Planktastic!

The plank is one of our favourite exercises at HA fitness. Not only is it great for developing core strength, but it's also an excellent multitasking exercise, working your arms, shoulders, bum and legs. It can be done virtually anywhere, and there's no need for gimicky machines or fancy equipment. All you require is a bit of floor space, and you’re ready to go.

Here are a few tips on how to get it right:

The Modified Version For Beginners

The modified plank is a great way to build up to the full plank position. Start by balancing on your forearms and tops of your knees. Keep your body in a straight line from the crown of your head to your knees. Engage your abs by pulling in your tummy muscles.

If you’re a beginner, you might find it challenging enough just to hold this position. That's fine, just keep practising until you can hold it for 1 minute. Then you're ready to progress onto the real thing.

The Full Plank

Start as above, and then lift the knees off the floor resting just on your forearms and the balls of your feet. Look down towards the floor, and keep your feet hip-distance apart. Focus on pulling in your abdominal muscles while you hold the position. Don’t forget to breath!

If you feel a strain in your back, you’re either out of alignment or exhausted (or possibly both!). Either adjust your positioning or drop to the floor and rest.

Position is Paramount – No Arching or Sagging!

The plank is a simple exercise, but must be done right to be effective. If you’re out of alignment, you’ll either be making things too easy or could do yourself some serious damage. So whether you’re new to the plank or an old hand at it, it’s always beneficial to get someone to check your position.

Keep your back, hips and legs straight and tense your abdominal muscles. Don’t allow your hips to sag towards the floor, as this could lead to back problems, ultimately defeating the purpose of the exercise.

Also avoid sticking your bum in the air. This takes the challenge away from your core area, and really doesn’t look good!

In order for this exercise to be effective, you need to maintain a plank-like alignment, keeping as still as possible - although a certain amount of shaking is permitted.

If you reach the point where you can’t hold the position, or your back starts to hurt, then it’s time to drop to the floor and rest.  It’s far better to hold a plank with good alignment for a short period of time, rather than holding a bad position for longer. As you progress, increase the duration of your hold.

Get Your Legs Involved

With your weight balanced evenly on the balls of both feet, push through your heels to work your legs and make your position stronger.

Straight Arms or Forearms?

There’s not a great deal of difference. The straight arm position works the shoulders and wrists more, whereas being on your forearms increases the intensity in the abs.

How It Works:

When you’re holding the plank position, gravity and the weight of your body will pull your middle towards the floor. You basically need to use your abs to hold the position still, and prevent an ungraceful belly-flop to the ground.

Put Yourself to the Test

As with all exercises, progression and variety are key to challenging your body, getting the most out of your workouts and keeping things interesting.

Start off by recording how long you can hold the position for. You should see an improvement over a couple of weeks.

Plank Progressions

Think the plank position is easy? If you’re not collapsing in a trembling mess on the floor after holding the plank (with good alignment!) for 1 minute, then you’re ready to attempt the more advanced stuff.

First hold the plank position for 1 minute, and then try out one or more of these variations:

1)    Lift 1 leg off the floor for 10 secs, repeat on other side
2)    Lift 1 arm off the floor for 10 secs, repeat on other side
3)    Lift 1 leg up and out to the side for 10 secs, repeat on other side
4)    Lift 1 arm up and out to the side for 10 secs, repeat on other side
5)    Lift 1 arm and the opposite leg off the ground for 10 secs (make sure you keep the body level!), repeat on other side

When lifting your legs and arms off the floor avoid arching your back. Keep your pelvis level. You should feel your bum and shoulders working rather than a straining your back.

For something more dynamic, try the following moves:

1)    Military plank: Start with straight arms, then lower yourself down, one arm at a time, onto your forearms/elbows. Then push back up to the starting position (straight arms), one arm at a time. Repeat 10 times then change your leading arm.
2)    Plank walking: Get into the straight-armed plank position and, whilst maintaining good form, lift one arm at a time off the floor and slap your side. See how many slaps you can do, but avoid rocking the body from side to side.

Other variations include:

1)    Side plank and reverse plank
2)    Having the feet or arms on a gym ball or wobble board (or both!)
3)    Walking up and down a step with the arms
4)    Whilst holding the plank position for 1 minute, do a press up every 10 secs

You can create endless plank sequences to make your core workout more interesting. So get a watch, get down on the floor and give it a go!

Heather

Warning
Seek advice before performing these exercises, especially if you have any back, neck or abdominal issues, are suffering from any type of injury, are pregnant or have just given birth, or have high blood pressure or a heart condition.

No Pain No Gain?

We've all heard the saying ‘no pain no gain’, but is this really a good motto to follow where your training regime is concerned? Kate Dorward, Personal Trainer at HA fitness advises on when it’s time to take notice of your aches and pains, and how to prevent them becoming a more serious problem that could jeopardise all the hard work you’ve put in to get fit.

When Is Discomfort Normal?

Most of us will have experienced some muscle soreness a day or two after a training session. This is perfectly normal and can give you a sense of satisfaction, knowing you've done a good workout. Known as DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Stiffness), not only is it OK to do a little light exercise, it’s actually a good idea to get the blood flowing to the sore areas as the oxygen and nutrients in the blood will help heal the affected muscles and relieve the symptoms.

And When It’s Not...

But what if your symptoms are more severe? Remember, pain is your body’s way of telling you that something isn't right, so it’s important to listen. It’s better to rest up for a couple of days than to risk an injury, which could force you to stop for an indefinite period.

Never push through the pain hoping that it'll go away. You’ll do more harm than good. Definitely never take pain killers to mask the pain, just so you can continue with a workout. It could lay you up for weeks with a much more serious injury.

If your symptoms arrive quickly and then wear off, then it could be a temporary glitch like cramp or a muscle spasm.  Provided you have no further problems, then it’s OK to keep exercising with some caution.

If the aches and pains don’t abate, or cause a sharp intake of breath when you move in a specific way, then it’s vital not to ignore the message, as something more serious is going on. Cease training the painful area immediately, and once you’ve cooled down and stretched, head home to rest.

