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Fitness Q&A
Q) My calves continually ache when I’m running or doing any other exercise. I always stretch and I have had my shoes professionally fitted. What can I do? Can any types of exercise help?
Friday, June 12th, 2009A) Try to mix your running with non-impact activities, such as cycling, cross-training, rowing and swimming. If it’s only when you do impact activities that you feel this pain, then it could be due to over-tight muscle. Try to warm up your calves thoroughly before you start exercising, and do some stretches that involve a [...]
Q) I strained my lower back doing DIY. Should I give it complete rest, or would gentle stretches and yoga poses help speed up the healing process?
Thursday, June 4th, 2009A) First you need to find out if the strain is just muscular or something more. Go to see a chiropractor, osteopath or physiotherapist who specialises in back care. It’s a worthwhile investment, as they can not only help you to get to the bottom of your injury but also give you some good advice [...]
Q) I’m thinking of buying a cross trainer but there are so many on the market I’m confused! What should I consider when I’m buying one and can you recommend any? My budget is around £1000.
Friday, May 22nd, 2009A) Go to a company that specialises in selling fitness equipment, NOT a catalogue store that’s likely to have a limited and cheap end range. I would strongly advise you to go for health-club quality products.
Q) I’m a classic pear shape – can you suggest exercises (both in and out of the gym) to target the stubborn areas around the thigh and hips?
Thursday, May 21st, 2009A) Unfortunately, you can’t ‘spot reduce’ or target an area with a specific exercise to reduce body fat. It is possible to target muscles, however, but muscles lie underneath fat and if you want to improve both tone and shape, consider ways of reducing the fat first.
Q) To keep fit I run three times a week. But when I climb the escalator or flights of stairs at work I get really out of breath. How can that be? Any ideas how I can improve things?
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009A) To be fit for an activity you need to specifically train for that activity – whether skiing or running up the stairs! I’m guessing you usually run on the flat and your pace may be slow and steady? This is a great way to improve fitness, particularly for endurance.
Q) I strained my lower back doing DIY. Should I give it complete rest, or would gentle stretches and yoga poses help speed up the healing process?
Tuesday, May 19th, 2009A) First you need to find out if the strain is just muscular or something more. Go to see a chiropractor, osteopath or physiotherapist who specialises in back care. It’s a worthwhile investment, as they can not only help you to get to the bottom of your injury but also give you some good [...]