Blog
Why we don’t use machines to build strength
When most people use a gym for the first time, they naturally gravitate towards machines – they look easy to use, safe, and simple. Complete with labelled instructions, a ‘controlled’ range of motion, and usually a comfy seat, it’s easy to see why they’re appealing for newcomers. However, if your goal is to build strength, machines are doing you a disservice, for a host of reasons.
Read PostMore than 35 Personal Bests at our Merry Liftmas event!
A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us for the Merry Liftmas event – it was a fantastic day with 37 new Personal Bests being recorded by our clients!
Read PostPlease join us for Merry Liftmas on Saturday 7th December
Body Mentors and Hilden Park are pleased to invite you to join us on Saturday 7th December for a day of lifting and festive fun, at Merry Liftmas.
Read PostThe life-changing benefits of Strength Training for Older Adults
Ageing is, of course, inevitable, but we’re big believers that frailty is not. As we grow older we lose muscle mass, bone density and functional strength. This has a huge impact on daily life, and our ability to stay mobile and injury-free.
Read PostClient Stories – Dylan planning his Powerlifting debut at 17-years-old
We sat down with Body Mentors client, Dylan, 17 – to discuss his plans to compete in the New Year, and how strength training has helped to improve his confidence and mental health.
Read PostWhat are the benefits of Creatine?
Creatine is one of the most popular and evidence-based supplements available, it’s a compound of three amino acids which our bodies produce naturally. We also consume creatine in our diets, primarily from meat, fish and dairy.
Read PostHow Sports Massage can help you to recover faster
Modern sports massage therapy is believed to have grown from the success of Finnish long-distance runner Paavo Nurmi, who picked up a record-breaking five golds at the 1924 Olympics in Paris. He attributed his success in part to sports massage, which gave him an edge over competitors. Seeing Paavo’s results, other athletes quickly introduced sports massage therapy to their regimes.
Read PostShould you wear a Weightlifting Belt?
The question of whether or not to wear a weightlifting belt is surprisingly divisive in the fitness industry, but we’ve always been advocates for belts. Here’s why we think most clients should wear a weightlifting belt when strength training:
Read PostHow Strength Training could reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
We know strength training can have a really positive impact on our physical capability, especially as we grow older, but, we're only just beginning to understand the huge benefits it could have on our brain health and cognition.
Read PostRefer a Friend & Get One Session Free
Refer a friend for personal training and once they’ve signed up, you’ll both get one session FREE!
Read PostLow Bar vs High Bar Squats
When it comes to squats, we coach clients to perform the low bar squat, in this short post we talk through the differences and our reasons for this preference over high bar squats.
Read PostMeet the Coaches – Alice Reavely
With a decade of lifting weights on a weekly basis I think it also helps that I can share my own experience, reminding clients that progress is never linear.
Read PostThe Hex of the Trap Bar
The Trap Bar, AKA the Hex Bar has been dividing opinion since it was re-marketed as a hybrid training bar in the late 2000s/early 2010s.
Read PostClient Stories – Brent’s Record Breaking Powerlifting Debut
Last month Body Mentors client, 71 year-old Brent Gebbie, made his powerlifting debut in the South East Powerlifting Spring Divisional.
Read PostTonbridge Business Awards 2024 Winners!
We're proud to announce Body Mentors won in the Health & Beauty category, at the Tonbridge Business Awards 2024.
Read PostMeet the Coaches – Alex Kerslake
I’ve spent the past decade in a gym environment, learning a variety of training approaches and methods. From beginners in their first lifting session, getting to grips with the fundamentals – through to professional athletes, such as England Rugby players, training at a very high level.
Read Post25% off your first Sports Massage in May
To celebrate Alex joining the Body Mentors team, we're offering 25% off your first Sports Massage throughout May. The perfect opportunity to address any niggles or injuries for the Summer.
Read PostEssential gear for strength training
Clients often ask about equipment they may need to invest in as their strength training progresses. So we've put together a list of all the accessories we recommend, from lifting belts to wrist straps. If you have any questions, please ask your coach, we'll be happy to help.
Read PostHow strength training can support women through menopause
Menopause can be a time of challenge for many women, but it is important to remember that it is a natural process. I believe strength training presents a great opportunity to meet this process head on – giving you the ability to take control of your body, improve your self-confidence, and feel empowered. In doing so, we hope to help banish some of the negative stigma that still exists around this important topic.
Read PostMeet the Coaches – Jon Murphy
My philosophy centres on simplicity, consistency, and the genuine belief that each person has the capacity to get stronger. Your strength matters, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Read PostThe Two-Factor Model for sports performance
The Two-Factor Model for sports performance is something I refer to frequently with clients, particularly for those who take part in sports away from the gym floor. The Model is a distinct framework, which illustrates the importance of distinguishing between the development routes to improve an individual’s level of skill, and their physical capability.
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