The Ultimate Goal Setting Plan

Goal Setting is a skill that when employed effectively, can not only put you on the right track, but to keep you super motivated for weeks, months and years to come!  This is an article to help you work through the process of setting and appropriate goals that will give you the best chance of success.

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Understanding cholesterol: evolving insights into heart health

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance in the blood that’s essential for building cells and producing hormones. However, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often labeled “bad” cholesterol, have long been linked to increased heart disease risk. Traditionally, managing cholesterol focused on lowering LDL through medication and dietary restrictions. However, research over the past decade has transformed this understanding, bringing balance to the conversation about heart health.

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Nutrition to support your movement

Let’s get back to basics! Let's not complicate and 'over-science' this thing! Simply stick to these three basic principles to help nourish your body so it moves well, recovers well, and minimises our chances of injury!

FUEL - providing the body with food to enhance stamina, strength & clarity.
HYDRATE - preventing dehydration & fatigue, whilst optimising muscle performance
RECOVER - to aid recovery after exercising

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Riding the sugar rollercoaster: how blood sugar swings sabotage your mood

The "sugar roller coaster" refers to the fluctuations in blood glucose levels that occur after consuming high-sugar foods. When a person ingests simple sugars, these are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a swift rise in blood glucose. This triggers the pancreas to release insulin, a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose. The surge in insulin often leads to a rapid decrease in blood glucose levels, resulting in a phenomenon known as reactive hypoglycemia.

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Boost your mood: 5 simple tips to get moving & feel great!

Exercise has a powerful emotional impact, often leading to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and greater resilience to stress. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, the brain’s "feel-good" chemicals, which can boost happiness and reduce perceptions of pain. Regular exercise also enhances self-esteem, improves sleep, and reduces symptoms of depression, creating a positive feedback loop that encourages emotional well-being. Here are 5 top tips to help you get moving more!

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Harvesting the power of a positive mindset

Setting a positive mindset is essential for personal growth and success. A powerful concept in this realm is the growth mindset, introduced by psychologist Carol Dweck. Individuals with a growth mindset believe that their abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.

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The power of caffeine

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks on earth, with around 95 million cups consumed every day in the UK alone. It should come as no surprise then that it's also one of the most studied, with 8,420 reports published in the last decade alone.

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What exactly is stress and why is it a problem?

Stress is a natural response that our bodies experience when confronted with challenges or demands. It triggers a complex physiological reaction widely known as the "fight or flight" response, involving the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Although short-term stress can aid in dealing with immediate threats, which is great if you are being chased by a lion, chronic or excessive stress can profoundly impact both our physical and mental well-being.

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Using Strength Training to Protect Your Heart

Did you know that strength training can protect you against cardiovascular (heart and circulatory) diseases, such as heart attack and stroke? According to the World Health Organisation, cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attack and stroke) are the leading cause of death globally, yet a few lifestyle changes can make all the difference for so many of us.

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