Total Mind and Body Wellness

 IT'S that time of year again, the C word! Of course it's not 'that' offensive word, but to some, the pressure of Christmas is too much to deal with. I remember growing up in the 70's and 80's and being excited about the festive season, I loved making paper chains, making gifts for my family, yes, they were awful handmade gifts but it was the thought eh? The family gathered at various times to swap gifts, enjoy the odd treat and wish each other well. Now, to some extent, this still happens, and to most, FAMILY is the important part of the festive season. But what I have seen over the years is a horrible commercial push for people to spend money they don't have, some even get year long loans or go into debt because of this commercial pressure. That is not in the spirit of Christmas. When I am asked what I want for Christmas, I don't know how to answer because I am lucky to not need anything (thank you for the cooker Mummy!) I have all I need, I don't ...

I'm not just a personal fitness and class fitness trainer, I practice what I preach, because I love to exercise, I believe that is why I am successful with my clients, because I really believe in what I do. Over the years as I have gained more knowledge and experience, aged and noticed the differences in my body and results, I have changed the way that I train. Not drastically, because I was always very much 'by the book' anyway, but I have added in the things that will aid me to recover quicker, will improve my results and also enable me to be even better than I was before. As a runner, some would say I was addicted to running, I would say that too, but for a prolonged period of time that was my main focus, particularly when I stopped kickboxing competitions, I wasn't so worried about my flexibility and running completely ruins that. So, thinking about this, RUNNNING RUINS YOUR FLEXIBILITY! How can running solely be good for your body? Well, the fact is, it can't. ...

 IF I had a quid for every time someone said to me, 'I don't have time for meditation!' I wouldn't be sat here blogging and marketing right now, I'd be lording it up in my mansion on the coast of Cornwall watching the waves beat at the rocks from my massive coastal view window. (we can all dream) The fact is, meditation is not that difficult and it doesn't take hours either, less than 5-minutes if that is all you have. How do you achieve it? Here is my brief guide to fast and effective mindfulness......ready? Firstly, find somewhere quiet and private, this could be your house, a broom cupboard, even a toilet cubicle, but find your own space. Next, sit or make yourself as comfortable as possible, watch that broom! Then close your eyes, feel your eyes soften and relax, let your jaw relax, shoulders get heavy, and let the weight of the day leave you. When you have done this, take yourself off in your mind to your favourite place to relax, it may be in a garden, on ...