Increased muscle causes a decrease in flexibility This is not the case if you train with proper technique. If you exercise the joint through its full range of motion you will maintain and even increase flexibility of that joint. If you stretch daily, and especially after exercise, you will see an increase in suppleness.

Most of us know that we should be aiming to eat at least 5 portions of fruit & vegetables daily but do you know what counts as a portion? The following may help to guide you. FRUIT Apple, orange or banana 1 fruit Melon, pineapple 1 large slice Plum, kiwi, Satsuma

The following recipe will serve one, but obviously you can make a bulk of it ready to use each morning and it can be adjusted to suit your personal taste. It is great served with either cows milk, almond milk or soya milk and has no added sugar. You could also add fresh berries. 6 tablespoons of porridge oats 2 tablespoon of wheat germ 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds 1 tablespoons of sunflower seeds 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds 1 teaspoon chia seeds A handful of raisins, sultanas

It can be all too tempting on a hot summers afternoon to reach for the ice cream to cool you down but if you are watching your weight then you will appreciate this healthy, tasty alternative. Take a ripe banana, peel it, wrap in foil or cling film and place in the freezer overnight. When you fancy something sweet just take it out and eat it as you would an ice cream or lolly. Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. There is nothing more refreshing than a

This idea is known as ‘spot reducing’ and has proven to be ineffective. Genetics are the decider as to where we store our excess fat and where we burn it from to provide fuel for exercise. Cardiovascular exercise for a period of at least 15-20 minutes at a moderate intensity will encourage the body to burn fat and better still doing high intensity interval training is a very effective way to burn fat. However, it is important to keep at those ab/core exercises to strengthen a

Having been Personal Training since the mid 1990’s (I’m giving my age away now!) I must have heard every excuse under the sun as to why people don’t exercise. It is very easy to dismiss exercise but it is so very beneficial for your health, figure, self esteem and mood. Here are a few of the excuses I’ve encountered and how to beat them. I just don’t have the time. Our lives are hectic but exercise is so good for your health. It really should be a priority. You needn’t fit in