What is it?
Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking - it makes something we can all do.... twice as effective!
Nordic Walking uses poles to in order to add two major benefits to walking
* The use of poles means the upper body muscles are used as well as the legs
* The poles help to propel the walker along - this means he/she works harder than usual yet the support given by the poles makes it feel easier!
Nordic Walking is a specific fitness technique and is not to be confused with trekking, hill walking or trail running as the poles are not planted in front of the walker/runner but in a specific way that increases the use of the upper body. It can be done by anybody, anywhere and does not require expensive equipment or clothing.
Nordic Walking is the fastest growing fitness activity in the world and is used by individuals, personal trainers, health clubs, physiotherapists, doctors and health promoters because it is highly effective, affordable and FUN!
Nordic Walking technique MUST be learnt correctly if the participant is to get the most out of the activity - the full Health technique that ensures the whole body works efficiently is only taught by NWUK qualified Instructors.
Physical Benefits
* Tones the upper and lower body at the same time
* Uses 90% of the skeletal muscles
* Burns up to 46% more calories than ordinary walking
* Reduces the pressure on knees and joints
* Great for the Heart and Lungs
* Ideal for neck, shoulder and back problems
* Poles propel the walker along, making it easier to move faster then normal without feeling the effort.
* It is one of the most effective cross training techniques for athletes and sportspeople who require ultimate cardiovascular and endurance conditioning.
Other Benefits
* Can be done anywhere - no need for hills, country paths or even snow!
* It appeals to all ages and fitness levels.
* No need to wear special exercise clothing
* It's very sociable;participants can chat as they go!
* It is easy to learn and to keep up.
* It combines exercise with the nature which has been proven to boost mood.
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Monday, 18 July 2011
Pilates For Cage Fighters
Recently former Cage Fighter and gym owner Steve McFarlane of www.jabandgrab.co.uk visited our studio for assistance with his back and Core Stability. Steve is presently on the 6 week starter package with Jane Grogan.
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques, from a mixture of martial arts traditions, to be used in competitions. The rules allow the use of striking and grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground.
So where does the cage come in, making this sound like the dirtiest kind of back alley entertainment? (Or am I just confusing this with cage dancing, which can be found in varying forms of seediness at any number of nightclubs?)
Now I get it, it's basically two guys in boxing shorts, doing what looks more or less like street fighting in a large cage, surrounded by onlookers. In a nightclub (or parking lot), the crowd stands around. At an official event, they buy seats.
Clearly, we're behind the curve. The New York Times ran an article in 2005 about cage fighting, reporting it alive and kicking in the Midwest (but banned in some slightly more civilised places, like New York). It takes place in parking lots, fairgrounds and small arenas. The fighters might train everyday, but they're regular guys, just slightly tougher.
Back on our home turf, I find an article from Time Out London, reporting that cage fighting "not as fearsome as it sounds".
From what I can tell, the large events (like the Cage Rage series, many of which have been held at Wembly since 2002) are just another form of professional fighting, and probably not that fearsome. But the ones from nightclubs and in parking lots?
Steve McFarlane (Proprietor, Head Trainer)
Steve started training in the art of Wing Chun from the age of 15 and achieved a high level within 4 years. At 19 he progressed into Thai Boxing and made the transition to MMA over 10 years ago. Steve has also trained in boxing since the age of 15. Over the years he has gained recognised qualifications as a personal trainer, fitness instructor and a wealth of MMA experience. Steve also has on his team assistant trainers for Thai Boxing, Boxing and all other Martial Arts disciplines.
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques, from a mixture of martial arts traditions, to be used in competitions. The rules allow the use of striking and grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground.
So where does the cage come in, making this sound like the dirtiest kind of back alley entertainment? (Or am I just confusing this with cage dancing, which can be found in varying forms of seediness at any number of nightclubs?)
Now I get it, it's basically two guys in boxing shorts, doing what looks more or less like street fighting in a large cage, surrounded by onlookers. In a nightclub (or parking lot), the crowd stands around. At an official event, they buy seats.
