INCREASING MUSCLE SIZE WITH TIME UNDER TENSION (TUT) Posted on 14 July 202120 November 2021 by Michelle Jones If you’ve been weight training for a while, you may find yourself asking, ‘why have my muscles stopped growing?’ This is often followed by the statement ‘it’s strange because I’m adding more weight to my lifts every week so I know I’m getting stronger. The problem with that statement is this… If you’re bodybuilding, your mission objective is to increase the size of your muscles, not to become a power lifter, so don’t worry about the weight you are lifting or your muscle strength too much. TIME UNDER TENSION (TUT) So, why have your muscles stopped growing? The answer to this question is very simple: Your muscles need more TIME UNDER TENSION, not more weight… ‘Gaining size’ (hypertrophy training) and ‘getting stronger’ (strength training) are accomplished in two completely separate styles and methods of training. You can become stronger by adding more weight to your routine but this doesn’t necessarily mean you will gain any mass or size. The reason being that if you are lifting in a fashion where your tempo is too quick and your rest periods are too long, your muscles are under tension for a very short amount of time and then under no tension for too long whilst resting. INCREASE YOUR WEIGHTS Increasing your lifting weight is quite easily achieved if you are putting the hours in at the gym; all you need is a considerable amount of power and an explosive movement/technique to get the weight up. BUT, as previously mentioned, you will eventually hit a brick wall if you are training for size. So let’s look at how we can utilise TUT training to its full potential. Time under tension put simply is ‘the amount of time you put your muscles under tension for during exercise’. ADD MORE VOLUME You want to be adding more VOLUME to your sessions, so things like drop sets, negative reps, slowing down the tempo of your reps, not ‘locking out’ which will release the tension and shorter rest periods. You may have to decrease the weight you have been lifting but that isn’t a concern as you are not training for strength, so please don’t be concerned about this AND your sessions may finish quicker as your putting your muscles under tension for a more condensed period of time. SUGGESTED TRAINING An example of the variables and parameters to stick to for your training could be: VOLUME3 sets of 10 repetitions REST60 seconds INTENSITY65-75% of your one-rep-max TEMPO 3-1-4 (tempo is the 3 phases of a repetition, if you take a bench press for example the first phase of the lift will be 3 seconds, once you hit the peak hold for 1 second and then lower the weight for four seconds)
RUNNING FOR BEGINNERS: TOP TIPS Posted on 14 July 202120 November 2021 by Michelle Jones No one’s really a beginner runner. We all know how to do it because most of us started running soon after we learned how to walk. That said, if you haven’t done it for a while, there are still a few tips you should keep in mind that will help you get the most out of your running sessions: GET KITTED OUT You don’t have to break the bank on the latest trainers to start running; just make sure your footwear gives you plenty of support. Wear what’s comfortable, but splashing out on some cool leggings, shorts and a top is great for morale and can get you in the mood to run. JOIN A GYM Jogging for beginners is all about starting out gently. Joining a gym means you can set your own pace by starting to run on the indoor treadmill. This is a great way to start conditioning your muscles and begin to build up your stamina. However, many people make the mistake of ditching the weights in favour of miles on the treadmill. While the added mileage might be beneficial for increasing endurance, it might actually lead to extra injuries. The pounding from running puts an immense strain on the body. If the muscles aren’t prepared to handle the load, stress gets absorbed elsewhere including bones and connective tissue. Over time, overuse injuries including shin splints, stress fractures, and “runner’s knee”. Ensure you incorporate strength training, squats & lunges into your routine. A strong upper body is essential to maintaining a good arm movement pattern whilst running. NUTRITION Before you start running, eat some light, high energy food like a piece of fruit, a smoothie or an energy bar, but never try to run on a full stomach, unless it’s to catch the bus home! Replenish your spent energy after running by eating some protein and carbohydrates, such as scrambled eggs, a lean meat sandwich, yoghurt, granola or berries. Also, top up on fluids! PACE YOURSELF The London marathon can wait for now; just take it easy at first. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. That said, it’s important to set some goals, such as running a specific distance on the treadmill, aiming for a higher average pace. Set realistic targets so you can measure your results week by week. Apps like Couch to 5K can help you build up slowly and to see how far you’ve come! GET IN THE HABIT Staying motivated is the key and once running becomes a habit – typically, after a few weeks – it really does get easier. Before you know it, you’ll feel full of energy and the running habit will be part of your daily or regular routine. Finding a running buddy is a great way of staving off boredom as your distances increase and because you can chat as you run, those miles will slip past unnoticed. GOALS It’s important not to get too attached to the treadmill. Once you start to feel more at ease running, try some outdoor runs in the morning, or at weekends. Now’s the time to consider entering a 5k or 10k, half marathon, or even a marathon – just give yourself plenty of time to train properly.
