running

I was recently asked by a client what my biggest fitness tips are for women over the age of 40. The majority of these tips are relevant to people of all ages and genders, so take a look!

Sleep

There was a time when sleep was seen as an indulgence, and successful people would boast about how little they slept. In recent years, fortunately, this has changed. Sleep is fundamental to our health, and should be prioritised for a long, happy and healthy life.

1. On average, people need between 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Preferences because we’re not all robots
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Strength training is a valuable component of any runner’s training program. It develops physical resilience, systematically improves motor control and increases force output which leads to greater projection with every stride.

I commonly hear that athletes are following split strength programs in the gym. Split programs are where certain muscle groups and/or movement patterns are performed on separate days. I prefer athletes to complete balanced strength sessions where most primal movement patterns are performed. Split programs have their origins in bodybuilding and are popular...

Around 18% of UK based runners run for mental health benefits above all else, according to a new study revealed by Runners Need , with 26% of Brits running to maintain a healthy weight.

After a tense year and a half, running can provide a productive way to let off steam and stay healthy. The Runners Need survey of around 2,000 respondents has revealed the UK’s top running habits: examining who runs, how far and often we run, why we run and even what our favourite running soundtracks are.

Why do we run?

The top reason Brits run is to maintain a healthy weight (26...

Local health and wellbeing initiative, Can Do Active, are launching a new 12-week Couch to 5k programme in Exeter this Winter, starting in January and meeting at Exwick Playing Fields in Exeter on Tuesday mornings from 11th January (9:30am - 10:30am) and Thursday evenings from 13th January (5.30pm - 6.30pm).

All abilities are welcome and no experience is required, making it perfect for beginners or those aiming to get back into an active lifestyle.

All groups are led by England Athletics-qualified run leaders and are free to attend, you will receive all the support required...

More than two in five runners in the South West (42%) say running has been good for their mental health during the pandemic – with 10% saying they wouldn't have been able to get through the last year without it.

However, research by running specialists, Runners Need, shows that 16% of South West runners said they have found it harder to stay motivated during lockdown without organised races to look forward to.

With almost a fifth of people (18%) in the South West enjoying running challenges and enjoying recording their run using an app (24%) – combined with all the...

Steven Humphreys is an electrical maintenance technician in the South West, working for NHS Property Services. In September, Steven will be running 10 Ultra Marathons in 10 days – a whopping 30-50 miles each day to raise funds for Crohn’s and Colitis.

The reason Steven is taking on such a difficult challenge is in honour of his son who suffers from severe Crohn’s disease. By taking on this incredible feat, Steven hopes to raise awareness for those who feel the pain and discomfort of Crohn’s every single day. He is determined to push through the pain, much like his son continues...

A Exeter expert is urging runners to take extra precautions and make sure they are doing all they can to be easily seen when it comes to exercising outdoors this winter.

The festive period typically sees the number of people pounding the pavements decline – with a third of people doing no exercise at all as they cosy up on the sofa or indulge on food and drink with family and friends. However, this year is predicted to be very different.

With lockdown restrictions still in place for many, combined with fewer Christmas parties and gatherings, Runners Need in Exeter has...

THIS January, everyone is invited to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Exeter.

The charity’s much-loved events are returning to Westpoint but are no longer restricted to female participants.

This means everybody can be part of the empowering Race for Life movement – and show support for the 34,800 people diagnosed with cancer every year in the South West.

Anyone who signs up in January can claim a special 30% off the entry fee* by using the code RFLJAN30.

The Race for Life and Pretty Muddy events take place at Westpoint on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday,...

Join Haldon Forest Park this Halloween for a Shaun the Sheep Farmageddon Glow Run !

To celebrate Aardman’s new film A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, in cinemas 18 October, Shaun the Sheep welcomes all the family to enjoy this spooktacular 3km glow run on 30 October.

The route through the trees is lit up with fantastic colour and characters from the film are there to guide your way... but beware the Hazmats! Runners each receive a pair of Shaun the Sheep ears to decorate with UV paint to really make you glow before you venture into the forest.

Music and chat...