The Honest PT Blog
Welcome to my straight-talking blog based on ten years' experience as a personal trainer
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Sock it to them (or not)? There's a relatively new phenomenon in gyms - people exercising in their socks. Have they forgotten their trainers perhaps; do they want to test their washing powder by getting filthy feet, or - could it possibly just a trend? I think it's the latter and I think it unnecessary and unwise. Think of the potential for accidents involving bruised and broken toes, not to mention stepping on something sharp of harmful. And, then there's the hygiene/'yuk' issue - do you rally want to lie on a mat where someone's sweaty feet have been? There is, however, method in the madness... Fans of the practice claim: 1) it increases flexibility and range of motion due to the connection of the foot with the floor. 2) it helps with balance, and traction, particularly when lifting heavy loads while doing deadlifts. 3) It promotes foot strength. mmm... Take a look around when you're next in the gym and you'll see that the phenomenon is primarily practiced by ladies working on their legs. The socks are always long, the leggings always tight and the booty, peachy. Could it be a way of expressing personal style perhaps? I've looked and I can't find any evidence to support the claims of benefits, but, each to your own, if it helps you, then go ahead and do it - just don't come too near me if you do.
To Bare or Not, that is the Question.
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Keep Quiet...and Carry On!
Gyms can be strange places - sometimes because strange people inhabit them!
I'm often amused by people who make a lot of noise when they're working out - particularly when lifting weights.
They grunt, they groan, they bellow, they bawl, they even scream and shout - all in the name of exertion.
These people seem to think the more noise they make, the harder they're working out.
You often catch them taking a sneaky glance around to see if they're attracting attention.
And, if they're not, they make a bit more noise or turn the volume up.
And, guess who the culprit is 99 per cent of the time?
After years of collecting empirical evidence, I have to tell you that it's MEN.
Why this should be the case is not a subject for this blog and years of scientific research might not reveal a defiitive answer, but I hazard a guess that all you female gym-goers out there will know the reason - and it's got nothing to do with testosterone!
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Christmas is a distant memory - as are New Year's resolutions for most people. The gyms were packed until about January 20th, now they're back to normal. You go in at a certain time on a certain day and you see the same people. You see them week in, week out as they work to improve their fitness - both mental and physical. But have you noticed, it's these precise people who are already fit, healthy and within a medically acceptable weight range - and there's a reason for this - and it's called CONSISTENCY.
For long term health and fitness, it's not enough to achieve a particular goal and just stop. Those gains will soon be lost and you'll be back to square one.
No, consistency means creating habits that lead to your desired goals and when you reach those goals, you set new ones and keep going. And when you reach a plateau - which you will - you find ways of re-inventing those goals to carry on improving or, if you're happy with your achievements, maintaining the level you're at.
It really is common sense, but you'd be surprised how many people fail to grasp such a simple concept. Don't let that be you.
T
Consistency is Key
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D ​ on't Run Out of Steam
D ​ on't Run Out of Steam
So much has been written about coronavirus and how to keep fit while we're locked down. So much information, so many You Tube videos, so many Instagram posts and so many people to like, follow and watch. It's overwhelming and exhausting - and that's before you've even done any exercise.
My advice is this: find a type/s of exercise that works for you and keep doing it. Change it when you feel your body's got used to it or when it gets boring, The most important thing to do is keep going during this period. Those people who maintain an exercise regime throughout lockdown are the very people who are likely to remain committed when this is all over. They are the people who will stand out and flourish back in the gym/exercise classes and they are the people who will be able to feel proud of themselves from a fitness perspective for a very long time.