10 SUPERFOODS TO KEEP YOUR ENERGY LEVELS UP Posted on 14 July 202110 December 2021 by Michelle Jones Feeling sluggish at the end of the day and tempted to head home instead of hitting the gym? We’ve all been there. But these high-energy foods are an easy and quick way to cleanse your body and kick-start your metabolism, to keep you going for the entire day and well past your post-work workout. There’s no need to spend the Earth on these super foods either. As a low cost gym, we know that it’s important to shed the pounds while holding onto the pounds in your pocket. We’ve selected 10 of the best, most affordable super foods out there. These foods are tasty, filling and wholesome enough to keep you going and feeling energised: 1. Wheat OK, this might raise a few eyebrows as a lot of people claim that wheat makes them feel bloated. However, many wheat intolerant souls are actually reacting to the residues of pesticide left on the wheat from certain farming methods rather than the wheat itself. We would recommend trying whole wheat bread made from organically grown wheat. Suddenly your sandwiches might not just seem a lot more tasty, they could give you a great midday boost. 2. Brown rice Brown rice might take a lot longer to cook than its white rice contemporary, but the brown stuff is much better for you. It will keep you fuller for longer and has also been found to help with digestive problems and stress. 3. Oats Oats are high in calcium, magnesium, potassium, protein, vitamins E and B, and a whole host of other stuff too. This makes them a truly super food to combat tiredness and stress, as well as improving your skin. 4. Lentils Lentils are a great kitchen staple, but unfortunately us Brits don’t eat nearly enough of these cheap and colourful chaps. Try introducing lentils into your diet by swapping your regular pasta for lentils instead – your energy levels will thank you. 5. Sesame seeds Sesame seeds are easy to integrate into your diet; Just choose bread that’s already topped with these super seeds or sprinkle them on your morning muesli. There’s also a delicious dessert called halvah that is made from pounded sesame seeds and honey, which is also rumoured to enhance sexual vigour and vitality! 6. Spinach Packed with iron, we know that Popeye was onto a good thing with this leafy green vegetable. Spinach is best eaten raw, as cooking can make it harder for the body to absorb all that iron. 7. Sprouted seeds Sprouted seeds are a secret super food that are cheap and easy to grow. These days, they now feature on most supermarket shelves and can be added to salads, sarnies and stir-frys. 8. Apricots If you’re trying to bring down your sugar intake, try some of nature’s candy in the form of apricots. Whether fresh or dried, you’ll feel the immediate energy benefits of this super little fruit. 9. Walnuts Packed with potassium, zinc, iron and protein, walnuts are a great energy resource. We’d recommend eating them in salads rather than on top of a walnut whip. 10. Almonds If you’re starting to hit the wall, try a handful of almonds to boost your energy levels. Now that you’ve got these energy boosts, you’ll be able to get that workout (or the last few reps) in! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
WHICH PROTEIN/SUPPLEMENT IS BEST? Posted on 14 July 20215 November 2021 by Michelle Jones If you are attending the gym regularly, you may want to supplement your workouts with protein or other supplement. Supplements can help with muscle repair, strength gain, and muscular atrophy (size gain). Whatever you use it for, supplemental protein can have a dramatic effect on the work you do. However, if you want to start taking protein or supplements, choosing the right one can be difficult. With so many different types and brands available, how are you to know which is right for you? We’ve put together a list of some supplement types out there, and outlined the advantages and disadvantages of each: WHEY PROTEIN Possibly the most popular of all proteins, whey protein is the standard supplement choice for many gym goers. Whey protein is normally used to increase size and strength without major gains in body mass. Whey protein is high in branched chain amino acids, and it can have a powerful anabolic effect on muscle growth. It’s perfect if you want to increase your power and strength without putting on the pounds. It can also be used to suppress hunger and help reduce body fat whilst retaining muscle. Whey protein comes in a variety of different flavours, and can normally be mixed into milk to make a milkshake or porridge, or can be mixed with water. SOY PROTEIN Often seen as a healthier alternative to whey protein, soy protein is made from soybean meal that has been dehulled and defatted. Scientifically, it is known as complete protein, as it provides all of the essential amino acids for human nutrition. Soy protein is free from dairy or animal protein, and is, therefore, popular amongst vegetarians and vegans. Soy protein can also lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease, whilst supporting significant muscle gain without increasing body fat. Some people use soy protein alongside a whey protein plan, as they complement each other very well. As we have already noted, whey protein is high in branched chain amino acids, whereas soy protein provides high amounts of glutamine and arginine. CASEIN If you’re on a lower calorie diet, you can often come across issues with lean muscle mass loss. As you’re not supplying your body with enough calories to support all of your energy needs, you’ll end up using stored body tissues for energy instead. This is where casein will come in very useful. Casein has multiple benefits including improvements to dental protection and colon health. The higher calcium content in casein is also beneficial for total fat loss. One of casein’s benefits is that it provides amino acids at a slow and steady pace that last for hours. It’s