Clearly, we're behind the curve. The New York Times ran an article in 2005 about cage fighting, reporting it alive and kicking in the Midwest (but banned in some slightly more civilised places, like New York). It takes place in parking lots, fairgrounds and small arenas. The fighters might train everyday, but they're regular guys, just slightly tougher.
Back on our home turf, I find an article from Time Out London, reporting that cage fighting "not as fearsome as it sounds".
From what I can tell, the large events (like the Cage Rage series, many of which have been held at Wembly since 2002) are just another form of professional fighting, and probably not that fearsome. But the ones from nightclubs and in parking lots?
Steve McFarlane (Proprietor, Head Trainer)
Steve started training in the art of Wing Chun from the age of 15 and achieved a high level within 4 years. At 19 he progressed into Thai Boxing and made the transition to MMA over 10 years ago. Steve has also trained in boxing since the age of 15. Over the years he has gained recognised qualifications as a personal trainer, fitness instructor and a wealth of MMA experience. Steve also has on his team assistant trainers for Thai Boxing, Boxing and all other Martial Arts disciplines.
Friday, 8 July 2011
Dynamic Pilates Reformer Hits St.Helens
Dynamic Pilates Reformer Hits St.Helens
Special July Offer 2 Beginners Classes, Cost £14
Must be taken on a Wednesday or Thursday at 8:30pm within July.
Dynamic pilates:
Dynamic Pilates differs from Pilates because it uses a reformer machine. It's faster, more fun and is more of a cardio vascular workout. It's more interesting using poles, dumbells and boxing. There are just a lot more options and is normally a class of 10. Niko Agieri is a personal trainer and runs Dynamic Pilates classes using the "reformer machine." His classes are fun, versatile and always tough. He has trained celebrity clients such as Natalia Imbruglia, Holly Branson and Davinia Taylor. Good for ages 16-60 but not frail, elderly or people with serious back problems. He tends to have women of 25-45 in classes but men often think it's really easy but it's tough. Niko thinks it's the best all over body workout he has ever done. 55 mins of continuous variety and a test for the whole body. It is mostly available in London and big cities.
How Power Pilates fixed my bad back
(The Sunday Times,January 12, 2008)
I used to think there was nothing more dull than people complaining about back pain. Lie down, take a pill, have a rest, how bad can it be? And then, for reasons too boring and complicated to go into here, about two years ago I hurt my back. Talk about divine retribution. Suddenly I had to sit down to sneeze, or at the very least grab hold of a wall. If I missed my footing in the street I was doubled over in agony.
Worst of all, I was unable to exercise in any serious capacity: couldn't run, couldn't cycle, couldn't even do yoga any more. For a person who used to take her fitness quite seriously, this was depressing to say the least. Not only was I missing out on all those lovely endorphins, I was struggling to control my weight. And friends and family had to put up with my grouchiness (constant low-level pain does that to you) and general inability to unload the dishwasher (OK, there are some advantages).
Needless to say, I tried everything in my quest to fix the thing: osteopathy (cranial and ordinary), physiotherapy, special mattresses, Ayurvedic oils, heat packs, acupuncture, industrial-strength painkillers. All had their merits; but none was conclusive.
Then, last summer, on one of my many visits to a physiotherapist, I was given an ultrasound. For whatever reason, the muscles in my lower abdomen were almost nonexistent, shrivelled and weak. This, the therapist surmised, could be a significant part of the problem. She thought that I should try to address the problem from within, as it were, and recommended Pilates. I knew that Pilates could help a bad back; indeed I had done a lot of it before, as part of my general fitness regimen. I resolved to find a class and get started as soon as possible.
A few days later, I was out for supper when an author friend of mine, a slim, tall blonde with a perfect bottom, started talking about her new Pilates regimen, a regimen that, she assured me, was responsible for the fabulous behind. This was not just ordinary, church-hall Pilates, though, but something called Power Pilates. All the celebs were at it, apparently: Liz Hurley, Jennifer Aniston, Teri Hatcher, Christy Turlington. Aha, I thought. I scribbled down the number of the gym she went to and the following morning made the call.
The difference between Power Pilates - or Dynamic Pilates, as it is sometimes called - and ordinary Pilates is the reformer bed. This is a peculiar-looking contraption (below) consisting of a flat, sliding cushion on which you lie, a series of springs and two pulleys with hoops on the ends. The springs provide varying levels of resistance, and the hoops can be slipped over feet or hands to perform the strengthening and lengthening exercises that characterise this method.
As a Power Pilates novice, I had no concept of what I was letting myself in for. My friend had warned me that it might be hard at first - impossible would have been more appropriate - but David Higgins, the instructor and owner of the West London studio Ten Pilates, was used to this. After my first hour-long class, in the company of several other frighteningly fit women (never more than ten per class), during which I was all over the place (it was thanks only to his watchful eye that I didn't do myself a serious mischief), he suggested that, given my back problems, I ought to have a few one-to-one sessions before trying another class.
My first remedial session was more successful. Slowly, and with extreme caution, I began to familiarise myself with the machine. It is a very clever device indeed. It allows you to focus on small muscle groups, restricting the range of movement so that you can isolate and strengthen problem areas and I was horrified to discover that my left side, which is where most of my back pain is focused, was significantly weaker than my right. I couldn't see it myself, but it was obvious to Higgins: my whole body had begun to go wonky in its attempts to bypass the inflammation. Our first priority was, quite literally, to straighten me out.
He went easy on me for our first few sessions, then, seeing that I had grasped the basics, he began training me for real. Never, not even in the days when I used to take regular Spinning classes and tie myself up in knots in yoga, have I experienced a more challenging workout. Because of the way the machine works, every single exercise engages the core muscles. It brings a sheen to your brow just holding the thing steady; when you then add weights or resistance, you find yourself breaking out into a proper sweat. By the time Higgins has finished with you, you're taking your air in gulps.
To cut a long story short, my first 10 to 15 classes were murder. The most I could manage were two sessions a week, and I ached badly in between. At home, between sessions, I did basic mat work. Then, the stuff that I had thought was physically impossible became merely fiendishly difficult; then distinctly possible; and finally, easy. At which point, of course, Higgins stepped in, upped the resistance on my springs and made it all hard again. When I protested, he smiled and turned the music up. Good job too, given my language.
Now I go three times a week, sometimes four. It has not completely cured my back pain, but I reckon it has reduced it by about 80 per cent. It just hurts in the mornings, when I'm stiff from lying in bed, and late at night, when I'm tired. Thrillingly, I can get back into all my prebaby clothes (well, almost) and wear high heels again. It's been a long slog; but worth it.
Special July Offer 2 Beginners Classes, Cost £14
Must be taken on a Wednesday or Thursday at 8:30pm within July.
Dynamic pilates:
Dynamic Pilates differs from Pilates because it uses a reformer machine. It's faster, more fun and is more of a cardio vascular workout. It's more interesting using poles, dumbells and boxing. There are just a lot more options and is normally a class of 10. Niko Agieri is a personal trainer and runs Dynamic Pilates classes using the "reformer machine." His classes are fun, versatile and always tough. He has trained celebrity clients such as Natalia Imbruglia, Holly Branson and Davinia Taylor. Good for ages 16-60 but not frail, elderly or people with serious back problems. He tends to have women of 25-45 in classes but men often think it's really easy but it's tough. Niko thinks it's the best all over body workout he has ever done. 55 mins of continuous variety and a test for the whole body. It is mostly available in London and big cities.
How Power Pilates fixed my bad back
(The Sunday Times,January 12, 2008)
I used to think there was nothing more dull than people complaining about back pain. Lie down, take a pill, have a rest, how bad can it be? And then, for reasons too boring and complicated to go into here, about two years ago I hurt my back. Talk about divine retribution. Suddenly I had to sit down to sneeze, or at the very least grab hold of a wall. If I missed my footing in the street I was doubled over in agony.
Worst of all, I was unable to exercise in any serious capacity: couldn't run, couldn't cycle, couldn't even do yoga any more. For a person who used to take her fitness quite seriously, this was depressing to say the least. Not only was I missing out on all those lovely endorphins, I was struggling to control my weight. And friends and family had to put up with my grouchiness (constant low-level pain does that to you) and general inability to unload the dishwasher (OK, there are some advantages).
