maximising-muscle-hypertrophy

Maximising Muscle Hypertrophy

Muscle hypertrophy, or muscle growth, is a primary goal for many individuals engaged in resistance training. Recent research has provided new insights into how the proximity to failure during resistance training sets can significantly impact muscle hypertrophy. A study published in Sports Medicine (2024) explored this relationship in depth, revealing that training closer to failure…

intermittent-fasting-for-improved-fitness

Intermittent Fasting for Improved Fitness

Intermittent fasting (IF) is rapidly becoming a popular dietary strategy among fitness professionals and their clients. This approach, characterised by alternating periods of fasting and eating, can be tailored to various fitness goals, including weight loss, muscle gain, and endurance training. A comprehensive review by Rawan Diab et al. (2024) highlights the significant benefits of…

antidepressant-effects-of-aerobic-exercise

Antidepressant Effects of Aerobic Exercise

Depression is a pervasive mental health condition, often characterised by persistent low mood, anhedonia (the inability to experience pleasure), fatigue, and cognitive impairments. These symptoms can severely impact an individual’s quality of life, affecting their ability to work, maintain relationships, and engage in daily activities. Traditional treatments for depression, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors…

the-clean

The Clean

The Clean is a compound weightlifting exercise that involves lifting a barbell from the floor to the shoulders in one smooth and powerful movement. It is a staple in Olympic weightlifting and is performed in two stages: the first pull (from the floor to the knees) and the second pull (from the knees to the…

resistance-training-for-bone-health

Resistance Training for Bone Health

As the population ages, maintaining bone health becomes increasingly critical. Osteoporosis and related fractures present significant challenges, impacting mobility and quality of life. Resistance training has emerged as a powerful intervention to combat age-related declines in bone mineral density (BMD). This article will explore the optimisation of resistance training protocols for bone health, the role…

the-power-of-vitamin-d

The Power of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones, supporting immune function, and regulating mood. Even in countries that have a year-round sunny climate, vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common among their populations. This article explores three critical aspects: the role of diet in maintaining vitamin D levels, guidelines for maximising sun exposure, and the paradox…