Why does my low back hurt?

Probably THE most common question people ask me is “Why does it hurt?”. Although incredibly hard to answer without examining you, I will try my best to talk you through the clues I look for and what they mean. This article will walk you through the questions I usually ask people and what that tells me about what’s causing their pain.

Running: Building the foundations

After a series of lockdowns and the restrictions of social distancing, I am looking forward to getting back to preparing from some races. I learned a lot from the build up to my last half marathon when my eldest son was almost one and I thought I would share some of my preparations as I intend to replicate these again soon.

The Role of Sports Massage and Nutrition: Lessons from Professional Cylling

I fell in love with cycling when I bought my first road bike back in 2012. As a runner, it gave me the freedom to go further and faster enabling me to explore more of the countryside and see places I never knew existed. But it wasn’t until I started working for a professional cycling team that I really started to adore the world of professional cycling

Spring has sprung……along with the allergy season

Days are getting longer, and garden daffodils are blooming. Whilst for many this is great news, there are some that dread this time of year, the advent of the allergy season.

Allergies are particularly debilitating in the spring, with many trying to avoid pollen and popping antihistamines, but this only gets you so far!

Where has all the sunshine gone?

Actually, today the sun is shining where I am, but this is the exception rather than the norm recently. We all instinctively know that winter is a more sombre time of year and that some people suffer more than most with depression and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

Hormone Replacement Therapy - Is it right for me?

This is a question I get asked all the time, which unfortunately does not have a simple answer.  Like all medication there are pros and cons, so only by understanding these can we judge better for ourselves.

What’s your diaphragm got to do with it?

We would all be forgiven for thinking that our diaphragm is just used for breathing, and of course breathing is the most important job.  However, you may be surprised to learn it also helps with the function of various other parts of your body…

Hydration Awareness Week - Are you drinking enough?

Water is one of those things that we all know we need.....but do you know just how effective water can be in helping a great deal of health problems?

What is causing your low back pain?

You know what it’s like, low back pain strikes and you suddenly cannot move.  After a brief google search you are now convinced you will be paralysed by nightfall!  We all have a tendency to over-analyse pain, especially when at its worst.  To help you separate the serious from the less serious here is a list of real warning signs to look out for, and why!

Does stretching really help improve flexibility and prevent injury?

For most of us, the benefits of stretching before exercise have been drummed into us from an early age.  Stretching improves our flexibility and helps prevent injuries, doesn’t it? However when we delve a little deeper beyond this common assumption it turns out this might not be the case.  But it also can be the case sometimes! 

5 Tips for Winter!

Lots of us start to think about new beginnings during the winter months, possibly thinking about getting fitter and doing more exercise.  Unfortunately this is a time when our bodies are the most resistant to change. During winter we naturally want to hibernate more, conserving our energy and preserving our body fat.  Any exercise started during these cold months is more likely to result in injury.  This doesn't mean that we can't do anything but that we really need to listen to our bodies more and introduce any changes with a little consideration.  Here are some ways that you can help remain fit and well and encourage your body to work for you, rather than against you!