Blog – Page 16

Fat vs Sugar – TV Recommendation

I don’t often recommend you sit down and watch the TV but the Horizon programme on BBC2 on Wednesday was definitely worth watching. It was called Sugar vs Fat and it highlighted what happens when you consume too much fat or sugar.

In a nutshell… the programme focused on two doctors who just happen to be identical twins – which really helped with the study, as everything about them apart from their diet was pretty much the same. The programme was also very scientific – so there was no guess work and lots of assessments into their physical health. Assessments are vital – if the trainers/medics etc you work with are not assessing what you’re doing in this area…then they must be guessing. Time to move on and find a better trainer.

In conclusion: the programme showed that fad diets don’t work!! The answer to weight loss and healthy living is to look at your nutrition, amend it if need be…..and take EXERCISE. Simples.

If you missed the programme I recommend you watch it on iplayer and let me know what you think.

Classes Old and New for February 2014

Mondays @ Kirtlington Village Hall, 6.30-8pm

Monday classes resume on the 3^rd February.
We will be returning to the newly refurbished village hall, having spent the last few weeks at the school. Huge thanks to Kirtlington Primary for the use of their hall!

Wednesdays @ Kirtlington Village Hall, 6.30pm

NEW for 2014: “The Triple Whammy”
A 3 in 1 programme – not the oil. Starts Feb 12th at 6.30pm. This NEW class has been designed as a general body conditioning workout, or specifically to get you ready for running or skiing. You choose your pathway. Why not change each week? Besides the usual training element this class will prepare you for the current ski season (see our report, above) or the start of the running calendar (see dates below).

Thursdays @ Kirtlington Village Hall, 9.30-10.30am

THE SPRING LEAN (Ladies only – and me. Sorry chaps!)
Following on from the success of the “Little Black Number” we ran pre-Christmas we see the return of the Spring Lean. This is a programme designed to work all the areas ALWAYS requested by the ladies, and offload the excess of the festive period.

Didn’t we have a lot of fun at our Christmas lunch, ladies?!

Don’t forget that you can “introduce a friend” to any of our classes (except Saturdays @ Gosford) for free!! There’s no catch – simply grab a flyer and bring a friend along for free – and you’ll get your class for free too! So what are ya waiting for????????

Saturdays @ Gosford, 9am

NEW gym layout for 2014…
So that must mean a new programme configuration. Yes, it’s a K.P production in association with B.H.G. This class remains the most popular offered by the centre – let’s keep it that way and keep spreading the word!

All sites have changing facilities, showers, and ample free car parking
(unless otherwise specified)

Did You Come to our Christmas Day Workout?

xmas mob

A round dozen turned out for the annual Christmas Day workout and a good time was had by all, setting everyone up for that special lunch. Having worked so hard, everyone was in need of some liquid refreshment….so it had to be Champagne, supplied by Prime Energy Fitness Limited – all part of the service.

Tip of the Month: Caffeine

Many studies have shown that caffeine before a workout can improve athletic performance. This is because:

1. it is a stimulant of the central nervous system

2. it is glycogen sparing. What this means is that the glycogen (stored carbohydrate in our muscles and liver) which is broken down to give us energy is used more slowly, due to caffeine mobilising free fatty acids (FFAs) in the blood that can be used as an alternative energy source.

But caffeine can disrupt insulin sensitivity, and it also increases circulating cortisol which can lead to an increased appetite.

The best time to drink coffee is in the morning after food (unless it is pre exercise). Habitual caffeine intake promotes tolerance.

Alternatives: decaffeinated coffee is often processed with chemicals so is best avoided. Green tea is a great alternative as it contains caffeine, but it also contains tannins that balance out the caffeine’s effects. Many athletes use green tea as part of their nutrition programme. Studies have shown it can aid weight loss, plus it is high in antioxidants, which are needed to combat the free radicals produced whilst exercising.

Image: Free Digital Images / zirconicusso

Looking Back at The Little Black Number Christmas Lunch

After the final class this season many of the girls went home to put on their finery and join me (just call me Lucky) at the Killingworth Castle for lunch. The food and the ambience was fantastic. Trouble is they now want to do it at the end of each season! A big thank you to the group as they presented me with a vintage bottle of Champagne.

How come you become a winner by helping a group of ladies become losers*?? I must ask my business coach!

(*Weight loss, of course!)

Class Timetable and Venues for January 2014

Monday 6th and 13th January @ Kirtlington
Due to the hall refurbishment classes will take place in the school hall, which is situated on the Heyford Road. The hall is the same size – and warmer! – but there is limited parking, so try to park off North Green. I will place a swing sign outside to help you locate us. You can’t really miss it though; it’s only about 400m from the village hall.

NO WEDNESDAY CLASSES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
If you’re missing the workout fix why not come along to a Monday or Saturday class instead? You need to be in the room to offset the festive excess!

Thursdays @ 9.30-10.30am Kirtlington Village Hall
We’ll be starting a new SPRING LEAN class on Thursday 23rd January. Further info to follow.

Saturday 4th January 2014 9am @ Gosford
NEW YEAR – NEW YOU. Normal Saturday times resume from this week onwards.

All sites have changing facilities, showers, and ample free car parking
(unless otherwise specified)

Ski 2014 – Possibility of a Second trip

The 21st tour leaves these shores on Jan 18th 2014, and due to its success over the years it was already SOLD OUT in July 2013! We stay at a fab catered chalet in Val d’Isere and it’s always great fun. We’ve had lots of people asking about the trip so I am now thinking of running a Ski Tour mkII in March/April. Skiing in T-shirts in the spring sunshine is fabulous – let me know asap if you are interested in joining me and a group.