widely known that muscles don’t build overnight. However, drinking a glass of casein-rich milk right before bed will work wonders. During sleep, the body is normally starved of nutrients, so a slow release protein such as casein is ideal for overnight recovery. CREATINE Creatine is somewhat of a controversial subject in health and fitness. Whilst many people have praised the dramatic effect it can have on your body, others insist that it can be detrimental and have nasty side effects. Creatine is typically bought in flavoured powders. Like most other workout supplements and proteins, creatine increases your body’s ability to produce energy. It is, therefore, used mainly in high intensity, explosive activities like weight lifting, sprinting, and throwing. It works by channelling water into your muscles, which stimulates protein synthesis at a faster rate. Athletes in these areas swear it works, and fast, but why the controversy, and what are the reported side effects? For starters, if you take creatine you will put on weight. Unlike some protein supplements, which aim to increase power without significant weight gain, creatine works by bulking out your muscles. It will also have a different effect on each person that takes it. Those who regularly eat red meat might not see such a noticeable effect, as red meat contains a fair amount of creatine. Vegetarians, however, may see a more dramatic effect, as they have a lower everyday intake of creatine. You should only take creatine if you have a heavy workout schedule, as you need to combine it with lots of exercise to see an effect. Additionally, anyone under eighteen should not take it, as scientists are not yet sure of the effects it might have on growing muscles and bones. Only you can make the right decision about which protein / supplement would best aid the work you do at easyGym. However, we hope this guide has provided a bit more direction! Remember, taking protein or other supplements is not a substitute for healthy eating, so keep up everything else you’ve been doing to stay healthy.
TOP 5 VEGGIES FOR IMMUNITY Posted on 14 July 20215 November 2021 by Michelle Jones Just by getting your daily intake of five to nine servings, you help build your body’s immunity to many diseases and common colds and flu like viruses. So what are the top veggies? Here is a list of our top 5: Tomatoes : Technically a fruit; tomatoes are packed with vitamins from A to K and are also renowned for reducing the amount of free radicals in our bodies and keeping our blood pressure in check. Carrots: These orange-wonders are loaded with eye, skin and hair-enriching nutrients. Rich in vitamin C, carrots protect your cardiovascular system from damage. Broccoli: A big one for its disease fighting capabilities. Full of vitamin C and beta-carotene, definitely one not to avoid around winter when trying to fight colds and flues. Spinach: This chlorophyll-packed type of produce is an excellent source of almost every vitamin and nutrient you need. Some scientists believe a diet heavy in spinach may be able to prevent everything from heart disease to colon cancer, and arthritis to osteoporosis. Sweet potatoes: This root vegetable has dozens of nutrients like vitamin A, C and manganese. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of fibre and iron. This means that, not only do they give you energy, they can also help regulate your digestive system. For help on your specific nutritional plan, please speak to one of our qualified personal trainers.
WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL TRAINING? Posted on 14 July 20215 November 2021 by Michelle Jones Functional Training has been around for decades, but today’s vast range of equipment has made it a top fitness trend! Some kit, such as swiss balls, punch bags, BOSU & medicine balls has been in gyms for years… but how about TRX, Plyometric boxes, ViPR, Battle ropes, Core & Bulgarian Bags, Sleds and Sled Tracks? easyGym has invested in functional kit to give our members the opportunity to have fun & spice up their workout! TRX Developed by a Navy SEAL Squadron Commander, TRX is a suspension trainer, which uses bodyweight to effectively work out! Core Bags These durable leather bags are used by our armed forces and are available in a range of weights. With easy-to-grip handles, core-strengthening exercises become much more interesting. Plyometric Boxes Plyometric boxes come in a variety of heights, allowing for jumping practice without the fear of scraping those shins if you don’t quite make it to the top. Bulgarian Bags A crescent shaped weighted bag that you swing around, and use your body to control its momentum! Kettle Bells Kettle bells are weights that looks like a basketball with a suitcase handle! Its centre of gravity extends further than the handle, making it an exceptional tool for ballistic exercises. Battle Ropes Essentially, a strong gym rope that is fixed at one end to offer a fun, dynamic and complete body workout in a matter of minutes. ViPRs Versatile in design, the ViPR is a long weighted rubber tube that can be slammed, lifted, thrown, stepped on or dragged. Sleds and Tracks Able to be loaded with as much weight as you can push along the track, our sleds are great for getting your entire body involved in the movement. TiYRs These large pieces of kit range from 40kg to 100kg and are great for tyre flips, fireman’s carries, plyometric jumps, and much more. Slam Balls While we normally ask members not to drop weights, that’s exactly what these very dense balls are meant for! Providing an additional measure of instability (they are filled with sand, after all), slam balls are great for getting stronger and keeping that heart rate up at the same time. All of our gyms are equipped with a Freedom Zone, which is home to all this kit and more! Our PACK45 workouts focus on functional training too, so join a workout or ask a member of our team for more information today!