If things don’t improve by the next day, then seek a medical opinion. It may turn out to be minor, but it’s worth knowing what you’re dealing with; either to clear your mind or to put you on the fastest possible road to recovery.

Can I Exercise With An Injury?

Exercise is often an integral part of rehabilitation as you’ll need to strengthen the weakened/injured area to improve it. Provided your doctor has cleared you to exercise, then you should be able to keep fit, even if it means some changes to your usual workout.

Speak to your trainer who can suggest alternative exercises to keep you on track whilst you rehabilitate. For example, if you have back or knee problems, then power walking or swimming can be low-impact yet fat-burning alternaltives to running*. For those with shoulder injuries, whilst over the head excercises are a no no, there are still plenty of exercises which can help rehabilitation whilst sculpting the upper body*.

Injury-Proof Your Workout - 10 Golden Rules

Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so follow these 10 Golden Rules for the safest possible exercise programme:

1. Always warm up and stretch before exercising and NEVER skip the stretches at the end
2. Build rest days into your weekly programme to give your muscles time to rest and repair
3. If training on consecutive days, focus your weights and toning on different body parts on each day, e.g. training the arms one day and the legs the next so you don’t overstress or over-train individual body parts
4. Always work within your limits - push yourself but be realistic. It’s OK to be tired but not to be in pain
5. If hurt, always get a proper diagnosis from a doctor or physiotherapist, and relay all details to your instructor to ensure everyone is working together for your safely
6. Always chat to your trainer about injuries or concerns, old or new ones. Your trainer can then tailor your workout accordingly
7. If an exercise is painful (not just tiring/difficult!) always stop. Get your instructor to assess your technique and posture, and if the if the exercise is still uncomfortable they should suggest an alternative
8. Build up slowly. Increase your exercise intensity by no more than 10% each week to challenge, but not overstress your body
9. Develop your core strength. A strong inner unit and good posture are vital in injury prevention
10. Remember to do your physio exercises...simple as it sounds most patients who see a physio don’t follow their rehabilitation exercises diligently, and all too often old niggles will resurface!

Stay injury free,
Kate

*NB each case needs individual assessment

Weight Matters

Beware Of That Torturous Device Lurking In A Corner of Your Bathroom

Do you own a set of dusty, antiquated bathroom scales with a simple needle and dial that allows for a certain amount of optimistic user error? Or maybe you’ve invested in a bells and whistles body composition monitor, complete with WiFi that sends your precise measurements directly to an app on your iphone? Whatever the level of technology, you’re more than likely to have some sort of weight measuring machine tucked away somewhere.

However, no matter how much money you’ve spent on them, bathroom scales are often fickle contraptions that can leave you feeling either deeply offended or over-the-moon, depending on the numbers that they reveal. If this sounds all too familiar, then beware, those numbers are often paint a confusing picture.

The Naked Truth

Surprisingly, when most people glumly stare down at the scales, they don’t account for the actual weight of any food or drink that they’ve recently devoured. It sounds obvious, but the heaviness of whatever you’ve consumed will be included in your recorded weight, as if you were holding it all in your hands, until you eventually excrete it from your body. The same goes for any clothes that you’re wearing.

For women, different times of the month can make you feel bloated and your jeans more of a struggle to do up, even if you have been angelic with your food and exercise regime over the previous few weeks. The best way to manage this is to acknowledge the fact that you may go up and down 3 to 4 pounds throughout your cycle. Learn what your personal levels of fluctuation are over time, and stay positive, as commiserating with chocolate every month certainly won’t help the cause!

Free Yourself From The Daily Insults

If you’re one of those people who regimentally jumps on the scales every morning, then you’re likely to set yourself up for failure at least once a week.

However, just because you’ve put a pound on in the last 24 hours, it doesn’t mean that your weight loss programme is a complete disaster and that you should wave the white flag, giving it all up for a large slice of cake. It’s just a natural blip, and, as your weight goes up and down all the time, you should be back on track in a day or so.

It’s more sensible, however, to weigh yourself on a weekly basis. Plot this figure on a graph, so that you can smooth out any fluctuations, and then look at your monthly moving average. You could also print the graph off and stick it on your fridge to keep you focused. It might all sound a bit nerdy, but at least you’ll be a healthy and slim-looking nerd!

As a guide for weight loss, you’re looking for a general downward trend of 1 to 2 pounds per week. Anymore than this, and you’re likely to be losing muscle mass, and will probably put all of it back on again. Any less than this, and you could possibly be trying a bit harder!

A Balancing Act

The easiest way to do an accurate weigh-in is to get yourself on the scales first thing in the morning, in your birthday suit, before breakfast and after you’ve been to the toilet.

When planning your weigh-ins, it’s worth noting that mid-week assessments will typically give you more favourable results than on a Monday morning after an excessive weekend!

If you’re also measuring body composition (the percentage of body fat, muscle and water), you’re likely to be de-hydrated first thing in the morning, which will affect your readings. Although your actual amount of body fat will not change throughout the day, your overall body fat percentage will, as your water levels fluctuate. It’s therefore recommended to measure your body fat percentages in the early evening, before dinner, and when your body is fully hydrated. Don’t forget that your hydration levels are also affected by exercise, heat and alcohol (even if you can still read the numbers!).

Body fat levels change slowly over time, and so again, you need to be looking at the long-term trend. If you’re looking to loose weight, you should be aiming to drop around 1% to 2% of body fat each month.

If this all sounds complex, and you switched off a couple of paragraphs ago, the most important thing to remember is consistency. Do your best to duplicate your weigh-in conditions every time. This means the same time of day, what you’ve eaten and drunk, the amount of clothing, whether it’s pre or post work-out etc. Remember, the harder you train and the healthier you eat, the better the results.

Don’t Be a Slave to The Numbers

If you’re watching your weight, but are now put off by using bathroom scales, then there is another way. 

My personal preference is how my clothes are fitting, my level of fitness, how much energy I have and how healthy, strong and lean I feel. Your own perceptions can be the most valuable tools to help you track your weight. A full-length mirror and trustworthy friends are also good sources of information!

