Posts by Irene O’Daly
TRAVELLING? PLANK FOR MUSCLE ACTIVATION
Wondering how to keep your muscles strong while you are away from home and a gym isn’t always available? Walking is good for the heart and burns calories but to maintain or strengthen your abs – planks are great. 1. resting on your forearms elbows directly under your shoulders, supporting your weight either on your…
Read MoreMATWORK PILATES
In the words of Joseph Pilates “Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit” I’ll add that Pilates isolates muscle groups, the intensity is up to the individual and classes are fun. Clients often comment what a good workout it is and at the end you feel as…
Read MoreWHAT TO EAT BEFORE TRAINING
To maximize your performance and recovery, it’s important to fuel your body with the right nutrients before a workout. CARBS help maximize your body’s ability to use glycogen to fuel short and high-intensity exercise, while fat helps fuel your body for longer, less intense workouts. PROTEIN improves muscle protein synthesis, helps to prevent muscle damage…
Read MoreDO YOU WONDER IF YOU ARE DOING THAT EXERCISE RIGHT?
I see so many people in the gym doing their own wrong versions of nearly every exercise. Do yourself a favour and pay for one session with a personal trainer. It’s well worth it to make sure you are actually working the right muscles. Squats are a perfect example; is your weight in your heels?…
Read MoreCORRECT BREATHING TECHNIQUE – WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Exhale on exertion. For example, when you are pushing a bench press off your chest, you exhale on the push and inhale as you bring it slowly to your chest. When you are doing a pullup, you exhale on the pulling up motion and inhale on the way down. Never hold your breath. Muscles need…
Read More