Needless to say, I tried everything in my quest to fix the thing: osteopathy (cranial and ordinary), physiotherapy, special mattresses, Ayurvedic oils, heat packs, acupuncture, industrial-strength painkillers. All had their merits; but none was conclusive.
Then, last summer, on one of my many visits to a physiotherapist, I was given an ultrasound. For whatever reason, the muscles in my lower abdomen were almost nonexistent, shrivelled and weak. This, the therapist surmised, could be a significant part of the problem. She thought that I should try to address the problem from within, as it were, and recommended Pilates. I knew that Pilates could help a bad back; indeed I had done a lot of it before, as part of my general fitness regimen. I resolved to find a class and get started as soon as possible.
A few days later, I was out for supper when an author friend of mine, a slim, tall blonde with a perfect bottom, started talking about her new Pilates regimen, a regimen that, she assured me, was responsible for the fabulous behind. This was not just ordinary, church-hall Pilates, though, but something called Power Pilates. All the celebs were at it, apparently: Liz Hurley, Jennifer Aniston, Teri Hatcher, Christy Turlington. Aha, I thought. I scribbled down the number of the gym she went to and the following morning made the call.
The difference between Power Pilates - or Dynamic Pilates, as it is sometimes called - and ordinary Pilates is the reformer bed. This is a peculiar-looking contraption (below) consisting of a flat, sliding cushion on which you lie, a series of springs and two pulleys with hoops on the ends. The springs provide varying levels of resistance, and the hoops can be slipped over feet or hands to perform the strengthening and lengthening exercises that characterise this method.
As a Power Pilates novice, I had no concept of what I was letting myself in for. My friend had warned me that it might be hard at first - impossible would have been more appropriate - but David Higgins, the instructor and owner of the West London studio Ten Pilates, was used to this. After my first hour-long class, in the company of several other frighteningly fit women (never more than ten per class), during which I was all over the place (it was thanks only to his watchful eye that I didn't do myself a serious mischief), he suggested that, given my back problems, I ought to have a few one-to-one sessions before trying another class.
My first remedial session was more successful. Slowly, and with extreme caution, I began to familiarise myself with the machine. It is a very clever device indeed. It allows you to focus on small muscle groups, restricting the range of movement so that you can isolate and strengthen problem areas and I was horrified to discover that my left side, which is where most of my back pain is focused, was significantly weaker than my right. I couldn't see it myself, but it was obvious to Higgins: my whole body had begun to go wonky in its attempts to bypass the inflammation. Our first priority was, quite literally, to straighten me out.
He went easy on me for our first few sessions, then, seeing that I had grasped the basics, he began training me for real. Never, not even in the days when I used to take regular Spinning classes and tie myself up in knots in yoga, have I experienced a more challenging workout. Because of the way the machine works, every single exercise engages the core muscles. It brings a sheen to your brow just holding the thing steady; when you then add weights or resistance, you find yourself breaking out into a proper sweat. By the time Higgins has finished with you, you're taking your air in gulps.
To cut a long story short, my first 10 to 15 classes were murder. The most I could manage were two sessions a week, and I ached badly in between. At home, between sessions, I did basic mat work. Then, the stuff that I had thought was physically impossible became merely fiendishly difficult; then distinctly possible; and finally, easy. At which point, of course, Higgins stepped in, upped the resistance on my springs and made it all hard again. When I protested, he smiled and turned the music up. Good job too, given my language.
Now I go three times a week, sometimes four. It has not completely cured my back pain, but I reckon it has reduced it by about 80 per cent. It just hurts in the mornings, when I'm stiff from lying in bed, and late at night, when I'm tired. Thrillingly, I can get back into all my prebaby clothes (well, almost) and wear high heels again. It's been a long slog; but worth it.
Refresh, Review & Revitalise With Our Yoga/Pilates Retreats.
