Open Chain Exercises

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Open Chain Exercises

Open chain exercises, like leg extensions and bicep curls, isolate specific muscles but may not provide the functional benefits of closed chain movements. Learn how these exercises compare, their pros and cons, and when to include them in your routine, especially if you're recovering from an injury or need targeted muscle work. Discover how to balance open and closed chain exercises for optimal strength, stability, and athletic performance. Read the article.

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Home Training Starter Pack

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Home Training Starter Pack

Whether you’re a coach, a client, or workout enthusiast, for many of us, the gyms are closed, and we’re stuck at home. Limited space and equipment access may leave you wondering how you can continue to stay in shape in a challenging and productive way that’s aligned with your goals. Keep reading for my 5 favorite home training products, and ways you can modify the same exercises you typically do in the gym, at home or outside, with a coach, or on your own.

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The Best Exercise You Are Not Doing - Dead Lifting

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The Best Exercise You Are Not Doing - Dead Lifting

The deadlift is one of the most effective exercises you can do. It engages multiple muscle groups, including the hamstrings, glutes, core, traps, and shoulders, making it a powerhouse for both strength building and fat loss. The significant muscle activation not only burns calories during the workout but also elevates your metabolism during recovery. Deadlifting can also increase blood testosterone levels, helping to develop lean muscle. On top of all that, it’s a highly functional movement, reinforcing proper form for lifting in everyday life. Ready to add this essential lift to your routine?

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Coaching a swim across the English Channel

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Coaching a swim across the English Channel

For the past two years I have coached Tom remotely, sometimes joining him in open water training swims, races, and channel pacing. At 44yrs, he swims 6 days per week for 2hrs hours or more, covering an average of 35km weekly. Outside of the pool hes improved his strength and power with twice weekly strength and conditioning workouts.

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Your Metabolism on Cardio

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If you're running to lose weight and finding your progress has stalled, it may be time to rethink your approach. While running has its benefits, it’s not the most effective method for fat loss. As your body becomes more efficient, you burn fewer calories over time. Strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are better for sustained fat burning, thanks to their metabolism-boosting afterburn effect. Don’t just rely on steady-state cardio—mix up your routine for real results. Ready to boost your metabolism and break through that plateau?

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Reader Question - What should I do about posterior leg pain during/after running?

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Reader Question - What should I do about posterior leg pain during/after running?

If you’re experiencing posterior leg pain during or after running, it could stem from muscle strain or nerve impingement. Sciatic nerve compression, for example, can lead to symptoms like sharp or dull pain, numbness, or tingling down the leg. Rest is key, followed by targeted glute, hamstring, and core strengthening exercises, such as bridges and planks. Foam rolling the lower body and stretching may also relieve symptoms, especially if the piriformis muscle is tight. Looking for exercises to stabilize and strengthen your posterior chain? - Read article.

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Is sleep getting in the way of your body composition goals??

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Is sleep getting in the way of your body composition goals??

Many of us maintain a strong workout routine but neglect the importance of sleep in reaching body composition goals. Sleep plays a vital role in hormone regulation, fat metabolism, and muscle recovery. Research shows that inadequate sleep, combined with a diet high in refined carbs, can dull insulin sensitivity, reduce muscle growth, and inhibit fat burning. Just two days of poor sleep can give you the insulin sensitivity of a prediabetic. If you're not seeing results from your training, it might be time to focus on improving your sleep quality and recovery to boost muscle gain and fat loss potential.

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Lean Habits - Eating to Lose

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Lean Habits - Eating to Lose

Losing weight isn’t about restrictive diets—it’s about creating lean habits that promote long-term health. These five habits, adapted from Precision Nutrition, can help you build a sustainable lifestyle. Focus on eating frequent, small meals every 2-4 hours, with lean protein at every meal. Incorporate plenty of vegetables and fruits, and time your starchy carbs post-workout for optimal fat burning. Don’t shy away from healthy fats like nuts and avocados, which keep you full and support your body’s essential functions. By following these simple guidelines, you can transform your eating habits, boost your metabolism, and maintain a lean, healthy body.

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Low Trap Pulls for Increased Stability and Strength

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Low Trap Pulls for Increased Stability and Strength

Low trap pulls are essential for shoulder stability and strength, particularly for those with weak scapular muscles or poor posture. The often-overlooked lower traps help stabilize and depress the shoulder blades, crucial for reducing injury risks. Begin with foam rolling your thoracic spine and lats to increase mobility, followed by activation moves like wall angels. Adding low trap pulls and traps pull-ups to your workout can strengthen muscles needed for pull-ups and bench presses while preventing shoulder pain. Discover how these exercises improve performance and protect your shoulders. Read article.

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