MAKING SURE YOUR CARDIO DOESN’T HINDER YOUR STRENGTH GAIN Posted on 23 May 20215 November 2021 by GymEasy Think running is going to wither your muscles away? Think again. Combining cardio and strength training can actually up your gains. HOW CARDIO CAN BENEFIT STRENGTH TRAINING Low intensity running is one way to benefit your strength training. Short- to mid-distance steady runs increase blood flow to your muscles. On the other hand, long distance running can be intense and hard on your muscles and have the opposite effect of your strength training goals. High intensity interval training (HIIT) is another good cardio option to combine with strength training because it preserves that muscle you have worked hard for. While doing HIIT workouts, you will lose fat instead of muscle. HIIT is characterised by short bursts of very hard work. Basically, intense cardio or sprints for a short amount of time. A study called Endurance Exercise Training Enhances Local Sex Steroidogenesis in Skeletal Muscle found that in rats, aerobic exercise can help increase the conversion of muscular DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is a key component in skeletal muscle atrophy (size increase). The rats were doing aerobic training five times per week for 30 minutes each time. This is something to keep in mind when planning your exercise routine. THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD When combining running and strength training, you will need to keep an eye on how many calories are coming in versus how many calories you are burning. Burning too many calories will hinder your gains. Keep track of protein and carbs to fuel your muscles throughout your training. You will also need to make sure you eat enough healthy foods throughout the day to keep your energy up and help muscle growth. One way to make sure you get enough calories is to increase the amount so you eat the same amount you burn during your entire workout. An ideal amount would be two grams of protein per kilogram of body weight a day. As always, you should be eating enough of your fruit and vegetables, which is seven to nine servings a day. Not sure what to eat? Some good examples healthy foods include: Eggs Black beans Salmon Mixed green salad Whole grain bread Whole grain pasta Chicken Dark chocolate Tofu THINK ABOUT THE ORDER IN WHICH YOU TRAIN Some people will swear by running first where others will swear by strength training first. The right answer is what works for you. You want to train after your body has had somewhat of a break, but before muscle soreness sets in. For example, strength train and finish it off with a high intensity interval training workout for five to ten minutes when you are done. There is a sweet spot you need to find with your body. Another option is to do one program one day and the other program the next day. For example, strength train one day and run the following day. COMBINE RUNNING AND STRENGTH TRAINING The first thing you need to do before planning your program is get the right shoes for your activity, as this can help you train smarter and faster, and avoid injury. Running Shoes Guru has a good guide to help find the right shoes for you. Shoes are available for long distance running, strength training, and high intensity interval training, which is a good idea if you are combining running and strength training. Next, think about what time of program you want to do. A good example of HIIT is to run for 30, 60, or 90 seconds — one time — then rest for double the amount of the time you ran. For example, if you sprinted for 60 seconds rest for 120 then run again. An entire workout can last from 20 to 45 minutes. If HIIT isn’t your thing, running 30 minutes five times a week will do along with a strength training program. If you aren’t sure how to start out running, we have an article that can help you get started. FINAL THOUGHTS Running and strength training can enhance the progress of one another. Think about Olympian sprinters and how solid their muscles are. They do a variety of programs, including strength training and running, to increase their muscle gains. Get the right shoes and start on a running and strength training program for enhanced results of each activity.
