What an astonishing achievement, Eddie Izzard completing 43 marathons in 51 days having never run a marathon before and apparently with only five weeks training. Spurred on by raising cash for Sport Relief it is a truly remarkable feat and despite the inevitable exhaustion, cramps, agonising blisters and injured toes, he managed to improve his times as his fitness increased.

There’s no doubt that the mental strength to complete just one marathon is as important as the physical strength but what this man has proved in the mind over matter stakes is an inspiration to us all. Still, I doubt that many Personal Trainers have clients with such extreme training requirements or would recommend such a grueling regime; however, it certainly shows what can be achieved.


Bob Ellis

Focus Training excel in health check

In a recent Ofsted inspection Focus Training received the highest possible ‘outstanding’, commendation for both its ‘quality of provision’ and ‘capacity to improve’.

The report stated that we “designed our programmes very well to meet the needs and interests of a diverse group of learners” and said that “learners benefit from particularly well structured and extremely effective support throughout their programme.”

Managing Director Bob Ellis is delighted with the outcome of the inspection and commented: “This provides national recognition for the standard of training we provide through our courses. It is a direct result of the dedication and commitment of our staff and is a great credit to them. However, we are not complacent and we will continue to strive to improve and to deliver the best service we can, at all times.”

Mountain Climbers

This exercise is something to add into your core workout. Initially it may feel quite easy but just a few reps into it you will start to really feel it.

5 Ways to Ramp up Fat Loss

1 - Eat more often.

When we eat we need to expend energy to digest and absorb the food. By eating more often we can increase our total calorific expenditure by eating smaller portions on a more frequent basis.
Eating more often also triggers the brain to perceive a food abundance (the opposite of the body going into ‘starvation mode’ by eating a large portions 2-3 times per day), and the hormonal system will release more thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) therefore increasing metabolic rate. The increased metabolic rate will increase fat loss.

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Cruising is expected to reach record levels with British holidaymakers in 2010 despite the continuing tough economic conditions. Bigger ships, more choice and better deals have opened up this market to a wider, and younger, audience and it seems that those who have tried it for the first time are coming back for more.

Good news then for fitness professionals who fancy a bit of the high life on the high seas and want to earn a living at the same time.

The future of cruising is about to really take off with the arrival of an incredible new style of ship, such as Royal Caribbean’s 5,400 passenger ship ‘Oasis of the Seas’ which is due to launch later this year. This mammoth floating paradise is a holiday destination in itself never mind the ports of call that it take in whilst you are aboard. Cruising is set to change beyond all recognition.

The image of formal dining and overindulgence in food, food and more food is being replaced by a much healthier, sporty and more active alternative. Most ships now offer first rate fitness studios and health spas as standard plus you’ll also find an increasing array of sporting facilities from running tracks, climbing walls and tennis courts to wave riders and golf centres.

5 tips for developing your credibility as a Personal Trainer

By Yvette Nevrkla, expert business coach for personal trainers, published author and founder of The PT Business Gym.

So you’ve just qualified as a personal trainer. You’re feeling excited about starting your career but you’re new. You’ve not got any clients yet. Nobody knows you or what you can do. You have no reputation preceding you; no track record. You’ve got to start selling yourself and you have to find ways of building your credibility. The temptation is to seek ways to increase your credentials rather than your credibility. It’s very common for personal trainers to focus on acquiring more and more qualifications in the belief that this will increase their credibility and, in turn, make them more successful. These qualifications are used as evidence of their ability; of their worthiness as professionals. These credentials are then used to sell personal training. Just take a look at personal trainer websites and leaflets. Nine times out of ten the most prominent feature is a long list of qualifications that each trainer has acquired which translates into a list of services offered.

The point is this – credibility is important but there’s more to it in today’s market place than simply acquiring qualifications. Developing your credibility as a personal trainer can contribute greatly to your success provided you get it right.


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