If you prefer something more mathematical, you can also take body measurements with a tape measure and body fat callipers. Provided that they are used correctly, preferably by a trained professional, they will give highly accurate readings of your size and body fat. Although, be prepared to be prodded and poked a little!

The Bottom Line

Scales are useful tools for watching and controlling your weight over a period of time, however regular weigh-ins aren’t the only or necessarily best option, and there are many other ways of monitoring your health.

And finally, a word of warning about result fixing techniques, like putting the scales on a slope to achieve a favourable weight, or jumping on and off them as quickly as possible to limit the damage.  It’s called cheating and we’ve seen it all before. If this sounds familiar, do give us a call, as we’ll certainly be able to help put you back on track again!

Heather


Avoid Gaining Excess Baggage This Holiday

If you’ve spent the last few months working hard to get your beach body ready for action, the last thing you want to do is see the pounds pile back on whilst you’re on holiday. Here are a few tips to avoid turning from beach babe to beached whale:

Count Your Cocktail Calories

Depending on how it’s made, a large Pina Colada can contain more calories than a Big Mac (490 calories), so make shrewd choices when you’re checking-out the cocktail list.  Better still, rather than a cocktail, opt for spirits such as vodka, whiskey or gin and have them on the rocks, or with a low calorie mixer, sipped not gulped!

Drink plenty of water to keep you both hydrated and feeling full. Add lemon or lime and ice-cubes to make it more appealing. Never use alcohol to try and quench your thirst, an ice cold beer may taste refreshing, but it won’t do your hydration levels or waistline any good!

Select, Seduce And Stay Slim

Holidays aren’t the time for strict diets, so do allow yourself some treats. Calorific indulgences should, however, be something that you’re really going to enjoy, rather than just a stale bit of sweet bread, so spend time selecting the best treat you can possibly find.

Don’t rush, holidays are all about slowing down and taking it easy. Allow yourself to be seduced by your food, enjoy everything about it including the presentation, aroma, texture and taste. By literally savouring every mouthful, you’ll end up eating far less and enjoy your food a lot more.

Restaurant Rules

In the restaurant, avoid munching on the mountains of free bread that you’re given. Save yourself for your meal, it’ll taste much nicer if you haven't already binged on tastless snacks first. If you’re waiting for a course to come, use the time to re-fresh your palette with some sin-free water.

Try not to have a starter, a pudding and a high calorie alcoholic drink all in one sitting. Opt for one out of the three or just go for the main meal. Remember that a couple of cocktails and a dessert everyday could add half a stone to your waistline by the end of a week!

If you’re on an all-inclusive holiday, keep reminding yourself that just because it’s all paid for, it doesn’t mean you have to eat it all. And don’t take the “all-you-can-eat buffet” idea too literally!

It’s All About Balance

Finally, try to make some healthy choices everyday, but make sure it doesn’t become a chore that ruins your holiday. Make a concerted effort to balance out any extra calories that you take on, by being as active as possible. Plan to swim and walk everyday, and take advantage of any fitness classes that might be going on, or a gym that you could use.  

Enjoy your holiday, have fun and don’t forget to pack your trainers!

Heather

PS. You’ll find some more holiday tips in my 2008 article: Forget Credit, You’re The One Who Should Be Crunching This Summer




Do's And Don’ts Of Holiday Dressing

GUEST BLOGGER, Anita Feron Clark, An Award Winning Personal Stylist, Talks About How To Look Good On Holiday.

Brits Voted 'Worst Dressed On Holiday'

According to a survey by Tripadvisor.co.uk,  "the British have been voted the worst-dressed on holiday". To be fair to our nation, we're not accustomed to long hot summers so our wardrobes aren't geared up for warm weather. We know we need to be cool and comfortable and that often takes priority, but with a little thought and effort we can learn to be more stylish in the sun.

Think Comfort And Style

The body swells in the heat so do choose lightweight, natural fabrics but don't sacrifice style completely for comfort.

Do think about what clothes make you feel good; holidays are for relaxing but also for pampering and feeling good about yourself. Don't get lazy and fall into the 'baggier is better' trap.

Lighter shades and white can look great in sunnier climates, but pastels and beige all over doesn't work for everyone and can wash you out completely. Don't forget to take your good colours with you.

You do need shoes that are appropriate for the heat. If you don't like sand in your toes, wearing socks with your sandals is not the answer! It's either good flip flops or sandals with no socks, but if you really don't like them then get some lightweight plimsoles and wear tennis socks that don't go up the ankle.

What To Look For

Don't assume that everything in your favourite retailer's holiday range will suit you and that you will find your entire holiday wardrobe in one shop.

Do try to plan your outfits and think about items that can be worn from the beach to the bar. For ladies, a stylish below the knee kaftan in a good colour can easily be dressed up with a change of shoes and some accessories.

Don't forget that you need to look good on the beach too, just like all the locals do. Do treat yourself to a couple of good bikinis/costumes/swimming trunks and a few good cover-up pieces such as a sarong, shorts, beach dress etc.

Do take some smarter clothes for the town or going out at night. Ladies, don't forget a bit of a heel, a couple of dresses and some tasteful accessories. Gents, some modern short sleeved shirts and a lightweight jacket will spruce up your look.

Do follow the European style example and choose fewer, better quality items that you know you look good in rather than taking masses of clothes and shoes you're not sure really suit you and are unlikely to wear.

Key Holiday Pieces

The Kaftan
Still a holiday winner. Good for most body shapes as the fabric is usually fine and glides nicely down both curvy and straight figures. Choose one in a colour that really flatters you. Take care with size and pattern.

The Maxi Dress
Even more popular this year. It can be tricky on petites (too much volume or length) or big busts with small hips (sizes that fit the bust will be bigger elsewhere so can add unnecessary bulk) but shop around, there are plenty to choose from. The skirt should be just skimming the floor, not halfway up your ankle or tripping you up.

