Descending Sets Workout
Since making some changes to our class timetable, I’ve been experimenting with different formats for my Friday lunchtime class. My aim is that I create a workout that people want to get a copy of and do in their own time – so I plan my classes with that in mind. As such, a circuit […]
Read moreCan fitness apps be as effective as a personal trainer?
A recent BBC article posed the question “can fitness apps be as effective as a personal trainer?” In this article there was a discussion on the use of new fitness apps over face-to-face 1-to-1 personal training with a human instructor. Now of course I believe that personal trainers are more effective than existing fitness apps, […]
Read moreA Personal Trainers Guide To….Squats!
If you are a regular reader of our blogs, you will know that the Personal Training team here at motive8 get together regularly to discuss all things fitness related. Last week, we discussed what I like to call the “King of Exercises” – squats. We covered everything from the muscles worked, foot positions, what good […]
Read moreMember of the Month – Tom Bickley
Introducing our newest member of the month, Tom Bickley. Not only does he work his socks off in our classes, but he is also smashing his personal training sessions with Josh. His positive attitude is infectious and we’re loving watching his progress. How long have you trained at motive8? I used to train at the […]
Read moreVeg Pledge
Throughout the north of November, Cancer Research UK have a fundraising event called “Veg Pledge”. The challenge is to go vegetarian or vegan for 1 month. You can sign up at cancer research if you would like to raise funds or alternatively you can just take a personal challenge. Government guidelines are to eat 5 […]
Read moreMember of the Month – Clare Williamson
Clare has been training with motive8 since 2011. But it’s her dedication to her training – especially throughout lockdown that has resulted in the “member of the month” accolade! We trained together in really tough weather conditions when we couldn’t open the gym – but no matter what, Clare still gives every session 100%. She […]
Read moreAn Apple A Day
I’m sure you have heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. You probably didn’t know that this came from a Pembrokeshire proverb “eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread”. Also, you probably didn’t know that it is National Apple Day on October […]
Read moreStretching and Mobilising
Stretching and Mobilising. Do you do it? Should you do it? What’s the difference? Let me give you some of the low-down. Often stretching and mobilising are seen as one and the same, but they’re not! Stretching refers to the flexibility of a muscle and it’s ability to move passively through a range of motion. […]
Read moreUK Malnutrition awareness week (11th-17th October)
As winter approaches it is important for us to be aware of malnutrition in not only ourselves but in others around us. Malnutrition is often overlooked and thought to be more visually identified, however malnutrition refers to excesses, deficiencies and/ or imbalances in an individual’s diet. There are various forms of malnutrition, making it harder […]
Read moreHow To Improve Your Bench Press
Ahhhh the humble Bench Press – an often overlooked and under-used lift. When the Personal Training team listed their favourite lifts, this was not one of them! Why? Because of it’s complexity – do you arch your back, how do you breathe, where should your hands be….and so on. And it’s for this reason, it […]
Read moreCarbon Dioxide: its role in breathing and tolerance
In last week’s blog I gave you some ins and outs of breath work. Today, we’re going deeper into the role of carbon dioxide in breathing and our tolerance to it. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is often seen as a waste product of breathing but I’m here to tell you how you can use CO2 to […]
Read moreSome Ins and Outs of Breath Work
Most of us will not think twice about our breathing. We either are breathing and we’re alive, or we’re not and we’re dead. Have you been to a yoga class and responded with “I can’t do that breathing stuff” (like I’ve heard so many times), or been told by your trainer not to hold your […]
Read moreHow to improve your Deadlift
We love a deadlift here at motive8. They are a great functional move and we would encourage people to not be scared of them! Whether you’re a beginner or a dab hand at them, there are always ways to improve your deadlifts. Technique Tips For someone new, it’s all about a hip hinge and not […]
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