Regular readers of my blog know how much I bang on about how incorporating weights into your exercise programme is essential to maintain a good posture and healthy musculature.  Well, I've just found an article in Science Daily which backs up my claims:"ScienceDaily (Nov. 18, 2009) — Strength training exercises using dumbbells can reduce...

Whenever I see an old person who is very hunched over, to the point where they are only looking at the floor and can't look forward at all,  I always wonder if they've had a very hard life.The saying "you look like you have the world on your shoulders" is so true.  When...

I love the New York Times - their articles on health and fitness are second to none.  I've just read this really interesting article on reasearch done into exercise and the immune system. For many long distance runners, footballers and rugby players autumn heralds...

Ever wondered what some of the more obscure bodywork and complementary therapies are all about?  Then look no further.  The MassageTherapy.com have produced this excellent online glossa...

I spend many a happy hour browsing for free podcasts on the i-tunes store.I recently came across a video podcast called self massage for athletes.  They say athletes but don't let that put you off if you aren't one.  These massage techniques will benefit everyone. ...

I love sleeping - always have and probably always will.  Sleep is now being attributed with improving fitness, marriage and the immune system.This article in the New York Times, explains how research has shown that athletes who sleep 10 hours a night improve their performance...

Regular readers of my blog will know that I regularly expound the virtues of group exercise.  I can never understand people who do the same gym circuit over and over again, sometimes never increasing their time or reps.  What's the point?Needless to say I was delighted...

Update:  Eddie has finished the challenge CLICK HERE for full storyI listened to the Chris Moyles Breakfast Show on Radio 1 yesterday and he was talking to comedian Eddie Izzard, who is doing an amazing challenge for Sport Relief.He's running 6 marathons a week for 7 weeks!I...

Did you know: "The culprit for delayed muscle soreness is not, as some people used to think, the buildup of lactic acid, a byproduct of exercise that dissipates from the muscle tissues within an hour. That kind of soreness is considered acute. As soon as someone stops exercising,...

I find exercising without music really difficult. Often, if I'm doing a long run I'll run to the half way point in silence and then reward myself by putting in my headphones and feeling really motivated for the last half of the run.I've just discovered this great new site called...

I'm a long time fan of James Cracknell. Watching him and his team win the Olympic Gold reduced me to floods of tears. I also recently enjoyed watching "On Thin Ice" which was about his team racing to the South Pole. Besides seeing him in all his resplendent glory doing what bears...

I've recently discovered a sports drink I like. Often they are simply too sweet for my taste. It's lemon flavoured Taut. However, this new drink costs between £0.99 - £1.50 for 500 ml. I mean come on, it's 99% water, a few trace minerals and some sugar and salt. Imagine the profit...

To truly get the most out of a massage, it can take a bit of focus and mindfulness on the part of the client. Some people find it difficult to relax and let go and feel compelled to fill the silence of a massage with chatter. Obviously, some communication is welcome but constant...

This year, for the first time ever, I've got into the Tour de France. Maybe because I'm doing a spin class at the gym and can appreciate the fitness involved to cycle for 85 hours over three weeks up vertigo-inducing mountains. Well done Alberto Contador - you're amazing!I was...

Energy bars are a great way to have a healthy snack on the go. Unfortunately, they are often loaded with sugar and fat and can also be expensive. For a decent tasting bar - my favourite was Tesco Finest Fruit and Nut - you pay a whopping £2.54 for 3. Why not save some money and...

According to an article in the Evening Standard - 01 July 2009: " Andy Murray's run to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, where he takes on Juan Carlos Ferrero today, has been assisted by regular dips in the cubes normally used to cool your gin and tonic".Full article hereEver since...

Many clients express an interest as to what is going on during a massage. Such as which muscle is tight, why is it tight and how will massage help?I've found this great video on YouTube showing a back massage, with the superficial back muscles overlaid.Now you can really see why massage wor...

Many of my clients complain of an achey lower back at the end of the day. So I've devised this lovely, relaxing stretching routine which is great to do in the evening. You can even watch TV while doing it - so no excuses!Pelvic RotationsLie flat on the floor and stretch your feet...

Lying down twistLie flat on the floor and stretch your feet and arms away from you – making yourself as long a possible.Draw your knees up to your chest.Moves knees over to one side – working towards having the lower knee touching the floor.NB: both shoulders to remain on the floor...

Relax your spine using a chair This stretch works wonder for the lower back and at the same time relaxes the muscles either side of the spine.Best of all, you don't actually have to do anything.Make sure the chair is snugly in the crook of your knees and that your lower legs form...

If you're already a client of mine you'll know that no session goes by without me encouraging you be more active. I like to think I know what I'm talking about from my own personal experience. In fact, seeking treatment for a bad back is what lead me down the path to become a massage...

There's a saying which goes "where the U.S goes, the world will follow". Since the global financial crisis got into full swing, management at the U.S website "Spafinder" noticed that weekly traffic to it's "stress management" category has doubled. When the economy was good, booking...

Driving past village greens on a sunny day and seeing local cricket teams is so quintessentially British.Many cricket players are quite sedentary over the winter months and then get their kit out of mothballs and hit the pitch with a vengeance. Inevitably, using muscles which haven't...

People who suffer from arthritis of the knee appear to gain lasting relief from a traditional course of Swedish massage, researchers report.The findings suggest that doctors may want to advise arthritis patients to add massage to the treatments they are already using, like anti-inflammatory...

Being of a "certain age" I'mrather sceptical of the Wii phenomonon. I like to think there's nothing like the real thing when it comes to exercise.So it was with a little schadenfreude that I read this interesting article in the New York Times website about the increase in Wii injuries.I...

It seems a long way off but I'm already in training for the Virgin London Marathon 2010. I'm currently up to running 2 hours [albeit at a snail like pace] and I'm on track to complete the St. Albans Half-Marathon on 14 June 2009. My goal is better my PB of 2h08, so I'm going to have...

I've recently discovered this great site called Map My Run.Now, it doesn't have to be a run you map.  You could map your cycle or your walk.  With the advent of satellite navigation lots of lovely, hi-tech equipment came on to the market for sports people.  They're...

Do you know that for every golf swing fault there's a physical limitation causing it?Think of a golfer and one doesn't normally think of an athlete. However, this is doing the sport a huge disservice. In order to be an excellent golfer you need to be in excellent shape.These days...

Are you one of the 30,000 people training for the 2009 London Marathon on 26 April 2009?If so, then you'll be in the final stages of your training - I hope all is going well.Are you planning to get a massage before the race, to add the cherry on the top to your preparations? Or are...

I noted an interesting article on Healthypages this week. Many of us already have experience and personal proof that the mind and the body are closely connected. However, the Western Medical community don't give credence to anecdotal evidence. They work on the principle that unless...

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!I'm pleased to announce that I have a new website. In case you didn't know, this site is actually a blog and not a "real" website in the traditional sense.I've had many compliments about my blog and it's served me well, however, I've decided to invest...