White Trousers
White is big for summer and is a fabulous holiday look. You can go head-to-toe white if it works for you, or team it with your favourite seasonal shades. Choose lightweight cotton or linen and wide leg, palazzo or peg cuts to keep you cool. Take care with the transparency factor and the VPL.

Utility, Tapered Or Harem Trousers
Don't panic! You don't have to don the full army/masculine/desert look, there are simpler variations on these styles. They are airy, comfortable and can be rather elegant. If you are wider on the hips or short in stature then minimise details such as zips, pockets, draping and volume, and always wear with a heel. They look great in khaki, stone, grey or white, all of which are easy to pair up with colours or metallics.

Do You Always Struggle With Your Holiday Style?

If you find planning your clothes for holidays hugely stressful, you would benefit from some expert advice on managing your wardrobe. Just a couple of hours with Anita Feron Clark will help you understand what works for you and how to shop smart. You will also learn how to balance keeping cool and comfortable with looking stylish on your holiday. Visit www.feronclarkstyle.com to find out more.

FitFlops – Does My Bum Look Small In These?

FitFlops are everywhere this summer. From brown to bling, this season’s new range seems to appeal to most tastes, and now even men and kids can join in the craze.

I’ve been flipping and flopping around in mine for about 2 months now, and apart from some sore spots where they initially rubbed, I really love wearing them. 

However, I’m a little curious about their claimed fitness benefits. Marketed as "the flip flop with the gym built in", and that you can “get a workout while you walk”, it all sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?  By the end of this summer, will we all be proudly showing off our trim and toned supermodel-like legs, without even breaking into a sweat…I wonder?

So how are they supposed to work? FitFlop soles have special "microwobbleboard technology" which creates instability in the shoe.  This works in a similar way to walking barefoot on the beach in that your legs and bum have to work harder to stabilize the body. This strengthens the legs in a similar way to using an unstable surface, like a wobbleboard. You’re basically wobbling your way to leaner legs and a smaller bum!

So yes, they do work your legs, but I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s similar to a gym workout, and as you’re unlikely to break into a sweat, you’re not going to be burning much fat either. I’ve walked literally miles in mine, and haven’t noticed a difference yet.

Although I can’t help feeling that the FitFlop idea is a first-class marketing gimmick to convince us into buying some expensive flip flops, I can also see that there are some great benefits to wearing them. The cushioned sole gives you a real bounce in your step, which is great for shock absorption. They’re also very supportive and extremely comfortable to wear.

So if you’re thinking of digging out those really short shorts this summer, you may want to do a little more than just walking around the shops in your FitFlops.

All in all, I’m not convinced FitFlops are a miraculous way of getting a fab body, but they’re a great alternative to the regular flip flop. However if those short shorts are still calling you, then invest in a good pair of trainers, and head out for a fat burning run, followed by some good old-fashioned squats and lunges!


Heather

How to Stay Cool & Motivated This Summer

When the sun comes out and temperatures rise, most people find that exercise becomes harder and the heat makes it tough to stay motivated. But that’s not to say you should hang up your trainers and eat ice cream during the summer months, it just takes a little more careful planning.
 
Take It Easy
 
I don’t say this very often, but when it’s really hot, it’s important not to push yourself too hard, and don’t be afraid to quit early or take breaks if you’re starting to overheat.
 
It's really important to get into the mindset that, when it's hot and humid, you’re just not going to perform at your best. This is because your body, especially your heart, has to work much harder just to keep you cool. Listen to your body, and avoid pushing on through if you start to feel dizzy, get a headache or notice that your performance has decreased significantly. Other signs to look out for are muscle cramps, a high heart rate, nausea, confusion, and a significant rise in skin temperature.
 
Take The Heat
 
The good news is that most people can acclimatise to exercising in the heat fairly easily. Start by exercising for less time and at a lower intensity and then gradually build up to longer, harder workouts.
 
Your body will start to adapt by sweating earlier, sweating more, developing an increase in blood volume, a lower body core temperature, and an overall improved ability to tolerate the heat.
 
It can take about 14 days to get acclimatised to exercising in the heat, and you’ll find that you can achieve a lot more, as your body starts to adapt.
 
Cool Times & Places
 
If trying to combat the heat isn't for you, then avoiding it is your best strategy. To keep cool, exercise in shady areas, such as in the woods, or open places where you’ll feel a breeze, like on the coast.

Try to train closer to sunrise or sunset, when the temperatures are cooler. I love running first thing in the morning, before most people are up, when the air is fresh and crisp, and the dew is still on the ground. It gives you a great feel-good factor for the rest of the day!

Drink, Drink & More Drink!
 
Sweating is a very effective way to get rid of excess heat, but it causes the loss of water and electrolytes (salts) from the body. Dehydration, even as little as 1%, can affect your performance.
 
Prevention is the key to avoiding dehydration, and you should drink well before you exercise, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Don’t start exercising already dehydrated, with the idea that you’ll catch up during your workout, it just won’t happen.
 
It's important to pay attention to your hydration levels at all times, and not just when you're about to workout. Get into the habit of drinking water throughout the day, to increase your overall hydration levels. When you’re in the office, never pass a water cooler without taking a drink. At home, never go into the kitchen, without doing the same thing. Always carry a bottle of water around with you, and take regular mouthfuls.
 
During your exercise session, sip water frequently, and see drinking as an essential part of the workout, rather than an inconvenience. You’ll increase your performance, delay fatigue, and avoid risking injury and your health.
 
Immediately after your workout, start to re-hydrate your body to speed up recovery, keep your energy levels up, and prepare for your next session.
 
Less Is Best When It Comes To Clothing
 
The most important features of your summer wardrobe should be sunscreen and a hat.
 
On top of that, clothing should be light-weight, and light-coloured. Synthetic fabrics are much better than cotton, which can rub and cause chaffing once wet. It’s also worth investing in some technical clothing such as CoolMax, DryMax or Dri Fit, which wick-away sweat from your body. A performance t-shirt is probably the most important thing to invest in, although you can go the whole hog and buy everything technical, including your underwear!
 
