It's never too late....

After a VERY busy morning in the gym, I've been relaxing and having a look at pictures on google image of different client groups exercising. I work with many different age groups and although EASYLINE was originally marketed to the over 50's age group, anyone over age 14 can use it really. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE OVER 50!!!! Hope you heard that :)
Unfortunately, though - many people leave fitness until some might say - it's too late. Or is  it? Some of my gym members are in the older generation and have been exercising as a way of life since way back when, others are in the group which have retired or been made redundant, or even been "sent" by the doctor who has told them they must make time for exercise or make time for illness, the choice is theirs as only they can decide that they want to be there......
Check out these pictures I've found, they are inspirational!

I have ladies in their 80's who come to my gym sessions. I don't think it's too late, do you?

Tired....but HAPPY!

Friday the 13th of July is upon us, I did wonder what could happen in the gym this morning...but suffice to say it takes all sorts...The morning's workouts have gone without incident, I'm not really superstitious, but I did consider taking some precautions this morning!
A fantastic day was had by all at our Macmillan fundraiser. I am eagerly awaiting photos of the event which was attended by over 100 people. It nearly reached meltdown around 2pm when a crowd descended upon the equipment without so much as a by or leave! A bit of a challenge as an instructor, but we managed. I wouldn't have done it without some great people helping me. (Carol and Chris Jenkins, Maggie Parker, Marie Evans were the main ones)
Since my last blog post I've taken delivery of some new equipment, including medicine balls - so I'm looking at basic level exercises that will suit my clients, taking into account their skill level, needs, mobility etc. The common areas they want to work are the stomach and upper arms, so I'm looking at specifics for these. I've found some good images online which I will develop into exercise cards for my clients.I always choose pictures which show GOOD FORM.....

AB curl with medicine ball - Of course this abdominal exercise has the arms extended above the head, making it an advanced move. To make it easier, the ball can be held on the chest, shortening the lever length. If you're going to attempt the advanced move as shown, make sure you keep the arms in a fixed position, covering your ears! (as shown in the picture)

This exercise is known as the wood-chop. Similar movement to chopping down a tree with an axe...? But as you can see in the picture, this exercise needs a good squat technique, not letting the knee past the toe and also a rotational movement with the mid section. The arms are kept outstretched throughout.

This is an old school type exercise! A squat with a medicine ball....watch your technique, don't let the knees past the toes, to do this you need to stick your butt way out back! Just squat down to 90 degrees then back up,holding the ball at chest level. To progress, you can add a shoulder press with the ball!

Now here is one for the wobbly arms, an overhead tricep press using the medicine ball.Again, keep upper arms over the ears, ina fixed position. The joint action is just the elbow. No shoulder movement. Think of your arm as a fence post at the side of your head - upright. Extend the arms and lower the ball to the centre back of your upper back. Concentrate on that tricep (back of arm) muscle doing the work.

Remember on all exercises, never lock your joints hard straight.

We will be doing these in the gym, so come and have a go!!!!!

See you all again soon!! :)