A few posts ago we looked at a complex exercise using the Powerbag. The Powerbag is a very effective and versatile piece of kit but for many people it may not be readily available to them. This post looks at a complex exercise using dumbbells, which are found in most health clubs and are very [...]
As we head into the last 3 weeks of the beach body plan it’s time to turn your body into a fat burning machine with some high intensity circuit training. Circuit training combines resistance exercises alongside high intensity aerobic work. This means you will be keeping you heart rate elevated throughout the session so even [...]
When it comes to warming up most people will spend a few minutes doing some type of cardio exercise followed by a few static stretches. This post will look at dynamic stretching often referred to as functional flexibility as a way of warming up the body before exercise.
Dynamic stretching uses the force production of a [...]
This kettlebell workout is nice and short (but far from easy!) and can be completed in around 20 minutes. The workout is ideal for those who want to focus on their muscle endurance and stamina. As well as this the workout will burn plenty of calories, as you will be working continuously for 3-5 minutes [...]
This workout uses exercises that target multiple muscle groups in one go to give you a whole body workout in just 6 movements. This is a great resistance programme for anyone who is short of time or wants to burn some body fat as well as toning up, as by working so many muscle groups [...]
This workout mixes resistance exercises with plyometric training to help you improve your strength, speed and power. Plyometric exercises involve your muscles being loaded and then contracted in rapid sequence which can help you to jump higher, run faster, throw further, punch harder etc which is why this type of training is used by many [...]
Here is a challenge that I did at the end of my Saturday morning circuit class. Due to the large numbers who take part the challenge uses minimal kit, so once again all you need is a weight plate (5-10kg) and an exercise mat. 6 exercises make up the challenge with you spending a minute [...]
For this challenge all you need is a weight plate (start off with one that weights 5-10kg) and a bench or step box. The best types of weight plates to use are those with handles (such as the Reebok ones used in studio classes such as Bodypump) since they are easier to grip. The challenge [...]
This challenge as you may have guessed from the name consists of 8 exercises each done for 1 minute. Because it is only 8 minutes long it is great if you are short of time or chuck it in at the start of your workout or even use it to finish a session depending how [...]
Many people head to the gym with the sole aim of increasing their muscle size and strength but fail to reach their goals. This could be down to a number of reasons such as poor nutrition and ineffective training for example. Many people spend hours in the free weights area following programmes that are not [...]
