Posts in “Psychology”
Beyond the Muscles – Weight Training and Identity Control
This weeks article is another installment of my PhD studies. The previous articles have higlighted my findings that associate muscularity with the enhance ment of masculinity and the empowerment of an independent feminine identity. What follows are the ongoing findings of my final study which broadens the scope of muscularity and it’s benefits on controlling […]
Read articleMuscularity And The Empowered Woman
Following last weeks blog, this week covers more PhD findings and highlights the beneficial influence muscularity and strength has on some of the females included in my studies. So, this week I’m looking at muscularity in females. More and more women have been engaging in weight lifting activities. There is often a stigma around women and […]
Read articleMen, Muscles, and Masculinity
Over the next three weeks I am going to introduce some of my findings coming out of my PhD. These relate to how the muscularity plays a pivotal role in our identities, and may benefit (or hinder us) in managing the impressions we both have of ourselves and project to others. These blogs will include, […]
Read articleDon’t Let Christmas Ruin Your Fitness Mojo
It happens every year. People start to cancel personal training sessions and classes due to Christmas dos, we hear people saying “ahhhh but it’s Christmas” or “I’ll start again in the New Year” or “it won’t make a difference now because it’s Christmas”……It’s nothing new, and without doubt is THE most irritating thing about December! Here’s […]
Read articleExercise – More Than Results
At motive8 we are super proud of the results we achieve with our clients but I’m often astounded by the other non-health related benefits which joining a gym, coming to classes or having pt sessions bring. I’m not talking about the mental health benefits, which are as beneficial as the physical benefits of exercise, but […]
Read articleIt’s A Knock Out!
The scariest exciting thing happened on Tuesday in training. When we were sparring I knocked someone out. ME! All-the-gear-no-idea me. Little wouldn’t-hurt-a-fly and peaceful-vegan-just-wanting-to-get-back-to-fitness Kate. It wasn’t a hard punch, but I got her on the forehead and down she went. I’ll be honest, I didn’t like it and it doesn’t make me feel any more confident […]
Read articleUnderstanding Anabolic Steroids – Part One!
The use of anabolic steroids is often a taboo subject in the health and fitness industry, with many not wanting to discuss it because of it’s seedy and immoral nature. For me, this is part of the reason so many individuals will misuse these substances and cause themselves unnecessary harm due to a lack of […]
Read articleWeight Training and Mental Health
When designed appropriately weight training can be beneficial in stimulating many physical changes such as strength, mass, and power increases. It can also help positive impact physical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and muscular dysfunctions. More recently, weight training and mental health has been studied and the psychological effect it has too; reducing depressive symptoms […]
Read articleMuscularity and Self-Identity
This week I wanted to share some of my own interpretations coming from my own PhD studies. I am exploring Muscularity and Self-Identity and the role muscularity plays in who we are and our identities. One of my current ongoing studies is exploring the gym culture and the role of muscularity in the lives of […]
Read articleMuscle Dysmorphia: “I’m Not Big Enough”
Having recently found out I have my first (co-authored) scientific publication, I thought I would share with you a brief overview of Muscle Dysmorphia (MD), which is the focus of the paper. What is Muscle Dysmorphia? It is a form of body dysmorphic disorder specifically concerned with muscularity. It has also been termed ‘bigorexia’ or […]
Read articleBenefits of Group Exercise
Here at motive8 North have recently partnered up with Sustain Nutrition to run a 28 day transformation package. This include a variety of circuit classes and boot camp classes. This article provides some of the key benefits of engaging in group based exercise. Increased Accountability & Effort Studies have shown that people will work harder […]
Read articleWhat Is An Eating Disorder?
Eating disorder – this topic has recently come to light again in the media, and more focus is being brought to men (who can, and do, suffer from eating disorders). But what is an eating disorder? What Is An Eating Disorder? Eating disorders (ED) are clinically diagnosed psychological conditions that result in disturbed or abnormal […]
Read articleGoal Setting – Layering Your Goals!
This article was inspired by my current PhD studies and also my experience working with clients in both an exercise and rehabilitation setting. We hear a lot about goal setting (especially from me) and it’s importance for improving our motivation, confidence, and exercise persistence. What do we do when we don’t hit our goals though? […]
Read articleStress and Relaxation Techniques
Following on from my previous stress management blog this article will discuss a specific technique that is great for reducing stress and increasing relaxation; centering What Is Centering? Centering is a visualisation technique that originates from the Japanese martial art Aikido and encourages focus and reduces negative external thoughts. It is a perfect acute technique to reduce […]
Read articleManage Your Stress
What is stress? Stress is a forced adjustment to a demand, threat, or pressure rather than a “thing”. We will experience several stresses and when we do if we cannot cope efficiently with these stresses it can have detrimental consequences both physically and mentally. Common stresses may include: · Work, School, Uni · Family, Relationships […]
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