Finally, don’t overdress in an attempt to lose weight. “Sweatsuits” will just make you lose a lot of water, and you’ll no doubt cook.
 
Lean, Fit & Fast!
 
People who have good cardiovascular fitness are usually able to handle the heat better than those who are less fit.
 
Also, body fat is an insulator, so if you loose a little excess weight, you might find that you can handle the heat better. If you’re tired or unwell, you’ll also notice the heat more.
 
Finally, faster runners will probably find that they get a greater cooling airflow, keeping them fresher than slower runners!
 
To sum up, training in hot weather shouldn’t be taken lightly. The more attention you pay to keeping cool, the better workout you’ll have.

Heather

Waist Assessment

It’s no secret that body fat likes to make itself at home on your tummy, thighs and bum. However people who predominantly carry fat around their middle (as opposed to elsewhere on their body) are more prone to health issues such as type 2 diabetes and heart problems.

Working out your risk level is simple, as all you need is a trusty tape measure and the instructions below. You can do this by yourself at home, and no one else needs to know your measurements!

Measure your waist

On one side of your body (rather than the front), measure halfway between your lowest rib and the top of your hipbone (iliac crest). This is roughly in line with your belly button. Stand up and breathe out when you do this. Make sure your tummy muscles are completely relaxed, let it all hang out!

For women:

Ideal: less than 80cm (32”).   
High: 80cm to 88cm (32” to 35”).
Very high: more than 88cm (35”).

For men:

Ideal: less than 94cm (37”).
High: 94cm to 102cm (37” to 40”).
Very high: more than 102cm (40”). 

Measure your hips

Next, measure your hips at their widest point, the bum (ie. where your buttocks protrude the greatest). It's important not to cheat and pull the tape tight when doing either of these measurements!

Your waist-to-hip ratio

Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. A ratio of 1.0 or more in men or 0.85 or more in women indicates that you are carrying too much weight around your middle. This puts you at increased risk of diseases that are linked to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Focus on improvement

Anyone who is carrying excess weight, regardless of where on the body, would benefit from adopting a healthier lifestyle. Set some realistic weight loss goals, and focus on improving your measurements, rather than dwelling on what your “norm” should be.

You only have one body, so look after it!

Heather

How To Look Stylish AND Be A Mum!

GUEST BLOGGER, Anita Feron Clark, an award winning personal stylist, talks about how to stay and feel stylish while caring for babies and toddlers.

As a mummy of two small children herself, Anita is fully aware of the demands put on her time. Trying to look stylish isn’t always top priority what with juggling scores of different things related to the children, work, household chores and correspondence etc. However, here are some achievable ways to staying and feeling stylish whilst being a mummy or carer with young children:

1.    Finding your colours
Much research has been done on the psychology of colour and its effects on everyday life. Colour can affect your mood and your energy levels profoundly, and has a great impact on your general sense of wellbeing. It will also affect how others view you (source: Colour me Confident, 2006). For example, Red is the colour of energy and by wearing it, you will feel confident and in control – great to wear at the end of a hectic week, when you’re feeling a bit frazzled; wearing pink suggests gentleness and empathy, it brings out the femininity in every women; and purple shows creativity as well as indicating sensitivity – great if you’re organising arts and crafts. If you’re not sure what colours complement your hair, eyes and skin tone, consider having an individual or group colour consultation.

2.    Looking good and feeling great doesn’t need to cost a small fortune
It’s about buying fewer items but in the right colour and silhouette that make you look stylish and you will gain confidence from knowing that they are those that flatter you. Places like Uniqlo, Top Shop, Marks and Spencer have a good selection of inexpensive basics such as jumpers, tops, and trousers in a variety of colours and styles, which you can use to mix and match with other items in your wardrobe.

3. Aim to have the right balance of practical, work and glamorous clothing
For example, if you spend 75% of your time looking after children, then your ‘non-work’ clothes should represent 75% of your wardrobe. If you are a full time mum make sure you have enough variety in your wardrobe so that you don’t feel like your wearing the same thing everyday, for example, jeans and a T shirt. Try to have seven complete outfits, one for each day of the week. To achieve this, write a list of items you need to buy to make those outfits look current and complete. Include all accessories for each outfit. That way you can look your best and feel stylish every day of the week.

4. Start by wearing the right underwear, does it fit you properly?
Think about wearing one size bigger in knickers so that you don’t get elastics pinching into your thighs and tummy, which can give ‘visible panty line’. Also your bra size can change during pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss or gain. As a rule try and get your bra size measured at least once a year. If you don’t wear the right bra, your clothes won’t hang properly – the wrong bra can alter your body shape and clothing size. Have a variety of bras to suit different occasions and different tops. And although no one can see it, it will make you feel confident and sexy.

5. Take a few minutes to choose your clothes the night before
To avoid a panic in the mornings, this will allow time to think about the whole outfit (make up, jewellery, shoes etc.) rather than you grabbing the first thing that is to hand or the same old outfit. With make-up ‘less is more’ and the right shade of lipstick and blusher can make the world of difference to how you look.

6. Size doesn’t matter, shape does
When it comes to looking stylish, the most important thing is how well your clothes fit not, for example, whether it’s a ‘size 14’. So wear a size larger if you find you are struggling to fit into your outfits. Women fall into seven different body shapes and it’s about understanding this and using clothes that accentuate all your best parts and detracting the parts you aren’t comfortable with.

7. Have you changed your hairstyle or make-up routine in the last 3 years?
Then maybe it’s time for an update. Lots of hair and beauty salons are offering special offers at this time of the year and one way to make an instant change is to look at your eyebrow shape as your eyebrows frame your face and bring your eyes alive if they are shaped correctly.

8. Put yourself first for a change
Think about spending 10% of your household income per month on yourself, be it a haircut, new top, new shoes etc. This isn’t excessive as it’s important for your wellbeing that you put yourself first some of the time.

