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Jacqui Thorndyke Jacqui Thorndyke

The Importance of Protein in the Diet as We Age: A Comprehensive Guide for Health and Strength

As we get older, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet becomes more crucial than ever. Among the key nutrients, protein is essential for preserving muscle mass, supporting bone health, aiding weight management, and ensuring overall well-being. If you’re over 35, particularly if you incorporate strength training into your routine, understanding how much protein you need and where to get it is critical.

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Jacqui Thorndyke Jacqui Thorndyke

Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Fitness: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Understanding the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise can help you build a well-rounded fitness routine and support your overall health and well-being. Both types of exercise offer unique benefits, and each plays a specific role in supporting real-world lifestyles, especially for those with busy schedules. Let’s break down what each involves, examples of exercises, and the benefits they offer.

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Jacqui Thorndyke Jacqui Thorndyke

Why Does Constant Dieting Make You Gain Weight?

Stuck in the endless cycle of dieting, only to watch the weight creep back on?

It's not just you—many people face the same frustrating reality. What if the secret to effective, long-term fat loss isn't about dieting harder but smarter?

Get ready to learn why taking strategic breaks could be the cheat code you've been missing.

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Jacqui Thorndyke Jacqui Thorndyke

Detoxes EXPOSED: Why Cleanses Are Wasting Your Time (And What Your Body Really Needs)

What Your Body Actually Needs to Detox Naturally

1. Balanced Nutrition

Macronutrients (proteins, carbs, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) keep your liver working optimally. Foods like blueberries, leafy greens, turmeric, and beets are especially beneficial for liver health.

2. Stay Hydrated

Water helps your kidneys and liver eliminate waste efficiently.

3. Limit Alcohol

Too much alcohol damages your liver. Reducing consumption can prevent liver stress and fat buildup.

4. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity boosts blood flow, helping the liver function better and reducing fat accumulation.

5. Cut Out Ultra-Processed Foods

Processed foods are loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives, which increase inflammation. Reducing these is a real way to support your body's detox system.

6. Get Enough Sleep

When you sleep, your body breaks down waste and repairs itself. Aim for 7-9 hours nightly to give your liver and kidneys the rest they need.

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Jacqui Thorndyke Jacqui Thorndyke

New Year, New You: Crafting Resolutions That Work

Tips for Creating Fitness Resolutions That Stick

1. Set SMART Goals: Ensure your resolutions are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

2. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress, no matter how small. It’s motivating and reinforces your commitment.

3. Build a Support System: Share your goals with friends, family, or a coach. Accountability can make a big difference.

4. Anticipate Setbacks: Life happens, and that’s okay. Instead of abandoning your goals after a slip-up, use it as an opportunity to learn and refocus.

5. Reflect Regularly: Check in with yourself weekly or monthly. Are your goals still relevant? Is your approach working? Adjust as needed.

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Jacqui Thorndyke Jacqui Thorndyke

Fitness 101 - why proper exercise form matters

Proper exercise form can be the difference between injury and the results you are looking for. One of the biggest challenges I encounter as a personal trainer is watching people get carried away with exercise and their desire to push themselves ever harder, often at the cost of progress.

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Jacqui Thorndyke Jacqui Thorndyke

Functional Fitness: Top 10 Exercises

The benefits of functional exercises are vast when you consider their impact on daily life if performed as part of a regular exercise program. Here are 10 key functional exercises that are highly effective for building strength, improving stability, and enhancing overall fitness. These exercises mimic everyday movements and help improve functional performance.

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Jacqui Thorndyke Jacqui Thorndyke

What is Functional Fitness? Debunking Common Myths

Functional fitness has also attracted its share of misconceptions with its rising popularity. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths:

  • Myth 1: It's just a trendy buzzword

  • Myth 2: It means using fancy equipment

  • Myth 3: It's only for athletes

  • Myth 4: It neglects aesthetic goals

  • Myth 5: It's too basic to be effective

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Jacqui Thorndyke Jacqui Thorndyke

What your push-pull workout is missing

When working towards growing muscle and getting stronger, it’s the negative that supplies the magic. We push and pull things in the gym to get stronger, but did you realise that the push and pull are not necessarily the most important aspect of the exercise?

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