Personal Trainer, son, husband, Dad. Lover of pull ups, plant based diets and Jack Reacher with a cup of Joe.
I used to work in a gym. I couldn’t make rent and a mortgage so I had to leave. A real negative turns positive in my life. My gym workouts had already become different but leaving the gym helped solidly turn me towards a different style of exercise; free of your typical gym space/kit.
I enjoy people getting fitter, but I also enjoy it when they end up sharing some of the same values as myself.
I’m passionate about balance. I don’t mean walking on a pole (though that is cool); I mean helping people achieve their goals without it necessarily dominating their life. Work towards eating clean, training hard and looking after yourself and you realise your goals can be achieved without exercising all the hours under the sun.
Why I love strength training and why I hope you will too...
Strength training is for everyone. Young, old, athlete, new starter. Strength training improves muscular strength, endurance, mobility, joints and more.
Strength training feels great, it feels empowering. There are certain milestones in strength training. The joy one feels when they hit them is in my opinion, wonderful and unique.
I also believe it’s a lot more efficient than previous exercise experiences. Running, swimming, exercise classes; respectfully they all have their place. But if one wants to train their whole body in a powerful and efficient way, I believe strength training is the ultimate bang for your buck. Big, clean, functional, full body moves are the staples.
Plant power...
I’ve tried about every style of eating one can do and I’ve firmly landed and stayed planted (ar ar) on a vegan diet that includes lots of raw food and contains as little refined sugar and processed food as possible. I believe meat and dairy are unnecessary for an optimal diet. I could (and often do) talk for ages on my food opinions and I’m always open to a bit of healthy debate. Instead of writing an essay, I have included ‘plant power’ links at the end of the pack as resources.
A quick note on a few bits, the often underrated ones, that will really help you on the journey towards fat loss, increased strength, mobility, energy...
Water...
Some people naturally drink a lot of water. If you are someone who doesn’t instinctively think to drink a lot of water, I suggest drinking from bottles (keeps it more black and white as to how much you’ve drunk) and steady increments until you’re drinking more. Aim for 2,3,4 maybe 5 litres of water a day depending on your size, lifestyle and such.
Green veggies...
I mentioned the importance of vegetables. Dark greens would be their leader, the Flash Gordon of the pack. Nutrients, muscle recovery. Aim for a regular hit of close to as possible raw and organic green veggies.
Sleep...
We often live a life where we don’t get enough and then question why we might have had a lay in or say something like “I can’t believe I slept for 10 hours last night.” If you really feel you sleep too much, see your GP. Most of the time I think we can be made to feel guilty about the idea that sleeping lots makes you lazy. No, sleeping is essential and when possible, take as much as your body needs.
Walking...
Sounds simple. As I go further and further into this fitness malarkey; I believe simple is often key. Walking is great for your body and mind. Shake cobwebs, clear head, find a beautiful spot and have some you time.
Question everything...
My Dad has given me a healthy “question everything” attitude. I suggest you do the same. There are many society norms that I think are detrimental. Some small, some when you take the time to think about them, absolutely crazy. If I didn’t question the information I was fed regarding health and exercise, I’d still be eating dead animals for fear of my muscles wasting away, I’d still be drinking artificially sweetened cows breast milk shakes to try and stay lean and I’d assume the exercise portion of my day would; including travel be closer to 2 hours than 30 minutes.
Don’t go with the flow on something as important as your health and your life; question everything... including anything I say!!