9. Wardrobe Re-vamp
Try to maintain an ‘up to date’ wardrobe. If you have clothes, which haven’t been worn for over 2 years, consider giving them away or organise a clothes swap with some of your NCT friends etc. This is a great way of adding newness to your wardrobe cheaply as long as it is in the right colour and shape for you. In addition, shoes and boots will update your look easily, so try and invest in at least one new pair every season. What about all those clothes you save for ‘best’? Do you feel you can’t wear your ‘best’ clothes because they might get dirty; most clothes are machine washable so wear them and feel good.

10. Work with your personality rather than against it

This is your own interpretation of fashion and how you like to wear clothes. For example, if you are naturally creative, be imaginative and adventurous with your clothes, accessories, hair and make-up.

Anita is passionate about helping women rediscover how to look younger and healthier by wearing the right colour and style of clothes. Most of her clients are mothers, read what they have to say about her on the testimonial page of her website, www.feronclarkstyle.com.

Anita offers a wide range of services to clients of all ages, backgrounds, shape and sizes. You can come on your own or with friends and she can tailor make any of her services to your needs. Contact Anita at:

anitaferonclark@mac.com
07799 856 544
www.feronclarkstyle.com

Exercise The Mind As Well As The Body To Revive Your Spirit

We all know that exercise is good for your body, whether that’s losing a few inches or simply feeling healthier, but exercise is also good for the mind. Kate Dorward, HA fitness trainer, shares a few useful facts and tips to help motivate you, achieve results by introducing a few simple changes to your training programme and revive any flagging spirits.

Exercise for the mind:

• A healthy body equals a healthy mind. Taking regular exercise is proven to enhance your mental function. Exercise boosts your circulation, getting more oxygen and glucose (the brain’s only source of energy) direct to your brain.
• Most of us know that exercise releases endorphins, otherwise known as happy hormones.  Amazingly these clever little mood enhancers can lift your spirits for up to 12 hours after exercise – that’s about 11.5 hours longer than the lift a bar of chocolate gives you!
• Research has proven that 20 minutes of exercise can significantly improve your body image. 
• The best times to exercise are at around 10am or 5pm. Not only is this when your body is physically strongest and nicely warmed up, your adrenaline levels are also at their peak therefore making your mind sharp.
• Set yourself some realistic goals e.g. to drop a dress size/ do exercise 3 times a week, and help yourself stick to them by sharing your goals with someone else. It’s a fact that you’re much more likely to succeed than if you keep your aims to yourself.

Exercise for the body:

• Can’t find the time to fit in exercise? You really don’t need an hour for it to count. Exercise is accumulative - 10 mins walk here and 10 mins vigorous gardening there all really add up. Before you know it, you’ll have done your recommended 30 mins per day and not even put on your gym kit.  So next time you walk to the station/park/shops, push yourself to walk super fast for a few mins and you’ll look and feel better in no time.
• Exercise, especially weight bearing exercise like running and toning using weights are really important in helping to prevent osteoporosis later on in life.
• Ladies, if the words ‘weight training’ fill you with dread at the thought of looking muscle bound, fear not! Unlike men, our genetic make-up makes it hard for us to bulk-up. Training with weights should be included in your fitness programme at least twice a week to help build lean muscle – this is crucial in improving your body shape whilst helping increase your metabolism.
• Hate running? Walking is a fantastic way of burning fat and getting your legs and bum into shape.  Get the technique right and you will burn 15-30% more calories per walk. Next time you hit the pavement remember to walk tall, shoulders back and down, tummy pulled in and to really push through  off through your toes to lengthen your stride, get your glutes (bottom muscles) firing and get a speedy pace up.
• Drink!! Water that is... Dehydration is a major cause of over eating, lethargy and poor performance.

Follow these 10 tips, and you'll soon start to not only look but feel happier and healthier!

Kate Dorward

The 10 Commandments of Healthy Eating & Weight Loss

Gain control of your diet and weight by following these 10 wise rules.

Thou shalt…

1. Fuel up frequently. Eat a little and often, and you’ll give your body a constant supply of energy which will help you to avoid cravings.
2. Think before you eat. Consider why you want to eat something. Is it because you’re hungry? Or because you’re stressed, bored, lonely, angry or depressed? If it’s not hunger, will that sugary indulgence actually solve the problem, or just make you feel worse?
3. Avoid food shopping on autopilot. Stop repeating your bad habits week after week. Buy something healthy that you’ve never tried before, or flick through a recipe book for inspiration. A varied and interesting diet will help to satisfy the appetite better and is more nutritious. Aim to try a new healthy food or dish every week.
4. Never buy “foods you can pick at”, such as crisps, chocolates and peanuts. Once the packet has been opened it’ll be hard to stop, so best not having them in the house at all. It’s a slippery slope!
5. Take control. Prepare your own foods rather than eating out or buying take-aways and pre-prepared foods.  Put yourself in charge of the ingredients list and portion sizes. Your salad may taste better with a thick dollop of mayonnaise, but do you really need it? Is it more important for you to reach your weight loss goal, or have a salad that tastes marginally better?
6. Opt for wholegrain foods.  We digest them slowly, so they’ll make you feel fuller for longer. Look for wholegrain bread, pasta, breakfast cereals and brown rice.
7. Steer clear of foods with a lot of added sugar.  Watch out for words, such as sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, hydrolysed starch and invert sugar, corn syrup and honey on the ingredients list. If you see one of these near the top (they always start with the biggest ingredient first), you know the food is likely to be high in added sugars.
8. Give a very wide berth to high fat foods. Again, check the ingredients list. High is more than 20g of fat per 100g, and low is 3g of fat or less per 100g.
9. Under no circumstances be a plate cleaner! Think about how much food you are consuming in each sitting. Stop eating when you feel satisfied, not stuffed. Eat slowly, your fork is not a shovel. Your brain doesn’t start signalling feelings of fullness until 20 minutes after it actually is, so take your time and give your body the chance to recognise that you’ve had enough to eat.
10. Limit your alcohol intake. Not only is it highly calorific, but it also reduces your will power and ability to say no to alluring fatty foods. You also maybe a little less angelic with your food choices the morning after!

