Category: Uncategorized

Fibromyalgia Facts and How Exercise Can Help

What is Fibromyalgia and what are the symptoms? Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition affecting the muscles and soft tissues of the body. It may also be referred to as fibromyalgia syndrome, fibrositis and/or fibromyositis. It is characterised by chronic muscle pain and tenderness, increased sensitivity to pain, extreme fatigue/tiredness, muscle stiffness and sleep disturbances. Fibromyalgia […]

Self Care Mini Challenges

Do you take care of yourself as well as you do your loved ones? Do you think self-care is self-indulgent and/or you don’t have time for it? The truth is, we actually all NEED self-care to be able to function in our everyday lives and to be everything we want to be for everyone else. If you repeatedly neglect your self-care, your body and mind will be negatively affected and they’ll make sure you know it too! Try some (or all!) of the mini challenges below, maybe one a day, to up your self care game. Your mind, body and soul will thank you for it!

Cardiovascular exercise – What, why and how?!

As discussed in previous blogs there are many different components of fitness, with one of the most familiar and popular areas of interest being cardiovascular exercise. This blog aims to arm you with knowledge surrounding what cardiovascular exercise is, how much you should be doing, why we need cardiovascular work in our exercise programmes and give you some ideas you may not have thought of to help you get it done!

Cup half empty?! What is self-care and why is it important?

‘Self-care’ has become something of a buzz word recently (or is it 2 words?!), particularly with the events of the last year forcing many of us to think more deeply about our physical and mental health. Whilst some may think it sounds self-indulgent and unnecessary, this blog aims to outline what it is and why everyone needs it in some form or another – especially at the moment!

Your happiest, healthiest working day

What does your average working day look like? Whilst this will be different for each of us, chances are it’s changed in the last year and may soon be due to change again. Whether where you work has changed, how you do things at work or simply your routine before and after work, it’s thrown many of us from our usual habits and schedules which can feel like low level chaos at times! This is certainly something I’ve struggled with whilst working from home and this blog aims to highlight some things I’ve found useful or know that others have done to help make their working day as healthy as possible. This can also apply if you’re still going out to work or when you go back, although some are more socially acceptable to do in a work setting than others (dance party anyone? I reckon my colleagues would be up for it to be fair!) Taking regular breaks can help to keep our physical and mental energy topped up so that we’re more focused and productive. Below are some ideas for mini-breaks to slot into your days to support the happiest, healthiest you possible even when you’re working hard!

Mental Health – Managing Stress and Anxiety

As if life isn’t full enough of ups and downs and complications at the best of times – this last year has provided additional challenges for most, if not all of us. With constantly changing rules and regulations, limited social contact and additional stressors such as home schooling, loss of income, health anxieties and so much more, it’s no wonder that so many of us have found our mental health to be affected. Mental health and physical health often go hand in hand and so it’s essential that we do all we can to take care of them both. Whether you’re after a little or a lot more support with your mental health at this time, this week’s blog offers some things you can try straight away which may help to lighten the load and support you in looking after yourself in these challenging times.

Helmshore/Rossendale walks – Helmshore Loop and Robin Hood’s Well/ Ellen Strange Memorial

This week’s local walks are 2 of my favourite yet. Both from the Helmshore/Rossendale area, they offer great views as well as plenty to see along the way. These walks take up to an hour each although if you want to explore further afield, they offer great areas to do that in. You may also spend extra time taking in the wonderful views, taking photographs or splashing in streams and petting animals if you’re lucky. Of course, if you wish to make the walks shorter there are some options for that too.

Progress Not Perfection

If you’ve ever worked closely with a Personal Trainer, teacher or coach of any kind you may well have heard the saying ‘Progress not Perfection’ as a way of encouraging you to stay consistent in the pursuit of your goals. Despite understanding the clear difference between these two words, however, many of us expect perfection […]