WARMING UP AND COOLING DOWN: ARE THEY WORTH IT? Posted on 23 May 20215 November 2021 by GymEasy We all know we should warm up and cool down, but when we’re pressed for time, there’s a good chance we skip these workout basics. Need some motivation/ ideas to include these in your workout? Here is some key information about the how and why of warming up and cooling down. Benefits of a proper warm-up: Increased temperature – by warming your muscle tissue, you increase muscle elasticity and range of motion, reducing the risk of strains and pulls. In addition, oxygen in warm blood becomes more readily available to muscle tissue. Hormone production – as you warm-up, your body begins producing hormones like epinephrine, endorphins, growth hormone and testosterone, all of which increase the energy available for your workout. Blood vessels dilate – As your blood vessels get bigger, your heart doesn’t have to work so hard to deliver blood, and you have less risk of high blood pressure during exercise. Mental preparation – The warm-up is a good time clear the mind and increase focus. How to warm-up: Generally speaking, a warm up should take around 10 minutes. Hop on to your favourite cardio machine for 5 minutes, followed by some stretches – here are some tips for a good safe stretch; Never force a stretch. Never bounce on a stretch. Stretch a muscle until you feel tension, not pain. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds. Stretch each major muscle group. Don’t stretch long enough for your heart rate to return to a resting rate. Cool-down Cooling down is a great way to prevent injury and also let your muscles relax after an intense workout. This means that you’ll be able to come back and train sooner, so that you can hit your goals much quicker! Once you have finished any form of exercise, you should gradually allow your heart rate and breathing to lower to a comfortable level, where talking can be performed with ease. Benefits of a proper cool-down: Helps remove lactic acid – this is a waste product in the muscle which can make you feel stiff & sore. Reduces the chances of dizziness or fainting – as a result of blood pooling in one place. When you finish exercising and just stand around, blood pools in your legs – so less blood is able to return to your heart. This can lead to reduced blood pressure and dizziness. Cooling down by running slowly or walking will keep blood circulating back to your heart. Reduces the level of adrenaline in the blood – this will help to calm the body down, so that you feel more relaxed. How to cool-down: A cool down is essentially the opposite of warm-up, so again using your favourite piece of cardio equipment aim to complete around 5 minutes, followed by stretches of each major muscle group. Breathe comfortably, with deep breathes through your nose, and out via your mouth. If you need any more help on warming up and cooling down, please don’t hesitate to speak to a member of the easyGym team.
OUR TOP 10 FITNESS TIPS Posted on 23 May 20215 November 2021 by GymEasy 1. Be realistic Always be honest about your current fitness levels, how much time you have to exercise, your short and long term goals, and your desired timescales. Remember that you need to stick with your programme to see results. If you think back to a time when you were happy with your shape, how long ago was it? It won’t take as long to get back to that but it won’t happen overnight. 2. Get it in the diary! Block out your workouts in your diary, like you would a doctor’s appointment. This forward planning will ensure you make time to work out, and will get you into a routine. You are also more likely to commit to these sessions, as you will feel guilty cancelling them out of your diary. 3. Get a training partner This is by far one of the best ways to get you on track to achieve your goals. Not only will you set regular workout times, you also won’t let your friend down by cancelling at the last minute. Plus, you will have more fun, and stay motivated! 4. Always have your gym kit Not only will it mean that you can head for the gym whenever you get a free slot (although they should be in your diary!), keep it in the boot of your car or in the office, and then you’ll have no excuse! 5. Set goals You need to set a range of short term and long term goals to ensure that you have a focus to your training. We can help you with this, so come and discuss your goals with one of our Personal Trainers. 6. Track your progress Log your training. If you don’t know what you did last week, how can you beat it? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses allows you to plan ahead, also being able to show what you have done to our Personal Trainers makes it far quicker to prescribe a new training plan…. meaning you’ll reach your goal quicker. 7. Eat well You are what you eat! We don’t believe in fad diets, but putting quality food back into your body will not only see you lose weight, but good eating will help your body repair itself more effectively, sleep better, keep you healthy plus countless other reasons. Read our article on a balanced diet for more information. 8. Try a class Whether you take part in classes regularly or not, they are great for a motivational boost – especially those times you can’t be bothered thinking what exercises to do in the gym. Many members really enjoy the atmosphere the instructors generate and the enthusiasm generated by a group training together. 9. Mix it up! You need to keep challenging yourself with different exercises, as your body will get used to your regular routine, so it won’t be as effective. Keep changing your programme to ensure progression… try a class, a new piece of kit or a new area of the body. Adding variety to your workouts will also keep your mind stimulated, which means you will be less likely to lack motivation. 10. Short on time? If you’re stuck for time, ensure you work harder – run faster, lift more weight, jump into a spin class! Why not try functional training – read our blog article about it!