Good luck and remember that you're allowed to break the rules every now and then. Just put yourself back on track as quickly as you can, and don't make a habit of it!

Heather

Guinness is Good For You?

Sadly not. This advertising slogan was used back in the days when companies could attach any kind of health benefit they liked to their products without being investigated.

Most people associate Guinness with a high iron content, and although draft Guinness does contain some goodness from the barley, hops and yeast, it’s unfortunately nowhere near close to significantly contributing to the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) of any of your essential vitamins and minerals.

A pint of the Black Stuff contains 0.3mg of iron. The RDA of iron for men is 8.7 mg a day and for women 14.8 mg. So men, you would need to drink 29 pints and women 49 pints before you reach your daily allowance - your iron levels would probably be the least of your worries at this point. Incidentally, red wine contains more iron per 100 ml than Guinness, although still not enough to safely drink your RDA in a night!

If you’re watching your weight, there’s 210 calories in a pint (it’ll take about a 2 mile jog to burn this off), which isn’t too bad, especially as you’ll burn off a few standing at the bar waiting the 119.5 seconds it takes to pour the perfect pint!

I hope you enjoy sharing these myth-busting pearls of wisdom in the pub tonight.

Happy St Patrick’s Day!

Heather


A Healthy Mum Is A Happy Mum!

As a new mum you quickly exchange your handbag for a larger, more practical nappy changing bag, and the inventory of essentials, once a lippy and mascara, turn into nappies, wetwipes, tissues, muslins, bottom cream, blanket, toys, spare clothes, hat, snacks, bottles….etc etc.

You carry this slung over one shoulder, and your precious bundle of joy tucked under the other. You then attempt to get both into the car, often contorting your body into ridiculous positions to avoid waking the little one. Finally you heave your buggy into the boot, trying your best not to upset your husband by scratching the car paintwork, and set off on your journey, completely exhausted having had precious little sleep the night before.

It’s not surprising that most mums feel they have absolutely no time or energy for exercise. You also can’t just pop out for a quick run or sweat off a few calories in the gym whenever you feel like it. You have to consider childcare, sleep routines, nappy changes and feed times, not to mention trying to fit in a spot of manic housework before the day ends.

However this is an essential time in a mother’s life to start caring for her body. Although losing the pregnancy weight is important, training to avoid injury is also essential.

You need to develop strong shoulders and arms to not only lift, but also contain your growing and increasingly mobile offspring. You need to strengthen your back, core and pelvic floor to not only return it to its pre-pregnancy state, but also enable your body to cope with the contortionistic and weight-lifting challenges of motherhood.

Exercise is also an immense energy booster and a great way to fight the baby blues, especially if you can do it outside in the fresh air and with friends. Although not always easy, it's really important to prioritise some time each week when you can focus on yourself and looking after your body.

It doesn't matter whether your aim is to comfortably fit into your pre-pregnancy jeans again, get your body ready for your next pregnancy, avoid injury or to get that exercise feel-good factor. Enlist the support of your partner, friends and family, and make time for at least 2 to 3 workouts a week. By taking a little time out to do something for yourself, everyone around you, including your baby, will benefit from you being happier and healthier!

For postnatal exercise classes that you can do with your baby in Wimbledon (Buggyfit), see our Buggyfit page

Powder Power

With a ski trip coming up, and full of inspiration from the winter Olympics, I’ve spent quite a bit of time researching the different training schedules of the top downhill skiers. As you’d expect, most of the training is done on the slopes, but there’s also a considerable amount of dry land training that focuses on building strength, speed and agility. As Chemmy Alcott, Britain’s number one female Alpine skier, says, “It takes a lot to race down a mountain at 90mph…”

Leg strength and endurance is obviously essential, and a variety of squats, lunges and lifts are used to develop the muscles of lower body. Julia Mancuso, US Alpine racer, takes this to the next level however. She doesn’t just do regular squats; she does tuck squats whilst standing on a gym ball, now that’s talented!

Balance and core strength are vital components of the off-piste training programme as they enable the skier to hold good form on the slopes. This is where the plank, side plank and back extension exercises come in. Top skiers also use wobble boards, medicine balls and gyms balls to create additional instability challenges that attempt to mimic what they do on the snow. To take this to the extreme, Lindsey Vonn, US Alpine racer, balances on a tightrope in a tuck position while throwing a medicine ball at different angles against a wall – don’t practice this at home!

Explosive and controlled power is fundamental, and off the slopes this can be practised by doing a range of dynamic jumping drills. I think the most challenging example of control I’ve seen so far is Ted Ligety, US Alpine racer, jumping from a trampoline and landing on top of a gym ball in the tuck position!

Stamina and endurance are also vital, and most top alpine skiers improve their lower body potency by doing leg-punishing hill running or cycling Tour de France style. For something a little more fun, try doing what Bode Miller, another US Alpine racer, reportedly does and push a wheelbarrow full of your friends up a steep hill!

Whatever level skier you are, working on your total body fitness prior to your ski trip will improve your overall skiing technique, enjoyment and will help to prevent injuries. Try to avoid boring gym workouts though, and don’t forget that skiing is all about having fearless fun!

Happy Skiing!

Heather

These Feet Were Made For Walking!

I’ve recently come across a brilliant website called www.walkit.com, the urban walking route planner.  Type in your starting and finishing point, and it’ll provide you with a map and detailed walking route description. You can choose either the most direct way, or a route that avoids pollution and busy areas. It’ll also tell you the distance, how long the walk will take, how many hills you’ll have to climb and how many calories you’ll burn.

So dump the car, put on a pair of comfy shoes and head out of the door. Walking has countless health benefits, it’s free, you don’t need any equipment, and you already know how to do it!

Heather

Exercising The Winter Blues

Hands up who has looked out of the window recently and been turned cold by the thought of exercise? You could be forgiven, but think again because maintaining or even starting a new fitness regime in the winter is actually proven to boost your immune system, stave off winter blues and set you up perfectly for wearing those skimpy summer clothes.

