Check out my review from a personal trainers perspective of the Pull Up Mate. 

​Is this the perfect portable and home gym solution?

The broad jump or standing long jump is an introductory plyometric exercise that can help improve explosive power. Although it is introductory plyometrics, I’ve categorised this as being advanced because you need to have some strong legs to control the landings for this one. You should already be very comfortable squatting and should be able to at least squat your own bodyweight before considering this as an explosive power exercise choice. 

The Alekna, named after a discus athlete, is a similar core exercise to the deadbug but is much greater in difficulty. It is a great option for training your core to work to maintain stability through your spine as you transfer force and movements through your legs and arms – exactly the way your core should be working. It is still a good option for beginners as you have the ground to use as feedback against your back but if you are a total beginner you should start with the deadbug before progressing.

The deadbug is a great core and ab exercise when executed with correct technique and control. It is a good starting point for raising awareness of the core and a neutral spine as you have the floor to brace your back against and use as feedback. Take care to use slow controlled movements and you can integrate the breath as you move too to learn how the breathing can help create tension and stability around your spine.

The box squat has a variety of uses within a training program. I most often find myself using it when teaching beginners to squat with the barbell but they struggle to get the same depth as when using a kettlebell for goblet squat. It gives you a target to sit onto and to make sure you hit depth meaning that you develop consistent technique but also have the extra confidence of the box to aim for. Start the box at the height you can get to comfortably and as your skill and confidence grows, take height off the box so that it gets lower over time. Once you can consistently hit your required squat depth then you can take the box away and try free back squat.

​If you are thinking about getting started with weight training but really have no idea where to begin then this article should be your starting point. You’ll learn everything from its role and benefits to how to get started right now.

As the Scottish Government unveils it's 4 phase approach to lifting lock-down restrictions, it looks like gyms and the leisure industry will be the hardest hit. 

Will we be allowed back into our beloved gyms before the end of the year?

The Push Press is a full body explosive lift. You can start to handle heavier weights overhead which gives greater overload than you might be able to achieve with just shoulder power alone. It also gives the opportunity to develop rate of force development as you skilfully try to accelerate the weight overhead! If you are an overhead or power-based athlete then the overhead press is perfect for improving power. It is essentially a more advanced version of the strict press and so is a great skill to start to develop to take your general strength training to the next level. Make sure you have mastered the strict overhead press before attempting this. It is a staple for Weightlifters to improve their overhead strength but it is also very useful for developing power that will transfer into jumping and throwing based movements. 

:With the current situation surround Covid-19, many regular gym goers have built makeshift home gyms are embracing home workouts with minimal equipment.

Will this enthusiasm last and will the home gyms become a hanger for clothes, disused as we slowly transition back to normal?
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From my discussions with many of my current personal training clients, I’ve discovered a few key themes: