is an overlooked opportunity for people wanting to get outside to improve their fitness, seeking a change from the enclosed atmosphere of a mainstream gym.

Running alongside Regent's Canal

Running alongside Regent's Canal

The stretch of the Regent’s Canal between Little Venice and King’s Cross is where I take my clients. We start with a walk or a run, then work on whole body conditioning using simple tools that I always carry in my rucksack: » Read more: Regent’s Canal Fitness: London’s Hidden Outdoor Gym

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Posted in Outdoor Fitness

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Fitness Over 50

November 6th, 2009
Fitness Over 50 Through Exercise Outdoors

Fitness Over 50 Through Exercise Outdoors

I have to admit, I was worried. Last week, a client of mine expressed interest in trying out British Military Fitness’ fitness assessment (an adapted version of the British Army’s standardized fitness test, grading candidates on speed and endurance in a number of challenging categories). » Read more: Fitness Over 50

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Posted in Fitness Over 50, Outdoor Fitness

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Gym in a Rucksack

October 9th, 2009

In December 2007, I was training clients at a Central London gym. As the staff gathered for a bit of Christmas cheer, munching on our turkey-flavoured rice cakes, we were informed that the building had been sold and the gym would be closing down.

Gym in a Rucksack - a commuter carrying a gym on her back, Primrose Hill

Gym in a Rucksack - a commuter carrying a green gym

I realised that as my clients would scatter and disperse to a variety of other gyms, I was going to lose a lot of business.

Over Christmas, I had some hard thinking to do. The answer came in a present from my girlfriend: the Gymboss, a clever split-interval timer » Read more: Gym in a Rucksack

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Posted in Outdoor Fitness

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Outdoor Fitness Training in the Rain

September 27th, 2009
Outdoor Map of Primrose Hill, covered in raindrops

Outdoor Map of Primrose Hill, covered in raindrops

A threatening cloud hung in the sky, as I started my client’s fitness training session in Regent’s Park, last week.   Although my client is keen on exercising outdoors and not averse to a spot of rain, we relocated under a tree as the first drops began to fall.  I adapted the session, concentrating on upper-body work to keep her off the wet ground.  The rain fell harder.  » Read more: Outdoor Fitness Training in the Rain

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Posted in Outdoor Fitness

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