Friday 30th September - Sunday 2nd October 2011
Or
Friday 7th October - Sunday 9th October 2011
£195 All inclusive
I have just returned from running my 2nd Yoga/Pilates Retreat at www.passeroses.com, in the wine valleys of Charante. The weather was glorious and i took 15 Yogis and Yoginis, most of whom had never met before. We had a mixed level of ability from beginner to advanced. The special part about the weekend was the amount of solo people who attended and how everyone mixed well and bonded together as a team. Read our schedule on www.yogaretreatsfrance.com
Book your flight now www.ryanair.com
View our latest French Retreat pictures on Flickr
I have now booked 2 further dates for September and October, If you wish to come along "Go for it". Don't worry about coming alone or not knowing anyone as we all unite as a family.
Comments from May 2011 :
"Exceptionally well organised and thought out weekend - the "themed" approach worked really well" - Mark & Sue Ashcroft
"Really enjoyed the Yoga, As very new to twin practice. Very challenging to the mind and body picked up a few new tips for my own Pilates teaching practice, Also i would integrate some of your Yoga into my classes" - Susanne Wharton
"The practice and meeting people of the same mindset" - Eileen Jackson
"Brilliant, Stretching, Confidence building and inspirational. The mix of single and partner work brings the best out of people and provides food for thought" - Shirlie Deveney
"Fantastic - My body is more open and stretched i found it brilliantly valuable to be guided through the teaching theme of each session, Body and mind worked well together as a result" - Clare Sumner
"i thoroughly enjoyed the whole Yoga/Pilates aspect of the weekend the fusion of both was great the breathing was a good addition" - Tabitha Moses
"Delicious and very generous portions" - Emma & Tricia Buckle
"It was a really nice holistic weekend combining all the elements - Work, Relaxation, Teaching, Therapies and downtime. Everything was lovely" - Carl Powner
"Thought provoking, Relaxing, Not too strenuous, Thoroughly enjoyed it. I was amazed at the things i could do, would never have thought some of them possible" - Julie Roscoe
"Relaxing in the group, Making new friends and achieving a higher level of fitness" - Isla Conaen
"Challenging exercise and good company" - Graham Williams
"Enjoyed the seamless mixture of both Pilates & Yoga, The varied levels of excercise, Teaching technique and good for the budget" - Olivia Greenberg
Friday 30th September - Sunday 2nd October 2011
Or
Friday 7th October - Sunday 9th October 2011
£195 All inclusive
I have just returned from running my 2nd Yoga/Pilates Retreat at www.passeroses.com, in the wine valleys of Charante. The weather was glorious and i took 15 Yogis and Yoginis, most of whom had never met before. We had a mixed level of ability from beginner to advanced. The special part about the weekend was the amount of solo people who attended and how everyone mixed well and bonded together as a team. Read our schedule on www.yogaretreatsfrance.com
Book your flight now www.ryanair.com
View our latest French Retreat pictures on Flickr
I have now booked 2 further dates for September and October, If you wish to come along "Go for it". Don't worry about coming alone or not knowing anyone as we all unite as a family.
Comments from May 2011 :
"Exceptionally well organised and thought out weekend - the "themed" approach worked really well" - Mark & Sue Ashcroft
"Really enjoyed the Yoga, As very new to twin practice. Very challenging to the mind and body picked up a few new tips for my own Pilates teaching practice, Also i would integrate some of your Yoga into my classes" - Susanne Wharton
"The practice and meeting people of the same mindset" - Eileen Jackson
"Brilliant, Stretching, Confidence building and inspirational. The mix of single and partner work brings the best out of people and provides food for thought" - Shirlie Deveney
"Fantastic - My body is more open and stretched i found it brilliantly valuable to be guided through the teaching theme of each session, Body and mind worked well together as a result" - Clare Sumner
"i thoroughly enjoyed the whole Yoga/Pilates aspect of the weekend the fusion of both was great the breathing was a good addition" - Tabitha Moses
"Delicious and very generous portions" - Emma & Tricia Buckle
"It was a really nice holistic weekend combining all the elements - Work, Relaxation, Teaching, Therapies and downtime. Everything was lovely" - Carl Powner
"Thought provoking, Relaxing, Not too strenuous, Thoroughly enjoyed it. I was amazed at the things i could do, would never have thought some of them possible" - Julie Roscoe
"Relaxing in the group, Making new friends and achieving a higher level of fitness" - Isla Conaen
"Challenging exercise and good company" - Graham Williams
"Enjoyed the seamless mixture of both Pilates & Yoga, The varied levels of excercise, Teaching technique and good for the budget" - Olivia Greenberg
Nordic Walking Comes To St.Helens
Schedule:
Warm up and introduction to using the poles at Manor Farm public house carpark
Proceed from Manor Farm through the back feilds to The Dream
Drills and techniques around The Dream
Return on foot back to Manor Farm
(Total Duration: 2hrs)
What is it?
Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking - it makes something we can all do.... twice as effective!
Nordic Walking uses poles to in order to add two major benefits to walking
* The use of poles means the upper body muscles are used as well as the legs
* The poles help to propel the walker along - this means he/she works harder than usual yet the support given by the poles makes it feel easier!
Nordic Walking is a specific fitness technique and is not to be confused with trekking, hill walking or trail running as the poles are not planted in front of the walker/runner but in a specific way that increases the use of the upper body. It can be done by anybody, anywhere and does not require expensive equipment or clothing.
Nordic Walking is the fastest growing fitness activity in the world and is used by individuals, personal trainers, health clubs, physiotherapists, doctors and health promoters because it is highly effective, affordable and FUN!
Nordic Walking technique MUST be learnt correctly if the participant is to get the most out of the activity - the full Health technique that ensures the whole body works efficiently is only taught by NWUK qualified Instructors.
Physical Benefits
* Tones the upper and lower body at the same time
* Uses 90% of the skeletal muscles
* Burns up to 46% more calories than ordinary walking
* Reduces the pressure on knees and joints
* Great for the Heart and Lungs
* Ideal for neck, shoulder and back problems
* Poles propel the walker along, making it easier to move faster then normal without feeling the effort.
* It is one of the most effective cross training techniques for athletes and sportspeople who require ultimate cardiovascular and endurance conditioning.
Other Benefits
* Can be done anywhere - no need for hills, country paths or even snow!
* It appeals to all ages and fitness levels.
* No need to wear special exercise clothing
* It's very sociable;participants can chat as they go!
* It is easy to learn and to keep up.
* It combines exercise with the nature which has been proven to boost mood.
Warm up and introduction to using the poles at Manor Farm public house carpark
Proceed from Manor Farm through the back feilds to The Dream
Drills and techniques around The Dream
Return on foot back to Manor Farm
(Total Duration: 2hrs)
What is it?
Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking - it makes something we can all do.... twice as effective!
Nordic Walking uses poles to in order to add two major benefits to walking
* The use of poles means the upper body muscles are used as well as the legs
* The poles help to propel the walker along - this means he/she works harder than usual yet the support given by the poles makes it feel easier!
Nordic Walking is a specific fitness technique and is not to be confused with trekking, hill walking or trail running as the poles are not planted in front of the walker/runner but in a specific way that increases the use of the upper body. It can be done by anybody, anywhere and does not require expensive equipment or clothing.
Nordic Walking is the fastest growing fitness activity in the world and is used by individuals, personal trainers, health clubs, physiotherapists, doctors and health promoters because it is highly effective, affordable and FUN!
Nordic Walking technique MUST be learnt correctly if the participant is to get the most out of the activity - the full Health technique that ensures the whole body works efficiently is only taught by NWUK qualified Instructors.
Physical Benefits
* Tones the upper and lower body at the same time
* Uses 90% of the skeletal muscles
* Burns up to 46% more calories than ordinary walking
* Reduces the pressure on knees and joints
* Great for the Heart and Lungs
* Ideal for neck, shoulder and back problems
* Poles propel the walker along, making it easier to move faster then normal without feeling the effort.
* It is one of the most effective cross training techniques for athletes and sportspeople who require ultimate cardiovascular and endurance conditioning.
Other Benefits
* Can be done anywhere - no need for hills, country paths or even snow!
* It appeals to all ages and fitness levels.
* No need to wear special exercise clothing
* It's very sociable;participants can chat as they go!
* It is easy to learn and to keep up.
* It combines exercise with the nature which has been proven to boost mood.
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