Woodlands Fitness Centre

The Woodlands Fitness Centre Newsletter October 2013

Tuesday 1st October 2013

What's New?

October has crept up on us pretty much as every month has this year and it's mildly terrifying that 2013 is now almost over. And whilst we're on the subject of mildly terrifying, let's not forget its Halloween soon.

We've started to decorate the club - and have opted for a nice, old fashioned white. As promised, no wacky colours this time. We're not sure how long the brilliant white will stay brilliant - so we might opt for a very light grey in the next couple of weeks. Most of the gym has been finished. Next will be the reception followed by the changing rooms.

I always want to know what you think of the Woodlands Fitness Centre - the gym, classes, prices, personal training, and anything else. Please email all of your feedback and suggestions to the email address at the end of this newsletter.

Many thanks,
Giles

Booking in for Studio Cyling Classes

We've now implemented a 2 day rule for booking into the Studio Cycling classes. The class booking sheet will remain on reception. However, if anybody books into any of the Studio Cycling classes more than 2 days in advanced they will have their name removed and transferred onto the reserve list. Staff will be checking the class booking sheets on a daily basis.

Introducing Jack Critchlow: Rowsley's No. 1 Sports Masseur!

Our very own Jack Critchlow is now a fully qualified sports masseur! So - what is sports massage? Sports massage was originally developed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training. Sports massage emphasizes prevention and healing of injuries to the muscles and tendons.

But you don't have to be an athlete to benefit from sports massage. Sports massage is also good for people with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion.

Sports massage is a type of Swedish massage that stimulates circulation of blood and lymph fluids. Some sports massage movements use trigger point therapy to break down adhesions (knots in the muscles) and increase range of motion.

A sports massage is a good choice if you have a specific problem - i.e. a tender knee from running. It is also a good idea to see a movement orientated personal trainer like Lee Tann, who can help you identify and correct the movement pattern that might be causing your injury in the first place.

So, what are the benefits of a sports massage?

1. Reduce muscular tension, stress and fatigue
2. Improve flexibility and suppleness
3. Improve responsiveness of muscles and joints
4. Improve blood circulation and lymphatic flow
5. Rehabilitate soft tissue after injuries or over-use
6. Helps with mental and physical relaxation

Book your appointment now! Call Jack Critchlow direct on 07867368128.

Benefits of Exercising while Pregnant

As many of you know, Emily and I are expecting our first child early next year. And this has got me thinking about pregnancy and how it impacts on exercise and training.

Exercising is never easy and for many women being pregnant makes it even harder to get motivated. But there are so many benefits gained from exercising during pregnancy.

Exercising makes you feel better. It releases positive endorphins in the brain that improve your mood. So if you are feeling tired and cranky from being pregnant take a walk.

Interestingly enough, exercising actually boosts energy levels, as long as you don't overdo it. I know that I always feel more invigorated and ready to face the day after I have exercised.

Exercise helps you sleep better. Being pregnant can make sleep more difficult between trying to get comfortable (try a body pillow) and trips to the bathroom. It is important to make the most of the hours when you finally get a chance to sleep.

It can relieve backaches. Adding additional weight to your stomach area causes stress to your back. Participating in a regular exercise program and stretching will help prevent backaches. It also helps your posture because exercise strengthens and tones your core (back and stomach) muscles.

Many women experience constipation during pregnancy and regular exercise can help relieve it. It helps get the blood flowing through your bowels.

When you are pregnant, your joints loosen. Regular exercise and stretching can help ensure that your joints stay healthy and prevent extra wear.

Exercise has been shown to help prepare the body for labour and delivery. The stronger your Kegel, stomach, and back muscles are the easier it is to deliver a baby.

If you exercise throughout the course of your pregnancy you will be able to return to your pre-pregnancy figure sooner. The chances are you will have gained less weight than if you hadn't exercised. Plus, your body will already be prepared to start exercising after your baby is born.

Exercising while you are pregnant has a lot of benefits. So consider adding some exercise to your daily routine.

Our very own Lee "Annnnnnd then" Tann has got a Pre and Post Natal training qualification - so if any of you guys have been knocked up, why contact him for a tailored made workout programme.

Roll back the years.

Many of you have seen foam rolling. Some of you have experienced foam rolling. And a small number of you like foam rolling.

Let's face it, foam rolling hurts. It looks silly. And it makes you pull silly faces. But foam rolling works. If you have muscle imbalances - and many of you do have muscle imbalances - foam rolling is a good place to start if you want to address these muscle imbalances.

So what is a muscle imbalance? Well, a muscle imbalance is when a person's musculoskeletal system is not in proper balance, which causes restriction in healthy joint and musculoskeletal movement.

However, it is a little more complicated than this. Studies have shown that a high percentage of people with back pain have nothing more than tight (semi-contracted) back muscles. The fact of the matter is muscle imbalance can be the cause of any number of muscle, fascia, metabolic and mechanical postural dysfunctions and syndromes.

Left untreated these imbalances can and do lead to "degenerative spinal conditions" aka degenerative spine. What causes this are the excessive forces unevenly exerted on the spine's joints, ligaments and discs from overactive (hypertonic, semi-contracted) muscles and underactive (hypotonic, overly stretched) muscles.

So, if you've got any muscle imbalances, speak to a member of staff about adding foam rolling to your workout program. For more severe muscle imbalances, speak to Jack Critchlow about a sports massage.

Very Punny

So I took my dog for a walk and it was really angry - well it would be, it's a cross breed!

I start a new job in Seoul next week. I thought it was a good Korea move.

Man calls 999 and says "I think my wife is dead" The operator says how do you know? He says "The sex is the same but the ironing is building up!"

My girlfriend thinks that I'm a stalker. Well, she's not exactly my girlfriend yet.

I was explaining to my wife last night that when you die you get reincarnated but must come back as a different creature. She said I would like to come back as a cow. I said you're obviously not listening.


The Woodlands Fitness Centre Ltd
A: Unit 29, Peak Village Estate, Chatsworth Road, Rowsley, Derbyshire, DE4 2JE
T: (01629) 733 123
E: woodlandsfitness@yahoo.co.uk
W: www.woodlandsfitnessrowsley.co.uk