Hamstring stretching
Everybody hates them. Everybody feels theirs could be more flexible. Everybody is probably right unfortunately! The hamstring muscles are notorious for being tight, because of their location crossing both the hip and knee joints. In order to fully stretch them you must have the hip and knee fully extended, and hold your stretch! This is […]
Pilates for Runners
Pilates can make a huge contribution to running. A lot of runners do what they do best- they run and run and run! But running needs more than this. Running needs a stable foundation to support you and to propel the legs step after step. Pilates gives you the strong core for this foundation and […]
The plank challenge!
It’s been a while since I posted a Friday challenge! Here is The Plank challenge! This is such a simple, whole body exercise that challenges your core to the very end, but it also requires strong upper body support and stable legs to hold you long. The mental challenge of how long you can hold it […]
Stretches for the upper body
Stretching is so important for easing tight muscles and sore spots, and the upper body is especially prone to this because we spend so much of the day sitting, crouched forwards, and yes slouching too! Even if you have good posture, most activities and sports all involve rounding the shoulders and leaning forwards- all the […]
Stretches for the lower back and hips
Day-to-day everyone (or most of us!) comment at some point about a sore lower back, a back stiffness or a hip stiffness, or just being generally stiff! We need to regularly stretch our body and constantly change these positions. If you spend all day sitting, or even just in one similar position for too long […]
Motivating Mindset and The Pilates 100 (free workout!)
There are some days where we just don’t feel like going for that run or going to your fitness session, or maybe you don’t go at all? But when you complete your workout when have you ever said “well that was a bad idea”- Never! This lack of motivation is all in the mindset. Having […]
Friday Fun- Pilates challenge
Another Pilates motivator for the weekend! Do you do more exercise or less at the weekend? This weekend whichever option you choose, try to include a few minutes of Pilates! A few minutes is all it takes to engage the core, re-align the body and create strength. Daily practise is where you will find the […]
Pre-run preparation
This morning was an amazing run. I ran a regular running route that I do but the sun was out, I was on a long weekend off work and just relaxed and at peace. It’s amazing how your mood pre-run can influence the actual run. How do you prepare for your run? Today I just got […]
Friday Fun! Stay strong!
It’s finally Friday again! And I really have a Friday feeling this week! Lots of plans to get out on my bike and get running after a few weeks being busy away with work. Cardio is important, especially as I am hoping to start training for my first duathlon, BUT strength training is just as […]
Staying on track
With the long summer nights finally upon us- are you making the most of it? Last week I wrote about the importance of cross-training and how our weekly exercise should include elements of cardiovascular work, strength training, core and flexibility. That’s a lot to fit in to one week! And this applies to everyone, whether […]