There are in fact loads of reasons why it’s worth getting kitted-up and braving the chilly conditions for a workout. So, from what to wear to how to tell if you’re well enough to do exercise, here are just a few tips from Kate Dorward, HA Fitness Personal Trainer, to help motivate you into action.

Avoiding Winter Weight Gain

The average person puts on 7 to 12 lbs (approx 3 to 5 kg) each winter, mainly thanks to Christmas excesses and because during the short, cold and miserable winter days, we crave comfort foods to lift our spirits. Added to that, exercise often takes a back seat in extreme weather conditions. But just because it’s winter doesn’t mean going into exercise hibernation.

Winter does boast cool, crisp, bright days where a layer of shimmering frost has never made your local park look more magical, but even when it’s not like that and it seems like it’s been raining non-stop for as long as you can remember, there is reward for braving the elements. Those who make the effort to get out for a walk or a run on these days will testify that they often get the most satisfaction from their achievement.

Not only does getting out of the house to do some exercise get you safely out of reach from the biscuit barrel, it will help you boost your energy, blitz body fat and beat cravings.

Be Prepared

The key to ‘enjoying’ exercise in inclement weather is wearing the right kit.

Wear several layers, including a hat and gloves, to keep you warm, especially as you warm up and cool down. During the main section of your work out you should get pretty warm, so make sure your top layers are light so they can be easily stowed or tied around your waist. If it’s raining, a cap to keep the rain off your face, and a water-proof coat are a must, as once you’re wet you will cool down very quickly.

Spend longer warming up to avoid injury, and think about keeping your cool down short, perhaps completing stretches from the warmth and comfort of your home.

Get Your Baby Prepared Too

Taking your baby out in the worst of the weather might seem odd, but fresh air is always good for little lungs and a healthy dose of oxygen does wonders for relaxing babies.

Provided your little one is layered up too and has a hat and gloves, as well as a snuggly suit and/or cosy toes to nestle into, then they should be happily cocooned in their buggy. Always have your rain cover to hand, not just  to avoid getting wet but also because it will protect your baby from the chilly winter wind, which can make it feel colder than it really is.

The Ultimate Cold Busting Remedy

As already mentioned, exercise boosts your immune system. Regular exercisers are proven to suffer from fewer ailments and to bounce back better following illness.

What if you already have a cold? Is it safe to exercise or should you cosy yourself in at home until you feel better again? Of course it’s down to you to decide, but the general rule of thumb is that provided you don’t have a temperature and your symptoms are from the neck up, then a bit of fresh air and some gentle exercise are helpful ways of helping clear a stuffy nose.

If you are running a fever, or are experiencing symptoms from the neck down, then you are excused and a date with the duvet is perfectly legitimate and necessary to get you back on your feet.

Mum’s have the added worry of their little ones health. If your baby has a sniffle is it wise to expose them to the icy air or will that make them worse? The same rule applies: provided your baby is not running a temperature and is only suffering a mild head cold, then getting them out of a stuffy environment and into the fresh air is generally regarded as a good idea.  As mum’s ourselves, we can also vouch that a change of scenery is always helpful in calming a grisly tot feeling a little out of sorts!

Summer Is Just Around The Corner...

A final word: if you’re currently hiding under thick baggy jumpers, remember there are fewer than six weeks until spring. So if you want to be ready to shed the layers and wear your skimpier wardrobe with confidence, now is the time to start putting in the effort!

Kate Dorward
HA Fitness Personal Trainer, Wimbledon Buggyfit Instructor and Mum of Ella and Freya

Pleasure or Pain: What Drives You?

Understanding your motivation for getting fit is the first stage in bridging the gap between sitting on a sofa thinking about exercise, and actually going out and doing it.

Identifying the triggers that drive you, and using them as a springboard to getting and staying fit and healthy, is the key to success.  The more you focus on these, the more likely you’ll be able to fire up your enthusiasm for a healthy lifestyle.

So what encourages you more, the carrot egging you on or the stick beating you up?

Running Away From Pain

The stick is something that you want to move away from, you may like to think of it as a form of pain. It could be a health issue you want to stay clear of such as obesity and heart disease, or physiological problems like stress or depression.

The catalyst could be your doctor dropping some strong hints, or a friend or family member suffering from these complaints.

The motivation comes from your fear of the stick and wanting to take action to avoid it at all lengths. If you keep reminding yourself of this potential beating, it can be a really powerful self- motivator.

Try taking measurements or photos of how your body is changing as you get leaner and fitter. Look back at these and remind yourself that you don’t want to go there again!

Pursuing Pleasure

The pursuit of pleasure can also be a very powerful self-motivational tool. This is the carrot, or aspiration. It’s about wanting satisfaction by achieving something significant. For example, running a marathon, racing a PB, losing 2 stone etc.

Setting realistic goals and bite-sized targets is key. It doesn’t have to be a marathon or reaching a specific weight. It could be completing 3 workouts a week, or managing to run up a particular hill.

Visualisation can be a very powerful motivational tool. Picture yourself finishing a race or buying clothes in a smaller size. Imagine how good you’ll feel, and how proud you’ll be of your achievement.

Treat yourself when you achieve a step towards your goal. There’s no law against self-bribery!

Moving Beyond The Carrot & Stick

So what happens when you achieve your goals and the stick becomes a distant memory?

You may find that your motivation starts to diminish, so it’s important to plan ahead to avoid drifting backwards and having to start the whole cycle again.

Set new goals, challenges and targets and keep adding in variety by trying out different things. You may have moved from being in fear of the stick to wanting to pursue the pleasurable goals. Keep it interesting and inspiring and try to maintain the momentum. Look at what you’ve achieved and where you want to go next.

Don’t Stop Me Now!

Believe it or not, at some point you may actually find that you enjoy exercising. This is your ultimate goal, when fitness becomes a way of life and you’ll need less and less to rely on the stick or the carrot to keep you going. You train because that’s what you do and who you are.

Remember, regular exercisers don’t waste time sitting on the sofa weighing up the pros and cons of doing a workout, they just get on with it!